Why is a Cosmetics Company Involved in Mental Health? The first words I read in the full-page ad in the New York Times on October 10th were “Be Brave. Have The Talk. Help A Friend.” The ad offered a free 10-minute training so that you would know how to talk to a friend who you thought might be struggling with depression or anxiety. I asked myself why Maybelline New York was sponsoring this training? I knew the statistics were worrisome. 50% of young adults suffer from depression or … [Read more...]
Childless vs. Child-Free: A Nuanced Look at Two Paths Without Children
May 23, 2025 By
In a world where parenthood is often seen as a life milestone, choosing not to have children—or living without them due to circumstances—can be met with curiosity, confusion, or even criticism. Yet, it's important to recognize that there are differences between being childless and being child-free. These terms are not interchangeable; they reflect distinct life experiences, perspectives, and emotional realities. Childless usually refers to people who wanted children but, for various … [Read more...]
Avoiding Binge Eating
February 18, 2025 By
The December holidays have passed, your New Year’s resolutions have faded, and Super Bowl parties are over. But you still find yourself perusing the pantry and refrigerator after meals and at night while you watch TV. You may or may not crave a specific item but your brain is sending you messages about food. Should you have chocolate, cookies, potato chips or finish up the remaining lasagna? What about a handful of those chocolate chips you were going to use to make cookies for your daughter? … [Read more...]
What is Gaslighting?
August 15, 2024 By
We often talk about “gaslighting” in connection with a manipulative behavior used by a narcissist in dealing with their victim. The term originated in a 1930's play called Gas Light, in which the main character is attempting to make his wife believe she is going crazy by dimming the lights ever so slightly each day, and convincing her it is all in her head. It was later made into a movie starring Charles Boyer and Ingrid Bergman which emphasized the way male privilege is used to gain power over … [Read more...]
Are You in A Relationship with A Narcissist?
July 15, 2024 By
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...]