May Is Mental Health Month – A Suggestion For Your Mental Health
As a therapist I’ve found that using assertive techniques make clients more mentally healthy. Being assertive does not mean being aggressive. It means speaking in a normal tone and asking for what you feel you need and want. It means not shouting, demanding, and arguing nor passively accepting. It shows respect for the other while feeling … [Read more...]
WHEN A RELATIONSHIP ENDS
It REALLY hurts! But what can a person do to handle it emotionally? If the couple has been living together, whether married or not, it’s a very sticky situation all readers of this can agree, because there are so many, many details to deal with (practical ones added on top of the emotional upheaval).. But, even if it hasn’t been a “live … [Read more...]
REDUCE YOUR LONELINESS
Theresa May, the British Prime Minister, is having her government address what is called a "modern health scourge." She states that her country is not the only one whose health and welfare are being affected by loneliness. Yes, loneliness doesn't only affect your mental health but may affect your physical health and longevity as well. But, … [Read more...]
“JUST DO IT” IN 2019
Each New Year makes us think about ways to improve our future. What would help you to be happier in 2019 and beyond? Start with one way in which you would like to see your life different and try to figure out how to make it happen. Plan the steps and be sure to include a time frame. IF YOU WANT TO IMPROVE A … [Read more...]
7 GIFTS YOU GIVE TO YOURSELF WHILE GIVING TO ANOTHER
Opening vividly-wrapped packages of varying sizes and shapes can be exhilarating and festive. That is typically what gift-giving is like for most of us. But there are gifts that you can receive while you are giving usually without the pretty wrapping. The following are some that would fit in an envelope: Theater tickets for … [Read more...]
HOLIDAY DE-STRESSING AND BLUES-REDUCING (MAKING HOLIDAYS MORE LIKE THE FANTASY ONES YOU THINK OTHERS HAVE!)
MYTH OF THE HOLIDAYS --- Everyone else has the perfect, warm, loving family with whom they share great cheerfulness. TRUTH --- some families have ideal holidays but most people have disappointing ones at best --- dreadful for many. For more pleasant ones that minimize disappointment you might want to try the following suggestions. 10 … [Read more...]
WHY ARE HOLIDAYS SO DIFFICULT FOR SO MANY PEOPLE?
The two main reasons are: 1) Past holidays were unpleasant (especially while we were growing up) so each one reminds us of past ones. This is often based on Hollywood glamorizing family life making us think we are missing that perfect happy family who hugs, kisses, talks gayly and caringly with each other and gives thoughtful, beautifully … [Read more...]
Thanksgiving Thoughts
By Terry Hefter, LCPC The first thing we think about is the turkey, right? Or, maybe the family togetherness? For some it’s the historical value that makes this day special. For many the essential feature of this holiday is the spiritual overtone. These people give thanks for the food on the table --- not only for the turkey, sweet potatoes … [Read more...]
SLEEP PROBLEMS? A PROVEN WAY TO FALL ASLEEP!
Holistic doctor Andrew Weil says the following will put you to sleep IN ONE MINUTE!!! It's called the "4-7-8-" technique and is derived from yoga. Inhale for 4 seconds; hold your breath for 7 seconds; and exhale FORCEFULLY for 8 Repeat 3 times. With practice, Weil says, you'll be asleep! … [Read more...]
You (Or Someone You Know) Can Learn To Develop Optimism To Address Depression In Part
Do you worry a lot? Do you catastrophize --- expect worst results of a situation when it usually turns out to not be the case --- like I'll never find a job, or so-and-so will get into an auto accident if she drives in the snow, or "You know, it always happens to me that I get cheated"? Yes, sometimes the worst case scenario comes to pass. … [Read more...]