We all run into negative thought “loops” at times that are difficult to shake. Sometimes these negative thought loops can contribute to our suffering because the way we think affects the way we feel. For instance, incessantly thinking about a romantic relationship that went south can lead to strong feelings of sadness, anger, regret, and jealously (if …Read More
Why Teens Cut Themselves
Dec 1, 2009
Self-injurious behavior, such as cutting, is generally more than an attempt to get attention. Teens who cut themselves often report that they do it to stop or escape from intense, unpleasant emotions, such as anxiety or depression. For these teens, the pain of the moment provides a distraction to the overwhelming myriad of confusing thoughts …Read More
Tips on How Parents Can Respond to an Angry Teen
Dec 1, 2009
When a teen is angry, he or she is trying to tell you something. Sometimes they are simply frustrated with your rules and limits. Other times their anger reflects underlying fear, sadness, confusion, or feelings of rejection. Whatever the reason for your child’s anger, don’t let it drive you apart. Your teen still needs you, …Read More
Teen Behavior: Emotional Problems or Just Hormones?
Dec 1, 2009
The changes that teens experience as they enter puberty affect them in many ways, including hormonal changes that can impact their mood and behavior. Increases in testosterone levels in boys can result in greater irritability and expressions of anger. Hormone changes in girls can have similar effects. However, when your teen’s emotional or behavior disruption …Read More
The Importance of Exercise
Dec 1, 2009
Exercise is a powerful method to improve emotional and cognitive functioning that is relatively simple. We’ve all heard it – the mind, body, and spirit are all connected. The more that I learn and grow, the more I view this as an essential truth. There is plenty of scientific research that supports the mind-body connection. …Read More
The Importance of Sleep
Dec 1, 2009
There are several simple things that you can try to improve your emotional and physical well-being. One of these is getting enough sleep. As a nation, the U.S. is sleep-deprived. About 100 years ago, we averaged 9.0 hours of sleep. Now we average 6.9 hours per night, and 60% of American men average less than …Read More
Coping With Distressing Thoughts – Part 2
Jun 11, 2009
Dr. William Glasser is a psychiatrist who has had a substantial impact on the field of psychotherapy. Interestingly, he never prescribed medication in his career as a psychiatrist and instead focused on what he called “reality therapy” and “choice theory” to help people work through psychological pain. I’m not going to give the overview of …Read More
Step Outside to Recharge Your Brain
Apr 27, 2009
I’m summarizing (and adding my own thoughts) to a recent article on MSNBC’s website entitled, “Need to Recharge Your Brain? Step Outside” by Andrea Thompson. In 2007, for the first time in human history, more people in the world lived in urban rather than rural areas. These urban areas tend to be fast paced with …Read More
The Importance of Play
Apr 18, 2009
The importance of play is underrated. Kids and adults both need it, as detailed in the Feb/Mar 2009 cover story in Scientific American Mind. The kind of play I’m talking about here is unstructured, creative play. Yes, board, card, and video games have their place as well, but free play is too often getting squeezed …Read More
Easy Strategy to Create Happiness
Mar 14, 2009
I recently was trying to work out a ticket problem with a Southwest Airlines customer service representative. The representative was patient and kind and treated me like…well, a person. I know, he should do this anyway but oftentimes that doesn’t seem to be the case. I told the representative how much I appreciated his help …Read More