Here’s a draft page about happiness from my (very slowly upcoming) Weird & Wacky Addiction Workbook (name subject to change, and soon… Colorful & Crazy Sobriety Workbook ? A Bizarre & Barbaric Coloring Book for People in Recovery? Stay tuned!)
Medications for bipolar and mood swings
Medications are an essential part of the plan when it comes to bipolar disorder. The right treatment can make a world of a difference. But figuring out which one is the right one can be challenging. Here’s a little information about mood-stabilizing medications to help you along. What are mood stabilizers used for? Mood stabilizers […]
What it’s like to be admitted to a psychiatric hospital
“Your present circumstances don’t determine where you can go; they merely determine where you start.” — Nido Qubein The term “psychiatric hospital” conjures up images of that age old insane asylum, a long ago place where people were locked away in damp, dirty cells and forgotten by society. Each of these asylums was overcrowded with thousands of […]
Don’t tell them I’m a shrink
2009 Tucson, Arizona A short story by Dr. Kim The ground is covered with stones. Our host is squatted down, touching each stone passively then rearranging them according to color. He’s engaged mindfully. It’s an impressive coping skill. Even a psychiatrist has to admit that. (The psychiatrist is me, by the way, though I never […]
Understanding traumatic brain injury
“This made no sense to me, probably because I speak English and [had] never had a brain injury [before].” — Tiny Fey You’ve just spent the night in the emergency room. Perhaps you’re the patient, or maybe the patient is someone you love, but it doesn’t matter. The night is a whirlwind of memories, and […]
11 ways to overcome all adversity
“It is what it is. Isn’t that how these things always go? They are what they are. We just get to cope.” — Mira Grant, Feed Okay, give me a minute. Today I want to get up on my soap box and say “Yay!” to overcoming all adversity, finding the perfect life, and always knowing […]
10+ things you didn’t know about drugs and alcohol
Many addicts say it’s harder to quit than keep using. To stay sober and clean, they need to face overwhelming challenges: tremendous guilt, low self-esteem, isolation, an irate family, problems finding work, and the demand that they change their lives and attitudes and belief systems… it would seem easier to simply keep using.
Problem-busting: just talk to the problem
Problem-solving worksheet This is a 2-page cartoon-ridden worksheet that helps the reader explore a new way to approach a problem, by talking to the darned thing! Grab a pen, start where it says “START HERE,” and follow the arrows. (Word document format) This isn’t madness. For anyone who’s curious, the formal background supporting this […]