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
The 18th Annual National Women’s Health Week is May 14-20, 2017. Beginning every year on Mother’s Day and led by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services’ Office of Women’s Health, the week brings awareness to a very important topic. It’s not uncommon for women to spend most of their time and energy taking … 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
April is Stress Awareness Month. We’ve all experienced stress at one time or another – it’s a natural, normal response to life’s demanding situations. What is stressful to one person may not bother another in the least, and stress can manifest itself in many ways. Stress impacts individuals differently. Effects of stress vary in intensity … Read More
The original meaning of Valentine’s Day has nothing to do with the now traditional customs of sending flowers, cards and candy. It had more to do with an early saint called Valentinus who was imprisoned and tortured. The history behind this day is an interesting read but not exactly the stuff of Hallmark and Godiva … Read More
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! 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
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
Growing up in a Jewish family in the 60’s meant that I primarily knew about Jewish holidays and customs. Our new year came in the fall. We had Hanukkah, not Christmas, and our traditional meals involved family jokes and TMI. I had limited exposure to other cultures, as the suburban school I attended was not … Read More
The time of year we focus on being thankful has settled upon us. Have you thought lately about what you are grateful for? Do you know why this exercise so important? Because it reminds us that there are positives in this world even in the face of adversity. When we focus our attention on what … Read More