As kids get older, they make a valiant effort to train their parents out of being “embarrassing.” When I was a kid, being “embarrassed” by my parents meant that they were caught singing or dancing in the car, or called me “Curly Sue” in front of someone, or tried to set me up on a … Read More
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Ambiguous Loss
I think it is fair to assume that this reading audience has had an experience of loss in their lives. A family member, friend, mentor, community member, or a pet. There is a predictable, though painful journey in the grief process when there is something tangible to grieve. There are rituals that surround the death, … Read More
Supporting your LGBTQ Child
Parents and caregivers of LGBTQ youth have a significant opportunity to positively influence their child’s well-being and future. LGBTQ youth whose parents and caregivers support them have better overall physical and mental health, higher self-esteem, and are less likely to use illicit drugs. LGBTQ youth who are accepted by their families are much more likely … Read More
Mood and Food
You can probably imagine a wonderful meal you have had, or are going to have. The anticipation of a perfectly grilled piece of meat, or fish, the sweetness of the first strawberries of the season, the taste and mouth feel of a wonderful piece of chocolate can lift your spirits. There is a link between … Read More
School’s Out for the Summer!
If you’re a parent, summer break is likely to stir up two oppositional feelings for you. On one hand, there’s the nostalgia of summer vacation; memories of barbecues, pool parties, summer camps, or even iconic movie scenes from Grease or Stand by Me, leave us feeling excited. We can remember what it feels like to … Read More
Don’t Call It What It Is – Men and Depression
I received my first tutorial about men and depression when I was living in the Pittsburgh area and working as a therapist. This was early 1990’s. I had a male client who had presented for “stress” and problems with colleagues and family members. He was mid 40’s and working in the banking industry. I don’t … Read More
Vulnerability Resolution
January, a time when most of us look for new beginnings. A time when we reflect upon the past year and resolve to change some aspect of our lives. In fact, according to statisticbrain.com, typically 41% of Americans make a New Year’s Resolution. The most common resolutions are: lose weight get healthy quit smoking/drinking exercise … Read More
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year! Here we are again, wrapping up another trip around the sun. As with any year, 2016 brought moments of happiness, hope and peace, along with violence and tragedy. This past year has been a bit of a bumpy ride for many, likely changing each of us, even if just a little bit. … Read More
Pay it Forward
I remember seeing the movie Pay It Forward, starring Kevin Spacey, Helen Hunt, and Haley Joel Osment, in 2000. The movie plot and book, by the same name, was based on this one premise…do something for 3 people in response to a favor or gift that one receives. Those three people will then help three other … Read More
Every 13 Seconds
In the time it took you to count to 13, someone in this country took their own life. Think of it. Counting to 13 doesn’t take that long. A friend, a family member, a colleague, a neighbor, a co-worker, a stranger, a celebrity are dead, in the time it took to count to 13. Suicide … Read More
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