“Unprecedented.” “Uncharted territory.” “No clear rules.” “Constantly changing.” These are just a few of the words and phrases being used to describe our life right now as we face the COVID-19 pandemic. Not knowing what is going to happen and having so many things out of our control are key contributors to anxiety, so it…
One of the most powerful experiences humans can have is feeling truly heard and understood. And while this may not seem like it would be difficult or rare, there is more to being a good listener than we might expect. We can all recall times when we have tried to talk about something important and…
Often a child’s first direct dealing with death involves the loss of a grandparent. A child’s reaction can be influenced by age and his or her own personal relationship with the grandparent. A grandparent often plays a special role in our child’s life, whether he or she cares for our child regularly or only on…
Despite advancements in the general public’s understanding of mental health issues and improved access to mental health services, stigma around mental health remains. The dictionary defines stigma as a mark of shame or disgrace that discredits or ostracizes an individual. Stigma often leads to prejudice, or negative judgments or assumptions about a person based on…
The beginning of a new year is often a time when people take stock of their day-to-day lives and decide to make changes. However, they often find that their desire to do things differently doesn’t easily translate into actual long-lasting changes. If you are hoping to create some healthier habits in the new year, here…
The most wonderful and busiest time of the year is here! Holidays can be a time of joy and spending time with family and friends. But, it can also be a stressful time of the year. Taking care of yourself in the midst of all the parties and togetherness, shopping, and in general fulfilling the…
Imagine that you are on your way to the airport for a much-needed vacation. Although you arrive early, you are informed upon your arrival that your flight has been cancelled and that you have been moved to a different flight. In the morning rush you did not see the email notifying you of the change,…
Why do some people fail to reach their potential, while others go on to achieve greatness? How do people persist when faced with tremendous obstacles and challenges? What makes it possible to center our focus, rebound from failure, and handle enormous pressure? In the field of sport psychology many professionals have attempted to answer these…
Motor vehicle accidents are the number one cause of death of young people from ages 16 to 24 in the United States. Teenagers with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are more likely than their neurotypical peers to have a car accident, get a speeding ticket, drive drunk, drive without a seatbelt, and drive without a valid…
Middle and high school students are more stressed and anxious now than in past decades. In fact, according to the National Institutes of Health, anxiety disorders in children and teens increased by 20 percent from 2007 to 2012. One reason for this troubling rise in anxiety is an increase in academic pressure. While we want…
