Athletes & Mental Health

Unlike the muscle memory built by hours of practice, the mental health of an athlete is not mechanical. Emotions, family life, and behaviors are not mechanical. However, just “handling” problems is not feasible or realistic for real life. By educating the public about the prevalence of mental illness and the need for athletes to seek out mental health professionals, we can hope to have a greater impact on the futures of athletes on and off the court.

Dealing with the In-Laws

According to Dickinson knowing where to draw the line is important because there are certain things that should be kept private between the couple that may not concern the in-laws. Balance is needed in the relationship with the in-laws so that everyone can get their needs met, making the relationship two-sided instead of one-sided.

Relationship Building: The Necessity of Foundations

I’ve been thinking a lot about foundations lately. I have watched cracks that have been hairline for many years burgeon and widen and erode. I have watched a new home being built and was intrigued that so much time was spent preparing the foundation. There was a lot of arranging the red Georgia clay to hold firm amidst the onslaught of rain and possible flooding. I watched the daily progress with interest because the builder put in double cement walls in some places and drainage pipes and other preventive measures to protect the home. I admit that I wondered aloud many times, “Who builds a house at the bottom of a ravine?” until I watched the foundation being built with so much forethought.

Til Money Do Us Part (Part 3 of 4)

This week’s topic is on Financial Dependency. You are financially dependent if you are in a situation where everything is given or provided for you and someone else is managing the money. This can lead to low self-esteem and sense of self-worth and eventually to depression. People who suffer from this financial disorder are at higher risk of using drugs and alcohol and ending up in abusive relationships.

Orthorexia Nervosa – A “New” Eating Disorder?

I’m often asked by clients if it’s possible to overeat on raw vegetables. Or some other perceived healthy food- you fill in the blank. Or if it’s possible to drink too much water. Or even if it’s possible to exercise too much. In short, is there such a thing as too much of a good thing? It may seem strange, but the answer to the questions is actually “Yes”.

A Lesson in Breaking Through

The markings were evident: the imprint of a bird’s body, wings spread, in flight, trying to find a way through. It happens every year at that same window. Once, I witnessed a bird hit the window, very hard, only to go back and try again. And again. It hit the window so many times, and with such force that it knocked itself out and lay there on the ground as I watched and wondered at its persistence in trying to break through a way that gave the appearance of one thing, but was not what it seemed.

Infertility – One Woman’s Experience

If you are struggling with pregnancy-related issues, do you ever wonder what happened to your wonderful life? What happened to the fun-loving, happy-go-lucky “you” that enjoyed life before you found out you couldn’t get pregnant? I always assumed, like most other women, that I would find the love of my life, get married and have several children without any trouble. Nobody ever plans on not being able to become a mother when one is ready.

Til Money Do Us Part (Part 2 of 4)

Beliefs and attitudes about money and how it works are typically developed during a young age through the examples by our parents. The consequences for violating healthy boundaries and making your children feel accountable for your financial situation can have long lasting negative effects throughout your child’s adulthood and their relationships with others, including you.

Trauma – General Information

Disasters are often unexpected, sudden, and overwhelming. In some cases, there are no outwardly visible signs of physical injury, but there is nonetheless a serious emotional toll. It is common for people who have experienced traumatic situations to have very strong emotional reactions. Understanding normal responses to these abnormal events can aid you in coping effectively with your feelings, thoughts, and behaviors, and help you along the path to recovery.

Crisis and Trauma: When to seek help

Some people are able to cope effectively with the emotional and physical demands brought about by traumatic events by using their own support systems. It is not unusual, however, to find that serious problems persist and continue to interfere with daily living. For example, some may feel overwhelming nervousness or lingering sadness that adversely affects job performance and interpersonal relationships.