This week I started preparing for a presentation I’m giving to a large women’s organization. The main topic is depression and mental health. This is a topic our society does not talk about enough. We all struggle with feeling down and discouraged. Sometimes that discouragement can be debilitating. There are a couple of different schools…
Insurance coverage for couples’ therapy can vary depending on the insurance company and policy. While some insurance plans may provide coverage for couples’ therapy, it’s important to note that not all insurance plans cover this type of therapy. The best way to know what is covered under your plan is to call the number on…
A couple of weeks ago my husband and I were running errands. I thought we were going to Kohls to make some returns, he thought we were going to Lowe’s. He was driving. We are still new to this city, so we are still trying to find our way around town. I didn’t think he…
Research suggests that being in an unhappy relationship can have negative health effects. Studies have found that people who are in unhappy relationships are more likely to experience a range of health problems, including cardiovascular disease, chronic pain, depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. In fact, some research has suggested that the health effects…
Our children are getting ready to start school on Monday. Having just moved to Pennsylvania, they are understandably concerned about making new friends. As we have talked about this the last few weeks, I’ve been thinking about how we never outgrow the desire to fit in and have friends. Even as adults, we need other…
Who has the Type A personality in your home? Is it you? Your spouse? One of your kids? People with Type A personalities often get a bad rap. That’s because people with Type A personalities are generally more competitive and task oriented. They are driven by schedules and productivity. Sitting around waiting for other…
You’ve probably heard the term passive aggression, but do you truly understand what it means? Can you accurately spot it in your relationships—or even in yourself? And perhaps most importantly, do you know how to navigate relationships with someone who consistently displays passive-aggressive behavior?
Late one evening, after hours of combing through Quicken and wrestling with the numbers, I found myself sitting at my computer—overwhelmed, exhausted, and defeated. The financial strain of medical school loomed over me like a dark cloud. No matter how carefully I budgeted, the truth was unavoidable: our monthly loan stipend fell far short of…
We often say it’s hard to keep going when you can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel. But I think it can be even harder when you do see the light—because that’s when the exhaustion catches up with you. For me, this always hits during pregnancy. I’m fine until about 36 weeks.…
Did you know that willpower is a finite resource? It’s true. There comes a point when you can’t just keep telling yourself to keep on. I was reminded of that this week as the stress level at our house continues to mount with our upcoming move. I found myself frequently reaching for my favorite chocolates.…
A few years ago I met with the wife of a urologist who had just started his private practice job. They had three small children and she had chosen to quit her job as an attorney and stay home with them. She was tired. Residency had taken its toll on their relationship and on her…
Did you know you can improve the way you feel just by changing the way you talk about your circumstances? Consider the following examples from my own life: We raised four children on a tiny income. We never had enough money for the extra things we would have liked to do. We couldn’t afford flights home to…