You are not alone. Did you know that according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control high school students account for an estimated 2 million injuries each year? Although this may be true, when it happens to your son or daughter you may feel very alone and alienated. After the panic and relief that your child is “ok” wears off, the disbelief and disappointment starts to set in. Does this sound familiar? Depending on the injury, you may begin to wonder how your child’s ability to play will be impacted in the future. You may have feelings of helplessness because you can’t “fix” the situation. All of these feelings and frustrations are very normal but may cause significant emotional distress without proper care. This difficult experience can be managed by a variety of coping skills.
Letter to an Injured Student Athlete
You are not alone. Did you know that, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, high school students account for an estimated 2 million injuries each year? Although this statistic is a fact, I know you may “feel” alone. Other feelings that may be surfacing for you are fear, sadness, anger, guilt and disappointment. These feelings can be frowned upon often by coaches, classmates and even parents. I want you to know that these feelings are absolutely normal and you wouldn’t be human if you didn’t feel them at times.
Postpartum Anxiety: The Hidden Disorder
Most people have heard of postpartum depression, a common illness that affects about 15% of new mothers. This isn’t the only mood disorder women can experience after giving birth, though. According to Postpartum Support International, about 10% of new moms have postpartum anxiety and about 5% struggle with postpartum obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Self-Compassion: Incorporating It Into Your Life
Why is it we say things to ourselves that we would never say to even our worst enemy? Harsh self-criticism seems to be the norm. But is it really helpful? Instead try a little self-compassion next time you think you’ve messed up.
Self-Compassion: A New Approach to Well-Being
In our highly-driven culture, the common belief is that success depends on being competitive and pushing yourself to your limits. What if this approach proved to be more harmful than helpful? Recent research shows self-criticism and a competitive attitude create obstacles to achieving goals.
Building a Better Brain: Start with Exercise
On Friday, I introduced you to a new concept: research is finding that we can not only “cope” with mental illness but that we can actually do things to build a better brain! Let’s start exploring what exactly we can do to make that happen. It turns out that exercise is not only good for your body but also great for your brain!
Building a Better Brain
Therapy is a critical element in experiencing change. But we also believe that what our clients do with their time outside of therapy will either assist with or distract from their goals. In fact, studies are showing us that certain things we do and specific changes we make can literally change the “wiring” and composition of the brain.
Recovering from an Affair: Healthy Boundaries and Self-Care
In Part 1 and Part 2 of this series, we’ve discussed the range of strong emotional reactions by both spouses after an affair is discovered. It’s important to begin minimizing the negative effects these reactions can have on each spouse and the marriage.
Recovering from an Affair: Coping with Flashbacks
The discovery of an affair is usually unexpected and shocking. Because of this, many injured spouses may have a trauma reaction, including feelings of extreme uncertainty and confusion. The injured spouse may feel that their whole world has literally been shaken up and feel very insecure and unstable.
Recovering from an Affair: Resist the Need to Defend
Once an affair is discovered by a spouse, the impact of the emotional devastation can change the course of the couple’s life forever. As a Marriage and Family Therapist, I assure you that although change is inevitable after such a betrayal, your marriage can recover! It is very important that the injured spouse does not continue to be harmed by the offending spouse’s actions.
