Lose Weight, Gain Self-Esteem--Healthy Dieting Improves Confidence

When I walked into yoga class recently, my yogini said "You should lead class tonight. You look so perky and confident!" I realized that I'm a lot happier and more energetic. Why? Because I lost 98 pounds. The left picture is where I began. The right, taken May 2014 is where I am--down 9 sizes from 20 to 3, BMI down 14 points. Losing weight can restore lost self-esteem and help you find confidence if you never had it. And that is healthy for you and your relationships. Lose Weight, Gain Self-Esteem--Healthy Dieting Improves Confidence



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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.   Managing Parent Anxiety 

Natural Depression Therapies for Couples, Parents

"Octomom" Nadya Suleman, the single mother of 14 (including octuplets) routinely provides us with glaring examples of what not to do as a parent. Suleman checked herself into mental health rehab for stress and anxiety stemming from a Xanax addiction, says ABC Good Morning, America. Depression affects most parents at some point, but powerful mood-altering drugs like Xanax aren't a solution. From experience, I can say that they only make things worse. For seven years I took antidepressants, but weaned myself two and a half years ago. To treat depression symptoms, I use these methods.  Natural Depression Therapies for Parents

Parenting tips to survive teen depression

While clinical teen depression is relatively uncommon, most teens are subject to bouts of depression. Tedious as they may be for parents, blue periods in teens are normal and even healthy. Teen depression is particularly challenging to deal for parents who are struggling with their own emotional issues. Here are some coping strategies to help parents help teens. read more

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 

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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