Tag Archives: depression

Robin Williams: The Mask of Humor

Beloved actor Robin Williams struggled with depression and substance abuse throughout his illustrious career, and recently was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. On Monday, August 11, he committed suicide at the age of 63. We all wear masks at one time or another, pretending that everything is OK. It’s common to hide our personal pain. But the bad feelings don’t just disappear. Whether you’re facing a financial crisis, giving up roles that define you, or adjusting to great loss and a new reality, examine how to deal with what’s missing. Decide what … Continue reading

Posted in stress, well-being, your self | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Postpartum Mental Illness

Last week, after crashing into a barrier at the White House, injuring an officer and starting a high-speed car chase through the heart of Washington, a 34-year single mom was shot to death. Her 13-month old daughter in the car avoided physical injury and was taken into protective custody. This incident took place in a city already distressed over the government shutdown and a shooting in the Capitol whereby a gunman killed 12 people a couple of weeks ago. News stories like the Washington Naval Yard rampage have become too … Continue reading

Posted in stress, your self | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Grandparents and Adult Grandkids Bonding Can Lower Depression for Both

  The number of grandparents raising grandkids surged during the Great Recession. In 2011, according to a Pew Research Center report, grandparents were the main caregivers for more than 3 million children. There are still many reasons why this is necessary today – military service, untimely death, incarceration, substance abuse, mental illness or problems with layoffs and foreclosures. The second Sunday in September is always Grandparents’ Day. But every day is a good time to celebrate caring across the generations. For many of us growing up, our grandparents were the … Continue reading

Posted in adult children, aging parents, well-being | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

How to Manage Sibling Conflict

Tuesday’s blog focused on new research findings – that those who experience psychological aggression, whether from siblings or peers, have increased levels of depression, anger and anxiety. Today, let’s look at how your family can prevent sibling conflicts from accelerating. As parents, we have to ask the hard questions about our kids – is there an imbalance of power, is one usually the victim, are the aggressive behaviors persistent, is there ever an intention to harm? We also need to see the part that we play – do we have … Continue reading

Posted in parenting kids, stress, well-being, your self | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment