The Power of Positive and Negative Thinking

 I read a lot about the importance of positivity (I do not like that smarmy word). There seems to be a resurgence of Norman Vincent Peale's Power of Positive Thinking mentality. With all due respect, I'm going to put in a word for the power, even importance of negativity. I like to sprinkle a little sand of doubt in the oyster of mainstream thinking, especially when it seems to good to be true. And too much positive happy-normal is not good or healthy. .The Power of Positive and Negative Thinking

Coping with teen anger, teenage mood swings

Clinical teen depression is relatively uncommon, but tell that to parents of teens and they may not agree. Bouts of moodiness are hallmarks of teen behavior and one of the most worrisome for parents. Here's a parent survival kit for dealing with teen mood swings.  Parent coping tips for teen anger and mood swings

How Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Heals Negative Thoughts, Depression

I wouldn't say depression and I are friends, but we're definitely old acquaintances. I've tried different therapies to treat my depression. Counseling, journaling, herbal treatments, antidepressant medications, self-help books-each has helped me in some way. How Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Heals Negative Thoughts, Depression 

Distorted Stinking Thinking of Low Self Esteem, Depression

Have you ever wondered what goes on inside the head of a person with low self-esteem? I can clue you in. I've had a lot (too much) of experience with it. If you're experiencing low self-esteem for the first time, it can be pretty scary. If you've not experienced it, it's hard to imagine why we behave as we do.

Low self-esteem often manifests as depression. It's a complex melange of feelings, but it's based on negative thinking. Stinking thinking, as Al-Anon and Alcoholics Anonymous would call it. Everyone has some thoughts of self-doubt, but in a person with low self-esteem, these thoughts are pervasive. Teens are particularly vulnerable. Negative thoughts are obsessive, inaccurate and distorted, too. Here's how people with low self-esteem think about themselves. Distorted Thinking of Low Self-Esteem, Depression 

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.

Panic Attacks--Symptoms, Coping Skills, Triggers, Healing

Seven years ago, I discovered by accident that I suffer from chronic, undifferentiated panic attacks. After dropping my older children at a nearby church for their violin lessons, I was visited by a horrific sense of impending doom. I felt an acute sense of worthlessness, powerlessness and despair. I felt nauseous, shaky and broke out in a cold sweat. If I'd had the means, I might have ended it right then and there, even though our youngest was in the van with me. Here's how I learned to recognize triggers of panic attacks, understand symptoms and cope with episodes. Emotional health help for sufferers of panic attacks and fight or flight response. Click here...