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
I grew up in an era (the 50’s and 60’s) when mental health was not discussed at all, let alone considered as something that children had. Children could have separation anxiety; nervous stomachs, concentration problems or were labeled as “sensitive”, “angry” or “different”. Adolescence was supposed to be somewhat difficult and the behaviors we now … Read More
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
Each year, the first full week of October is dedicated to Mental Illness Awareness by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). The event falls on October 2 through October 8 this year. During that time and throughout October, NAMI and nearly 1,000 state organizations and NAMI affiliates will raise awareness of mental illness by … Read More
Early cultures viewed mental illness as a form of religious punishment, possession or personal weakness. The mentally ill were often viewed as violent or unpredictable and the misguided perceptions about causes of mental illness often led to fear and discrimination. Negative attitudes about mental illness persisted into the 18th century where the primary form of … Read More
We can look in the mirror and see a radiant glow in our skin, shiny hair, firm muscle tone and a smile on our faces that reflect a healthy body. We can measure our blood pressure, lipid, thyroid and blood sugar levels (among many things) to confirm good physical health. But how do we truly … Read More
Vulnerability is a big part of counseling . To be able to be vulnerable with oneself is one thing but to be able to be vulnerable and not “disappear” in front of another is even more difficult. The first book I remember reading was “Shame, The Power of Caring” by Gershen Kaufman. It taught me … Read More