Trauma bonding is a psychological phenomenon that occurs in abusive or toxic relationships. It involves a powerful and unhealthy attachment to an abuser, often resulting from a cycle of positive and negative experiences. Bonding of this type may also be referred to as “Stockholm Syndrome.” The dynamics in this syndrome are complex, but by recognizing […]
It’s hard to believe we are already about to begin the month of September! Summer vacation and long days in the sun are soon to become a fond memory. This time of year, it can be especially important to pay attention to our mental health. In fact, for those who suffer from SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder), […]
We all have days when getting out of the house is a challenge. And for some, especially those who suffer from mental health issues like anxiety, agoraphobia, and PTSD, leaving home is always a struggle. Of course, while the long-term goal is to get out into the world more and challenge the thoughts and feelings […]
Indulging in what we refer to as “guilty pleasures” is often accompanied by feelings of shame and remorse. We’re conditioned to believe that such indulgences are inherently wrong or frivolous. It’s time to challenge this notion and enjoy our guilty pleasures without guilt. And just focus on the pleasure. Occasional “guilty pleasures” are necessary, and […]
Friendships with others (the “family you choose”) are such an important part of our lives. The kindness and support our true friends provide is often essential to our own sense of well-being, comfort, health, and happiness. Given the significant role they can play in our lives, it’s important to choose our friends and friendships wisely. […]
It may start to creep up on us in September. By mid-October it’s in full swing. By the time we get to February, we’re pulling our hair out, and it becomes the longest month even though it only has 28 or 29 days. For many, there’s much more to it than a down mood. Some […]
Forty or fifty years ago, things were pretty clear. When you hit the age of 21, you were on your own. In some communities, the norm was even earlier – it was time to support yourself when you reached the age of 18. But over the last few decades, it has become increasingly common for […]
What do you wish for when you blow out a candle? I heard this question the other day. It got me thinking. Do I have one dream? If I could will one thing to happen, what would it be? If I had a bottle with a genie in it, what would I ask for? Not […]
I don’t think any of us intend to become a martyr. But boy it sure seems like many of us wind up playing that incredibly unhealthy role! Do you take on too much? Do you feel taken for granted? You may have martyr syndrome. How It Feels to be Taken for Granted The other day […]
A panic attack can be a terrifying experience for those who suffer from them. It is important to understand the symptoms associated with panic attacks to help others who experience them or to help manage your own anxiety, if you experience one yourself. It’s most helpful to also know how to stop a panic attack […]
Health is not a top priority for many women, regardless of where we are in life. Many of us put off important health maintenance and self-care during our child-bearing years, especially. Life is busy, and work and kids always seem to come first. But as we enter our 50s and beyond, it becomes especially important […]
Being able to envision things that don’t currently exist is a gift that often differentiates high functioning people from the rest of the population. Inventors, entrepreneurs and leaders in many organizations rely on their imagination and vision to navigate through uncharted territory towards an unseen goal somewhere beyond the horizon. Being visionary at work is […]
We all know what it’s like to have a low, down day where the world feels like it’s against you. Every advertisement, every TV program and everything on social media tells us that we should workout and drink water and take vitamins, but there are few things that can really improve our mental health. And […]
Whether you are at the beginning of a self-discovery journey, or well into your own personal development experience, personality assessments, such as the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) or the Big Five Personality Traits, can provide valuable insights that can help us tune into our unique traits and tendencies. Some find fault with these assessments because […]
Achieving our dreams and creating the life we desire can sometimes feel like an insurmountable task. However, with the power of visualization techniques, such as the use of vision boards, we can tap into our subconscious mind and manifest our ideal reality. The Power of Visualization and Vision Boards First let’s talk about visualization in […]
September 11th is a solemn day of remembrance to honor and pay tribute to those who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks. Regardless of where you were in the world that day in 2001, you remember exactly what you were doing the moment you learned of the first Twin Tower being struck. Once a […]
