http://psychcentral.com/allblogs/feed/ Psych Central's global blog feed for all the blogs on the Psych Central network. http://blogs.psychcentral.com/humor/2013/05/kristin-selby-gonzalez-mental-health-hero-mentalhealthmonth/ Kristin Selby Gonzalez 2013 Mental Health Hero Cartoon-A-Thon Drawing by Chato Stewart Kristin Selby Gonzalez received a grim fate on Oct. 15, 2004. She was told her son, Jaxson had Autism and that he would never look, talk, have any friends and would be in a group home by the... Kristin Selby Gonzalez 2013 Mental Health Hero Cartoon-A-Thon Drawing by Chato Stewart Kristin Selby Gonzalez received a grim fate on Oct. 15, 2004. She was told her son, Jaxson had Autism and that he would never look, talk, have any friends and would be in a group home by the time he was 8 years [...] Chato B. Stewart Mon, 20 May 2013 04:47:26 +0000 http://blogs.psychcentral.com/sex-addiction/2013/05/porn-addiction-relapse-the-pros-and-cons-of-a-harm-reduction-approach/ Porn Addiction can be notoriously hard to quit.  Relapse is the norm, at least in the initial months of recovery.  Many recovering porn addicts quit for a long period, sometimes by giving up their computers entirely, sometimes with the use of blocking software, only to relapse again. The harm reduction... Porn Addiction can be notoriously hard to quit.  Relapse is the norm, at least in the initial months of recovery.  Many recovering porn addicts quit for a long period, sometimes by giving up their computers entirely, sometimes with the use of blocking software, only to relapse again. The harm reduction approach to addiction treatment is [...] Linda Hatch, PhD Mon, 20 May 2013 04:45:33 +0000 http://blogs.psychcentral.com/nlp/2013/05/three-realities-healthy-relationships/ There are certain realities we all need to accept in romantic relationships. If we do not understand and accept these, then we will have a shallow, unhealthy relationships that make us miserable. Are you ready to hear them? Here we go! I will speak boldly because I know the following... There are certain realities we all need to accept in romantic relationships. If we do not understand and accept these, then we will have a shallow, unhealthy relationships that make us miserable. Are you ready to hear them? Here we go! I will speak boldly because I know the following applies to me as well… [...] Mike Bundrant Mon, 20 May 2013 04:26:30 +0000 http://blogs.psychcentral.com/humor/2013/05/bobby-durham-mental-health-hero-mentalhealthmonth/ Bobby Durham 2013 Mental Health Hero Cartoon-A-Thon Drawing by Chato Stewart I was born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky. 10th of eleven children. I have two beautiful grown daughters and a grandson, age 5. I remarried in 1999 and have been since. I was diagnosed manic depressive in 1999 but... Bobby Durham 2013 Mental Health Hero Cartoon-A-Thon Drawing by Chato Stewart I was born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky. 10th of eleven children. I have two beautiful grown daughters and a grandson, age 5. I remarried in 1999 and have been since. I was diagnosed manic depressive in 1999 but knew prior to that that [...] Chato B. Stewart Mon, 20 May 2013 04:18:39 +0000 http://blogs.psychcentral.com/channeln/2013/05/nimhs-thomas-insel-on-a-new-understanding-of-the-brain/ NIMH Director Thomas Insel on working toward a new understanding of the brain.... NIMH Director Thomas Insel on working toward a new understanding of the brain. Sandra Kiume Mon, 20 May 2013 00:36:21 +0000 http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2013/05/19/mike-webster-the-nfl-lawsuit-over-chronic-traumatic-encephalopathy/ Any Pittsburgh Steeler fan over the age of 36 could tell you about Mike Webster.  He was our All-Pro center who, alongside Terry Bradshaw, Jack Lambert, Franco Harris, Mean Joe Greene and so many notorious others, carried the team to four Super Bowl wins in the 1970s.  Mike was bigger... Any Pittsburgh Steeler fan over the age of 36 could tell you about Mike Webster.  He was our All-Pro center who, alongside Terry Bradshaw, Jack Lambert, Franco Harris, Mean Joe Greene and so many notorious others, carried the team to four Super Bowl wins in the 1970s.  Mike was bigger than Mean Joe but known [...] Lisa A. Miles Sun, 19 May 2013 23:48:41 +0000 http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2013/05/19/when-2-of-your-values-are-in-conflict/ I spend a lot of time thinking about questions such as, “How do we change?” “Why is it so hard to make ourselves do things that we want to do?” For instance, Why is it so hard to make myself go to bed? and “How can we stick to our... I spend a lot of time thinking about questions such as, “How do we change?” “Why is it so hard to make ourselves do things that we want to do?” For instance, Why is it so hard to make myself go to bed? and “How can we stick to our resolutions? I realize now that [...] Gretchen Rubin Sun, 19 May 2013 16:38:19 +0000 http://blogs.psychcentral.com/weightless/2013/05/body-image-boosters-from-the-blogosphere-5-19-13/ A positive body image goes beyond liking your looks. It encompasses taking good care of yourself and leading a fulfilling life. In this weekly series, I share some of my favorite posts from some of my favorite bloggers on this topic. Sometimes I also share relevant pieces that I’ve written... A positive body image goes beyond liking your looks. It encompasses taking good care of yourself and leading a fulfilling life. In this weekly series, I share some of my favorite posts from some of my favorite bloggers on this topic. Sometimes I also share relevant pieces that I’ve written on the Web. Hope you [...] Margarita Tartakovsky, MS Sun, 19 May 2013 15:35:54 +0000 http://blogs.psychcentral.com/bonding-time/2013/05/grass-is-greener-syndrome/ It’s easy to catch a case of this: You see someone else’s life (or what you think you know of someone else’s life), and you think how much better they have it than you do. Why are we so susceptible? I think it’s because it’s hard to keep hold of... It’s easy to catch a case of this: You see someone else’s life (or what you think you know of someone else’s life), and you think how much better they have it than you do. Why are we so susceptible? I think it’s because it’s hard to keep hold of the big picture.  It’s hard [...] Holly Brown, LMFT Sun, 19 May 2013 14:50:32 +0000 http://blogs.psychcentral.com/relationships-balance/2013/05/19/9-steps-to-a-happy-marriage/ Relationships tend to be the most balanced when the foundation is strong. If you can get the basics down, you’re much more likely to have a long-lasting and happy marriage. Here are nine steps to a happy marriage (or non-married relationship): 1. Worry about your own relationship. Couples can make the mistake... Relationships tend to be the most balanced when the foundation is strong. If you can get the basics down, you’re much more likely to have a long-lasting and happy marriage. Here are nine steps to a happy marriage (or non-married relationship): 1. Worry about your own relationship. Couples can make the mistake of paying too much attention [...] Nathan Feiles, LMSW Sun, 19 May 2013 12:33:35 +0000 http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2013/05/19/6-ways-pets-relieve-depression/ The day I returned from inpatient therapy, my Lab-Chow mix cuddled up to me on the bed as I cried. She looked into my defeated gaze and licked my tears. I was astounded that this creature was capable of the empathy that I so craved in my closest friends and... The day I returned from inpatient therapy, my Lab-Chow mix cuddled up to me on the bed as I cried. She looked into my defeated gaze and licked my tears. I was astounded that this creature was capable of the empathy that I so craved in my closest friends and relatives. It was like she [...] Therese J. Borchard Sun, 19 May 2013 10:17:41 +0000 http://blogs.psychcentral.com/manic-depression/2013/05/18/the-stay-at-home-dad-re-math/ SAHD’s are appalled, shaken, and verbally heated, about my message on the stay at home dad. I let the comments fly, cause everyone has a right to their opinion. Thinking deeper… We put certain judgements on a parent, male or female, that stays home with the kids. http://blogs.psychcentral.com/manic-depression/2013/05/14/the-stay-at-home-dad-let-the-double-standard-continue/... SAHD’s are appalled, shaken, and verbally heated, about my message on the stay at home dad. I let the comments fly, cause everyone has a right to their opinion. Thinking deeper… We put certain judgements on a parent, male or female, that stays home with the kids. http://blogs.psychcentral.com/manic-depression/2013/05/14/the-stay-at-home-dad-let-the-double-standard-continue/ Erica Loberg Sun, 19 May 2013 01:23:12 +0000 http://blogs.psychcentral.com/chronic-pain/2013/05/why-pain-affects-the-perception-of-our-future/ I used to have a very clear picture of my future.  I saw myself in a nice house, accomplished in my job as a therapist and an author.  I saw a couple children, saw myself running around after them and laughing.  I saw a healthy, fun life, full of laughter... I used to have a very clear picture of my future.  I saw myself in a nice house, accomplished in my job as a therapist and an author.  I saw a couple children, saw myself running around after them and laughing.  I saw a healthy, fun life, full of laughter and smiles. Two years ago [...] Tracy Rydzy, MSW, LSW Sat, 18 May 2013 21:45:50 +0000 http://blogs.psychcentral.com/weightless/2013/05/this-weekend-create-a-to-notice-list/ {via etsy by Katie Daisy} I’m not much for clever planners, productivity apps or special efficiency software. I live by to-do lists. I love jotting down what I need to do on stationary or even a napkin (clearly, whatever is handy). I also love my paper planner. And, on some... {via etsy by Katie Daisy} I’m not much for clever planners, productivity apps or special efficiency software. I live by to-do lists. I love jotting down what I need to do on stationary or even a napkin (clearly, whatever is handy). I also love my paper planner. And, on some days, I get spontaneous and [...] Margarita Tartakovsky, MS Sat, 18 May 2013 04:00:15 +0000 http://blogs.psychcentral.com/manic-depression/2013/05/17/the-things-we-hide/ I skipped my psychiatrist appointment today.  Well, I rescheduled it. My relationship with my shrink is hard to figure out. I hate going there, but feel better when I leave.  He’s not my therapist, he’s my med patroller.  So, I don’t have to get into the ugly dirty stuff, but... I skipped my psychiatrist appointment today.  Well, I rescheduled it. My relationship with my shrink is hard to figure out. I hate going there, but feel better when I leave.  He’s not my therapist, he’s my med patroller.  So, I don’t have to get into the ugly dirty stuff, but it bleeds out here and [...] Erica Loberg Fri, 17 May 2013 22:33:19 +0000 http://blogs.psychcentral.com/creative-mind/2013/05/eric-maisel-on-dealing-with-stress-to-be-more-creative/ Creativity coach, author and psychologist Eric Maisel, PhD, notes “Some people become doctors, lawyers, accountants, or marketing executives. Some people stay at home and raise a family. “But millions of people make another sort of choice, maybe only as part-time employment if you count the money they earn but as... Creativity coach, author and psychologist Eric Maisel, PhD, notes “Some people become doctors, lawyers, accountants, or marketing executives. Some people stay at home and raise a family. “But millions of people make another sort of choice, maybe only as part-time employment if you count the money they earn but as their full-time identity: they become [...] Douglas Eby Fri, 17 May 2013 19:19:31 +0000 http://blogs.psychcentral.com/nlp/2013/05/hang-gliding-instructor-slips-into-psychosis-recovers-naturally-gets-phd-writes-the-book-rethinking-madness/ If you want to hear a story about how  recovery from mental illness should work, look no further than Paris Williams. During the May 15, 2013 episode of Mental Health Exposed, Paris tells his personal story of mental illness, recovery and a new paradigm in mental health. Not many people... If you want to hear a story about how  recovery from mental illness should work, look no further than Paris Williams. During the May 15, 2013 episode of Mental Health Exposed, Paris tells his personal story of mental illness, recovery and a new paradigm in mental health. Not many people on this earth have experienced [...] Mike Bundrant Fri, 17 May 2013 18:49:24 +0000 http://blogs.psychcentral.com/celebrity/2013/05/nascar-legend-dick-trickle-found-dead-at-71-apparent-suicide/ It’s a sad day for NASCAR fans and the family of racing legend Richard “Dick” Trickle. On Thursday, May 16, 2013, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department received a phone call informing them they’d soon find the dead body of the 71-year-old “White Knight.” Upon investigation, authorities found Trickle dead from... It’s a sad day for NASCAR fans and the family of racing legend Richard “Dick” Trickle. On Thursday, May 16, 2013, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department received a phone call informing them they’d soon find the dead body of the 71-year-old “White Knight.” Upon investigation, authorities found Trickle dead from a gunshot wound outside his [...] Alicia Sparks Fri, 17 May 2013 17:47:17 +0000 http://blogs.psychcentral.com/angst-anxiety/2013/05/cancer-grief-and-words/ “I am not what has happened to me. I am what I choose to become.” ~ Carl Jung I have been thinking a lot about cancer these days. Almost half my caseload has cancer or I see children who have lost a parent to cancer or spouses with a partner... “I am not what has happened to me. I am what I choose to become.” ~ Carl Jung I have been thinking a lot about cancer these days. Almost half my caseload has cancer or I see children who have lost a parent to cancer or spouses with a partner with cancer. It seems like [...] Nanette Burton Mongelluzzo Fri, 17 May 2013 15:35:26 +0000 http://blogs.psychcentral.com/therapy-soup/2013/05/thinking-about-anger/ Is there ever a justification for anger? Can anger be controlled? Can we really transform or rise above anger?... Is there ever a justification for anger? Can anger be controlled? Can we really transform or rise above anger? Richard Zwolinski, LMHC, CASAC & C.R. Zwolinski Fri, 17 May 2013 15:21:40 +0000 http://blogs.psychcentral.com/mindful-living/2013/05/self-determinism/ There is no “and” in Cause-and-Effect.  Cause and Effect are one and the same uninterrupted flow of reality.  Mind breaks up the flow of this reality into Cause and Effect b/c of its information-processing limitations, essentially, dropping out of the flow of “What Is” to deal with reality (by categorizing... There is no “and” in Cause-and-Effect.  Cause and Effect are one and the same uninterrupted flow of reality.  Mind breaks up the flow of this reality into Cause and Effect b/c of its information-processing limitations, essentially, dropping out of the flow of “What Is” to deal with reality (by categorizing it, by breaking it up [...] Pavel G. Somov, Ph.D. Fri, 17 May 2013 12:19:55 +0000 http://blogs.psychcentral.com/adhd-man/2013/05/top-ten-fortune-cookie-fortunes-for-adhders/ I spent most of my undiagnosed life blaming bad luck for the lows and feeling very lucky when times were good, which wasn’t often. I didn’t then, nor do I now, believe in the art of fortune telling. I get a kick out of numerology when applied to birth dates,... I spent most of my undiagnosed life blaming bad luck for the lows and feeling very lucky when times were good, which wasn’t often. I didn’t then, nor do I now, believe in the art of fortune telling. I get a kick out of numerology when applied to birth dates, because the numbers are based [...] Kelly Babcock Fri, 17 May 2013 10:30:57 +0000 http://blogs.psychcentral.com/adhd-zoe/2013/05/an-adhd-holiday-primer/ lintmachine via Compfight This Monday is Victoria Day in Canada. Its origin is a celebration of Queen Victoria’s birthday and it occurs on the weekend prior to May 25. (Canada still has a British Queen, why I don’t know. Maybe we’re just too polite to point out to the Brits... lintmachine via Compfight This Monday is Victoria Day in Canada. Its origin is a celebration of Queen Victoria’s birthday and it occurs on the weekend prior to May 25. (Canada still has a British Queen, why I don’t know. Maybe we’re just too polite to point out to the Brits that we’re Canadian, but I’m [...] Zoë Kessler, BA, B.Ed. Fri, 17 May 2013 04:09:53 +0000 http://blogs.psychcentral.com/bipolar-life/2013/05/when-your-mentally-ill-child-refuses-help/ As a teenager, I made everything tougher than it needed to be. I argued when I was asked to do chores. I was miserable just to prove a point. I wouldn’t listen to good advice. I was also a teenager with mental illness. This changes the dynamic between parent and... As a teenager, I made everything tougher than it needed to be. I argued when I was asked to do chores. I was miserable just to prove a point. I wouldn’t listen to good advice. I was also a teenager with mental illness. This changes the dynamic between parent and child in a big way—besides [...] Kat Dawkins Thu, 16 May 2013 23:46:25 +0000 http://blogs.psychcentral.com/panic/2013/05/emetophobia-the-ugly-fear-of-nausea-and-vomiting/ I'm deathly afraid of the stomach virus to the point where I have a legitimate phobia of throwing up. Believe it or not, this fear is incredibly common, and it has a name: emetophobia.... I'm deathly afraid of the stomach virus to the point where I have a legitimate phobia of throwing up. Believe it or not, this fear is incredibly common, and it has a name: emetophobia. Summer Beretsky Thu, 16 May 2013 18:15:43 +0000 http://blogs.psychcentral.com/relationship-skills/2013/05/not-enough-time-dont-take-it-personally/ The Hidden Causes of the Work/Family Conflict Laura: “Now that I am back to work full time, I get up at 5:00 A.M. to get the kid’s lunches ready. I often find myself doing laundry at 10:00 P.M. Last week I was picking up groceries at the supermarket at 11:00... The Hidden Causes of the Work/Family Conflict Laura: “Now that I am back to work full time, I get up at 5:00 A.M. to get the kid’s lunches ready. I often find myself doing laundry at 10:00 P.M. Last week I was picking up groceries at the supermarket at 11:00 P.M., and my stomach is [...] Linda & Charlie Bloom Thu, 16 May 2013 17:00:11 +0000 http://blogs.psychcentral.com/wellness/2013/05/poor-and-rich/ The Poor we have the flowers and the trees… we have the grass beneath our knees and feet   we have the air so fresh and sweet!   we have the rivers and the streams we have the butterflys and bees we have the mountains and breeze wind we have... The Poor we have the flowers and the trees… we have the grass beneath our knees and feet   we have the air so fresh and sweet!   we have the rivers and the streams we have the butterflys and bees we have the mountains and breeze wind we have the sand and seas wave [...] Joan Winifred Thu, 16 May 2013 16:00:48 +0000 http://blogs.psychcentral.com/mind-matters/2013/05/psychedelics-a-shortcut-to-enlightenment/ Attaining Oneness with all being is a goal that many spiritual seekers spend decades working towards. It takes many years even for the most diligent meditator to lastingly quiet the chattering mind, and to move towards deep experiences of transformation and lasting happiness. Back in the sixties though, the two... Attaining Oneness with all being is a goal that many spiritual seekers spend decades working towards. It takes many years even for the most diligent meditator to lastingly quiet the chattering mind, and to move towards deep experiences of transformation and lasting happiness. Back in the sixties though, the two psychologists and then-academics Timothy Leary [...] Gerti Schoen, MA, LP Thu, 16 May 2013 15:52:15 +0000 http://blogs.psychcentral.com/mindfulness/2013/05/watering-the-seeds-of-depression-watering-the-seeds-of-resiliency/ I often write about the demanding and criticizing voices in our heads a lot because it is so amazingly prevalent and I figure just about anyone can identify with that and almost all of us need support with them. Every day these voices kick in out of habit telling us... I often write about the demanding and criticizing voices in our heads a lot because it is so amazingly prevalent and I figure just about anyone can identify with that and almost all of us need support with them. Every day these voices kick in out of habit telling us “I can’t do that right” [...] Elisha Goldstein, Ph.D. Thu, 16 May 2013 14:31:16 +0000 http://blogs.psychcentral.com/mentoring-recovery/2013/05/mom-in-the-mirror/ Recently my longtime dear friend and colleague, Dr. Dena Cabrera, and a newer friend of mine, Emily Wierenga, released a much-anticipated new book to help moms who are recovering from an eating disorder. Yay! "Mom in the Mirror" was released this month by Rowan & Littlefield Publishers. When Dena... Recently my longtime dear friend and colleague, Dr. Dena Cabrera, and a newer friend of mine, Emily Wierenga, released a much-anticipated new book to help moms who are recovering from an eating disorder. Yay! "Mom in the Mirror" was released this month by Rowan & Littlefield Publishers. When Dena first mentioned the concept to me a few years ago, right away I was anxious for her to begin work. This is because we have so many members within MentorCONNECT, the eating disorders mentoring nonprofit I founded in 2009, who are moms. So while I am not a mother myself (although I am the proud parront to a most beautiful and intelligent bird named Pearl) I am regularly privy to some of the struggles and strains that cross the minds and hearts of mothers who want to make sure their own eating disordered ways are not passed along to their kids. While not everyone on MentorCONNECT will necessarily relate to some of the faith-based passages in "Mom in the Mirror" (both co-authors are dedicated Christians and so their faith necessarily infuses their personal journeys and the work they do to support others as well) I personally felt that the book is written in such a way that readers who are not Christians can still find tremendous value in the majority of the material. In this way, "Mom in the Mirror" really does offer readers the best of all worlds - inspiring personal stories of recovery from the authors and others interwoven with the latest eating disorder research by noted experts in the field and practical tools and tips throught to help readers strengthen in recovery. Shannon Cutts Thu, 16 May 2013 14:00:41 +0000 http://blogs.psychcentral.com/quick-fix/2013/05/how-to-write-a-wanted-poster-for-singles/ Do they still hang Wanted posters up in Post Offices? I haven’t been in one in so long… But I’ve always been fascinated by those bad boys the FBI wants so desperately. As a single person, if you want to find a mate, you have a choice: do you wait... Do they still hang Wanted posters up in Post Offices? I haven’t been in one in so long… But I’ve always been fascinated by those bad boys the FBI wants so desperately. As a single person, if you want to find a mate, you have a choice: do you wait for him to come to [...] D. Barstow Thu, 16 May 2013 08:55:22 +0000