The word “bipolar” has become colloquially associated with anything that changes rapidly or is unpredictable: the weather, technology, sports teams, politics, or even a teenager’s attitude. But for roughly 46 million people worldwide, being “bipolar” is far more serious than typical unpredictability, mood swings, or temperamental behavior. And, when bipolar disorder is complicated by substance use disorder (SUD), the situation...[ read more ]
Weddings, graduations, business meetings, travel, friends and family gatherings have been interrupted. Some activities we may have been looking forward to have been wiped out or postponed. Some people’s reaction can be anger, anxiety or stress. Others are mourning what could’ve been in sadness and frustration. A friend whose yearly tradition has been to enjoy the national college basketball tournament...[ read more ]
When you already have an anxiety disorder, and a real pandemic hits, you can feel especially lost and terrified. Clinical psychologist Regine Galanti, Ph.D, helps her clients recognize that their anxiety is a false alarm—“it’s not your house on fire, it’s a pizza burning in the toaster.” But because of Coronavirus, she said, your house is actually ablaze. In other...[ read more ]
Captain’s Log. Day eight of quarantine. Work has been busy; I’m grateful for the technology we have to collaborate and continue business during this time. I have walked around the block seven times today. I wonder how many days in a row I can eat frozen jalapeno poppers for lunch before it needs to be addressed. All four cats in...[ read more ]
This week’s Psychology Around the Net offers tips on keeping your sanity when working from home, the dangers of getting your news from social media platforms, how to use mindfulness to reduce procrastination, and more. How to Focus On Your Work When All You Can Think About Is COVID-19: Five Simple Steps: Work can provide a productive and much needed...[ read more ]
Today, it feels like everything has changed—it’s either been closed, postponed, or canceled. Some states have officially shut down. You’re working from home, while watching your kids (and trying to teach them). You haven’t seen or hugged your loved ones in weeks. If you’re struggling with all of this, know you’re not alone. And know that there are concrete (small) steps...[ read more ]
After I got done reeling from reading those dozens of extremely critical comments at the bottom of my blog post Adoptive Families are Real Families: A Note from a Mom, I began to think that maybe I hadn’t handled the situation with my son as well as I could have. In case, you didn’t read the post, which was published...[ read more ]
What happens when someone you care for behaves insensitively toward you? Do you feel angry, hurt, or fearful? The words “anger” and “mad” both imply annoyance or irritation. But “mad” can also mean “crazy.” But you can be sane and still be angry at another person, right? Not necessarily! Some conflict occurs in any close relationship. That’s good news, even though...[ read more ]
In an attempt to put a positive spin on the current COVID-19 disaster, I am reminded of the teachings and philosophy of the famous existential psychiatrist Victor Frankl. Dr. Frankl personally experienced and survived one of the worst stains in human history, the Holocaust. He survived the insanity of the death camps because he was determined to find something positive...[ read more ]
Important truths the average guy needs to understand if he wants a fulfilling marriage. As a husband, you may sometimes feel like you don’t really understand where your wife is coming from nor do you always care to. But you can be a better husband than that. If you want a good marriage that’s happy and healthy, it’s time to...[ read more ]
