Procrastination is nothing new. In 700 B.C., the ancient Greek poet, Hesiod proclaimed his tendency against procrastination in a poem, “Work and Days.” He said, “Do not put your work off till tomorrow and the day after.” Conversely, years later, Mark Twain quipped, “never put off till tomorrow what you can do the day after…
Over the past several months, we have all witnessed the devastation of the Russian attacks on Ukraine. There are endless images and stories of death, destruction, and the flight of refugees, along with tales of heroism. Maybe your kids have seen frightening videos on social media or the news and are asking questions, or perhaps…
This is a question I am commonly asked at dinner parties, other community gatherings, and of course, in the office. It’s no surprise since the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) reports that major depression is the most widespread mental disorder in the United States, with roughly 21 million adults having had a Major Depressive…
I recently read two articles in the New York Times that got me thinking. In “How to Get Back the Time Covid Stole,” Tim Urban points out that our lives are time-limited, and by using “depressing math,” we can calculate approximately how many times of a certain activity we have left. For example, if you…
When asked why we watch the news, most of us will cite the importance of staying up to date on current events. Whether it be the COVID-19 pandemic or Russia’s attack on the Ukraine, we often feel compelled to stay informed about what’s going on in the world. However, research has emerged suggesting that repeatedly…
One of the major reasons couples come into my office seeking help is because of a breakdown in communication. I will often see couples whose communication patterns have broken down, and the result is constant bickering or raised voices and defensiveness. One of the biggest traps that couples fall into is, assuming what the other…
As a clinical psychologist and a father of teens, I have the distinction of truly practicing what I preach, as well as understanding the difficulty of caring for loved ones who suffer from depression. That said, it is essential to know what will be most helpful as a parent when your teen is struggling with…
Ask most people the percentage of our brain we actually use, and you are likely to get the common answer of “10%.” It is often asked to motivate people to access those untapped resources that lie within our cortices. But is it true? Do we only use 10% of our brain? If so, what is…
The main concern for individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD, or what was formerly known as Asperger’s) is difficulties with social communication. This can include acquiring basic social skills (i.e., eye contact and understanding of body language), making friends, and maintaining relationships at an age-appropriate rate. Beyond the social aspect of ASD, individuals often…
Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia is a 24-hour-a-day job. There is no clocking in or clocking out of this difficult and overwhelming endeavor. As a neuropsychologist working with dementia patients and their families, I am constantly amazed at the ingenuity, compassion, patience, and love that I see amongst family…