For all the many discussions you've ever had with your children, your own mortality probably hasn't been a conversation topic. That's understandable. Talking about death often feels morbid and scary, both for the parent and the adult child alike. We also live in a society that generally shuns the concepts of aging, loss, and grief. But talking about end-of-life issues...[ read more ]
You've probably heard that new year's resolutions overwhelmingly don't work. In fact, research shows that 91% of Americans won't achieve their goals. To be exact, most people quit on January 19, the infamous day coined as Quitter's Day. But that doesn't mean you should abandon your efforts to set goals for self-improvement and happiness. New Year's Intentions vs Resolutions: What's...[ read more ]
What do you do for work? It's the icebreaker question of all questions. After all, we spend most of our working years focused on our careers and building a life that works within the confines of employment. In contrast, the prospect of retirement often feels tantalizing. You might expect this time to feel meaningful and fulfilling. Retirement planning may even...[ read more ]
You just received the phone call or saw the Facebook post. Your friend's dad or mom passed. They're sharing the news with close friends, and you're in that circle. How do you feel right now? Scared? Uncertain? Sad? Uncomfortable? These are all normal emotions that emerge when standing next to grief. Unfortunately, even best friends sometimes avoid talking about this...[ read more ]
It's cited as the most wonderful time of the year, but grief can have a gripping and devastating effect on the winter months. As we move into the holiday season, grief often feels more intense. The memories of your loved one may seem more pronounced, and the accompanying sadness or fear may feel unbearable. Whether it's your first or tenth...[ read more ]
Shame is that warm feeling that washes over us, making us feel small, flawed, and never good enough- Brene Brown We all feel shame from time to time. It's a natural human response to making mistakes or hurting the people we love. Healthy shame can motivate us to be better people and think more consciously in the future. But toxic...[ read more ]
You know that feeling. You're groggy and dragging through the day. You're exhausted, but when bedtime rolls around, you're wide awake. And so, you toss and turn, desperate for restful sleep, only to have another frustrating night. Sound familiar? A good night's sleep isn't just a nice luxury. It's paramount for your physical and mental health. That said, 50-70 million...[ read more ]
Panic attacks are undoubtedly frightening, particularly if you didn't know what they were when you first experienced them. The symptoms are physically and emotionally exhaustive, and your mental health can take a toll. But you can learn how to cope with panic attacks and relieve symptoms in real time. Here's what you need to know. Understanding Panic Attack Symptoms Panic...[ read more ]
Secondary traumatic stress refers to the emotional distress and turmoil that occurs from indirect exposure to trauma. People with secondary trauma often exhibit similar symptoms to those who have experienced trauma directly. Caregivers and professionals working in trauma-exposed fields (first responders, therapists, clinical social workers, emergency nurses) are particularly susceptible to secondary traumatization. However, regardless of your profession, knowing the...[ read more ]
As you know, any form of grief can feel overwhelming and devastating. But when a friend loses a loved one, it can feel challenging to know how to respond. You might worry about saying or doing the wrong thing. Here's how to provide support for your grieving friend: Don't Overestimate Listening Even if you find talking about death scary or...[ read more ]