It’s deeply personal. Maybe it’s a recent diagnosis, something chronic and unescapable? The doctors say you have a year or less, and that’s that. There’s nothing else they can do. It’s a dead-end situation. No amount of problem-solving will fix this one. Or perhaps you crashed your car and don’t have the money to fix […]
How do I get rid of this guilt?
Guilt is about feeling bad, even disliking ourselves, over something we did or didn’t do in the past. Guilt can be normal: the fact that we feel it proves that we have compassion for others. At the same time, guilt can become so toxic and destructive that it overwhelms, and that’s when it’s time to […]
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When depression meds don’t work: antidepressant amplifiers
Sometimes depression doesn’t get better, not with a single antidepressant. With all the medications on the market and all the pressure not to prescribe, what should a psychiatrist do? Add more medication, and the patient has side effects. Withhold medications, and they suffer or worse. People are complicated. Medications are complicated. But then there are […]
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FAQ About Surviving Trauma
“Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls; the most massive characters are seared with scars.” — Khalil Jibran It’s normal to feel afraid during a catastrophic event. Emotions can be numb or painful, senses are heightened, and the “fight or flight” response kicks in. Some people want to run. Others find themselves shutting down […]
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PTSD: conquering nightmares
People with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) often suffer from debilitating nightmares. The dreams can be so terrifying the person is afraid to sleep. If this sounds familiar, here are six nightmare-busting methods that might help you conquer those bad dreams. (1) Talk about the nightmares. Share your dreams with someone you trust, ideally a therapist […]
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For introverts and people on the spectrum: how to make friends out of strangers
So you’ve met someone you don’t know and it’s time to have a conversation, hopefully create a friendship, and your first tendency is to… run. Sound familiar? If talking to strangers feels like a bucketful of icy, cold water thrown in your direction, you’ve found the right spot. This post is written for all shy, […]
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Here’s how to build self-esteem
Many people feel bad about themselves at times. Self-esteem is a complicated entity, influenced by many factors, including morality, spiritual beliefs, the approval of family and friends, environment, childhood experiences, and general sense of well-being. Negative life events, physical illness, problematic relationships, and loss of control can all undermine self-esteem. If you believe you suffer […]
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First aid for panic attacks
by Kim Rosenthal, MDBlog, “Mental Health and You” Panic is a sudden attack of intense fear that typically lasts 10-15 minutes, although these attacks can last longer. They often leave the sufferer so distressed they change their routine to avoid having another. Episodes of panic are more common than you’d think: one in ten Americans […]
