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9.23.2017

Depression 101


Asking about someone's feelings or thoughts about suicide does not plant the seed. In fact, it feels like a relief.

Sadness may be nature's way of forcing us to retreat and recoup, which is different than a clinical paralyzing depression.

Signs: Psycho motor retardation and loss of interest in things that used to be pleasurable, Agitation , Insomnia, Oversleeping, Weight loss/gain, Irritability, Numb, Disconnected.

High level of mortality occurs for the person with severe depression.


Neurocognitive assessment to rule out dementia is often required.


Some cultures (military, etc) value self-reliance. This must be respected.


For the support system: I give you permission to not feel the obligation to cure your loved one's depression.

 

 

9.18.2017

Prenuptial Agreements and That Ugly Conversation

Asking for a prenup...helpful ice-breakers

And another article on second and third marriages

 

 

9.16.2017

The Peace of Wild Things



The Peace of Wild Things


When despair for the world grows in me
 and I wake in the night at the least sound
 in fear of what my life and my children's lives may be,
 I go and lie down where the wood drake
 rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds.
 I come into the peace of wild things
 who do not tax their lives with forethought
 of grief. I come into the presence of still water.
 And I feel above me the day-blind stars
 waiting with their light. For a time
 I rest in the grace of the world, and am free.
 
 
 

9.14.2017

If you are swimmer, or enjoy great writing, read this classic short story by acclaimed American author, 

John Cheever,  The Swimmer




  Whichever parenting stage I'm at always feels like the hardest. But, I was wrong last time. This one really is!

 

On Blended Families:

I work with many, many wonderfully blended families every year. Whether they are divorced, and now dating others that are divorced, with kids; Or perhaps a remarriage with a set of step kiddos, there are great examples of blended families that make it work.
In those rare situations where it doesn't work, and it has become a challenging nightmare, I can safely say that two characteristics of mental illnesses are usually present. One is alcoholism and the other is narcissism. 
It's just incredibly difficult to amicably split and co-parent with an unstable ex. No one goes into a marriage with the idea or hope that it will end in a fracture. 
However, divorce happens at a large number. Most couples wish they had not divorced, and 75% wish they had tried counseling sooner or more seriously. 
It's really hard to be a divorced parent, to begin to date again - get outside help early.

Book recommendation: Into The Magic Shop

Heroin Deaths: CNN Reports - This is unacceptable...


9.05.2017

Book recommendation for September



9.04.2017



If you want to make God laugh, plan your life. 

If you want to make him laugh harder, plan your kid's life.