I was recently interviewed for a mental health blog by a psychiatrist/professor/writer from Georgetown on the topic of Racism and Mental Health. Here’s our conversation: How did you get interested in racism and mental health? When I was growing up, my father was head of the English department at a historically black college. One of…
Hugs are good medicine. During times of stress, they provide an immediate release and relief. Yet in the time of social distancing and pandemic, we may have much LESS access to touch, even when we might need it the most. Hugs boost oxytocin levels. Elevated oxytocin levels lead to lessening of feelings of anger, loneliness,…
This morning I had the pleasure of meeting with government officials from the DC Department of Health and the DC Council. We discussed anxiety and coping strategies for the many service Industry employees heading back to work. Also included were local restaurant leadership/owners, business leaders, and legal experts. It was very informative, and more info…
In my upcoming book, Fight/Flight/Flow, I discuss the importance of anxiety. Anxiety is a natural human reaction that involves mind and body. It serves an important basic survival function: Anxiety is an alarm system that is activated whenever a person perceives danger or threat. Anxiety is both in the mind, or cognitive; and in the…
It’s hard for many people to put the coronavirus global crisis into perspective. It’s even harder to explain it to children. But understanding the big picture can often help us make sense of what’s happening around us. Some kids—and adults—have a hard time seeing the bigger context in situations. (It’s common with kids who have…
Life is vulnerable; uncertainty is the only certainty. Pema Chodron has written a great book about this, the places that scare you, that I highly recommend. At one time or another, we will all go through a difficult time, whether we deal with financial hardship, health problems, death of a loved one, catastrophe, crisis, or…
It’s been a frequent question, how to handle the current situation with regard to kids. In Washington DC, the school systems are closed for at least a month, and I’m thinking longer. This is what I’m telling my patients and families: 1. Establish a routine. This needs to include online schoolwork, chores, exercise, scheduled not…
When your mood is falling as fast as the thermometer, these small lifestyle changes may help boost your spirits.If you’re starting to feel like nothing but a very full, very strong pot of coffee will get you out of bed, join the club. Holiday bills are high, temperatures are low, and the days are way…
I was honored to be recently named as a Top Doc. It’s always gratifying to be recognized for good work, and this kudo comes with the bonus of having an active Q&A section on their website, where readers (and potential patients) can anonymously ask questions. I’ve tried to find time to answer a bunch of…
A few years ago, I participated in the opening of a well-known Italian eatery just outside of Washington DC. During an extremely busy weekend shift, I walked into the kitchen and was struck by the Zen-like calm of numerous people working together to create, plate, and serve delicious meals and libations to hundreds of people…
Combined with psychoeducational testing, it helps provide comprehensive information and recommendations to help children and teens six and up.
