Getting to the root of self-defeating behavior Everyone struggles with negative internal voices; those nagging, critical, confidence-destroying voices that pop up when you’re feeling anxious or want to try something new: “You can’t do that.” “People will laugh at you” “You’re not good enough.” With the help of the right therapist, you can go to […]
When you feel hopeless, you have trouble getting out of bed. You think to yourself, “Why should I?” There’s nothing to look forward to. Today will be the same as yesterday. Yesterday was the same as the day before, and the day before that, and the day before that, etc. “Is it possible to die […]
You wake up with a familiar ache in your heart. Sadly, you can’t remember when it wasn’t there. Sometimes healing hurt seems to go on forever. You’ve done everything you can to help yourself. You started weekly therapy; began journaling, exercising, and watching your diet; and self-help books pile up on your nightstand. And yet, […]
There are no shortages of tragedies in life. Yet 2020 proved to be a landmark year for pain and heartbreak. It’s difficult to imagine any time in recent history when so many hardships confronted us and altered the way we live. Wearing masks in public and educating our children on-line have nearly become routine. But […]
Whenever depression strikes, people often reach out for emotional support. Communities come together, religious groups gather, family and friends unite. Such healthy relationships lift us, infuse us with courage, and give us strength. When we’re confronted by shared suffering, human contact is healing. It awakens our humanity and triggers self-reflection. Frequently, a crisis causes us to […]
Soul singer Bobby Harden explains why singing the blues is good for you Broke, broken-hearted, or betrayed? Don’t fret, there’s a blues song for every hardship in life. But did you know that singing the blues is actually good for you? Earlier this year I caught legendary soul singer Bobby Harden in his recent show […]
Life provides suffering, healing requires help. How do you recover when you feel utterly crushed by life? When your heart literally aches with every beat? Whether you saw it coming or didn’t, the feeling is the same: you’re devastated. You gasp at your vulnerability and wonder, “Why did this happen?” Life dishes up so many […]
It’s easier than you think. Whether it tumbles down on you on gloomy days or is triggered by a disappointment or loss, depression is an unwelcome guest in every home. But before we cure it, let’s consider where it may be coming from. Defining Depression Many folks confuse sadness with depression. Sadness is a natural […]
Recently, I met up with one of my best pals. Like many old friends, we share a secret language, referring to events and situations with a single word or glance. A raised eyebrow, a sideways look, the phrase, “Tell me, are your bananas fresh?” and we erupt in fits of laughter as others look on […]
Self-critical people suffer from depression Have you ever wanted to try something new and a voice inside you says, “Who do you think you are? You can’t do that.” So you give up without even trying? Self-critical voices are a major driving force behind all types of mood problems; those annoying inner detractors condemn and […]
