The war of withdrawal is beginning to settle in, though is not a comfortable routine with people. We are beginning to realize this invisible enemy is stronger than anticipated and unpredictable. Rules surrounding behavior and activities keep growing. If you permit yourself to read and listen to all information about COVID-19, it may cause a spike of depression and anxiety....[ read more ]
Usually, each day we wake up we can predict how our day will go. We have an outlined schedule that we follow, and we adapt to adjustments throughout the day because they are often minor. We establish a routine that makes us feel safe and comfortable. Routines give us a sense of normalcy. Predictability allows us to feel safe. When...[ read more ]
We’ve been taught by our parents that it’s important to be polite. We’ve been told that saying “please” and “thank you” are necessary to show respect and appreciation. But how far should we take that? Is it important to extend such politeness to our intimate partner? Or is there an assumption of trust and intimacy that precludes the need for...[ read more ]
During the 2020 coronavirus outbreak, we’ve been hearing a lot about “social distancing.” That is, when out in public, you should keep at least 6 feet apart from others, as much as possible. But clearly this has nothing to do keeping socially distant from others. Instead, it’s all about keeping your physical distance from others. We have more tools than...[ read more ]
If you are living in the U.S. and your life has stayed about the same as it was before the coronavirus outbreak, your experience is truly extraordinary. Only 12% of Americans feel the same way you do. Close to half of all Americans, 44%, report that their life has changed in major ways. The other 44% say that it has...[ read more ]
When I say “self-care” many people think of intricate activities that involve lots of money or a need to plan a memorable event. Most of you are already utilizing some form of self-care method on a day to day basis. However, the frequency tends to dwindle as stressors build. When ask “How are your eating habits?” or “Do you make...[ read more ]
We’ve all heard scary inpatient stories from the psychiatric hospital. Perhaps you have a personal experience that you’d rather forget. In today’s podcast, Gabe asks a psychologist with 25 years of hospital experience the tough questions surrounding psych wards: Why do so many psychiatric inpatients seem to have such unpleasant — or even traumatizing — experiences while there? Are these...[ read more ]
Chances are, you’ve been brave today. Not that you realize this, most likely. Now that the whole world feels enveloped in a cloud of fear, we think only healthcare providers and a rare few others can be counted as courageous. Yes, they are: But so are you. Yet, if I stood a social-distancing six feet away and blew a virtual...[ read more ]
America has undergone a total transformation as our heavily relied upon schooling system has closed for business, at least in the traditional sense. As a parent, or guardian, you are probably beginning to shift your perspective on your new role. Substituting for a couple of weeks in lieu of regular instruction is one thing, being responsible for your child’s education...[ read more ]
Couples confined to their homes may find themselves sharing the same space more than they want to. How can couples survive the “new normal” without getting on each other’s nerves too much? Rather than annoying each other, how might couples thrive during this difficult time? If you’re in a partnership that is not doing so well, it may be especially...[ read more ]
