The need to feel that we are in control of our lives is so basic to our sense of well being that many people may be finding safe harbor from uncertainty in superstitious thinking. When any aspect of our life spins out of control, as it has for many during these uncertain economic times, our […]
TV Watching Interferes With Sleep
Preparing the body for sleep is one of our most important daily rituals, although few people realize the importance it plays in maintaining good health. Our bodies need from seven to eight hours of sleep per night to adequately recharge. Many Americans chronically receive less sleep than they need, unwittingly increasing their health risk. Getting […]
Hypereaters Can’t Stop Craving Bad Foods
America’s love affair with unhealthy food may be more disturbing than we realized. According to research conducted by the former chief of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, as many as 70 million Americans probably suffer from some degree of “conditioned hypereating.” Dr. David Kessler defines hypereating as a willpower-sapping compulsion to eat high-fat, high-sugar foods, even […]
Economic Recession Means Back to Basics
A prosperous economy and everything is good. An economic recession and everything is bad. This is the case if your happiness depends on material things. Of course, everyone feels better when there are no kinks in the system and you don’t have to think about money (because you have enough of it). And most people […]
Are Stereotypes a Self-fulfilling Prophecy?
We all understand the peril of stereotyping. Judging any group by a single set of often negative characteristics ignores both the breadth of human experience evident in any group of people and the unique individuality of each member of the group. Yet, stereotypes persist. The problem seems to be how we exercise the human need […]
Self-Help Techniques Improve Daily Life
There are many times when we need professional psychiatric help coping with a life crisis or moving through a major life change or finding our way during a particularly challenging time. People often need a psychiatrist’s professional support, skills and guidance to successfully meet life’s challenges and overcome major problems. But there are other times when […]