Dos and Don'ts for Managing Parenting Anxiety

Mom of 14 Nadya Suleman (dubbed "Octomom" for her octuplets ) is an exaggerated example of parenting fail. ABC Good Morning America cataloged some of the single mom's most egregiously bad decisions, including a Xanax addiction. Granted, parenting is stressful. But there are healthier ways to manage anxiety. From past experience with antidepressants, I say they cause more problems than they cure. Here are dos and don'ts for treating parenting anxiety and depression.  Dos and Don'ts for Managing Parenting Anxiety

How My OCD Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Affects My Relationships

 The term OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder) is often used to describe perfectionist behavior. While people with OCD may just seem overly organized, Medscape says OCD behavior stems from pervasive psychological pain, anxiety and "distressing intrusive obsessive thoughts."

Intrusive and distressing, these thoughts certainly are. I wasn't diagnosed with OCD until adulthood, but I recognize now that I've had OCD since early childhood. Here's a picture of what OCD feels to me and how it affects my relationship with my husband, kids and loved ones. Hopefully, this insight will help you if you're living with a person with OCD or if you experience it yourself. I've included ideas on what's helped me, too. How I Experience and Cope with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder 

Post-Holiday Letdown and Relationship Health

It's one of life's enigmas; the winter holiday season, which is supposed to bring the greatest joy, sometimes causes more feelings of depression and anxiety. Emotional health emergencies are higher during the holidays and post-holiday letdown time. Relationships and marriages, says family therapist Rachel Sussman, often suffer holiday-related setbacks. Here's a look at holiday relationship issues, with some first-hand advice about ways to cope. Read more...

Relationship Issues: How to Help Someone With Guilt Complex

Overactive Conscience and Guilt Complex: How to Help Someone Who is Too Hard on Themselves
This week, we look at depression, guilt complex, emotional issues and other relationship killers. Do you know someone with overactive conscience or guilt complex? These people have exaggerated feelings of personal culpability and responsibility. They are hypercritical of themselves. How can you help a person who is too hard on themselves?
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Post-Holiday Depression: Reconnect, Rejuvenate, Refresh, Nourish

Post Holiday Let-Down: Emergency First Aid Kit
Before the holiday we work frenetically to gear up for that holiday climax and when the rush is over, there's a certain let-down. How can you counteract that post holiday depression? By being prepared for it. Here are several tips to combat post holiday depression.
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Intimacy, Sex and Endorphins: Feel Good Hormones

Endorphins: Mood Lifters and Depression Busters
Endorphins are not dolphins with interior skeletons or cartoon characters. Endorphins are hormones. Not the kind that make your teenager act like a mutant beings. Endorphins are the nice-guy hormones. One of the best way to get endorphins is through sex and orgasm.
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Intimacy and Emotional Health

Emotional Health: Self-Care, Awareness and Help
Intimacy is greatly affected by health: physical and emotional. What are the most worrisome health issues today? Depression, chronic rage, emotional dysfunction, addictive behavior, co-dependent behavior, stress-related illness. Why? Because we are learning that mind and body are symbiotic.
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