Celebrated at an earlier stage in pregnancy than a baby shower, a gender reveal party announces whether expectant parents will be giving birth to a boy or a girl. This practice has become most popular in the United States and it’s almost impossible to avoid these celebrations being touted on social media. At their 20…
parentingBlog
How Can I Be More Self-Compassionate?
A frequent discussion with patients is how to be kinder… To oneself. According to clinical psychology research, self-compassion includes three major components: self-kindness, mindfulness, and connection with humanity. Scientifically, self-compassion promotes well-being, decreases depression and anxiety, and can be a buffer during difficult times. See The Neuropsychology of Self-Compassion. Become aware of your inner critic.…
strategies for self-careGood morning, good night: The Power of Reaching Out
We underestimate how much the simplest text or call means to our friends, family members, and colleagues. As a society, we tend to place greater emphasis on romantic connections in our lives. Texting a dating partner or spouse is frequently seen as de rigueur. However, friends often get us through the hard times and these…
UncategorizedHot in Here: heat waves and mental health
The extreme heat that much of the country is experiencing this summer has significant impacts on mental health alongside serious physical health impacts. Some groups, including people with pre-existing mental health conditions, are especially vulnerable. Extreme heat has been associated with a range of mental health impacts in extensive research over many years, including increases…
GeneralHow to be genuine
Bruce Lee, one of my personal heroes (November 27, 1940–July 20, 1973) turned to this central question of existence and approached it with the same subtleness of insight and sincerity of spirit with which he approached all of life. He died all too soon, and the Bruce Lee foundation recently released his personal writings. Lee…
GeneralSummer reading rocks
Her: I have to read three books for AP English this summer. Ugh. Me: Do you get to decide what you read? Her: Yeah, and we have to write about it when classes start. Me: Let’s make it four. What are you studying this summer? It’s a great time to explore something you have been…
GeneralCHILD MALTREATMENT AND ABUSE
Where will we get the resources to pay for the exponential increase in child services that we are going to be needing? The system is already overburdened. Prepared parents are few already. Child maltreatment statistics are extremely underreported. FACT. At least 1 in 7 children in the US has experienced child abuse and/or neglect in…
parentingThree Wonder Women
Pictured below are three extraordinary women. *Benazir Bhutto, former Prime Minister of Pakistan is in the portraits within the photograph. She was the first democratically elected female president of a Muslim country. She was assassinated in 2007. She spoke openly about the challenges of balancing family and work life and supported mothers and families in…
GeneralPeople who inspire me
One of my favorite actors is the amazing Viola Davis, age 57. She is the only Black actress who has won the trifecta: academy awards, the Emmy, and the Tony (twice). She credits some of her powerful performances to her impoverished and chaotic childhood. She was frequently in trouble at school for being hungry, disheveled,…
General988lifeline: Big News in Mental Health
In two days, states will roll out 988 as the new National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number, similar to how people can call 911 for emergencies. When calling, the individual will be connected to a trained mental health professional. All phone service providers will be required to connect callers who dial 988 to the lifeline starting…
suicide awareness