Keith hadn’t thought about his father in many years. Though he had some good times with his dad, one of his most vivid memories was not so good. He was 10 years old and his father was determined to teach him how to dive. He remembers feeling pressured to get on the diving board and just do it. He remembers...[ read more ]
Infidelity, deception, broken promises. Being human means having to face the pain of betrayal at some point during our lives. As I explore in my book Love & Betrayal, the important question is how do we deal with it? How can we face this most difficult aspect of the human condition without succumbing to cynicism or despair? Whether a betrayal...[ read more ]
As the spread of the coronavirus threatens our physical health, it is also becoming a real threat to our mental health. As Americans, it is not our norm to see our grocery store shelves empty and to be quarantined and unable to gather in large groups. When we experience real or perceived threat, our bodies react accordingly and our survival...[ read more ]
It’s often said that fear is the most dangerous virus on the planet. While a relatively small percentage of people will contract the new coronavirus, or COVID-19, the fear it provokes will chip away at the mental health of nearly everyone who hears about it. So why does COVID-19 inspire so much fear when there are other diseases lurking...[ read more ]
Navigating uncharted waters during the coronavirus outbreak has challenged us all. Many Americans are familiar with “first world problems” like nabbing the best vacation deals or worrying about getting that promotion at work. But now, shuttered stores, job loss, and even restricted availability of some basic supplies is creating a startling reality. Even more daunting is the panic that wells...[ read more ]
I was diagnosed with anorexia nervosa over a decade ago. Blinded by the eating disorder to the damage that was occurring both internally and externally, the possibility of infertility did not occur to me. When I married at 21, my husband and I both dreamed of one day becoming parents and I lived in this optimism for some time. However,...[ read more ]
Don’t let these expectations ruin what you have. When we’re falling in love, we all have expectations and relationship goals. Do you remember that falling in love feeling when hormones like oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin get flooded in your body and you feel like you’re walking on air and it feels amazing? This feeling is so consuming and feels like...[ read more ]
We all want to be liked. The desire for approval, appreciation, and acceptance by others is a normal part of being human. And although some people may care less than others about the opinions of their peers, on some level everyone wants to be liked. Unfortunately, the world doesn’t work that way. There will always be people who just don’t...[ read more ]
In the wake of losing someone to suicide, there is much pain and confusion, to say the least. I want to list these five simple truths right up front for those who may need to hear them right away: It isn’t your fault. Do not be ashamed. Your grief is complicated. Healing is possible. You still have life. 1. It...[ read more ]
Todd, 38, struggled in his relationships. He shared “I don’t even know how to live in this world! I’ve been married twice. I have three children with my second wife. I don’t have a relationship with either of my kids. I hate my boss, and my colleagues don’t acknowledge me or invite me to any outside functions. I don’t know...[ read more ]