Pax woke up each morning to his father calling his name from the hall. Pax often woke breathless, unsure about what. They had visited the family physician, who could not find a cause for Pax waking this way. Pax would sit in bed paralyzed and could not move, despite wanting to. He knew his parents would be upset with him … Read More
4 Common Questions About Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a term I hear many people use conversationally or as slang, without understanding what it means. But bipolar disorder is more than just wide mood swings. Learning accurate information about this disorder is the first step to getting help for yourself or others who may suffer from it. Here are some experiences or characteristic feelings often reported … Read More
4 Tips for Dealing with Family Conflict
Families are often considered to be a safe place and quiet refuge. Although conflicts may happen from time to time, when they are a common occurrence – or there’s a particularly intense conflict – the family relationship of trust, safety, and support can break down. What follows are 4 tips that can help you move through family conflict. For this … Read More
Alcohol Use Problems: 4 Steps to Moving in a Positive Direction
Many people love a glass of wine or pint of beer with friends. Alcohol is part of celebrations and sharing. On a bad day, friends may suggest going to get a drink to talk it over. Alcohol use is interwoven into the routine daily life for so many people. There are many individuals who engage in drinking in a respectful … Read More
How to Manage the Physical Symptoms of Anxiety
Physical symptoms of anxiety can be frightening and upsetting – their overwhelming nature can rock your world within minutes, leaving you fearful and drained. Maybe you feel your heart wildly beating in your chest, experience chest pain that makes you think you’re having a panic attack, or have the overwhelming feeling you are going crazy. The sudden onslaught of symptoms … Read More
3 Tips to Manage the Winter Blues
Every year, the summer turns to fall, and the fall turns to winter. A lot of us have been going to the same job, doing the same work, and talking with the same people. However, as the days are filled with increasing darkness and dropping temperatures, those with seasonal affective disorder (SAD) may notice feelings of sadness or depression. So, … Read More
Bingeing and Purging: Breaking the Bulimic Cycle
The cycle of bingeing and purging is exhausting and demoralizing, yet it is a pattern that many people with bulimia seem powerless to control. Stopping the cycle can be immensely difficult. As someone who has struggled with this cycle, Linette describes her experience: I have committed I won’t eat my trigger food, cookies, because gaining weight is unacceptable to me. … Read More
How to Change Your Relationship with Alcohol
This is the year you are ready to change your relationship with alcohol. With some preparation and a good plan, this could be your year. Maybe last year you had some clear moments that your relationship with alcohol had to change. Maybe friends or a loved one pointed out some concerns with your drinking. Other people may have had an … Read More
4 Common Questions About Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a term I hear many people use conversationally or as slang without understanding what it means. But bipolar disorder is more than just wide mood swings – learning accurate information about this disorder is the first step to getting help for yourself or others who may suffer from it. Here are some experiences or characteristic feelings often … Read More