Archive for the ‘Depression, Anxiety & Stress’ Category

It Came To Pass…Not to Stay

September 22nd, 2009

patienceWhen you’re in the middle of a crisis or just feeling down, do you ever get pessimistic, thinking that this is your fate?  That you’ll never find relief?  That it will never get any better?  If so, you’re not alone.  It’s common for people to respond this way to difficulties in life, as well as to their current emotional states.

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Radical (and Gentle) Acceptance

August 24th, 2009

difficult emotionsHave you ever felt lonely, confused, angry or sad?  Of course you have.  These are all normal, human emotions and experiences.  Are you comfortable feeling this way?  Perhaps not.  So, what do you do when faced with them?  Do you stuff them, avoiding them through negative self-talk, eating, drinking or some other behavior?  If so, there is another way.

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Be Good to Yourself

June 10th, 2009

self-compassionWhen parting with folk, I often say something like “Be good to yourself.”  I thought the meaning of this statement was self-evident.  But when someone asked me what I meant, I realized that I needed to be clear.

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How Therapy Helps

May 21st, 2009

how therapy helpsIf you bring forth that which is within you,
Then that which is within you
Will be your salvation.
If you do not bring forth that
Which is within you,
Then that which is within you
Will destroy you.
~The Gnostic Gospels

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The Shame Trap

April 19th, 2009

So many things can happen in life that trap us is shame.   Being raped or in a violent relationship, childhood sexual exploitation, having an addiction or dealing with sexuality issues, or even a mental illness are just a few of the things of which folks feel ashamed.  There are many more.  Most of them are not our fault.  But “The Shame Trap” catches you.

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Climbing the Mountain

March 2nd, 2009

Sometimes it’s hard to feel like you’re making progress.  You’re doing all the right things:  Attending therapy, accepting that life has it’s ups and downs, going to your 12-step meetings, living your true identity, or a host of other self-improvement activities.  However, you’re still not where you want to be.  Life continues to feel overwhelming.  Depression, anxiety, sadness or loneliness visit often.

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Where Do You Find Hope?

February 23rd, 2009

Life has some huge obstacles that it puts in our way.  Sometimes, the sheer weight of the challenge can be overwhelming.  You might feel like this moment will never pass and that life will always be this way.  You may feel desperate, depressed, and fed-up.  You may want to give up, feeling spent from all of your efforts.  When this happens, where can you find hope to carry you through? 

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Sex and Self-Esteem

February 13th, 2009

The December 2008 Journal of Health & Science reported that gay men who feel sexually undesirable are more likely to have risky sex (The Advocate, February 2009 issue).  Gay men with positive body images are more likely to insist that their partners use condoms.  In other words, gay men who feel good about themselves make better decisions about their health.

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Is it Working?

January 25th, 2009

How long have you been trying to change the way you feel, think or behave?  What have you been doing?  Do you berate yourself for thinking a certain thought?  Do you demand of yourself “Don’t think this!”  “Don’t be depressed!”  Do you have a drink, surf the web for porn, or eat…all in an effort to change your feelings, thoughts, problems?

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Expressing Gratitude

January 4th, 2009

With the start of a New Year, I find it’s a good time to reflect on my life.  What challenges have I overcome?  Where am I making progress?  What am I grateful for?

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