Doing Life Together

Most of us have heard of the term PTSD (posttraumatic stress disorder). It is a mental health disorder tied to a specific trauma or stressor that results in chronic symptoms that usually require treatment. PTSD is common in people who experience combat, natural disasters, shootings, abuse and more. Due to the symptoms of PTSD, the…

A new book is getting a lot of attention discussing cell phone use and social media as they contribute to the rising mental health crisis. Yes, those are significant factors and need discussion and guidelines for use. But an overlooked factor has been brought to our attention by a Harvard professor of epidemiology, Dr. Tyler…

You had a crummy day. Not much went right and you are exhausted. You find yourself in a Grinch mood. As a result, the rest of the day is spent complaining and venting. In today’s world, people make a living out of complaining and venting. Just take a look at social media or watch the…

Ann came to see me. She was a bit of a puzzle. She seemed to have it all-a good marriage, two healthy children, the respect of her community and good friends. Yet, she was sad. As we dug deeper into her story that didn’t seem to make sense, she said something revealing, “I’m sad. My…

Maddie was given a huge compliment by her boss, but within minutes she doubted he was sincere. Her first thought was to work harder and continue to prove herself. Do you ever feel like Maddie? Despite your accomplishments and efforts, you worry you might be a fraud. Or do you feel that you don’t fit…

He walks into the room. You immediately notice. Something about him draws you. He pulls you into conversation and commands the attention of the people around you. You walk away and think, “I like him and enjoyed his company.” That person exudes charm! The question is, are you born with charm? Do you have it or not? Is…

How many times do we ask people, “How are you feeling?” Is that a good question? Should we be asking this question on a regular basis? The answer may surprise you. Of course, we want to be attuned to emotional needs. But when we keep asking how a child feels moment to moment in a…

There was an interesting article in the Wall Street Journal on the trend to defer marriage among Millennials and Gen Zs. The need to marry is on the decline given the rise in cohabitation, fear of divorce and self-sufficiency, among other factors. This trend is based on the idea that young people should focus on…

Rachel and John eagerly engaged in our premarital counseling sessions. As we waded through the battery of premarital inventories and family background, sex was next on our list. This couple, like many I have counseled, was sexually active prior to meeting each other. Although committed to abstinence this time around, past sexual activity has taken…

By the time you read this, a life could be lost. And it didn’t have to be. Warning: This blog is extremely sad and disturbing. A 28-year-old woman in the Netherlands is choosing to be euthanized due to her mental illness. She sides with the proponents of the right-to-die movement who promote the belief that…

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