Mental Health Topics

Breaking up is hard. Breaking up when you live together is harder. Here are three steps for doing so as painlessly as possible: One, be as honest as you can during the breakup. Clearly and respectfully communicate why you want or need to end the relationship. This will lessen the…

Many people don’t respond well to criticism; however, when we learn how to accept and respond well to criticism, we can use it to our benefit. Here’s how: First, stop yourself from reacting right away. Our first response to criticism isn’t usually productive, but defensive. Then, remind yourself that most…

The other day, I was at an appointment when I overheard an employee talking with the receptionist.  The employee’s boyfriend bought her an anxiety cube. Obviously, I was intrigued when I heard her say, “anxiety,” and I questioned if she suffered with it a lot.  She answered with a reluctant,…

Matt opens the fridge for a beer after a long day. He has an overwhelming desire for the good feeling that the first sip brings him. It’s an urge that doesn’t assist Matt down the road, as it is harmful to his well-being and the relationships that mean the most…

One of my past clients had a history of bullying back in high school.  He said that terrifying other kids was one of the few times he felt empowered and tough. This particular client was abused by his father, and in order to alleviate the pain he felt, he took…

Marriage is a major commitment, and many of us wonder how we’ll ever know the time is right—a few signs can help us find clarity.  First, true love, dedication, and effort are needed to make a relationship last; if these are apparent in your relationship, you are on the right…

The majority of us aren’t too comfortable with our emotions, which can be accredited to being raised in a society scared to show our feelings.  We aren’t properly instructed on the biology of emotions and the brain. And as much as we’re told that we should monitor and regulate our…

Even when we feel like nothing can bring us down, life can become challenging.  It’s hard to enjoy life without being mentally and physically healthy. Taking care of yourself includes monitoring not only your physical health, but your mental health as well. If we feel under the weather, we make…

We want to help you set goals that yield real results. The shortcut is to set S.M.A.R.T. goals, or goals that are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time bound. Let’s talk about each section.  First, specific. Identify exactly what is expected and define the 5 w’s: Who is involved? What…

Did you know that adults have between 60,000 and 80,000 thoughts each and every day?  Out of these 80,000, a majority of these thoughts are repetitive and a large amount of them are negative.  Based on this information, two concerns come to mind: Where do these thoughts come from? What…

Not long ago, I was talking to somebody that has a collection of chronic issues; a few of which are apparent and a few unapparent.  What is even more upsetting is that when discussing these conditions with others, people occasionally say to her, “At least you don’t have cancer.”  How…

We all have our own (often strong) opinions on politics, religion, relationships, and so on. Offhand conversations no longer circle with ease around the water cooler at work. We take part in conversations about more serious issues and subject matters. Additionally, thanks to social media, sharing those beliefs is easier…