Two Kinds of Stress

I was sitting at my desk getting ready to finalize the curriculum for a class that I teach when I was informed via email that the books I needed for my medical residents had not arrived.  Not only had they not arrived, they had not been ordered! I thought the top of my head would explode.  I could teach the first two lectures, maybe the first four, but after that, the next two or three segments of the curriculum were blown.  I wasn’t just stressed; I was in distress.  Distress is negative … [Read more...]

Why Seeing a Psychologist Can Be Life-Changing

It takes courage to start therapy. Chances are, whatever has been bothering you has been in your mind for a while and you have not been able to solve the problem on your own. So even if it feels scary, therapy provides a safe space to deal with thoughts and emotions, develop coping skills and improve your overall well-being.      One of the greatest benefits of therapy is that your relationship with your psychologist is confidential and non-judgemental. No matter how much you may be judging … [Read more...]

Are You in A Relationship with A Narcissist?

Do you ever wonder why your husband only cares about his interests and activities?  Does he do as much for you as you do for him?  Does your good friend consistently ignore what you care about yet go on  and on about his own needs?  Do you feel unheard even when you take the time to tell your boyfriend what is important to you and how you feel? You might be in a relationship with a narcissist.  Narcissism, a term that is often bandied about casually, is actually a psychiatric diagnosis … [Read more...]

Quieting Your Inner Critic

    One may think that all eyes are on us when we’re out and about. We may hear an acquaintance say “Look at what she’s wearing today!” Comments like this may be normal but, ultimately, we are our own worst critic and it is vital that we not take it to heart. Recently I read an article in the New York Times titled Learn to Quiet Your Inner Critic by Christina Caron and in today’s day and age it couldn’t be more relevant.     Inner criticism stems from our constant want, not need, to be … [Read more...]

Should We Always Be Afraid of Anxiety?

For most people, anxiety is a burden. It makes them feel as if they cannot control their lives and that they must endure a lot of distress when doing things that make them nervous. In the DSM V, the psychiatrist’s and psychologist’s diagnostic manual, there are 11 different anxiety “disorders.”  But, as a recent article by Christina Caron in the New York Times Wellness Advice section shows, there are times when anxiety can actually help us. She acknowledges that too much anxiety can be … [Read more...]