Most couples, when first married, aim a lot of attention to their relationship. Then… the kids arrive. Out of necessity and choice, the focus shifts dramatically. Children inspire and require new approaches in every aspect of your life. You and your partner will likely find yourself building your day-to-day choices around the needs of your … [Read more...]
Aging & Depression: How to Experience One Without the Other
The aging process is quite a ride. It is a time to reflect on one’s life. It’s also a time when some disturbing new factors can affect your life. The older person has many adjustments to make. Perhaps, friends and family members are dying. Chronic diseases can emerge. Finances and opportunities might be leaner now than in your younger … [Read more...]
How Your Overworking Is Linked to Your Anxiety
Overworking is far too often considered to be a positive and highly recommended trait. It’s positioned as a factor related to values and ethics. However, it can be a very dangerous trend steeped in both perfectionism and anxiety. Because of our general perception, someone with anxiety-caused overwork syndrome may not seek help. The … [Read more...]
Are You a Good Listener? 5 Ways to Make Sure
How strong are your listening skills? Better yet, are you sure you know what strong listening skills look and sound like? Intentions matter, of course. But, in everyday life, what matters just as much is execution. You may have the desire to be a respectful, active, and validating listener. However, if that desire is not translated into action, … [Read more...]
Is 50/50 Parenting a Realistic Goal?
Should parenting be a 50/50 effort all the time? Can parenting be a 50/50 effort all the time? In the beginning, this is unrealistic. One parent may be more involved in hands-on parenting. Meanwhile, the other is more involved in making money to facilitate helping the more hands-on parent bond with the newborn. Later, depending on schedules … [Read more...]
What Does It Mean to Be Financially Intimate?
Generally, you’ll find many different types of intimacy discussed by relationship and/or psychology experts. These include affectional, intellectual, emotional, sexual, recreational, spiritual, aesthetic, and social intimacy. While all of them are important, this common list highlights how often financial issues are downplayed in terms of … [Read more...]
Why Celebrating Parental Wins Matters
We live in a culture that is subtly competitive nearly all of the time. This goes triple on social media. Comparison regarding the meals you cook, the number of ab crunches you can do, or the amazing vacations you take is a daily contest on the net. Everyone is constantly measuring up to the alleged standards of the crowd. Such a mindset can create … [Read more...]
The Physical Impact of Trauma: What to Recognize & How to Respond
Everyone faces potentially traumatic events. In some cases, these experiences result in trauma which can turn into Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD. Those struggling with this condition may have to deal with anxiety, flashbacks, nightmares, hyper-vigilance, substance abuse, social withdrawal, depression, and thoughts of death or … [Read more...]
PTSD Takes a Physical Toll: What You Need to Know
Most folks are familiar with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Well, they are familiar with the standard representation of the condition. For example, they will probably associate it with returning war veterans. This makes sense since about 20 percent of those who fought in Iraq and Afghanistan will be diagnosed with PTSD. We know about … [Read more...]
Suffering from Natural Disaster PTSD: What You Can Do to Cope
Ask someone about Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and they may talk about soldiers or victims of abuse. But what about the widespread reality of natural disasters? You may be an earthquake, a wildfire, or a flood survivor. Living through tornados or hurricanes or tsunamis is becoming a more frequent experience as well. Such experiences can be … [Read more...]