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…
DetailsI 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…
DetailsWhen 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…
DetailsOne 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…
DetailsAs 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…
DetailsAsk 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…
DetailsThe 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…
DetailsCaring 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…
DetailsThe holiday season can be a magical time of the year. However, for some, it can be a great source of stress. It is not uncommon for many families to have a checklist of traditions to be followed every year. My family is no exception to this. Even though these traditions may have started spontaneously,…
DetailsWhen a child starts to throw a temper tantrum or lose control, many parents say just breathe or take a deep breath. It is a great thought, but comments like that are just not going to work! It is during times of relaxation that breathing practices should be taught so they can be implemented during…
Details
