Depression can come in different forms and can truly affect one’s life. Clinical depression (also known as major depressive disorder) is different from situational depression, which is more commonly considered as, “having the blues.” Clinical depression is the result of not having the right amount of certain brain chemicals called neurotransmitters (serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine, acetylcholine, and Gamma-aminobutyric acid or GABA).
Reduce Stress Just in Time for 2016
January is seen by many as a time to turn over a new leaf. People feel inspired by the blank slate of the new year to make resolutions they hope will bring them change and new chances for happiness. New Year’s resolutions usually focus on weight, feeling healthier, and growing bank accounts. While all of those are important, the new year can also be a perfect time to feel better by finding ways to reduce stress in your life.
Relationship Spark – Get Creative Together!
Is improving your romantic relationship high on your list priorities for 2016? One of the best things you can do for your relationship is to get creative and have fun together. We have an upcoming Spark! date night event to provide you with an opportunity to do just that. I’ll … Read More
Back to School: Dealing with the Anxieties of a New School Year
Is your child anxious about heading back to school? Here are a few ideas for helping them deal with those anxieties in a healthy way.
Relationship Resolutions for the New Year
Here we are in a new year! It’s a time for reflecting on the past year and thinking about what you’d like to accomplish in the coming months. I suggest every couple not only make individual resolutions but specifically relationship resolutions. Relationships so often go malnourished due to everyday stressors that life brings. Unhealthy communication patterns, unresolved issues, or a lack of quality time in a relationship can quickly have a negative emotional impact on each individual. Symptoms may include depression, anxiety, irritability, withdrawal, changes in weight and sleep habits. It’s important to make each other a priority to maintain a healthy, nourished relationship.
The New Year Experience
There’s something invigorating about the New Year. Many of us have this sense of a “clean slate,” the turning of a page, a new opportunity, fresh air. Whether you set a New Year’s resolution (like 45% of Americans) or not, I think most of us would agree many times there is some sort of a relief when one year comes to a close and a new year begins.
Anxiety
Anxiety issues come in several forms and can truly affect one’s life. Anxiety is highly treatable through psychotherapy that includes behavior and thought changes, medication, or both. Some of the anxiety disorders include Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Panic Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Social Phobias (Social Anxiety Disorder), and there are more.
The Importance of Creating Holiday Traditions with Your Stepfamily
The holidays can be time when feelings of loss, differing expectations, and parental loyalty binds can all become heightened. However, the holidays can also be used to create traditions that promote cohesion and strength within a stepfamily.
What Not to Do During the Holidays!
Even though the Christmas carols praised the winter as “the most wonderful time of the year”, the truth is that the holidays can be beyond stressful! It is the time of year of parties, over-commitment, sugar-rushes, family conflict, and a departure from the regular daily routine. All of these can add up to a pretty hectic time of year.
The Holidays: Managing Your Expectations
The holidays tend to come with a lot of extra hype, performance pressure, and expectations. One tool that can help family members enjoy vacations, holidays, and special events is setting realistic expectations ahead of time. Here are a few questions that can help guide that conversation.