Mary Richardson Kennedy Death By Hanging--Kids Need Extra Support

Whatever the circumstances that led to Mary Richardson Kennedy's death, I say we need to give the family a lot of space and support to mourn. Especially her four kids. ABC News says that the 52-year-old wife of Robert Kennedy, Jr., was found dead from asphyxiation due to hanging in an outbuilding on the family property in Bedford, N.Y.  Kids Need Extra Support After Death of Mom Mary Kennedy

How to soothe a fussy, crying baby

Have you ever been in a store where a baby is endlessly crying? Probably every parent has experienced the chagrin of trying to comfort a child who will not be comforted. I've been that mom. Crying jags are distressing for parents, other shoppers, but mostly for baby herself. This one child was our little fuss pot. She got ill very early and cried frequently. Here are some tried-and-true tips to soothe from my 23 years of parenting successes and failures.  How to soothe a fussy, crying baby

25 Drug-Free Therapies to Treat Menopause Depression, Anxiety

Anxiety, panic attacks, depression, and PMS (pre-menstrual syndrome): I struggle with each of these issues to a varying degree. For seven years I took the antidepressant Paxil (paroxetine), but I began to put on weight at an alarming rate. When I entered menopause a few years ago, it felt like I had PMS every day. My depression and panic attacks escalated. I decided to quit and find ways to treat emotional distress without medication. Here are 25 drug-free therapies that have kept me off antidepressants and helped me to lose weight and feel better.
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Healthy Grieving and Coping with Loss Patterns

Healthy Grieving and Coping with Loss Patterns A friend who lost the love of her life shared recently that she had no idea that grief could be so pervasive or take so long to heal. I hold a degree in psychology and have grief counseling experience; none of that prepared me for the horrific and sickening vacuum that loss of a loved one left in my soul. Here are thoughts about coping with loss and helping others heal from their grief, collected from numerous personal grief experiences along with walking with friends on the healing journey. Read on...

Self-Help Tricks, Mental Health Tips to Quit Antidepressants

Self-Help Tricks, Mental Health Tips to Quit Antidepressants For seven years, I took Paxil (paroxetine) to relieve anxiety and depression. I began to put on an alarming amount weight and with extended use, the antidepressant didn't work as well, either. I decided to quit. I have been antidepressant-free for 16 months. Here are self-help tips and mental health strategies for quitting SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor). Some of these tips may fly in the face of conventional medical thinking, but I recommend them because they worked for me. I would also add another, that I remembered after writing this: journal your progress. Do your mental health homework. If you have bad days, don't worry. It happens. It's like the Rodney Atkins song says "If you're going through hell, keep on going, don't slow down. If you're scared, don't show it. You might get out before the devil even knows you're there." When you quit antidepressants, some days will feel like hell. But there were days I felt like hell even with the drugs. Those days don't last forever and they get fewer and farther between. If you can't or don't want to quit, don't beat yourself up. Some people need these meds. Some antidepressants are more effective with fewer side effects, too. I just found my life better without the Paxil. Read on...

Strategies for Coping with Holiday Stress-Induced Relationship Problems

Strategies for Coping with Holiday Stress-Induced Relationship Problems 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. 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 on...

Cognitive-Behavioral "Talk Therapy" Helps Teen Depression, Suicide, Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia Talk Therapy Success Encouraging for Teen Depression, Suicide New research shows that talk therapy, or Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, is having success with schizophrenics, many of whom are teens and young adults. These findings are encouraging for parents; they demonstrate that CBT can help with teen depression and suicide prevention, too. Here's how.