Dr. Deb

January is Stalking Awareness Month

2012-01-20T17:38:00.013-05:00

January has been designated Stalking Awareness Month in the United States.

Stalking, as defined by Dr. J. R. Meloy, is defined as "the willful, malicious and repeated following and harassing of another person." Stalking can affect anyone no matter gender, race, socio-economic status or geographic location. According to data in the United States, 1 in 12 women and 1 in 45 men will be stalked in their lifetime.

Although significant attention has been devoted to adult perpetrators and victims of stalking, there is persuasive evidence that stalking begins at a much younger age. Research suggests that stalking tendencies begin in childhood and have developmental issues related to attachment, identity formation, and emotional states involving jealousy, envy, and anger.

It's important to know that a stalker can be anyone, male or female, a stranger or someone familiar. There appears to be no single characteristic that indicates a person may display stalking behaviors. This is one of the reasons why every stalking case must be handled on an individual basis. Often, a stalker is someone the victim knows, like an ex-spouse, ex-boy/girlfriend, coworker, casual acquaintances, but a stalker can also be a stranger. Stalking can occur in real time, and even in cyberspace. One thing is for sure, being shadowed by an unwanted individual is unnerving to say the least.

Statistics:

• 3.4 million people over the age of 18 are stalked each year in the United States.

• 3 in 4 stalking victims are stalked by someone they know.

• 30% of stalking victims are stalked by a current or former intimate partner.

• 10% of stalking victims are stalked by a stranger.

• Persons aged 18-24 years experience the highest rate of stalking.

Things To Do:

No one ever deserves to be a victim of a stalker. Every situation that involves stalking is different, but here are some recommended guidelines to follow:

• Convey to the stalker that you wish to have no contact with him/her. Leave a paper trail or voice mail trail of this "one and only time" communication.

• Inform friends, family and your employer of the situation.

• Inform your local police department that you are a victim of a stalker. This is necessary safety precaution even if you don't intend to file charges.

• Document the situation in which you have seen or had any type of contact with the stalker. This can be done in a personal diary or journal. Save all letters or emails, phone calls, voice mails, texts, etc.

• Change your phone numbers, email address, website or blog, if necessary.

• Also document any other pertinent information such as a license plate number if the stalker is unknown to you, or personal appearances where you have witnessed this person. These steps can help you if the situation escalates into something more dangerous.

• File for a restraining or protective order. Information on filing can be obtained from your local court.

• Create a contingency plan for an emergency. Have a list of critical telephone numbers; e.g. local police, friends, domestic violence centers, an attorney.

• Have a necessities bag clothes, cash, etc. just in case you can’t go home.

• Always make sure you are never low on gas in your car.

• Take preventative measures to protect yourself from the stalker. Vary your routine. Don't do the same activities at the same time every day. For example go to work a little earlier than usual and use a different route.

• Have co-workers, roommates or family members screen phone calls and visitors.

• Do not travel alone if at all possible. There is safety in numbers.

References

McCann, J.T. (2000). Stalking in children and adolescents: The primitive bond. Washington: APA Books.

Meloy, J. R. (1998). The psychology of stalking: Clinical and forensic perspectives. New York: Academic Press.

Pathe, M. (2002). Surviving stalking. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

January is National Mentoring Month

2012-01-11T11:45:00.002-05:00

There are few relationships in life that are more influential than those between a mentor and a young person.

I know this from both sides of the coin.

You see, I have had many a mentor in my life growing up. A person who took a unique interest in me, fostered my growth and guided me onward. And I've also been a mentor to many as well., paying the experience forward.

Being involved in mentoring has been so rewarding and meaningful to me. In fact, research shows that mentoring is an extraordinary experience for all involved.

January is National Mentoring Month.

Be mentor.

Change a life.

And transform your own.

Link here for more information.

5 Tips for Kicking Post-Holiday Blues

2011-12-26T11:26:00.005-05:00

As the holiday season comes to an end, so, too, does the high octane way you've planned, shopped, traveled, and socialized. The holiday momentum of go, go, go, going screeches to a grinding halt.

Problem is, all the neurochemistry you needed to help you get through the holidays - stress hormones called cortisol and adrenaline – are leaving you feeling burned out, irritable, and just plain cranky.

Maybe your hopes for holidays with family and friends were unmet, and you now have to deal with emotional let-down. Then there's the march of the holiday bills -and thinking about paying the piper is not only depleting your bank account but your emotional well-being. All of these experiences are symptoms of Post Holiday Blues.

5 Tips to Kick the Blues

1. Sleep. After prolonged periods of stress, the body needs more sleep to slow the production of cortisol and adrenaline. Schedule a pajama day to just do nothing and rest. Consider unplugging from technology to give yourself some time to refuel.

2. Exercise. Moving your body at least 30 minutes a day will help rid excess adrenaline and cortisol that keep you from relaxing and/or sleeping soundly. Walk, run, and play with the dog. Have a catch with the kids. Just move your body.

3. Look forward. Keep your eyes on the next prize. The next birthday, an upcoming concert, a sporting event, etc. This keeps you forward-looking into the year rather than concentrating on the past holidays.

4. Relive the Memories. Objects and experiences help us embrace memories. Make sure you wear that new shirt or have the holiday photos somewhere in view. Taking time to appreciate the best-loved holiday moments will offset sadness.

5. Talk about it. Sharing your emotional experiences with another can help you problem solve and feel connected, reducing the likelihood of depression taking hold. Talking is also a great way of revisiting happy moments, making sense of sad experiences and solidifying self-decision making.

Tips for Keeping the "You" in Yuletide

2011-12-07T09:25:00.003-05:00

The holiday season is not just a time for traditional festivities, merry making, good will and celebrating with loved ones. For some, it's the loneliest time of the year. For others, sadness of missing a loved one or recovering from a life-changing trauma tinges the season. Many fall into despair as self-reflection takes hold, measuring past accomplishment and failures. And then there are those who begin a downward spiral into the depths of depression.

Worries about job security, foreclosures, the ailing economy, and everyday living can make us all vulnerable during the holiday crush. Here are some tips to help you move through the holiday season as stress free as possible.

"You" Alone

• Combat loneliness. To offset social isolation, take advantage of free holiday activities. Participate in community events like tree or menorah lightings, free concerts, food or clothing drives, holiday banquets or community brunches.

• Be proactive. Don't wait to be invited somewhere. Invite someone over.

• Create new rituals. If old holiday traditions are no longer possible to do, find new ways to celebrate the season. Invent new rituals, traditions or remembrances.

• Take Care. Taking care of "you" during the holiday season helps to keep your mind and body primed to deal with sadness and stress. Pay attention to your own needs and feelings. Eat well and make sure you get enough healthy sleep.

• Don't be shy to ask for support. Accepting help from those who care about you and will listen to you strengthens your resilience and ability to manage the holiday season.

• Solidify bonds. Use the holidays as a time to reconnect with friends and family and strengthen your support network.

"You" with Others

• Be realistic. Unrealistic expectations are the single biggest cause of holiday depression. Unrealistic hopes that everything will be perfect, and everyone will be happy leads to disappointment, frustration and can trigger a depressive relapse.

• Be aware. Family conflicts can resurface during the holiday season. Try to avoid falling into old behavioral patterns with others. Be creative with seating or invite people to different occasions at different times. If necessary, avoid friction altogether by taking yourself out of the social equation with your own holiday celebration.

• Don't overschedule yourself. Most of our lives are already overscheduled, even before adding in holiday visits, religious events, and travel. Make plans carefully in advance and don't be afraid to say "no" if you feel burdened.

• Don't confuse "stuff" with "love". Make a budget and stick to it. Most of all, remember to give the gift of time to others. Long after the $100 video games are forgotten, kids will remember sledding down hills with you.

• Plan your time well. Don't put off shopping for food and presents. Feelings of helpless, guilt and hopelessness can give way when things are left to the last minute.

• Stay focused. Remember to focus on what you can control, not what's beyond your control. And don't be afraid to delegate what you might need help with.

Sexual Abuse in Sports

2011-11-30T15:40:00.002-05:00

Research shows that sexual abuse happens in all sports and at all levels, with a greater prevalence occurring within the arena of high performance and elite sports. The sporting culture, with its larger-than-life coaches, fierce competition, the need for recognition and funding, and a "win at all costs" philosophy, creates an environment that contributes to the sexual exploitation of athletes.

Sexual abuse is both a physical act and a psychological experience. As a physical act, sexual abuse involves touching and non-touching behaviors. This can be done in coercive or seductive ways. As a psychological experience, the abuse of power and authority by the predator renders the athlete powerless. First a cycle of dependency is created between the predator and the athlete, involving special attention and friendship. Predators look to build a bond of loyalty, and then move to isolate and control the athlete. This specialness descends into sexual attention, where intimidation, guilt, secrecy and further dependency are manipulated. Sometimes the abuse occurs with threats and violence. Sometimes with deception or even with misdirected love. By the time the athlete wants to - or wishes - to disclose the nature of the sexual trauma, a sense of helplessness and hopelessness secures their silence.

Statistics

• Members of the athlete's entourage who are in positions of power and authority appear to be the primary perpetrators for sexual abuse. This includes coaches, trainers, athletic directors, physical therapists, etc.

• The risk of sexual abuse is greater when there are loose guidelines, unstructured and unsupervised practice times and high athlete vulnerability, especially in relation to age and maturation.

• Research identifies risk situations as the locker-room, the playing field, trips away, the coach's home or car, and social events, especially where alcohol is involved. Team initiations or end-of-season celebrations are also risk factors.

• Passive attitudes, non-intervention, denial, and/or silence by people in positions of power in sports culture increases the psychological harm of sexual abuse for the athlete.

• Lack of bystander action also creates the impression for victims that sexual abuse is legal and socially acceptable - and that those involved in the sporting world will be powerless to speak out against it.

The Depressive Fallout of Sexual Abuse

• Research demonstrates that sexual abuse in sport results in psychosomatic illnesses, anxiety, depression, substance abuse, self harm, and suicide.

• When it is impossible for a young athlete to avoid the reality of betrayal by someone who should be trusted, the child will blame himself. This blaming of the self significantly crushes well-being and any hope for healing from sexual assault.

• Abused or exploited athletes are re-victimized if they are rejected by their sports organization, community and society.

• The depression, isolation and self-destructiveness an athlete experiences will also have an adverse effect on his or her family.

• Athletes who make direct statements, indirect statements or display highly sexualized behavior are signaling their trauma. However, there are many who cannot, and descend into the depths of despair.

• If the process of healing does not take place, sexual trauma will last a lifetime.

Tips for Parents

• Communicate honestly and openly with your child. Encourage your child to keep no secrets from you.

• Reinforce safe boundaries for your child's physical, sexual and emotional life.

• Discuss trustworthy versus untrustworthy behavior in every day conversation.

• Keep an open dialogue going when your child is spending time with adults outside of your reach.

• When involving your child in sports, ensure the organization and coaches have gone through criminal checks, child abuse registry etc.

• Be present at the training area so you can observe the interaction between your child and his or her coach.

• Be wary of coaches who tell you things about your child that in your heart you know are not true.

• If your child discloses that something inappropriate has occurred, reassure and support them.

• Tell your child you believe them - and don't blame them.

• Tell your child you will keep them safe.

• Let them know you are glad they told you.

• Try not to appear shocked, disgusted by your child's disclosure.

• Resist the urge to interview your child to gain more information.

• Don't tell your child that you blame yourself for not knowing this was going on.

• Don't confront the predator or take matters into your own hands. Call the authorities and seek professional help immediately.

The Power of Gratitude

2011-11-25T17:22:00.006-05:00

Gratitude is the “forgotten factor” in happiness research.

Scientists are latecomers to the concept of gratitude. Religions and philosophies have long embraced gratitude as an indispensable manifestation of virtue, and an integral component of health, wholeness, and well-being.

Through conducting highly focused, cutting-edge studies on the nature of gratitude, its causes, and its consequences, we hope to shed important scientific light on this important concept.

University of Miami psychology professor Michael McCullough, who has studied people who are asked to be regularly thankful, said: "When you are stopping and counting your blessings, you are sort of hijacking your emotional system." What McCullough means is that by taking inventory of what you are thankful about directs you attention to good things.

An "Attitude of Gratitude" can soften a bad mood, a tough day or a broken heart. It also stretches the margins of your well-being.

International Suicide Survivor Awareness Day

2011-11-18T10:40:00.004-05:00

Every year on the Saturday before Thanksgiving is International Suicide Survivor Awareness Day. This global effort reaches out to hundreds of thousands of people who've lost a loved one to suicide. This Saturday, November 19, 2011, is their 13th year of raising awareness and providing support.

Over 230 simultaneous conferences for survivors of suicide loss will take place throughout the U.S. and across the world. An amazing network of healing conferences is available for those who have survived the tragedy of suicide loss.

Connecting on this day allows survivors to know that they are not alone in this experience. And perhaps more important than anything else, research has shown that survivors of suicide contribute significantly in better understanding suicide and its prevention. There is great power in the personal narrative.

Read more on suicide outreach and about the 10 common myths about suicide here

And if you are in crisis, please call 1-800-273-TALK

Lawyers with Depression: An Interview with Dan Lukasik

2011-11-12T15:29:00.003-05:00

Do you know what profession has the highest level of depression?

That'd be Lawyers.

Attorneys take a lot of guff. From lawyer-hating jokes to late night comic jabs. Cases that are adversarial, hostile and highly pressured. In truth, it's a profession where someone either wins or loses. There's no in-between. This all-or-nothing way of working can wreak havoc if you're not careful.

I had the opportunity to sit down with Lawyers with Depression founder, Dan Lukasik, for a conversation about depression in the legal profession. The biggest issue for anyone interested in, or currently practicing in the legal profession is that your analytical and arguing talents prime your for developing a mood disorder.

For more on learning why and discovering tips to combat depression, read the interview here.

Inkblot Fun

2011-11-05T16:45:00.001-04:00

What do you see?

Why We Watch Scary Movies

2011-10-30T10:37:00.002-04:00

There are many reasons why we watch scary movies.

Psychological research finds a strong correlation between the desire to watch suspenseful or scary entertainment and the viewer’s high need for physical arousal or excitement. So, some of us watch scary films for the thrill of it. It's safe because we're watching it, not living it. The great master of horror, Alfred Hitchcock said, "People like to be scared when they feel safe."

Others may watch horror movies to root for old-fashioned virtues of morality and justice. Or to problem solve, by figuring out ways to escape terror. Or to revisit a trauma without having to relive it in real time. Then there are those who might watch to release their own aggressive or violent wishes in a more socially approachable way. By just watching it.

Research at King's College in London said that the key to a great scary movie is the balance between suspense and gore. If little is shown on screen it allows one's mind to invent the fright. According to the researchers, Jaws was the perfect scary movie because, "Steven Spielberg reached the optimum level perfectly allowing the viewer to see just enough blood to be scared of the Great White Shark, but not so much that it repulsed us."

Yup, I agree. "Jaws" is on my scariest movies list - and I haven't been more than waist deep in the ocean since seeing it in 1975.

So, in the spirit of Halloween, what's your favorite scary movie?

How To Surgically Look Like Barbie

2011-10-22T17:33:00.001-04:00

In the latest issue of O Magazine, model Katie Halchishick becomes the human diagram. Posing for photographer Matthew Rolston, her glamorous, Marilyn Monroe-type features are surgically outlined according to Barbie's proportions.

Here’s a breakdown of what she'd need done to be the kind of doll women aspire to: a brow lift, a jaw line shave, rhinoplasty, a cheek and neck reduction, a chin implant, scooped-out shoulders, a breast lift, liposuction on her arms, and tummy tuck, which would also have to be sculpted as if it were lined in whale-bone from the inside. And that’s just the half of her.

Halchishick doesn’t actually need or want any of these procedures. She’s proving a point: just because our distorted image of how a body should be is medically attainable, that doesn’t mean it should be attained.

I had a Barbie doll growing up, but I played with it only once or twice. She bothered me. Dressing her took too long, her shoes never stayed on and her hair felt rough and threadlike. I wonder if finding her undesirable was some kind of foreshadowing for things to come in my life. And don't get me started about Ken...

Trend Alert: Suicide in Later Life Women

2011-10-16T09:46:00.003-04:00

Though suicide is the most preventable kind of death, more than 3,000 people die by suicide each day—more than all the deaths caused by accidents, wars, and homicides around the world, combined.

The largest growing number of completed suicides is occurring in later life, more specifically with women aged 50 and older. A recent study has shown a staggering 49% rise in emergency room visits for drug-related suicide attempts by females of this age population. The lethal drugs of choice are narcotic pain relievers hydrocodone and oxycodone.

This research makes the case that late-life suicide is a cause for great concern that warrants ongoing attention from researchers, health care providers, policy makers, and society at large.

Related Facts

Suicide is a significant risk for anyone with a mental illness, but is exponentially higher for people with depression.
Women attempt suicide more than men.
The steep rise in abuse of “narcotic pain relievers” by women is considered a public health crisis.
Physical pain can often mask a depressive disorder
Prescriptions for anti-anxiety medication and antidepressant medication have tripled over the last decade, while the seeking of psychotherapy has significantly reduced. This suggests pills are valued more-so than skills.
Economic stress presses heavily on baby boomers, creating a sense of vulnerability with regard to financial security.

The hard and cold truth is that not all suicides are preventable. Though many individuals plan and even leave clues regarding their objective, there are others that act on impulse, leaving no indelible imprint of their intentions. It’s crucial for family and friends of a person who has died by suicide not to blame themselves for “not knowing”.

10 Tips to Offset This trend

1) Know risks for suicide. Awareness can help identify at-risk adults :
• Previous suicide attempt(s)
• History of depression or other mental illness
• Alcohol or drug abuse
• Family history of suicide or violence
• Physical illness
• Sudden loss or significant change
• Feeling alone

2) Understand the true definition of depression. It’s essential to understand that depression is not just a disorder of mood. It is a disorder of thinking which infects the clarity of the mind like a virus attacks the body. It weakens your defenses, cripples your resolve, and leaves you vulnerable to corrosive thoughts. If you think someone is depressed, don’t rely on them reaching out to you. Instead, be proactive. Call them. Check in. Visit in person. And if you feel worried about them, don’t hesitate to call for help (Police, Fire Department, Family/Friends).

3) Perfecting Diagnosis. Primary care physicians and other health providers need to recognize that physical pain is often a symptom of depression. Better detection, diagnosis and follow up care are needed. In addition, professionals who prescribe narcotics, or any kind of medication, should monitor the frequency of requested refills. Family members should also be aware. This helps to sequester the lethality of the drugs.

4) Understand your life-cycle. The mental and physical health needs of women vary across the life span. We need to teach women what to expect when these changes occur. For example, low levels of estrogen have been linked to suicidal behavior in women. As women age, many go through the emotional process of a “life review” (measuring what they’ve done in their life as mortality approaches), which can heighten sadness. Social connections can wane with age, so isolation is a common experience in later life. It’s vital to encourage women to take an active role in monitoring their own health, so if confronted with these developmental experiences, alternatives can be explored.

5) Find balance. Interpersonal stress is a risk factor for suicide. Illness, job loss, or any kind of adversity can shake one’s feeling of hope and resolve. It’s important for women to keep a healthy diet and get plenty of sleep. Getting a good 30 minutes a day of natural sunshine boosts melatonin – and exercise releases mood pleasing endorphins. If you notice that someone you love is under stress and not tending to self-care, consider this a significant setback and risk factor.

6) Connect with others. A loss of personal control is another issue related to suicidal thinking in older females. For example, women who no longer feel important or necessary to family and/or children, or who no longer feel useful can lapse into self-destructive thoughts. A central way to combat this is to reinvest socially with others. Be it volunteering, finding a low-stress part time job, joining a book club, the goal here is to form new connections and feelings of self worth.

7) Pills are not skills. We need to return to recommending psychotherapy for skill building and problem solving when it comes to mental illness. We live in a disposable society, where medication is seen the quick fix. Medication is a tremendous tool for dealing with suicide and depression, but it’s not sufficient enough to help women navigate the challenges that present in later-life.

8) Choose life affirming experiences. Make sure to activate your senses. Touch. See. Smell. Taste. Listen. Re-engage to the world and it will refuel you. The goal here is to redirect negative thinking to more positive kinds of experiences.

9) Stay away from alcohol and drugs. This includes recreational, over the counter and prescriptive. They can blur your thinking and loosen inhibition.

10) Have a safety plan at-the-ready. Knowing what to do if suicidal thinking occurs can reduce death by suicide. Identify triggers that may lead to a suicidal crisis, such as an anniversary of a loss, stress from work, or a love relationship. Also include contact numbers for the person's doctor or therapist, as well as friends and family members who will help in an emergency. It’s also a good idea to share this safety plan with others.

Reference:
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (2011). DAWN report: Trends in emergency department visits for drug-related suicide attempts among females: 2005 and 2009. Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality, May 12, 1-6.

October 10th is World Mental Health Day

2011-10-05T20:29:00.000-04:00

World Mental Health Day has been celebrated annually on the 10th of October since 1992. Now in it's 19th year, this year's campaign is "Investing in Mental Health."

Here are some facts about mental health:

*The burden of mental disorders gives rise to huge social and economic consequences to individuals, their families and whole communities or populations.

*Neuropsychiatric disorders cause 1/3 of years lost due to disability worldwide and account for 13% of total disease burden.

*80% of the global burden of disease due to mental disorders is found in low- and middle-income countries.

*Among all disabilities, mental disorders are associated with the highest rates of unemployment, between 70% and 90%.

*Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide.

*33% of countries have no mental health budget.

*1 in 4 people will be affected by a mental disorder at some point in their lives.

*Every 40 seconds someone dies by suicide.

*4 out of 5 people with mental disorders in developing countries don’t receive treatment.

*Almost 50% of all mental disorders begin before the age of 14.

5 Myths about Antidepressant Medications

2011-09-27T08:50:00.000-04:00

1. Antidepressants are “addictive”.

False. Antidepressants are not addictive in the way that most people would use the word. You don’t “crave” your antidepressant. However, the medicine that gets introduced to your central nervous system becomes something your body recognizes each day. So stopping medication without the guidance from a professional can cause your body to react to the loss of these neurotransmitters. This experience, called discontinuation syndrome, can be avoided completely when proper dosage-stopping is observed.

2. Antidepressants are “happy pills”.

False. Antidepressants are not "uppers." Unlike drugs like speed or ecstasy which improve the mood of anyone who takes them, antidepressants only improve the mood of people with a mood disorder. So if someone who isn't depressed takes antidepressants, the only change they'll notice will be possible side effects...which, really, are not very happy inducing.

3. Antidepressants are a "quick fix" and don't really cure depression.

False. One thing antidepressants surely aren’t is quick. Most take a minimum of four to six weeks to work. And they are not meant to "fix" your depression, per se. Most people with depression need to address social and environmental issues that contribute to their depression. Treatment for depression is a two-step process: 1) Antidepressants change brain chemistry 2) As mood improves, healthier lifestyle choices and problem solving occurs.

4. Antidepressants will change your personality.

False. Antidepressants normalize the mood ranges of children and adults who have a mood disorder. Who you are doesn’t change, so your personality stays intact. Antidepressant medication lifts my sadness, which then allows me to be who I fully am. I’m not a different person because I take antidepressant medication. I’m me, only better.

5. Once you start taking antidepressants, you're on them for the rest of your life.

False. For the majority of people, this is not true. Many who take antidepressant medication will stop their prescription when recovery from depression occurs. This clinical state of recovery takes about a year or so to achieve. Antidepressants have been shown to re-adjust brain activity, so those who follow their treatment regime to the letter, often don’t need to remain on medication. But there are some, like me, who must remain on medication, indefinitely. I’ve discontinued medication twice only to find depressive symptoms returning. So, I’m a lifer. And that’s fine with me, because I feel great.

Comparing Depression in Men and Women

2011-09-23T14:08:00.012-04:00

Interesting research on gender differences for depression. Click on the photo twice to enlarge.

Source: Help for Depression

Blogthings: Happy Pattern Quiz

2011-09-18T23:54:00.000-04:00

My Happy Pattern

You can't help but think outside the box. As far as you're concerned, you don't even know where the box is.

You have a delightful and colorful inner world. People would be stunned if they could see inside your head.

You get a lot of laughter out of life, and others are surprised by how easy it is to make you happy.

You have no desire to lead or follow. You prefer to not be a part of the crowd.

The Happy Pattern Test

9/11: Ten Years Later

2011-09-11T00:02:00.002-04:00

• Ten years later, 95% of the 3000 survivors of the World Trade Center continue to experience significant PTSD.

• Ten years later, mental health statistics show that PTSD and depression are not just experienced by those at ground zero or those who lost a loved one, were first responders or engaged in cleanup or recovery. Data shows that millions who witnessed the event continue to suffer psychological consequences.

• Ten years later, parents who had been highly exposed to 9/11-related trauma experience significant panic and anxiety than low-exposed parents.

• Ten years later, the brain biology of children and adults who were in close proximity to the disaster remain in a hypervigilant state.

• Ten years later, studies polling public opinion suggest that the country lacks confidence with news information and with reporting of intelligence obtained.

• Ten years later, uneasiness still lingers for plane crews and travelers alike.

• Ten years later, a team of scientists are still working full time to identify 9/11 victim remains.

• Ten years later, cancer rates continue to skyrocket around the World Trade Center perimeter.

• Ten years later, political discourse persists, leaving many Americans doubting governmental officials and policymakers

• Ten years later, youth growing up in the shadow of 9/11 are more mistrusting of the world around them.

Tips to Offset These Trends

• When dealing with trauma, it’s vital to know about the Anniversary Effect. Sometimes called an Anniversary Reaction, this psychological event sets into motion unsettling feelings, thoughts or memories that occur on the anniversary of a significant experience (i.e. Divorce, Death, Trauma, and Disaster). It’s very common to have strong emotional reactions weeks before an anniversary date, and continue even afterwards. This is an expected reactive state, so know that there’s nothing wrong with you. Understanding the anniversary effect can help you make sense of the emotional turmoil you’re experiencing.

• Historical disasters, traumas or crises receive significant media coverage. Often, media outlets revisit distressing imagery. Limit your watching of TV, reading of newspapers and visiting of Internet news sites around those dates. Secondary trauma, also called Vicarious Trauma, is when you witness an event that causes you distress. As the anniversary of 9/11 approaches, also limit your exposure from others who can’t refrain from talking about the event. Make it a no-drama day.

• You don’t have to feel imprisoned by a distressing experience of the past. Create a shield of resilience. Make sure you take good care of yourself during these times. Self-care, support and comfort will ground you as you move through a difficult trauma. Express your memories and feelings by talking with a family member or friend, writing or using physical activity to de-stress. Other ways to express your inner experiences can include the creative arts. These activities can re-set brain biology and soften hypervigilance.

• If you find that you're struggling with trauma, remember that you're not alone. Loss affects each of us differently, so don't put a time limit on your grief. Don’t compare the trajectory of your recovery to anyone else’s. What 9/11 has shown the mental health community is that there’s no finite time-line for healing.

• Though studies show that parents who were directly exposed to 9/11 are over-reactive, the data shows that their kids generally don’t follow suit. If you can’t reel your panic or worries in about every day matters, know that your child is less impressionable than you think. Kids have a keen ability to know when something is worry-worthy.

• When curious about world events, get information from various sources, including out- of-the-country news programming. This will help you get a more balanced perspective of news worthy information.

• Consider taking the pain of this anniversary date and turning it into a day of service or memorial. Don’t linger on the helplessness or hopelessness this day evoked for yourself, your family or the country. Be determined to mark the day in a positive way.

• When traveling, empower yourself with facts grounded in reality. For example, air travel is statistically the safest mode of transportation. To help yourself feel confident, make sure you follow travel guidelines and conform to safety standards. And remember that not all anxiety is bad. Being attentive, even a bit nervous, can be a good thing. It enables you – and others – to be watchful and self-protective.

• While some may have found a sense of closure with the events of 9/11, there are others who are still in a state of prolonged grief or trauma. Be respectful and compassionate. Don’t shame or blame a person for not being able to “get over” this crisis.

• When it comes to getting aid or governmental funding for your health care as a 9/11 survivor, don’t let bureaucratic obstacles sideline your well-being. Continue going for your treatments while others tend to dealing with the procedural or legislative delays.

• Trauma dislodges the bond we have to others. Though terrorism can unsettle anyone’s foundation of trust, it’s important to help those shaken by 9/11 understand that the evil acts of few are not in the heart of many. This is especially true for children who have grown up alongside the specter of 9/11.

Resources

Block-Elkon, Y. (2011). The Polls—Trends: Public Perceptions and the Threat of International Terrorism after 9/11. Public Opinion Quarterly, 75(1) 366-392.

Brandon, S. E. (2011). Impacts of psychological science on national security agencies post-9/11. American Psychologist, 66, doi:10.1037/a0024818

Eisenberg, N., & Silver, R. C. (2011). Growing up in the shadow of terrorism: Youth in America after 9/11. American Psychologist, 66 doi:10.1037/a0024619

Ganzel, B. et. al (2011). The aftermath of 9/11: Effect of intensity and recency of trauma on outcome. Emotion, 7(2), 227-238.

Lindstrom, K.M et. al. (2011). Attention orientation in parents exposed to the 9/11 terrorist attacks and their children . Psychiatry Research, 187 (1,2) 261-266.

Neria, Y., DiGrande, L., & Adams, B. G. (2011). Posttraumatic stress disorder following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks: A review of the literature among highly exposed populations. American Psychologist,66, doi:10.1037/a0024791

Inkblot Fun: What Do You See?

2011-08-30T20:04:00.001-04:00

Hmmm....this inkblot is a toughie. Not very obvious images. What do you see?

Remember: This is not an original Rorschach. That would be unethical to post!

The Power of "What"

2011-08-21T23:03:00.003-04:00

Sometimes the question "why?" is a good one. Like, why can't we live in a more peaceful world? Or why did I eat *all* those cookies? And why don't we call mustaches mouthbrows?

But there are times - especially during a crisis - when "why" may not the best puzzle to solve. When you're in an emotional entanglement, a difficult predicament or a physical hardship, asking "what" will do more.

What has directionality.

Why keeps you stuck in circular thinking.
What offers solutions.

Why offers no game plan.

So, the next time you find yourself in a bad place, ask yourself:

"What can I do to make things better?

not

"Why is this happening to me?

Once the crisis is over THEN you can search for the "Why".

What's Unique about Your Heart?

2011-08-14T09:00:00.002-04:00

Your Heart is Open

You love easily and without fear of rejection. You believe that love is the meaning of life. You wish you could connect with every single person in the world. Relationships are a cornerstone of your life. You think that life has a purpose. You try to live each moment with as much meaning as possible. You deeply care for your friends and family. Anyone close to you feels amazingly loved.

What's Unique About Your Heart?

Grand Rounds 7:46

2011-08-09T07:00:00.010-04:00

Grand Rounds is a weekly round up of the best health blog posts on the Internet. Each week a different blogger takes turns hosting - me this time around - and summarizes the submissions of the week.

As a music lover, I thought I'd give Grand Rounds a vintage vinyl feel. So please make sure your phonographs are ready to go. Thanks to Dr. Val Jones and Dr. Nick Genes for the invite.

Song List

Striving: By Glass Hospital A moving post about the life and experiences of an 88 year old doctor who gave much to others.

Beyond Bullet Points: By Dr. Shock This post looks at how multimedia teachings improve medical student retention.

QD: News Everyday - Rise in Antidepressants Called into Question:By ACP Internist This post highlights how perscriptions for antidepressants by non-psychiatric professionals has increased over more than a decade.

How to Prevent Drowning: By Healthline A straightforward read on risk for and prevention of drowning.

If You Can't Say Something Nice" By Table for One This post looks at the difficulties doctors face in presenting bad news to patients and their families.

Song List

Dislocated Shouler - Relationship Realignment: By In Sickness and In Health Injury and illness can press on the dynamics of a relationship. This post looks autonomy and dependence.

OCD Perfectionism and Social Anxiety Treatment: Tweet Your Way To Better Health How the use of social media can lessen anxiety disorders in children and adults.

High Profile People Who Live With Mood Disorders: By Dr. Deb This short video shows just how many high profile people have mood disorders - and helps to take stigma out of mental illness.

Song List

Nine Signs You Should Fire Your Patient: By Insureblog Well written post on when patients might need to get the boot.

Unintended Consequences of Changing the Current 510K System for Moderate Risk Devices: By Health Business Blog Looks at the approval process of medical devices and how they are enough safegaurds in place.

The Ship of State Capsized by a Silver Tsunami of Greedy Geezers: By Health AGEnda A well written argument regarding the recent Wall Street Journal op-ed that reported that medicare patients see their doctors more than non-medicare patients.

Bad Language: Words One Patient Won't Use (And Hopes You Won't Either): By Prepared Patient How certain words can shift the focus away from what patients really need.

US Rumor and Hospital Report: By Not Running a Hospital A gloves-off review of the annual hospital review from US News and World Report.

A One Song Album

Die Taal: By Bongi : This post looks at speaking English at Grand Rounds.

Hybrid Imagery

2011-07-27T09:30:00.002-04:00

Hybrid Imagery combines the low spatial frequencies of one picture with the high spatial frequencies of another. The end result is an optical illusion that can be perceived in two ways.

Can you see Albert Einstein?

Who else do you see?

High Profile People Who Talk Openly About Mental Illness

2011-07-18T15:04:00.005-04:00

Take a look at some of the celebrities who live with a mental illness.

My book, "Living with Depression" is officially on sale, and includes a list of over 400 high profile people that live with a mood disorder. Actors, artists, athletes, comedians, entrepreneurs, musicians, world leaders, sports legends and many famous others from all different fields - and all different countries.

The more that high profile people share their experiences with depression, the more stigma gets its butt kicked. There's no shame living with a mental illness - and after you learn about the well-known men and women who do, you're sure to decide you're in good company.

For more information, link here.

Out of Body Experiences

2011-07-11T13:13:00.003-04:00

Out-of-body experiences (OBEs) are typically associated with individuals who have certain kinds of dissociative or post traumatic disorders. Though people who are generally in good health also report having OBEs, the experience is poorly understood. Often, out-of-body experiences are met by others with skepticism and stigma.

A new study, published in the July 2011 issue of Cortex, has shown that OBEs are related to anomalies in the neural systems in the brain's temporal lobes - and that the body's sense of itself, called body awareness, misfires. Data from this study has enabled scientists to better understand how normal "in-the-body" mental processes work... and why, when they break down, they produce such striking experiences.

We know that epilepsy, headaches and seizures have a basis in brain neuro-circuitry, but psychological disorders also greatly influence the workings of the brain. Trauma, anxiety, depression and dissociation can have a profound effect, with out-of-body experiences being one of them.

Now science backs this up.

But You're Not a Real Doctor

2011-07-08T09:36:00.000-04:00

I've heard this expression many times in my life, "But you're not a real doctor."

It's funny how this phrase has come to mean that you're somehow misusing your professional title, even though you've gone through years of schooling, extensive training and supervision in your selected career. This phrase sorta implies that only an M.D. (medical doctor) is the singular measure for what a "real doctor" is.

But the truth, as defined in the Merriam Webster Dictionary, is that a doctor is "a person who has earned the highest academic degree awarded by a college or university in a specified discipline." From the fields of art to zoology, and every profession in between, students work very hard in their chosen profession to achieve this degree. In addition, many have to jump through further hurdles by passing rigorous licensing exams.

It's always nice to be recognized for who you are and the things that you've done. Next time you meet a person who has the title "doctor", remember that much went into obtaining that degree.

Purple Nurple Illusion

2011-07-02T17:59:00.010-04:00

The Purple Nurple Optical Illusion by Walter Anthony

Time for more fun with illusions. Created by Walter Anthony, this vivid optical illusion moves despite being a still life creation.

Illusions like these are part-psychology (interpretation, imagination and memory) and part-physiology (depth perception, focus, attention and eye movement). But looking too much into the neuroscience of illusions can take the fun out of the experience.

So, just marvel in the magic of how this static object swirls, contracts and expands. And visit Mr. Anthony's webpage for more fun.

I Love NY: Same Sex Marriage Is Law

2011-06-25T09:15:00.006-04:00

A healthy sense of self includes being validated and recognized by others. Also vital is the ability to share the rights and liberties of those around you.

Nice job, New York. It's about time.

Happy Faces: Pareidolia

2011-06-20T09:04:00.003-04:00

The neuropsychological phenomenon by which the brain interprets vague images as specific ones is called Pareidolia. A good example of this is when you see faces or animals in clouds. You can pretty much "see" familiar objects in almost anything.

The tendency for us to see faces in other objects has its origin in our neural architecture. It could be said that though many of us use our eyes to view the world, we really see by using our brain.

Here are a collection of happy faces. Do you see them all? Do you "feel" happy looking at them?

Living with Depression

2011-06-16T21:59:00.010-04:00

My nonfiction book "Living with Depression" is now available here... and at Amazon worldwide.

Part memoir, part self-help, this book is for anyone who loves someone with a mood disorder or experiences depression themselves. "Living with Depression" is also a great teaching tool, providing research and global resources - and the first-ever list of high profile individuals who live with a mood disorder.

I've been lucky to get endorsements for the book by stigma expert, Dr. Patrick Corrigan; actress, Delta Burke- who's been outspoken about her own depression, and actor Glenn Close and her sister, Jessie, who lives with Bipolar Disorder.

If you get my book, please let me know what you think once you've read it. I hope it changes the world a little bit - and helps a whole lot of people.

10 + 1 Tips for Being Medication Smart

2011-06-13T10:47:00.000-04:00

The National Council on Patient Information and Education has a list of 10 ways to become medicine smart. When you get a prescription, remember to ask these questions:

1. What is the name of the medicine and what is it for? Is this the brand name or the generic name?

2. Is a generic version of this medicine available? If so, it may be more cost effective.

3. How and when do I take it - and for how long?

4. What foods, drinks, other medicines or activities should I avoid while taking this medicine?

5. When should I expect the medicine to begin to work - and how will I know if it's working?

6. Are there any side effects? What are they and what do I do if they occur?

7. Will this medicine work safely with the other prescription and nonprescription medicines I'm taking? Will it work safely with any supplements I use, like vitamins, for instance?

8. Do I need to get a refill? If so, when?

9. How should I store this medicine?

10. Is there any written information available about the medicine? Is it available in large print or a language other than English?

+1: This is my plus 1 to the list. Keep a list of all the medications you take available in your wallet, handbag or on your cellphone. In case of an emergency, the medications you take will be at-the-ready should the information be needed.

Hey, I'm a Mental Health Hero

2011-06-06T17:16:00.002-04:00

I'm very delighted to be honored as a Mental Health Hero by Chato B. Stewart during Mental Health Awareness month. It's always nice to get a pat on the back for work you've done, and I'm especially proud to be a Mental Health Hero.

Mental illness touches one in four Americans - yet only 25% will seek treatment for symptoms. Stigma claims the other 75%, wedging those who live with mental illness into a life of silent suffering.

Don't let shame keep you from getting the help you need.

Live loud and live proud.

Anagram Movies: A Lateral Thinking Exercise

2011-05-19T13:34:00.002-04:00

"Critical Thinking" is the process by which we look for errors and find answers. Essentially, we use rules and judge their usage to solve an issue.

"Lateral Thinking" is a different process. In this type of thinking we find solutions by reworking the rules to use creativity to get answers. Research says that lateral thinkers are better problem solvers.

Below you'll find movies that have their original titles, but the letters have been moved around to create new words. These anagram movies are not only funny, they're an example of lateral thinking. So play around with the title of a movie and give it a new title. But, please, keep 'em G rated!

Mental Health Blog Party 2011

2011-05-17T10:46:00.001-04:00

In honor of the American Psychological Association's Mental Health Blog Party, I'm featuring a post on famous psychologists and their quotes. Enjoy these wise words of wisdom and inspiration.

People are like stained glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun's out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is light within. ~ Elisabeth Kubler-Ross (1926-2004) Swiss-American Psychiatrist.

"Thought is action in rehearsal." ~ Sigmund Freud (1856-1939) Austrian founder of Psychoanalysis.

"Success is a state of mind. If you want success, start thinking of yourself as a success." ~ Dr. Joyce Brothers (1928-) American Psychologist.

"Education is not just the filling of a pail, it is the lighting of a fire." ~ B. F. Skinner (1904-1990) American Psychologist.

"Your vision will become clear only when you look into your heart. Who looks outside, dreams. Who looks inside, awakens." ~ Carl Jung (1875-1961) Swiss Psychiatrist.

"Hate is a product of the unfulfilled life." ~ Erich Fromm (1900-1980) American Psychoanalyst.

"All the art of living lies in a fine mingling of letting go and holding on." ~ Henry Ellis (1859-1939) British Psychologist.

"If you only have a hammer, you tend to see every problem as a nail." ~ Abrahamm Maslow (1908-1970) American Psychologist.

"All of us are much more human than otherwise. " ~Harry Stack Sullivan (1892-1941) American Psychologist.

"Life itself still remains a very effective therapist." ~ Karen Horney (1885-1952) American Psychoanalyst.

The Ambivalent Mind

2011-05-13T18:25:00.013-04:00

Of all the things I've seen in my work, I'd have to say that ambivalence - the state in which one feels contradictory emotions for a person or a situation - is a rough road. The coexistence of both positive and negative feelings towards a situation or a person keeps you in an emotional holding pattern. Your ambivalent mind draws you in and then pushes you away. You live your life in an approach-avoidance style.

As a result, this rigid cycling pattern never moves you forward. You are constantly moving from one side of the fence to the other. "Do I want this? I think maybe I don't." "I really like her, but sometimes I'm not so sure." Or you park yourself entirely on the fence. "I'm not making any decisions about anything."

Ambivalent thinking has genetic origins to obsessive compulsive tendencies, psychological defensive styles like "splitting" or personality disorders, and under-developed cognitive-behavioral styles of problem solving. If you're ambivalent, there are things you can do to break the holding pattern. Professional help can get you going in the right direction.

If you're involved with someone who is chronically ambivalent, keep an eye on the grains of sand in the hourglass. If too much time goes by and the relationship is unhealthy, it may be a good idea to think about detaching yourself.

Two Takes on Mother's Day

2011-05-07T07:00:00.004-04:00

Mother's Day is a holiday that is marked world-wide. Countries such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, China and Japan, just to name a few, give moms a special day shout-out on the yearly calendar.

Historically, Mother's Day has been a day where children and other family members honor mothers or individuals who are nurturing and caretaking in maternal ways. For some, it's a day of celebration, of expressing one's love and appreciation for a mothering figure. The day is met with happiness and a full heart.

However, for others, Mother's Day is not so easy. It can bring forth sadness, loss and yearning if one's mother has died. Or if a mother has lost a child, it can become an excruciating day filled with grief. Anger and resentment can give way if a person has not had a good relationship with his or her mother. There are many more examples....too many to list in this post.

In my work, landmark days, anniversary dates or holidays of any kind can be especially difficult for anyone who has experienced loss, death or the recognition of toxicity in a relationship. Of all the days in the calendar year, Mother's Day and Father's Day can evoke the most profound emotional responses.

To those of you who struggle with this day, know that you're not alone. Give yourself permission to feel and think whatever may come from within. It's important for your to mother yourself.

References:

Hinton, C. (2004). Silent grief. Portland: New Leaf Press.

Pollock, G. H. (1970). Anniversary reactions, trauma, and mourning. Psychoanalytic Quarterly, 39: 347-371.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

2011-05-01T07:08:00.000-04:00

May is Mental Health Awareness Month.

Mental Health Month was created more than 50 years ago by Mental Health America to raise awareness about mental health conditions and the importance of mental wellness and promoting good mental health for all.

During Mental Health Awareness Month professionals, organizations, schools, communities, hospitals and even media outlets will join together in an effort to raise the awareness about mental health and attempt to decrease the stigma that prevents people from getting the help they need.

If you have a mental illness or love someone who does, reach out to the many community resources and planned events this month. Link here for state and local MHA affiliates.

Remember, there is no shame living with a mental illness.

Pareidolia: A Royal Edition

2011-04-25T21:40:00.011-04:00

Take a look at the spotted jelly bean above? See anything?

I could see a face at first, but when it was paired with this, it became unmistakable.

The future queen of England, Kate Middleton.

The Weisure Way of Life

2011-04-20T09:21:00.001-04:00

Seems that the line dividing work and leisure is thinning. More people are finding themselves dealing with work issues beyond the so-called the 7 day a week boundary.

This trend is being called Weisure Time - a phrase that blends the words leisure and work literally as well as figuratively.

Some who live the weisure life don't mind the blurring of roles while others struggle with it. Sociologist, Dalton Conley, who coined the phrase Weisure Time, thinks that the trend is a negative one. "We lose our so-called private sphere. There's less relaxing time to be our so-called backstage selves when we're always mingling work and leisure."

Conley believes that economic anxiety is at the root of the weisure lifestyle. Financial concerns appear to be driving many of us to bend and blend work and home life - and even vacation time.

I find myself doing a lot more work when I'm home than ever before.

What about you?

What Kind of Happy Are You?

2011-04-15T15:44:00.002-04:00

You Are Peaceful

You are feeling very serene and centered. You're content with your life.You have a clear head and a peaceful spirit. You are relaxed enough to appreciate what you have.You are able to let go of your fears. You are trusting and generous toward others. You live a quiet, mellow life. It may not be dramatic, but it's very fulfilling.

What Kind of Happy Are You?

Understanding Dreams

2011-04-11T16:37:00.008-04:00

In the psychological world, dreams are a symbolic representation. They reflect our everyday lives in that they are expressing what has been consciously or unconsciously occupying our minds.

Psychologists often ask the people with whom they are working to bring dreams into session work. These dreams bring vital information to treatment and help highlight conflicts, wishes, traumas or fears. Analyzing a dream does not need to be done with a therapist who is highly skilled in dream analysis.

There are things that you can do to help you find the thread in the fabric of your own dreams.

First: Learn to remember your dreams. Most people can't remember their dreams, or believe that they don't dream at all. The fact is that every night we dream. So, tell yourself that you will remember your dream and invite that possibility before you go to bed each night.

Second: Keep paper and pen by your bed. When you wake up, see if you can jot down aspects of your dream. As you do this, you will get better and better at recording and remembering your dreams.

Third: Look at the themes in your dreams. Once you are awake see if you can find the theme in your dream. Is it a dream about fear? Is it a dream that illustrates a wish? A conflict? Sometimes there can be people you know in your dream or strangers. What do these people represent? Things that don't seem right, are weird or don't make sense are perfectly normal in dreams. The point here is to sense the thread of what is going on. Even names or words that come up in the dream can have great meaning.

Fourth: Link and associate what these themes, objects and people mean to you. Once you have these identified, see how they link to your everyday life - your struggles and your experiences.

Fifth: Don't try too hard or make yourself feel bad if you can't get it. Dream analysis takes patience and creativity. Sometimes I get a dream right away, and then there are times that I don't. But when I finally realize what the theme of my dream is or the issues therein, I always have an "a-ha" moment.

Understanding Psychoanalysis

2011-04-05T17:05:00.005-04:00

Most people unfamiliar with psychoanalysis get a glimpse of it in caricatured form through movies, television or books.

Save for the HBO show In Treatment or the movie Ordinary People, most other mediums present psychoanalysis as a stilted experience, where a couch-lying patient drones on about emotions and feelings to a stoic therapist who is busily taking notes. The other polar extreme is that the analyst, fatigued from his or her patient's narrative, falls asleep.

Misconceptions about psychoanalysis go even further. Health professionals often minimize the mechanics of psychoanalysis, dismissing it as if it were a singular homogenized school of thought. Many are not even aware that research and scientific studies have shown that psychoanalysis is a successful form of psychotherapy.

Psychoanalysis is grounded on the observation that individuals are often unaware of many of the factors that determine their emotions and behavior. Sometimes these factors are slightly out of our awareness (subconscious) or are completely unknown to us (unconscious). Psychoanalytic treatment looks to uncover how these factors effect relationships and behaviors. Together with your analyst, you'd trace them back to their historical origins, learn how they've changed and evolved over time, and develop new skills to better deal with things.

Psychoanalysis has evolved over the last 100 years from Freud's initial model, and has grown to include many different and compelling schools of thought. In fact, Freud might not even recognize the more modern form of psychoanalytic sessions practiced nowadays.

Psychoanalysis is a rich, deep and involved process - and needs to be celebrated as a viable option for the treatment of psychological symptoms.

Comfort Foods Improve Mood

2011-03-31T20:48:00.003-04:00

A recent study has noted that turning to comfort foods can increase mood and decrease loneliness.

The paper, to be published in the journal Psychological Science, reports that when we eat comfort foods, we reconnect with warm feelings and meaningful associations to others. Jordan Troisi, co-author of the study, noted that even just thinking about the comfort food or writing about it increased emotional well being.

No doubt that the kinds of comfort foods will differ in definition from person to person, but healthy or indulgent, eating your favorite can summon a better mood.

Like the picture above, my favorite comfort food would be soup related. Indulgent would be a chocolate croissant and a cuppa. What's your favorite comfort food?

How To Find A Good Therapist

2011-03-23T21:12:00.004-04:00

It's a difficult, yet brave and courageous moment when someone makes the decision to pursue mental health therapy. More difficult than the decision to go to therapy is the decision of who to choose as a therapist.

So, how does someone find a good therapist?

Types of Therapists
First, it is important to think about the type of therapist you think is best for your presenting symptoms and issues. There are many kinds of mental health therapists, but sometimes understanding "who does what" can be confusing. Here is a list to help identify the specialties and degrees therapists can hold.

Psychologists
In the United States, Doctors of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Doctors of Psychology (Psy.D.), or Doctors of Education (Ed.D.) must complete at least four years of post graduate school, however, only those who have been licensed can call themselves Psychologists. Licensed practicing psychologists are specifically trained in the mind and behavior as well as diagnosis, assessment and treatment of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. The treatment provided is "talk therapy". It is important to know that not all psychologists are experienced therapists. Some specialize in areas such as statistical research or industrial psychology, and may have little experience treating people. Therefore, it is important to inquire about the caliber of clinical experiences. Generally speaking, most psychologists do not prescribe medication.

Social Workers
Clinical Social Workers (C.S.W.) usually have earned at least a Masters' Degree, which is two years of graduate school, and some Social Workers obtain a doctoral degree (D.S.W. or Ph.D.). Clinical Social Workers credentials may vary by state, but these are the most common: B.S.W. (Bachelor's of Social Work), M.S.W. (Master's of Social Work), A.C.S.W. (Academy of Certified Social Workers), or D.C.S.W. (Diplomate of Clinical Social Work). Although there are exceptions, most licensed clinical social workers generally have an "L" in front of their degree (L.C.S.W.) communicating that they are a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Clinical Social Workers also receive training in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of mental, behavioral, and emotional disorders. Their goal is to enhance and maintain physical, psychological, and social functioning in who they treat.

Psychiatrists
A Psychiatrist completes a medical degree (M.D.) like any other physician, followed by a four-year psychiatry specialty. Psychiatrists prescribe medication yet sometimes do psychotherapy with patients. Psychiatrists, unlike Psychologists, have the background and experience to understand how the body and the mind as a whole react when psychiatric medication is given, and have extensively studied the total body including brain biochemistry, tissues, glands, and organs, leading to a fundamental understanding of how these all interact and react to the patient's environment in mental health and mental illness.

Marriage Family Therapists & Professional Counselors
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (L.M.F.T.), and Professional Counselors (L.P.C.) usually have two years of graduate school and have earned at least a Masters' Degree such as: M.A. (Master of Arts), M.S. (Master of Science) or M.Ed. (Master of Education). Marriage and Family Therapists have additional specialized training in the area of family therapy.

Certified Counselors
Certified Counselors are typically trained in drug or alcohol abuse specialties. A Certified Addiction Counselor (C.A.C.) or a Certified Alcohol Counselor, (C.A.C.) may have a I, II, or III added to their degree signifying the level of training in counseling (CAC-I, for example). A C.A.C. Counselor may or may not have a master's degree. Counselors are trained for supportive therapy. C.A.C's work within the field of alcoholism and substance abuse, providing education, consultation, counseling, aftercare, recovery and advocacy.

Religious/Theology/Pastoral Counselors
These are counselors who are clergy, pastors or who have a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree, or a Doctorate in Theology (Th.D.) from a seminary or rabbinical school, with additional training in therapy. These spiritual counselors are trained in both psychology and theology and thus can address psychological, religious and spiritual issues.

Counseling Nurses
Psychiatric Nurses and Nurse Practitioners comprise a growing segment of mental health treatment professionals. They display the credentials R.N. (Registered Nurse), R.N.P. (Registered Nurse Practitioner) or M.S.N. (Masters of Science in Nursing). A Psychiatric Nurse is a registered nurse with a master's degree who has been trained in individual, group, and/or family psychotherapy. The Psychiatric Nurse and the Nurse Practitioner view individuals from a holistic perspective, taking into account both physical and mental health needs while focusing on human behavior.

From Word of Mouth To Yellow Pages
Now that you know the kind of therapists with which you wish to work, how do you choose one?Here are a few ways that can provide leads to a good therapist.

Word of mouth: Asking a friend or relative that you trust can be a great way of finding a reliable therapist. When a clinician is highly regarded, there is usually a buzz in the community about him or her.

Professional Referrals: Contacting your general physician, or inquiring with school guidance and special service staff if you are looking for someone to work with your child are good ideas. Contacting local psychological, psychiatric or counseling organizations can be very helpful in pointing you in a direction as well.

Online Resources: Many professional organizations and grassroots organizations offer referral resources. There are also mental health websites like Psychology Today's Therapist Directory that can help you narrow down a search.

Insurance Company: If you have an insurance company, another suggestion is to call them directly and ask them to give you a few names of therapists in your area, and ones that specialize in the disorders or issues with which you are experiencing.

Religious Organizations: Many churches and temples have outreach programs where the person in charge can help you find a therapist.

Yellow Pages: Many times I get calls from people who look me up in the Yellow Pages. With nowhere else to turn, people cold-call with the hopes of finding a good therapist. This experience can be frustrating and may lead you down a bumpy road of contacting therapists who do not specialize in what you need. If possible, try one of the other strategies listed above to help you find a good therapist.

The Initial Phone Call
Once you have a few names, find the time to call each one and talk on the phone with him or her. You can get a great feel for a professional during this informal chat. If you make a connection on the phone, arrange for an appointment to consult with the therapist. I call this "the meet and greet" consult where I get to meet the potential patient, assess the symptoms and issues and make sure that my training and expertise are appropriate for the necessary treatment. This is a time where the potential patient gets to know me as well, how I will work and also learns about my approach to treatment and the parameters of therapy. Though comfort and connection are necessary factors, so too are making sure that the therapist of your choice is educated, seasoned and a specialist in what you are seeking.

Questions to Ask: Most therapists will welcome the opportunity to answer any questions that you may have. Here are some of the most important ones to consider:

1. What is your professional training and degree?

2. How much specialized training and experience have you had with what I am seeking help for?

3. What theoretical school of thought do you follow?

4. How long are the sessions?

5. What is the cost of each session?

5. How does insurance work with mental health therapy?

6. What is your policy on cancelled appointments?

7. Have you been in therapy yourself? If so, how long?

8. Is it possible to reach you after hours in the event of an emergency or crisis? If so, how?

9. Do you receive regular supervision on your cases or belong to a peer supervision group?

10. What professional organizations do you belong to?

Good Therapy
Once these bases are all covered, and you settle into treatment, you should slowly begin to feel an expansion within yourself. Your awareness will widen, your feelings may swell, and you may find yourself thinking in new ways about your situations and life experiences.

Therapy may be tough on occasions, but in time, you should start learning techniques to help change, shift or remedy symptoms. That's how the arc of good therapy progresses. Last, but not least, always, ALWAYS, be sure that the professional you choose to work with is a licensed mental health practitioner.

Are You a Mirror or a Window Quiz?

2011-03-18T19:46:00.000-04:00

I'm a mirror

You are a very private person. You need your alone time to introspect and recharge.

You don't mind being around others, but you prefer to spend the bulk of your time by yourself.

You are a slow and critical thinker. You need to mull things over for a long time.

You hold yourself accountable for your actions. You are constantly evaluating your life and trying to improve.

Are You a Mirror or a Window?

How to Cope with Disaster

2011-03-13T10:57:00.005-04:00

In light of the devastation and suffering from the aftermath of the Japan Earthquake, Tsunamis and Nuclear Meltdowns, this list is offered to help individuals understand "Disaster Reactions". Witnessing a traumatic event sets into motion a variety of psychological reactions. These psychological reactions have physical, cognitive, emotional and behavioral presentations. This list is not exhaustive but serves to illustrate many of the reactions people experience.

Psychological Reactions

•Anger
•Anxiety
•Apathy, diminished interest in usual activities
•Appetite change
•Avoidance
•Blame
•Confusion
•Criticalness
•Decreased sexual interest
•Denial
•Depression
•Difficulty concentrating
•Difficulty making decisions
•Difficulty using logic
•Difficulty naming objects
•Difficulty focusing
•Disorientation
•Distortions in time perspective
•Exaggerated startle reaction
•Excessive worry about safety of others
•Emotional numbing
•Fatigue
•Faintness or dizziness
•Fearfulness
•Feelings of being unappreciated
•Feelings of inadequacy
•Feelings of loss
•Feelings of gratefulness for being alive
•Feelings of isolation or abandonment
•Feeling high, heroic, invulnerable
•Feeling a “lump in the throat”
•Feeling uncoordinated
•Forgetfulness
•Frustration
•Grief
•Guilt
•Headaches
•Helplessness
•Hyperactivity or an inability to rest
•Increased heartbeat, respiration, blood pressure
•Increased alcohol use or substance abuse
•Intense concern for family members
•Inability to express self verbally or in writing
•Irritability
•Letdown
•Loss of appetite
•Loss of objectivity
•Lower back pain
•Memory problems
•Muffled hearing
•Nausea, upset stomach, diarrhea
•Nightmares
•Numbness
•Pains in chest
•Periods of crying
•Persistent interest in the event
•Persistent or obsessive thoughts
•Sense of being in a bad dream
•Sense of unreality or being in a movie
•Shock
•Sleep disturbance
•Slowness of thinking, difficulty comprehending
•Social withdrawal, limited contacts with others
•Soreness in muscles
•Stomach and muscle cramps
•Strong identification with victims
•Strong identification with survivors
•Sweating or chills
•Tremors, especially of hand, lips, eyes
•Trouble catching breath
•Visual flashbacks
•Withdrawal

Coping with Disaster Stress

1. Stay active. Falling into passivity can worsen psychological and physical disaster reactions.

2. Resume a normal routine as soon as possible.

3. Remind yourself that you are normal and having normal reactions in the face of the disastrous event. It is especially important to teach children that reactions like these are normal.

4. Be aware of numbing the pain with overuse of drugs or alcohol. Avoid caffeine as its effects can amplify anxiety and stress response.

5. Talk about your experience.

6. It is all right to spend time by yourself, or on the other hand, feel the need to be with others.

7. Avoid over-exposure to media images and newscasts.

8. Realize that those around you are also under stress and may not act or react in a manner you would normally expect.

9. Keep a journal or start a blog. Written expression can have healing benefits.

10. Make decisions that will give you the control over your life.

If you find that post-trauma stress, depression or anxiety is too much for you to handle on your own, reach out for professional help. If you live in the ground zero area, there will be mental health support service personnel on stand-by.

For international resources for disaster relief, link here

Do You Know Who Jessie Close is?

2011-03-07T12:56:00.006-05:00

Jessie Close didn't know she was living with a Mood Disorder until she was 47 years old. Up until then, the younger sister of Hollywood legend, Glenn Close, endured "depressions, suicide attempts and alcoholism for nearly as long as she can remember."

While on a quest to accurately diagnose behavioral changes in her teenage son, Calen, Jessie found answers to long-asked questions regarding her own life experiences. She discovered that she was experiencing Bipolar Disorder. Her son, meanwhile, learned he was living with Schizoaffective Disorder.

Jessie shared this information with her brother and sisters, and bit by bit they traced the heritage lines of mental illness on both sides of the family. The discovery of mental illness didn't make them feel ashamed. In fact, just the opposite. It brought light to family stories and historical accounts. It made sense.

Over the last few years, Jessie Close has taken her personal life journey public. Together with her son, Calen, now in his 30's, her daughter, Mattie, her service dog, Snitz, and her actress sister, Glenn, she is helping bring awareness about mental illness. And debunking stigma along the way.

BringChange2Mind was created by Glenn Close in response to stigma her sister, Jessie, and her nephew, Calen, experienced. The message on the website is a powerful one, and I share it below:

"1 in 6 adults and almost 1 in 10 children suffer from a diagnosable mental illness. Yet, for many, the stigma associated with the illness can be as great a challenge as the disease itself. This is where the misconceptions stop. This is where bias comes to an end. This is where we change lives. Because this is where we Bring Change 2 Mind."

To learn more about Jessie Close and BringChange2Mind go here

March 1st is Self Injury Awareness Day

2011-03-01T08:37:00.002-05:00

Self-injury (SI) is any deliberate, non-suicidal behavior that inflicts physical harm on one's body to relieve emotional distress.

Self-injury does not involve a conscious intent to commit suicide, though many believe that people who harm themselves are suicidal.

People who SI are often trying to:

* Distract emotional pain

* End feelings of numbness

* Calm overwhelming feelings

* Maintaining control

* Self-punish

* Express thoughts that cannot be put into words

* Express feelings for which there are no words

Who engages in self-injury?

There is no simple portrait of a person who intentionally self-injures. This behavior is not limited by gender, race, education, age, sexual orientation, socio-economics, or religion. However, there are some commonly seen factors:

* Self-injury more commonly occurs in adolescent females.

* Many self-injurers have a history of physical, emotional or sexual abuse.

* Many self-injurers have co-existing problems of substance abuse, obsessive-compulsive disorder or eating disorders.

* Self-injures tend to have been raised in families that discouraged expression of anger, and tend to lack skills to express their emotions.

* Self-injurers often lack a good social support network.

What are the types of self-injury?

* Cutting

* Burning

* Picking at skin

* Interfereing with wound healing

* Hair-pulling

* Hitting

* Scratching

* Pinching

* Biting

* Bone-breaking

* Head-banging

Treatment

Self-injury is often misunderstood. Self-injurers trying to seek medical or mental health treatment frequently report being treated badly by emergency room doctors and nurses, counselors, police officers and even mental health professionals.

Finding professionals who specialize in working with self-injury is IMPERATIVE. With proper treatment, new ways of coping will be learned and slowly the cycle of hurting will end. For more information go to the American Self-Harm Information Clearinghouse.

Oscar Worthy Films That Feature Mental Illness

2011-02-26T16:33:00.006-05:00

Just in time for the 2011 Oscars is my top ten list of movies that feature mental illness. Many of these movies have won Oscars, while others should have, but didn't. As we roll out the red carpet and honor this year's best films, keep in mind that there's no shame in having a mental illness.

1. Ordinary People (Depression, PTSD, Suicide)
My absolute favorite movie of all time because it portrays the human experience of loss so well and it also features psychotherapy in a realistic way. Robert Redford's directorial debut. Mary Tyler Moore, Donald Sutherland, Judd Hirsch and Timothy Hutton wow in their performances.

2. A Beautiful Mind (Schizophrenia)
The true story of Nobel Prize Winner John Nash is told in this award winning film. Russell Crowe and Jennifer Connelly star. Directed by Ron Howard.

3. The Soloist (Schizophrenia)
This is the true story of Nathaniel Anthony Ayers, a former Julliard Student, who falls into the depths of schizophrenia. When reporter, Steve Lopez, befriends him, both of their worlds change. The ethical issues of treatment of mental illness are realistically portrayed. Robert Downey Jr. and Jamie Foxx offer great performances.

4. Canvas (Schizophrenia)
A young boy moves through the his mother's psychotic episode with the help of his father and friends. Joe Pantoliano, Marcia Gay Harden and Devon Gearhart are inspiring to watch.

5. Bird (Substance Abuse/Eating Disorder)
The true story of Charlie "Bird" Parker, Jazz legend, and his struggles with mental illness. Directed by Clint Eastwood and starring Forest Whitaker. Fantastic soundtrack.

6. Rain Man (Autism)
Dustin Hoffman delivers an award winning performance as a man with Autism and Tom Cruise as the brother who doesn't understand him.

7. Fearless (PTSD)
Jeff Bridges is unforgettable in his performance as a survivor of a plane crash as is Rosie Perez in this emotional tale of trauma, loss and recovery.

8. Lars And The Real Girl (Social Anxiety Disorder)
This film knocked me out with its poignant storytelling of a young man living in a rural Minnesota community. Ryan Gosling and Emily Mortimer star.

9. A Lion In Winter (Personality Disorders)

Various personality disorders as well as maladaptive defense mechanisms often seen in family dysfunction are presented in vivid language and breathtaking performances. Peter O'Toole, Katherine Hepburn and a young Anthony Hopkins dazzle in this award winning film. It's an oldie, but a goodie - and based on the life of King Henry II.

10. The Night Listener (Factitious Disorder)
Robin Williams and Toni Collette tell this true-based story from the experiences of author Armistead Maupin, and his connection to a mysterious young boy.

Do you have a favorite movie?

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

2011-02-22T17:39:00.001-05:00

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a type of psychotherapy that helps you accept the difficulties that come with life. ACT has been around for a long time, but seems to be gaining media attention lately. Categorically speaking, ACT is a form of mindfulness based therapy, theorizing that greater well-being can be attained by overcoming negative thoughts and feelings. Essentially, ACT looks at your character traits and behaviors to assist you in reducing avoidant coping styles. ACT also addresses your commitment to making changes, and what to do about it when you can't stick to your goals.

ACT focuses on 3 areas:

Accept your reactions and be present
Choose a valued direction
Take action.

Acceptance
Whether it be a situation you cannot control, a personality trait that is hard to change or an emotion that overwhelms, accepting it can allow you to move forward. Obsessing, worrying and playing things over and over keep you stuck. In this sense, asking why can leave you helpless. ACT invites you to accept the reality and work with what you have.

Some acceptance strategies include:

1. Letting feelings or thoughts happen without the impulse to act on them.
2. Observe your weaknesses but take note of your strengths.
3. Give yourself permission to not be good at everything.
4. Acknowledge the difficulty in your life without escaping from it or avoiding it.
5. Realize that you can be in control of how you react, think and feel.

Defusion
Another aspect of ACT is the skill-set of learning how to cognitively defuse psychologically heightened experiences. Defusion involves realizing thoughts and feelings for what they really are, like passing sensations or irrational things that we tell ourselves - instead of what we think they are like feelings that will never end or factual truths. The goal of defusion is not to help you avoid the experience, but to make it more manageable for you.

Some defusion strategies include

1. Observe what you are feeling. What are the physical sensations?
2. Notice the way you are talking to yourself as these feelings are experienced.
3. What interpretations are you making about your experience? Are they based in reality?
4. Grab onto the strands of your negative self-talk and counter them with realistic ones.
5. Now re-evaluate your experience with your new-found outlook.

Summary

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy is not a long term treatment. The ACT experience of reworking your verbal connections to thoughts and feelings, known as comprehensive distancing, can be extremely helpful in the treatment of depression, anxiety and many other psychological disorders. For a good reference on ACT, link here.

Mirror-Writing: ?sihT daeR uoY naC

2011-02-17T17:59:00.015-05:00

Mirror writing is the ability to write from right to left, reversing each letter so that when it's held to a mirror, it reads normal.

I'm a mirror-writer, and have been since I'm a kid. I'm not really sure how I got into doing this unusual thing, but it came very easy to me. I'd write notes and letters to friends, which required them to hold it up in a mirror to read it - or turn the page over and hold it up against a strong light if I didn't write on both pages. Silly and entertaining, I never really thought much of it until I read some research on the subject.

Mirror-writing has genetic links. Studies in neuroscience suggest that those who mirror-write have bilateral language centers, with one in each hemisphere of the brain. Approximately 1 in 6500 can mirror-write, the most famous of them all being Leonardo Da Vinci.

I found a reverse writing generator that comes very close to true mirror-writing. You can write regular text and then have it reversed, flipped or written upside down. The fun thing is seeing that no matter how the letters are arranged, our brains are wired to make sense of the words.

Have fun with it. ti htiw nuf evaH

Tips for Broken Heart Syndrome

2011-02-12T21:58:00.005-05:00

Profound emotional sadness doesn't just weigh heavy on your mind. It significantly impacts your body. The depths of despair can lower your immune system, increase blood pressure and heart rate - and cause significant muscle weakness, just to name a few. Stress from grief can flood the body with hormones, specifically Cortisol, which causes that heavy-achy-feeling you get in your chest area.

The heartache that comes with depression can increase the likelihood of a heart attack. In fact, a recent study showed that a person with a depressive disorder and a heart condition were 5 times more likely to die than a person with depression alone or a heart condition alone. The actual medical term for this deeply emotional mind/body experience is called Stress Cardiomyopathy. You might know the colloquial term better: A broken heart. What you might not know is that women are ten times more likely to suffer from Broken Heart Syndrome than men.

I've had a broken heart several times in my life. Not only did my depressive symptoms worsen during these very sad moments, I also noticed a heaviness in my chest and an irregular heartbeat. Sometimes it fluttered, while other times it felt as if it stopped or skipped a beat. A thorough medical work-up showed that I had an arrhythymia. Now on a beta blocker, I no longer experience the depth of my depression in my heart.

Experience is a great teacher. What I learned from those bouts of grief was that I needed to listen to what my body was telling me and to look at emotional issues more quickly than I had done in the past.

Tips for Broken Heart Syndrome

If you have heartache and you're in despair consider these tips:

Don't hold in your emotional pain. Studies show that expressing emotions greatly reduces the body's stress response.
Don't put a time limit on your grief. And don't let others set one for you either.
Make sure you tend to your physical needs. Softness, warmth and touch can be healing.
Don't ignore chronic aches or pains. Check in with your physician.
Eat well, making sure you choose healthy foods to keep you nourished during difficult times.
Keep a routine sleep schedule. If you require medication to help you with sleeping, modulating your moods or for cardiac management, don't feel ashamed. You're going through a significantly stressful time.
A broken heart leaves many people feeling stunned and stuck. Move. Get out of bed. Take a shower. Go for a walk. Feel the sun on your face.
If you feel fragile, limit your exposure to emotionally driven events. That doesn't mean to cocoon yourself away from people. Decide what social connections will give you support, and which ones may be too taxing.
Don't forget your spiritual side. Prayer, even meditation if you're not one for religion, can bring comfort to a broken heart.
Consider seeking a mental health professional if you need help healing from your broken heart.

Understanding The Somatic Experience

2011-02-06T17:02:00.002-05:00

Psychological issues will not only impact your mind, but also your body.

In fact, emotional traumas set into motion the emergency function of the sympathetic nervous system known as the "fight or flight" response. When pressed by a psychological issue, your brain will work to problem-solve, sending messages to your muscles and organs to be ready to fight the problem or flee from it.

Most times, you'll be able to work the psychological issue without great stress on your mind or body. Other times, the emotional trauma might be too overwhelming to work through. At these moments, the acute stress of the situation causes your body to hold onto the psychological wound. In essence, your body becomes the place where your trauma has been stored. These "somatic experiences" can take the form of numbness, sensations of hot or coldness, even physical pain, just to name a few. Often, the kind of body sensations you have can be quite symbolic of the trauma with which you have endured.

Somatic therapies take psychotherapy one step further by addressing the internal physical experience of the body when emtional trauma occurs. To learn more, check out Dr. Peter Levine's work in trauma psychology.

In my clinical work, and in my personal life, I always look at the literal experiences of emotional pain and also the symbolic levels of it. Body awareness and somatic experience are important aspects to consider.

Are you mind *and* body aware?

Inkblot Fun

2011-01-27T11:52:00.000-05:00

What do you see?

When The Teacher is the Bully

2011-01-16T16:29:00.007-05:00

Bullying has been front and center in the public arena for some time now. In recent years, schools have promoted a zero tolerance for schoolyard bullying. Guidelines and resources are more readily available to cope with the workplace bully, as well as for cyber bullying that happens on the computer superhighway.

But what if your child's teacher is the bully? Recent research shows that 2% of children are bullied by a teacher in their lifetime. Teachers who are bullies have the same characteristics of other bullies. They are sadistic and petty, gaining self-esteem through the humiliation of others. In the school environment, a teacher-bully will shame a child in front of classmates, often using their position of authority in abusive ways. The teacher-bully may make an example of a child, sending him out of the room or to the corner. Maybe an extra assignment or denying your child recess becomes the vehicle for bullying.

I had a teacher who was a bully. I was in the 10th grade and she made my life miserable. She was my Spanish teacher, and all year long she picked on me, calling on me to answer impossible questions, throwing me out of the class for making noise and even accusing me of cheating on the Regents exam. Luckily, I had a reputation as being a very quiet student, never getting into any trouble or mischief. I hardly spoke in class and was painfully shy. Administrators responsible for overseeing my “discipline” knew there was a bullying situation going on. Unfortunately, there were two choices. Either drop Spanish and not graduate or stay in the class, since there were no other Spanish classes to transfer into. The lesser of two evils was to stay in the class. And though I had support from my parents and from my friends, the teacher’s bullying was traumatic for me. I was young and ill-equipped to deal with the humiliation and accusations. Like a deer in headlights, I just stood there, helpless.

I’ve long shed the quiet and hesitant demeanor of my teenage years. I have a zero tolerance for bullying of any kind - and am fierce when I have to be. In fact, as a therapist, I help many children take on their bullying battles with great success. And every time I do, I think back to my Spanish teacher and how I’d do things differently. It brings a smile to my face thinking about how I’d take her on with my kick-ass, no-nonsense set of bully-stomping skills.

Ten Tips for Dealing with a Teacher-Bully

If your child is being bullied by a teacher, here are some ways to combat the abuse.

1) Listen attentively to your child when he or she talks about the bullying. Your child’s emotional expression is an important aspect of healing. Ask for details, but don’t push too hard.

2) Remind your child that shame and humiliation are not acceptable ways of treating another human being. This is abusive, and your child needs to know what that means.

3) Some children will be happy for you to intervene, while others may become terrified of your involvement. Support and comfort your child but also educate him or her that you cannot let this hurtful behavior continue.

4) Inform your child that you'll be speaking with the teacher to open up a dialogue about the situation. This is about problem solving - and doing so will teach your child how to negotiate difficult situations in the future.

5) When confronting the teacher, remember that poise and strength count. Resist falling into the gutter with the teacher-bully. Sinking to that level will hurt your position should you need to go further with this issue.

6) Leave a hard-copy or email paper trail of all your conversations with the teacher. If things continue to be abusive for your child, don’t wait. Immediately involve the school administration and support staff.

7) If the bullying hasn't stopped, and there's been no other accommodations made for your child at the school building level, contact the Superintendent and notify your school board.

8) Consider a school transfer if you cannot find success from any of these strategies.

9) Don’t hesitate to file a complaint to the state licensing board.

10) Consider professional help for your child if the bullying causes significant distress.

How To Spot a Liar

2011-01-07T07:02:00.000-05:00

Everybody lies. That's what Dr. House says - and it's true. Like most people, I tell a fib every now and then, especially if I know the truth might sting or bring about conflict. But there are people who lie more than every once in a while. They present a false front about small, mundane things, and even lie about significant issues. For chronic liars, lying is a habit.

Wanna know how to spot a liar? Experts reveal some tips below.

1. What is the style of a person's speech?
Experts say that a change in pitch, speech rate and breathing pattern - if either speeds up or slows down, can tip you off that someone's being untrue.

2. What is the person saying?
Liars are less likely to use the words "I," "me," and "mine." In their attempts to distance themselves from lies, liars tend to communicate using fewer personal words. Also, liars tend to avoid words like "but," "except," and "whereas," because they have trouble keeping track of complex thought processes.

3. How is the person's face?
Experts advise paying close attention to the micro-expressions that a face can't hide. These little signals can help you detect if someone is being deceptive.

4. How is the person's smile?
An authentic smile generates from the mouth and also the eyes. When looking for liars, pay close attention to how a person smiles - the quality of it and quantity of it.

5. Does the body language follow the story?
Truth is, the most important way to detect a liar is to examine a person's entire verbal and non-verbal language. Honesty is characterized by features that are in sync with one another . So, note the fit among facial expressions, body posture, voice, and speech pattern.

6. Is the person behaving uncharacteristically?
Experts believe changes in a person's baseline behavior (the predictable way the usually behave) can signal deception. Anything out of the ordinary should crinkle your brow.

7. What is the conversational topic?
Gauge the intimacy level of the conversation. Is it small talk? Is it a deep emotional exchange?Liars tend to avoid eye contact when involved in simple, social conversation. Liars tend to intensify their eye gaze when being deceptive about "emotional" or "difficult" topics. Remember, most people look away, hesitate or even change their posture when a conversation is difficult.

Now that you've learned a bit on the subject of detecting liars, take the Reader's Digest quiz here. I bet you'll do great!

Resource:
Reader's Digest- "How to Spot a Liar"

The Psychology of Resolutions

2011-01-01T08:22:00.005-05:00

Research says that about 45% of the population make one or more resolutions at the onset of each New Year. Some of the top resolutions involve weight loss, exercising more, stopping smoking or drinking or other "bad" habits. Also popular are resolutions to manage finances better.

Psychologically speaking, the end of a year generally moves us to self-reflect. We think about what was good about the year. The moments that were trying or hard - and all of the moments in-between. The beginning of a New Year can represent a fresh clean slate, where we start anew. It can be a time of new found hope and motivation.

While a lot of people who make New Year's resolutions generally find them hard to keep, research shows that making resolutions can be useful. People who make resolutions are 10 times more likely to attain their goals than people who don't make any.

I like to set realistic goals for myself each year. Some are personal, like exercising more and eating better. Others are professional, such as researching a new subject or presenting at a conference. Of course, I don't achieve all these goals. But for me, I know that thinking about change leads me toward change. And that's a good way to start the year.

What about you?

Do you use the New Year as a benchmark?

Reference:
Norcross, J.C.; Mrykalo, M.S. & Blagys, M.D. (2002). Auld Lang Syne: Success predictors, change processes, and self-reported outcomes of New Year's resolvers and nonresolvers. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 58(4), 397-405.

Dr. Deb: A Year in Review

2010-12-24T11:00:00.003-05:00

This blog journey has been a most gratifying experience for me. I continually learn new things, get a chance to write about them and enjoy the discussions that my regular readers, as well as passersby, offer.

Every year about this time, I take a look at things, especially which posts get the most reads. I blog about a lot of psychological issues, but the one post that garnered thousands of hits this year was about Broken Heart Syndrome.

Profound emotional sadness can lower your immune system, increase blood pressure, heart rate and muscle weakness. Stress from grief can flood the body with hormones, specifically Cortisol, which causes that heavy achy feeling in the chest area. All of these issues increase the likelihood of heart attack. The actual medical term for this mind/body experience is Stress Cardiomyopathy. The colloquial term is a broken heart.

If you are in the depths of despair consider these tips:

1) Don't hold in your emotional pain. Studies show that expressing emotions greatly reduces the body's stress response.

2) Don't put a time limit on your grief. And don't let others set one for you either. Consider seeking the guidance of a professional who can help you move through this traumatic loss.

3) Make sure you tend to your physical needs. Eat well, keep a routine sleep schedule. If you require medication to help you with sleeping, modulate your moods or for cardiac management, don't feel ashamed. You are going through a significantly stressful time.

4) A broken heart leaves many people feeling stunned and stuck. Move. Get out of bed. Take a shower. Go for a walk. Feel the sun on your face.

5) Above all else, make sure that you check in with your physician. Remember, Stress Cardiomyopathy is a mind/body event.

Art that Empowers Girls

2010-12-18T11:13:00.004-05:00

Did you know that studies investigating gender roles say that despite recent changes in media, rigid stereotyping for young girls still exists. It's true.

Advertising, cartoons, commercials, picture books and toys are just some of the ways that children develop an understanding about how society defines what is means to be a girl or a boy. Most often, girls are represented as being motivated by love and romance, and are less independent than boys. Experts in the the field confirm that many themes portray girls as sexual yet powerless and passive. What confusing messages!

When looking at the posters above, girls (and boys) can learn that gender roles are not rigid. The artist, Amanda Visell has had her work featured in galleries, museums, toys stores and even movies around the world. I think she's a maverick!

I love the message in this art. Don't you?

Tips for Getting Thru the Holidays

2010-12-13T13:52:00.008-05:00

Overexpectation. This is the single biggest cause of holiday stress. Unrealistic hopes that everything will be perfect, and everyone will be happy can only lead to disappointment, frustration and even depression. Be realistic and enjoy the true meaning of the holidays, which is about celebration and togetherness – not perfection.

Overscheduling. Most of our lives are already overscheduled, even before adding in holiday visits, religious events, and travel. Make plans carefully in advance and don’t be afraid to say “No!" if you feel burdened.

Overindulging. Eat, drink and be merry…within reason. Overeating can worsen certain health problems and causes unneeded guilt over extra pounds. Enjoy the bounty of special celebrations but don’t go overboard.

Overpaying. Don't confuse “stuff” with love. Make a budget and stick to it. Most of all, remember to give the gift of time to children. Long after the $100 video games are forgotten, kids will remember sledding down hills with you.

Overexertion. Don’t wait until the last minute to shop for food and presents. Shop ahead of time. Use the Internet. And don’t go it alone! Delgate if necessary.

Overbearing Relatives. Family conflicts can resurface during what should be ideal moments. Try to avoid falling into old tensions or old roles. If certain people are problematic, be creative with seating or invite people to different occasions at different times. Set aside differences until after the holidays. If friction arises, leave the room to baste the turkey or take a walk with someone.

Overstressed. Keep an eye out for signs of discomfort and stress that takes its toll on your body and mind. Head or backaches, nightmares, withdrawal, irritability and other out-of-character behaviors are a sign that you have taken on too much.

How are you doing with the Holidays?

Pareidolia is a Cognitive Illusion

2010-12-07T10:33:00.013-05:00

Pareidolia is a the tendency to see faces in inanimate objects. This neuropsychological phenomenon is sometimes called a cognitive illusion - whereby our eyes see something and our mind interprets its structure. The result is the experience of seeing something that really is not there.

Have some fun and see if you can find the faces in these photos. My favorite is the face of the dog in the clouds. Which is yours?

Anniversary Effect

2010-12-01T21:59:00.004-05:00

"Anniversary Effect", sometimes called Anniversary Reaction, is defined as a unique set of unsettling feelings, thoughts or memories that occur on the anniversary of a significant experience.

Sometimes you can trace the reason why you're feeling sad, irritable or anxious. One look at the calendar and you connect the dots from your current emotional state to the traumatic event. For example, the birthday of someone who's no longer alive, the date of an accident, a natural disaster or a miscarriage, just to name a few.

Sometimes finding the Anniversary Effect isn't as easy to trace because the event doesn't have a time-specific relationship. It may be more of a seasonal experience. For example, Autumn reminds you of when your child left for college, or a hot humid day reminds you of the time you signed your divorce papers. Or for me, the sounds of Christmas music on the radio takes me back to the trauma of a botched robbery that nearly took my life.

Anniversary Reactions signal that you are still working on moving through the trauma of your experience. It is often a normal part of the grieving process.

What You Can Do

1. Make sure you take time to glance at a calendar each month - and explore dates and memories attached to such dates. This framework can help prepare you for the possibility of an Anniversary Reaction.

2. The anniversary date is not the only day that you might feel out of sorts. Remind yourself that days or weeks leading up to an anniversary date - and even ones after, may be tough ones for you.

3. Anniversaries of public trauma, crises or disasters receive significant media coverage. Often, media outlets revisit distressing imagery. Limit your watching of TV, reading of newspapers and visiting Internet news sites around those dates.

4. Express your memories and feelings when an Anniversary Effect happens. You can do this by talking with a family member or friend, journaling, blogging or finding creative ways to express your inner experiences.

5. Make sure you take good care of yourself during these times. Self-care, support and comfort will help ground you as you move through trauma.

6. If you find that you're struggling with your trauma, remember that you're not alone. Loss affects each of us differently, so don't put a time limit on your grief. If you feel overwhelmed or cannot navigate successfully through your Anniversary Reaction, consider seeking the counsel of a trauma specialist.

Managing Holiday Stress

2010-11-27T11:05:00.007-05:00

It's that time of year when many people shift gears and the holidays take center stage. Often, the holiday season is not all comfort and joy. It can be a time of great emotional and physical stress. One of my favorite psychology links is The American Psychological Association - which is featuring a timely post on how to identify holiday stress and build resilience. Here are some excerpts:

Define holiday stress—How do you experience stress? Does that experience change during the holidays? Different people experience stress differently. How do you know when you are stressed?

Identify holiday stressors—What holiday events or situations trigger stressful feelings? Are they related to work, home, relationships or something else?

Recognize how you deal with stress—Determine if you are relying on unhealthy behaviors like smoking or eating to manage stress. Is this a behavior you rely on year-round, or is it specific to holiday stress?

Change one behavior at a time—Unhealthy behaviors develop over the course of time. Replacing unhealthy behaviors with healthy ones requires time. Start small and focus on changing one behavior.

Take care of yourself—Taking care of yourself during the holiday season helps to keep your mind and body primed to deal with stress. Pay attention to your own needs and feelings. Engage in holiday activities that you enjoy and find relaxing. Exercise regularly. Eat healthy. Make sure you get enough rest and sleep.

Ask for support—Accepting help from those who care about you and will listen to you strengthens your resilience and ability to manage stress. Use the holidays as a time to reconnect with friends and family and strengthen your support network. If you feel overwhelmed by stress, then consider seeking professional help. Psychologists are uniquely trained to understand the connection between the mind and body. They can offer strategies to help you manage stress, change unhealthy behaviors and address emotional issues.

Airplane Screenings: What's The Big Deal?

2010-11-21T20:58:00.018-05:00

Well, for many travelers it *is* no big deal. They don't mind the enhanced pat downs or their naked bodies being seen on X-ray scanners.

But for millions of others, it is quite a to-do.

It's traumatizing to have someone put their hands on you. Or to find that your body scan has not been destroyed but rather saved and on display for others to see. It can be acutely distressing and humiliating to be submissive and under someone's control. Read here about a pilot who didn't feel fit to fly after an enhanced pat down. It can trigger flashbacks of abuse or feel like a sexual molestation. It may reveal more than you want others to know, like if you've had a mastectomy, wear a colostomy bag or are in the midst of gender reassignment, for example. Read here about a bladder cancer survivor's urine-soaked pat down. And if you witness another person's traumatic experience during an airplane screening, you can be emotionally effected. This is called vicarious trauma.

I understand the need for safety and security in this day and age. But these new security measures feel wrong on so many levels. I don't blame the TSA for following their orders. We need to appeal to those in charge, who clearly need to consult with trauma experts. The TSA has a job to do, but needs to appreciate the impact of trauma and to incorporate more sensitive measures.

Tips and Recommendations

1. If you are someone who is going to fly, head over to Dr. Kathleen Young's blog for links, tips and grounding techniques to minimize trauma.

2. Make sure you know your Passenger Rights.

3. Consider accessing grassroots movements like Opt Out Day and We Won't Fly.

4. Write to your US House of Representatives by clicking here.

5. Write your US Senator by linking here.

*** Trigger Alert for Video and Photo ***

Photo from John Wild/johnwild.info

Suicide "Survivor" Awareness Day: 11/20

2010-11-18T13:38:00.002-05:00

Every year on the Saturday before Thanksgiving, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention sponsors National Survivors of Suicide Day - reaching out to thousands of people who have lost a loved one to suicide. This Saturday, November 20, 2010, is their 12th year of raising awareness and providing support.

Over 230 simultaneous conferences for survivors of suicide loss will take place throughout the U.S. and across the world. An amazing network of healing conferences is available for those who have survived the tragedy of suicide loss. Connecting on this day allows survivors to know that they are not alone in this experience. And perhaps more important than anything else, research has shown that survivors of suicide contribute significantly in better understanding suicide and its prevention. There is great power in the personal narrative.

To find a city worldwide where a conference is being held link here and here

Read more on suicide outreach and about the 10 common myths about suicide here

Inkblot: Red White & Black

2010-11-12T09:41:00.006-05:00

So, what do you see?

Q & A: Seasonal Affective Disorder

2010-11-03T10:33:00.004-04:00

Question: What is Seasonal Affective Disorder?
Answer: Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a pattern of significant depressive symptoms that occur and then disappear with the changing of the seasons. SAD is sometimes called "Winter Depression" or "Winter Blues". SAD occurs when days get shorter around November and reduce with the onset of Spring. Incidentally, SAD can have a "reverse seasonal pattern" where depression occurs in summer months.

Question: What's the difference between Seasonal Affective Disorder and other forms of depression?
Answer: SAD is a subcategory of Major Depressive Disorder. Symptoms, though, occur seasonally, so symptoms come in cycles..

Question: How many people are affected by SAD each year?
Answer: SAD affects millions worldwide. The illness is more common in higher latitudes (locations that are farther north or south of the equator) because of their distance from the sun. Research also shows that women are more prone to SAD than are men.

Question: What are the symtpoms of SAD?
Answer: Symptoms include many of the same symptoms of depression: sadness, anxiety, lost interest in usual activities, withdrawal from social activities and an inability to concentrate. The difference though, is that these symptoms resolve each Spring and tend to occur again in late Fall.

Question: What is the cause of Seasonal Affective Disorder?
Answer: Melatonin, a sleep-related hormone secreted by the pineal gland in the brain, has been linked to SAD. This hormone, which may cause symptoms of depression, is produced at increased levels in the dark. Therefore, when the days are shorter and darker the production of this hormone increases.

Question: What kind of treatments are available?
Answer: Phototherapy or bright light therapy has been shown to suppress the brain’s secretion of Melatonin. Antidepressants are helpful as well. For mild SAD symptoms, spending time outdoors during the day or sitting in a pool of sunshine indoors are helpful. Studies have shown that an hour’s walk in sunlight was as effective as two and a half hours under bright artificial light. Daily exercise has been shown to be helpful, particularly when done outdoors. Keeping a healthy sleeping and eating pattern is also recommended.

Question: How to Seek Treatment for SAD?
Answer: If you've noticed a pattern to your depression, make an appointment with your physician. Medical tests and exams should be up to date to rule out any other reason for depressive symptoms. Thereafter, a consult with a psychologist, social worker or psychiatrist is necessary. A treatment plan of light therapy, medication, talk therapy or a combination of them may be recommended.

Resources

Seasonal Affective Disorder Association: http://www.sada.org.uk/

Society for Light Treatment :www.websciences.org/sltbr

The Circadian Lighting Association: www.claorg.org

Happy Stigma Free Halloween

2010-10-30T10:48:00.005-04:00

Halloween is one of the oldest recorded observances.

The tradition started over two thousand years ago with The Celts, who believed that the boundary between the worlds of the living and the dead became blurred on October 31st. So, on that "Hallow's Eve" they built bonfires and wore ghostly costumes to drive the evil spirits away, and carried a potato or turnip candle lantern to intimidate the demons around them.

The National Alliance For Mental Illness reminds us that not only is it the season for ghosts and goblins, but also stigma. Costumes and seasonal attractions that feature psychos, mental patients, and insane asylums perpetuate stereotypes. Intended as fun, these violent stereotypes serve to perpetuate stigma -- which as reported by the U.S. Surgeon General is one of the greatest barriers to people getting help when they need it. It also is the source of prejudice and discrimination that leads to isolation and impedes progress toward recovery.

Hope your Halloween is stigma free.

Quiz: What Side of the Brain Are You?

2010-10-25T07:58:00.003-04:00

You Are the Right Side of the Brain

You are a naturally creative and imaginative person. You have the mind of an artist.

You are inspired by the whole world around you, and you never hesitate to act on your inspirations. You are very spontaneous.

You are a true multitakser. You are always scanning and processing the world around you while you get other things done.

You see the big picture like no one else. You have spot on intuition and a good memory.

What Side of the Brain Are You?

Everything here is true for me, save the totally spontaneous line. I plan, plan, plan.

What about you?

Empathy: Cognitive and Affective

2010-10-20T09:15:00.006-04:00

Empathy is defined as the ability to perceive someone else's experience. Dr. Simon Baron-Cohen, the cousin of actor Sasha, is an avid researcher on empathy and reports that for the most part, women demonstrate empathy to a greater degree than do men.

But did you know there are two kinds of empathy?

Cognitive empathy is the ability to perceive what another person is thinking. "She must be telling herself this was a mistake."

Affective empathy is the ability to sense what another person is emotionally experiencing. "She must be feeling upset about this mistake."

Of course, there's much more to the process of empathy. But should you want to stretch your ability to feel for another person try these tips:

1) Ask yourself what must this person be thinking? This will broaden your cognitive empathy.

2) Same goes for affective empathy - imagine what feelings and emotions might be stirring within another person.

3) If it's hard for you to "be in another person's shoes", ask yourself what YOU might be thinking or feeling if you were in a similar situation.

Therapy "Service Dogs"

2010-10-15T08:25:00.011-04:00

Psychiatric Service Dogs are amazing helpers and companions for children and adults with mental health issues. I love seeing service dogs when I'm out and about in the world. What kinds of tasks can Psychiatric Service Dogs be trained to do? Take a look:

♦ Remind handler to take medication on time

♦ Warm handler’s body during a panic attack

♦ Interrupt repetitive OCD behaviors

♦ Comfort handler during emotional distress

♦ Accompany handler outside of the home

♦ Interrupt dissociative episodes or flashbacks

♦ Protect and safeguard handler during seizure

♦ Provide a safe grounding presence

♦ Interrupt self-harming

Just remember, if you see a Psychiatric Service Dog, ask their handler if the dog is "working". Dogs can be petted and played with only when they're on a break!

For more on Psychiatric Service Dogs go here

National Depression Screening Day: 10/7

2010-10-07T07:22:00.002-04:00

National Depression Screening Day is today, October 7th. Each year, more than half a million children and adults are screened for depression with this campaign.

Depression affects more than 120 million people worldwide and is the one of the leading causes of disability across the globe.

To find a free, anonymous screening site in your area, link here. If you can't find a way to go in person, take an online screening at PsychCentral, Mental Health America or Screening for Mental Health.

It seems fitting that on National Depression Screening Day that I announce that I've been offered a book deal for my nonfiction depression book. I'm happy to report that "Living with Depression: Why Biology and Biology Matter Along the Path to Hope and Healing" will be published in 2011 by Rowman & Littlefield.

It's my hope that "Living with Depression" will help children and adults who experience depression, offer insight to those who love someone who has the illness, and become a resource to others who want to learn more about mood disorders.

Mental Health Awareness Week

2010-10-01T11:34:00.005-04:00

For the last 20 years, the first week in October has been designated as Mental Health Awareness Week. The campaign, which begins October 3rd and runs through the 9th, is focusing on the theme "Changing Attitudes, Changing Lives."

The truth is that negative stereotypes and improper understanding of mental illness keep many children and adults from getting the help they need.

If you or someone you love has a undiagnosed or untreated mental disorder, you can find local and national support in Australia , Canada and the USA

For me, every day is an awareness day. But I like how campaigns like this shine a light on mental health.

Inkblot Fun

2010-09-26T16:12:00.008-04:00

There are many kinds of psychological tests that help us understand the human psyche. Some are standardized, meaning that they have varying degrees of right and wrong answers. While others psychological tests are subjective - having NO wrong answers. These kinds of tests, instead, reveal your perception and inner life as a person.

This is not an actual Rorschach Inkblot (it's unethical to reveal them). But if you're so inclined, share what you see. I'll include my response in the comments so as to not influence yours.

Mentally Ill Stuffed Animals

2010-09-13T15:38:00.012-04:00

A depressed turtle.
A delusional snake.
A paranoid crocodile.
A sheep with multiple personality disorder.
A hippo with autism.

At first glance, you might think these are cute. But go further and you'll learn that these furry animals are stuffed with stigmatizing beliefs about mental illness.

Parapleusch - a European toy company - is selling these toys with the tag line "Psychiatry for Abused Toys". On the website, you can play an online game at The Asylum and give "treatment" to the toy of your choice. But be prepared for stereotyped crazy behavior, outdated and incorrect diagnostic labels, hallucinogenic drug reactions and the always insulting puppet-sock therapy. Make sure you see the "no-hanging" suicide policy wall sign in the community room. Insensitive. Distasteful. Stigmatizing.

Several blogs have picked up on this story - so you might be hearing about this in mainstream media soon. I'm no stick in the mud. I do enjoy humor. But this kinda stuff needs to stop.

What do you think?

World Suicide Prevention Day: 9/10/2010

2010-09-09T09:24:00.003-04:00

Did you know that over 1 million people die by suicide each year? That's a death by suicide very 40 seconds.

Suicide is THE most preventable kind of death. Education, resources, intervention and outreach can help children and adults who struggle with staggering sadness, hopelessness and despair.

One of the most far-reaching campaigns is World Suicide Prevention Day. This health education program is sponsored by The International Association for Suicide Prevention, The World Health Organization, The United Nations and many grass root organizations and agencies every year on September 10th.

This year's theme is "Suicide Prevention Across the World"

To learn about the warning signs for suicidal behavior go here.

For suicide resources in the USA use this link - and for worldwide referrals go here.

Clear Mind. Clear Thoughts.

2010-09-06T19:06:00.005-04:00

Amazing, how time away can clear your mind and refuel your senses. These are a few of the things I noticed while on vacation this summer.

1. Tea, hot or cold, tastes better when your feet are up.

2. Telling time by where the sun is in the sky is underrated - and surprisingly not that difficult to learn.

3. Where have all the niceties gone? Please. Thank you. I'll be with you in a moment. These little social graces go a long way. Have we become so technologically involved that eye contact requires effort? What about a smile or a nod? I fear courtesy is going the way of the Dodo bird.

4. Evian spelled backwards is Naïve. Do you think the water bottle company did that on purpose?

5. The only perfect science really is hindsight.

What's Your Power Color?

2010-08-15T08:30:00.004-04:00

Quizzes like these aren't evidenced based - they're just for fun. But I do hate when they're accurate. This one in particular got me spot-on.

Your Power Color Is Red-Orange

At Your Highest: You are warm, sensitive, and focused on your personal growth.

At Your Lowest: You become defensive and critical if you feel attacked.

In Love: You are loyal - but you demand the respect you deserve.

How You're Attractive: You are very affectionate and inspire trust.

Your Eternal Question: "Am I Respected?"

What's Your Power Color?

What's your power-color?

Chromotherapy

2010-08-07T08:41:00.009-04:00

Chromotherapy is the use of color and light to bring health and balance into one's life. As a psychologist, I feel that there are many ways to create a sense of well being. I'm open to all kinds of experiences, and like to hear when people try something new that has been meaningful to them.

Chromotherapy has been around since ancient times. Notably, Egyptians built solarium rooms with colored glass to achieve certain therapeutic benefits. The sun would shine through the glass and flood an ill person with color.

Today, there are many practitioners who use color and light in interesting ways. Some Color Therapists have a box with a mechanism that flickers light into the eyes. They report success in speeding the recovery of stroke victims and people who experience chronic depression. Some Color Therapists recommend the wearing of eyeglasses with colored lenses to achieve benefits of color exposure. Another kind of color therapy example is the practice of Feng Shui, where color is strategically placed into your home and work spaces for optimum balance of energy[1].

Using Chromotherapy doesn't only involve bathing yourself in color in a physical sense. Another form of Chromotherapy is "Color Breathing"[2].

"Color Breathing" is a meditative practice, that can easily be performed before going to sleep, or when waking in the morning, at work or at home.

With "Color Breathing" you choose a color to suit your needs. Simply hold the color in your mind's eye. Then, as you inhale a deep, slow breath through your nose, you visualize that color, try to feel the color and see the color. Then you exhale slowly through your mouth, continuing to visualize and experience the color.

Breathing Colors

Red: Increase energy and power. Affects the heart by increasing pulse rate, and the muscles by increasing their tension. Influences vitality, and increases body temperature. Can be used to develop excitement and sensuality.

Orange: Cure procrastination, improves attention, stimulates creative thinking and enthusiasm.

Yellow: Experience Joy, optimism.Increases neuromuscular tone. Purifies blood, helps digestion, and has a cleansing effect. Strongly stimulates happiness, brings on a sense of security, as well as a strong feeling of well-being.

Green: Regulates the pituitary gland, fights depression, bulimia, and other psychosomatic conditions affecting the gastric system. It is useful in calming the nervous system, fights irritability, insomnia and can be used to assist in reducing anxiety.

Turquoise: Improve immune system, ,increases intuition and sensitivity.
Turquoise is important for respiratory system and in strengthening the metabolism.

Blue: Relax, reduce high blood pressure, calms breathing rate and heart rate. It has anti-inflammatory and muscle relaxing effects. Calms strong emotions like anger, aggression or hysteria.

Purple: Boost self worth, gain wisdom, decreases sensitivity to pain, helps in detoxification.

Pink: Let go of negative feelings, heals grief and sadness. Restores youthfulness. Brings you in contact with your feelings.

White: Provides energy and balance, by stimulating the production of serotonin, a substance which regulates both sleep and the nervous system. Re-balances the psychophysical and hormonal systems in people who suffer from seasonal depression

Black: Is a power color and can bring authority. It can also provide protection, calm, silence as well as submission.

Brown: Increases decisiveness and concentration. This color also provides stability, grounding, conservation, protection. Brown can help awaken common sense and discrimination. It brings us back down to earth.

Silver: is the color of peace and persistence. It has been used for fighting cancer of tissue and blood.

Gold: It is a curing color, strengthening all fields of the body and spirit. Gold is very useful in increasing self-awareness. It can also renew enthusiasm.

Do you have a favorite color?

Footnotes:
[1] Institute for Chromotherapy - http://www.ifct.net/
[2] About.com "Color Therapy" accessed @ http://healing.about.com/

Professions With Highest Depression Rate

2010-08-03T08:15:00.008-04:00

Onlinecollege.org has compiled a list of the some of the professions that have the highest depression rate.

"1.Nursing Home Employees and Childcare Providers. These, and other personal care careers, top the list of the most depressed professions out there. Almost 11% of workers in this field reported depression that lasted for two weeks or longer.

2.Food Service: Workers have to deal with low pay, few chances for advancement, physically dangerous or exhausting work, and often demanding and unforgiving work environments. As anyone in the food service industry will tell you, it's hard, hard work.

3.Social Workers: Those working in this field are three times more likely to be depressed than the general population, and many are so focused on helping others they don't get the help that they need themselves.

4.Doctors and Nurses: Doctors and nurses score high when it comes to rating their burnout and depression on the job. As hospitals and medical care facilities reduce staff and make cutbacks, these professionals are responsible for a larger patient load, adding to their stress and anxiety.

5.Artists: As cliche as the stereotype might be, artists, entertainers and those in the creative fields have higher levels of depression than the general population. While there has been no definitive link between depression and creativity, those who choose to work in an artistic or entertainment field found it depressing, with 9.1% indicating a depressive episode over the past year.

6.Teachers: Being responsible for teaching the leaders of our future is stressful enough, but throw in having too many kids in a classroom, students with behavioral problems and not enough resources to get the job done, and you've described the experience many teachers have working today. Not to mention getting emotionally involved in the lives of students and wanting to help beyond the limits of your job. These factors and others lead to early burnout and depression in teachers.

7.Secretaries and Administrative Support: Clerical support staff are responsible with keeping a lot of things running smoothly but rarely get the acknowledgment they deserve for doing their jobs well. Some mental health experts say that the high levels of depression in support staff are due to the lack of control they have over their work environment and work flow, but whatever it is that causes it, these workers are more likely to be depressed, take anti-anxiety medication and call in sick to work.

8.Maintenance Workers: No one notices maintenance workers until something is broken or doesn't work. It is this lack of attention, repetitive tasks, and low wages that leads many who work in building maintenance and cleaning to feel depressed and unhappy about their work.

9.Financial Advisors: In an economic downturn, it makes sense that those working in the financial field should feel a little down about the outlook of things, but studies have shown that those working in finance have higher levels of depression than other professions even in good times. The major leading factor? Stress. The stress of working with money, and very often large sums of it, can be too much for some.

10.Lawyers: The demands of a legal career make it easy for lawyers to burnt out and over stressed, often leading to depression. Lawyers are 3.8 times more likely to be depressed than those in other professions and rank among the highest among levels of depression in all careers. Working excessive hours, having little time for family and personal engagement and a highly competitive field all contribute to creating high levels of depression in lawyers."

Who Do You Write Like?

2010-07-28T19:12:00.002-04:00

I write like
Margaret Atwood

I Write Like by Mémoires, Mac journal software. Analyze your writing!

Just cut and paste a section of something you've written to see what famous author writes like you do!

I write like Margaret Atwood - who is a Canadian author, poet, critic, essayist, feminist and social campaigner.

Yeah. That's sounds about right for me!

Optical Illusions: Eyes/ Brain/ Mind

2010-07-23T13:53:00.000-04:00

Optical illusions occur as a result of perception. Essentially, visual perception involves a three step process. 1) The eyes see 2)The information received is relayed to the brain 3)The mind reasons it all out.

Sometimes, though, what we see isn't what's really there. Below are three static, non-moving pictures from Mighty Optical Illusions. Take a look at how they "move" and "float" despite being fixed objects. This is a great lesson in learning how perception is not always an accurate experience. Gives new meaning to "seeing is believing", doesn't it?

For more on illusions link here

Inception - A Film About The Subconscious

2010-07-18T20:23:00.014-04:00

Inception is the cinematic blockbuster from writer/director Christopher Nolan about the power of dream states. I've been waiting a long time to see this finished project, having read about it years ago.

Essentially, the movie is a psychological thriller about the intricacies of the psyche, especially the Alpha state of the subconscious mind. Dreams are validated as real experiences, holding secrets, meaning and power if we can bring them into awareness.

The movie's star, Leonardo DiCaprio, said he prepared for the role by reading Sigmund Freud's "Interpretation of Dreams". Oh, Leo, you could've called me to help you. I would've let you borrow my Interpretation of Dreams collector edition. . . maybe do a session or two on the couch.

Brain Wave States
There are four brain wave states that take our mind to different places. First is Beta wave, where we are awake, alert and oriented to all things. Our mind is active and in a conscious state.

The second is Alpha wave, where we are relaxed, perhaps daydreaming, cat napping, meditating or enjoying a blissful calm. We are not asleep, but we are barely there. Our minds dimly register what's currently going on - and have greater access to subconscious thoughts.

The third is Theta wave, where we become drowsy and fall into light sleep.

Deep sleep is Delta Wave, where we are out for the count. The movement between Delta and Theta waves is the zone where we dream, and where REM sleep can be measured.

If you want to develop your mind to access subconscious thoughts, sharpen your Alpha waves by meditating, daydreaming or taking a cat nap and see where things take you.

Note: Thanks to Xmichra for reminding me that Alpha waves, which spur subconscious thoughts, can also cause triggers.

15 Tips for Mental Fitness

2010-07-09T22:28:00.005-04:00

1. Learn to Relax
Allow yourself to let go of inner tensions by giving yourself a “mini vacation.” Give your mind a break by becoming engrossed in a good book, watching a movie, listening to music, taking a walk, working on a hobby, meditating or similar activity that is relaxing for you.

2. Be Kind To Yourself
People are frequently too hard on themselves when things don’t go right. Tune into your self talk, and counteract your negative thoughts about yourself with positive statements.

3. Eat Properly
Nutrition has a direct impact on feeling mentally positive. Limit your intake of sugar, fat, salt, caffeine and alcohol and help yourself stay mentally fit.

4. Find A Friend
Friendships are very important to mental fitness. Working on developing and maintaining friendships is one of the best ways to continue growing as a person. Expressing feelings and ideas to another person can help us clarify what’s truly important to ourselves.

5. Learn to Say “No”
Often people feel the need to respond immediately when a friend or family member make a request. Help yourself set limits by avoiding the quick “knee jerk” response in the affirmative. Instead, let them know you will get back to them shortly. Then do a check of your schedule; ask yourself if you really want to add to your load. Give yourself permission to say “No” when you are too busy to take on additional commitments of your time or energy.

6. Exercise
Check with your doctor about what level is best for you. Even a brisk 15-minute walk, three times a week does wonders for how you think and feel.

7. Do It Now
Procrastination can lead to negative feelings about yourself. One doesn’t have to go to extremes, but it can feel very satisfying at the end of the day to have accomplished a hard task or met a difficult situation head-on.

8. Adapt To Rather Than Resist Change
Change is inevitable and is a necessary part of life. The important thing is to be patient with yourself when you are going through change, and to give yourself time to go through the phases of transition. Realize it takes time to let go of the old and embrace the new.

9. Test Your Assumptions
Sometimes in our interactions with other people, we make the most incredible assumptions and act as if they are true. Rather than assuming, it might be worth the risk to ask directly what was meant.

10. Express Your Feelings
Emotions are a natural response to life. It is important to find ways to express your feelings. Journaling your thoughts is one way that can help you clarify what you are feeling. Once you have identified your feelings, you may find it easier to share them with others.

11. Grieve Losses
Sadness and grief are natural and appropriate responses to the losses which we all experience. Grief over the loss of a love one can be very painful and may last for some time. By being kind and allowing ourselves the time to grieve, we have the potential to be stronger than ever

12. Rest
Get a good night’s sleep. Not everyone needs the same amount of sleep, but it should be restful sleep. There are many techniques available to help promote relaxation; or, you might want to check with your doctor rather than assuming your restless sleep is simply something you have to live with.

13. Review Your “Shoulds”
If you feel stuck by some things you “Should” be doing and aren’t, set a time limit by which you will either have them done or get rid of them. Staying stuck in the middle is a good way to punish yourself and cause mental anguish and stress.

14. Have A Laugh
Nurture your sense of humor, especially about yourself. Trying to see the humorous side of things makes even the most difficult situations easier to bear. Laughter is good medicine. Being too serious limits your ability to enjoy life.

15. Ask For Help
If you need emotional support or just someone to talk to, don’t be afraid to ask for it. There are times in life when everyone must look outside themselves for comfort and advice. If friends can do the job, ask them to help. If not, be assured that professional help is available through your employee assistance program.

I'd say I do about 13 of the 15.

How do you do with these?

Reference

University of Washington.

How Do You React?

2010-07-03T07:48:00.006-04:00

Take this short quiz to learn your reaction style.

Warm

You are very interested in other people. You have great deal of sympathy and compassion.

You are a confident person, and you're aware of the image you project. You act like you're in control even when you're not.

You are very comfortable around people, and you enjoy talking with strangers. You are approachable.

You are engaged and paying attention to the world. You are a good listener.

How Do You React?

Empty Nest Syndrome

2010-06-28T12:17:00.004-04:00

Empty Nest Syndrome is a phrase used to explain the psychological experience of loss when a child leaves home. Often shortened to Empty Nest, parents move through feelings of sadness, loss and worries regarding their own identity since their day-to-day responsibilities have changed.

Empty Nest is most often seen in the Fall when teenagers leave for college, in Summer when kids leave for camp - but can occur anytime a child leaves home (getting married, new job, etc.)

Some parents move through the transition of children leaving home without much difficulty. Others experience bouts of weepiness, loneliness or irritability. These are very normal and natural.

If you find that time has not helped you adjust to your new life, and symptoms are worsening, it might help to seek a support group like Daily Strength Empty-Nest Support Group or consider professional help. Attachment and loss can be an overwhelming experience for some parents. Don't let the excitement of your child's new life make you feel as if you have to hide your heartache.

10 Tips for Ethical Parenting

2010-06-22T07:22:00.001-04:00

In the forthcoming book Good Kids, Tough Choices, Dr. Rushworth M. Kidder reports that lying, cheating, insensitivity and lack of empathy are on the rise in children. According to research, less and less children know what it means to do the right thing.

If you're a parent looking for tips on how to raise a compassionate and ethically minded child, this book is a great, practical read. Using ethical parenting early in a child's life helps them to be fair, mindful, connected and compassionate.

Here are Kidder's 10 Tips for Ethical Parenting:

1. Children learn self-steerage from watching us. Modeling how you think and process helps your children to learn how to do the right thing.

2. The language of ethics helps shape thinking and behavior. Use phrases like "be nice" "be fair" and "consider others" to helps shape compassionate behavior.

3. When you think out loud, your children learn your ethics. Let children hear your internal monologue as you move through decisions, thoughts and feelings.

4. Your ethical reasoning elevates their critical thinking skills. Make it clear that your decisions are based on sound ethical reasoning. Show the step by step process of how you reason for your children.

5. When you stretch to do the right things, your children grow more ethically fit. Showing both sides of an argument enables both sides to be experienced. This helps a child learn fairness and compassion.

6. When you admit to your own imperfections, you take the pressure off your children. Showing your children that you can make a mistake, own it and learn from it will help them understand their own humanity.

7. If you keep your ethical aspirations high, children are likely to do the same. Be consistent, conscientious and fair with ethics - and your children will follow suit.

8. You're their number one role model. Children are always watching how you act and behave. You are the mirror to the world for them. Remember that they look up to you as not only a parent but as a teacher.

9. You promote moral courage by modeling it. Let your children see how you move through difficult issues. Talk about the challenges you face, the feelings it provokes and the conflicts that arise.

10. You make them believe in the future. Be enthusiastic and upbeat about the importance of ethics in daily life. In doing so, fairness, sensitivity and mindfulness become more of a reflex than a learned skill.

Stalking Safety Tips

2010-06-17T14:15:00.008-04:00

Stalking, the willful, malicious and repeated following and harassing of another person, can happen to any of us - no matter age, gender, race, socio-economic status or geographic location. According to data in the United States, 1 in 12 women and 1 in 45 men will be stalked in their lifetime.

Although significant attention has been devoted to adult perpetrators and victims of stalking, there is persuasive evidence that stalking begins at a much younger age. Research suggests that stalking traits begin in childhood and have developmental issues related to attachment, identity formation, and emotional states involving jealousy, envy, and anger. It is important to note that a person who stalks can be someone you know or can be a total stranger.

Things To Do : No one ever deserves to be a victim of a stalker. Every situation that involves stalking is different, but there are a few guidelines to follow if you feel you are a victim of a stalker.

* Convey to the stalker that you wish to have no contact with him/her. It is important not to continue communicating this more than one time. If you do, you are reinforcing the unhealthy attachment.

* Inform friends, family and your employer or school of the situation.

* Inform your local police department that you are a victim of a stalker. This is important to do even if you don't intend to file charges. A record will be created which will serve as a paper trail should you need one.

* Document the situation in which you have seen or had any type of contact with the stalker. This can be done in a personal diary or journal. Save all letters, emails, voice mails or text messages for record keeping.

* Change your phone number, cell phone number, email address, website or blog, if necessary. Consider taking a self-defense class that can help you feel strong and become vigilant to your surroundings.

* Also document any other pertinent information such as car type, license plate number, physical description, etc. These steps can help you if the situation escalates into something more dangerous.

Additional Steps:

* File for a restraining or protective order. Information on filing can be obtained from your local police department.

* Create a contingency plan. You may not think that you are in imminent danger, but the possibility still exists. Your local police or domestic violence center may be able to assist you with a more specific plan.

* Have a list of critical telephone numbers on hand like the local police, friends, family domestic violence centers, campus security, attorney, shelters etc.

* Have a necessities bag. A small suitcase you can keep at work, school, your car, or at a friend's house just in case you choose not to go home.

* Always make sure you're never low on gas in your car.

* Take preventative measures to protect yourself from the stalker. Vary your routine. Don't do the same activities at the same time every day. For example, go to work a little earlier than usual or take different route home.

* Have co-workers, roommates and family members screen phone calls and visitors.

* If possible, do not travel alone.

* Have an alarm system installed in your car and your home. Also consider setting up video surveillance system at home. Many alarm companies offer this and can make the installation affordable.

For more links go to Stalking Resources and the Stalking Resource Center

References

McCann, J.T. (2000). Stalking in children and adolescents: The primitive bond. Washington: APA Books.

Meloy, J. R. (1998). The psychology of stalking: Clinical and forensic perspectives. New York: Academic Press.

Pathe, M. (2002). Surviving stalking. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Now THIS is How To Start Your Day

2010-06-07T07:23:00.001-04:00

I wonder if this little girl is available for Life Coaching?

Enjoy.

The Ugliness of Self-Righteousness

2010-06-04T20:10:00.006-04:00

Self-righteousness is an ugly beast. I don't run into the petty monster too often, but when I do, I always marvel at it. But as soon I see the envy, frustration and inflated sense of self in the self-righteous person - and experience the insult of their reactive behavior - I run for the hills. And so should you. You see, they're toxic.

My last post on the early sexualization of girls featured a video, research and my own thoughts on the subject matter. I received the following email from a research blogging site that uses my blog feeds:

"Clearly your blog has a large audience, but I'm not sure its audience intersects significantly with ours, so perhaps it's not beneficial for either of us to maintain an association."

I was initially taken aback by this email as I've been a contributor for many months, even receiving Editorial nods for my posts. Instead of inquiring about my writing, there was just a decision to reject it all together. Strange, how little flexibility the self-righteous have.

I wondered why this reaction happened. Was it the content of that post? The overwhelmingly high number of visits I garnered? Clearly, I was being flagged by someone who needed me out of the way. But why? The mutual goal of our association was to bring research to the masses. Isn't that the greater good here?

Well, it didn't take long for me to decide that, indeed, it was beneficial to not be associated... especially when my contributions were so callously brushed aside. Dust-ups like these are teachable moments. I use this example to show how important it is to look for the underlying reasons behind the hurtful behaviors of others. Often, you'll find they stem from envy and reactive narcissism.

From hereon in, I'm with Groucho.

Early Sexualization. Cute or Concerning?

2010-06-01T07:45:00.018-04:00

These eight year old girls are great dancers. But the question is....does dressing and dancing like this make their performance cute or concerning?

According to study by the American Psychological Association, early sexualization of girls can lead to the following:

"Cognitive and Emotional Consequences: Sexualization and objectification undermine a person’s confidence in and comfort with her own body, leading to emotional and self-image problems, such as shame and anxiety.

Mental and Physical Health: Research links sexualization with three of the most common mental health problems diagnosed in girls and women—eating disorders, low self-esteem, and depression or depressed mood.

Sexual Development: Research suggests that the sexualization of girls has negative consequences on girls’ ability to develop a healthy sexual self-image."

It is clear that these young girls are talented and confident, but this kind of dancing and exposure is likely to lead to more serious concerns.

DeAngelis, T. (2007). APA task force report decries culture's sexualization of girls. Monitor on Psychology,38(4), 51-52.

The Phenomenon of Ringxiety

2010-05-25T12:35:00.005-04:00

Do you have the sensation that your cell phone is ringing when it's not?

- or - you hear a ringtone that sends you and others into a frenzy to see whose phone it is?

Welcome to the phenomenon called RINGXIETY.

Dr. David Laramie, from California's School of Professional Psychology, is the originator of the term and experiences "Ringxiety" as well. According to Dr. Laramie, people have grown emotionally dependent on cell phones for feelings of self-worth or for needing to be connected. Sound experts, however, believe hearing similar tones to a telephone's ring sends your expectant brain into action. In the psychological field, that's called a conditioned stimulus response.

Whatever the origin, research says that Ringxiety is here to stay.

I'm a tech geek with everything but my cell phone, so I don't experience Ringxiety. It's never on....and I don't even know my cellphone number.

Do you have Ringxiety?

Avvannavar, M., Kumar, N.S., Shrihari, S., & Babu Are, R. (2008). Mobile Phones: An Anthropological Review of Its Evolutionary Impact The Journal of International Social Research, 1 (5), 81-103

Mental Health Blog Party

2010-05-18T06:33:00.007-04:00

In honor of today's Mental Health Blog Party hosted at the American Psychological Association here are some quotes on the benefits of psychotherapy. So, read on and let's stomp the stigma!

"I've seen psychiatrists in my time, so songwriting hasn't always worked. It's not a bad idea to have someone to talk to." ~ Musician, Sir Paul McCartney

"Counselling saved Bill and me." ~ Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton

"Talk therapy and antidepressants jump-started me out of my blackness." ~ Musician, Sheryl Crow

"Talking matters." ~ Political Journalist, George Stephanopoulos

“I believe in therapy. I think it’s an incredible tool in educating the self on the self.” ~ Actor, Jennifer Aniston

"I love being in therapy. It's just constantly fulfilling for me. " ~ Actor, Jennifer Jason Leigh

"You know, I think that going into therapy is a very positive thing, and talking about it is really helpful, because the more you talk the more your fears fade, because you get it out. " ~ Actor, Fran Drescher

"Therapy saved my life. " ~ Actor, Mickey Rourke

“I’m big on therapy." ~ Actor, Eva Mendes

"I know a lot of people think therapy is about sitting around staring at your own navel - but it's staring at your own navel with a goal. And the goal is to one day to see the world in a better way and treat your loved ones with more kindness and have more to give." ~ Actor, Hugh Laurie

"I've been in group therapy. I'm always keeping my mental health in check." ~ Actor, Halle Berry.

"I was almost 50 before I felt able to face the things that lay at the heart of my [troubles], but all the therapy I've had subsequently has been of help." ~ Musician, Joan Baez

"Go talk to a psychiatrist. And when you get the help you need, you're going to wonder why you didn't do it a long time ago." ~ NFL Football Player, Terry Bradshaw.

"My dreams are pretty vivid. I talk about them in therapy." ~ Actor, Robin Williams

“Therapy is great, therapy just works. " ~ Actor, Robert Downey, Jr.

What is "Alexithymia"?

2010-05-12T15:34:00.003-04:00

People who experience Alexithymia are unable to recognize emotions and their subtleties and to understand or describe thoughts and feelings. Sometimes Alexithymia makes it hard for them to tell a story or understand the emotional experience of others.

Alexithymia was coined from the Greek word LEXIS, (word) and THYMOS (feelings), and literally means "a lack of words for feelings". Alexithymia is not a disorder, but is seen as a trait. Some characteristics are:

*Difficulty identifying different types of feelings

*Difficulty distinguishing between emotional feelings and bodily feelings

* Limited understanding of what caused the feelings

* Difficulty verbalizing feelings

* Limited imagination

* Functional, constricted style of thinking

* Physical complaints

* Lack of enjoyment and pleasure-seeking

* Stiffened posture and/or facial expressions

Many individuals who have Alexithymia engage in counterproductive non-verbal activities to communicate their feelings. Activities like cutting, or breaking things, drinking or dabbling in drug use, for example. Learning to recognize feelings, verbalize and communicate them is the goal here. Alexithymia has a strong involvement in mental illness and personality development - but it's not something to be afraid of. If you experience Alexithymia, or know someone who does, there are ways to learn how to strengthen skills.

Psychotherapy can help to show you the way.

Lee, Y. et al. (2010). Direct and indirect effects of the temperament and character on alexithymia: A pathway analysis with mood and anxiety Comprehensive Psychiatry, 51 (2), 201-206 DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2009.06.001

May Is Mental Health Awareness Month

2010-05-01T06:02:00.005-04:00

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Research shows that the number one obstacle in seeking treatment for mental illness is stigma. Negative stereotypes and improper understanding of mental illness keep spinning the vicious circle of stigma. To counter this paradox, professional and grassroots organizations, schools, communities, hospitals and even media outlets have joined together in an effort to raise the awareness about mental health.

On the media front, Discovery Health Channel is broadcasting PsychWeek: Six Nights of Understanding. This series takes you into the world of people who experience Anxiety, Rage, Dissociative Disorder, Schizophrenia, Addiction, Bipolar Disorder, Hoarding, and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. These individuals and their families give us a glimpse of their life, of their struggles and triumphs. Their courage will help educate about mental illness - and chip away at the stigma that surrounds it as well.

This is what I call "Appointment Television". So clear your schedule or set your DVR. This promises to be a very important series. Click here for complete programming.

If you, or someone you know is struggling, remember, there's no shame in having a mental illness.

Byrne, P. (2010). Challenging healthcare discrimination: COMMENTARY ON ... DISCRIMINATION AGAINST PEOPLE WITH MENTAL ILLNESS Advances in Psychiatric Treatment, 16 (1), 60-62 DOI: 10.1192/apt.bp.108.006106

Six Drug-Free Ways To Boost Your Brain

2010-04-15T09:02:00.006-04:00

I just finished The Scientific American Brave New Brain, and, wow, is it a great read. The author, Judith Horstman, is an award winning science journalist. She makes it easy to understand how the brain works, what it does and how we need to take of it.

Here are Horstman's suggestions for drug-free ways to boost your brain power:

1. Exercise it. Physical exercise is the best thing you can do for your brain.

2. Feed it Fat. Our brains are mostly fat and the brain needs fat for fuel. But feed your brain good fats like Omega-3's, nuts and seeds.

3. Stimulate it. To do this you must learn something new and hard. The easy stuff doesn't get your neurons firing.

4. Play with it. Play is very important for brain health. From video games, board games, cards and surfing the net.

5. Serenade it. Music can enhance moods and better sleep and lower blood pressure. Of course, make sure you listen to classical, jazz and other soft sounds - and not thrash-metal

music.

6. Meditate it. Meditation boosts brain functioning as well as the immune system. So get your Ohm on.

I'm happy to say that I do all of these.

How about you?

What Makes The Villain Scary

2010-04-12T09:07:00.011-04:00

I just did an interview with writer Olivia Collette on what makes certain characters in films truly frightening. She and I felt that - instead of stereotyped evil-doers like Freddy Kruger or Michael Myers - the more ordinary and average the villain, the more frightening they become. Think Hans Landa in Inglorious Basterds, Vito Coreleone in The Godfather, Joan Crawford in Mommie Dearest, or Ruth Gordon in Rosemary's Baby...

Psychologically speaking, the reason that the ordinary person gives us goosebumps is because we are all human and complex. When we discover that someone just like us can do evil, terrifying things, it becomes unsettling.

I like my villains to have a depth and breadth that comes close to portraying the human experience. I find the slasher, psychopathic characters stigmatizing and demeaning to those of us who have mental illness. In fact, research supports that on-screen portrayals of villains as one dimensional has a negative effect on the public's perception of people with mental illness.

Incidentally, I've written a psychological suspense novel with an antagonist that is complex, quite human and certainly evil. But there's no stereotyping or stigmatizing of mental illness there.

Pirkis, J., Blood, R., Francis, C., & McCallum, K. (2006). On-Screen Portrayals of Mental Illness: Extent, Nature, and Impacts Journal of Health Communication, 11 (5), 523-541 DOI: 10.1080/10810730600755889

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month

2010-04-08T10:00:00.002-04:00

Sexual Assault Awareness Month is observed in April in the United States, and is dedicated to making a concerted effort to raise awareness about and prevent sexual violence. In the time it takes to read this paragraph, 3 individuals somewhere in the United States will have become a victim of sexual violence.

The first observation of Sexual Assault Awareness Month occurred in 2001, where the National Sexual Violence Resource Center provided resources to advocates nationwide to help get the word out about sexual assault. This awareness day has gained momentum over the years, especially on high school and college campuses. Research states that prevention programs and awareness days help educate the public about sexual assault and sexual violence. For those who want more information, link here

Banyard, V., Eckstein, R., & Moynihan, M. (2009). Sexual Violence Prevention: The Role of Stages of Change Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 25 (1), 111-135 DOI: 10.1177/0886260508329123

April 2nd is World Autism Day

2010-04-01T06:00:00.003-04:00

World Autism Awareness Day falls on Friday, April 2nd, 2010. The campaign urges people to 'Stand Up for Autism,' and brings together Autism organizations from around the world.

Worldwide, there over 60 million people with Autism - and even more who are undiagnosed or looking for help.

For more: go here and here

Hertz-Picciotto, I., & Delwiche, L. (2009). The Rise in Autism and the Role of Age at Diagnosis Epidemiology, 20 (1), 84-90 DOI: 10.1097/EDE.0b013e3181902d15

How Open Minded Are You?

2010-03-21T08:16:00.003-04:00

You Are 56% Open Minded

You are a very open minded person, but you're also well grounded. Tolerant and flexible, you appreciate most lifestyles and viewpoints. But you also know where you stand firm, and you can draw that line.

You're open to considering every possibility - but in the end, you stand true to yourself.

How Open Minded Are You?

Brazil Yogurt Is At It Again: Another Fat Campaign

2010-03-18T19:36:00.006-04:00

Fat discrimination seems to be running rampant these days. And research supports this trend.

Yes, it's true, we're not as active as our ancestors. Yes, we all lead far more sedentary lives than centuries, or even decades ago. And yes, it's important to make mindful nutritional choices. But why in the age of genetics, are obese individuals still shamed about their appearance? Is the question really that the general public hasn't fully embraced the "Health at Every Size Movement."

Scientific research has shown that weight and body type are genotype-specific. This means that your weight range is tied to your genetic template - and it's very difficult to change. Still, many people think that those who are overweight and obese are just lazy, thoughtless and lack willpower. A recent study even noted that medical professionals viewed overweight patients as “awkward, unattractive, ugly, and unlikely to comply with treatment.”

Egads.

Back in 2007 the Brazilian yogurt company Marilia tried a "shame campaign" to sell their product. Many, myself included, actually found the photos of the plus size women lovely, not unappealing like the advert suggested. It was still a thoughtless and stigmatizing campaign.

This current advert is less playful and more hostile. A gun target image of a fat man and woman. "Goodbye Fat" is the tagline.

What do you think?

Daníelsdóttir, S., O’Brien, K., & Ciao, A. (2010). Anti-Fat Prejudice Reduction: A Review of Published Studies Obesity Facts, 3 (1), 47-58 DOI: 10.1159/000277067