Am I a Neglectful Mother? Thoughts on Burying Children

I've been asking this question every year for the last 13 years. I seem to need to process annually. Am I a neglectful mother? I don't ask for a general absolution. I know my failings, am doing my mea culpae.

This is specific, and will probably get weepy. I've mentioned we lost two stillborn daughters, Mary Therese in 2001 and Isobella Raine in 2004. The little sisters share a grave in Spring Lake. And we do not go visit it.   Am I a Neglectful Mother?

Making Health Insurance, Affordable Care Act Pay

Let's hear it for Obamacare! Finally, people who have never had insurance will be able to get coverage. Opponents are nitpicking at the Affordable Care Act, saying it's expensive, can't choose doctors, forced to switch doctors. Just propaganda from those with a vested interest in keeping us uninsured and paying more for care. So let's start unpacking the ACA. Now that you have coverage, how can you make it work for you? Read onMaking Health Insurance, Affordable Care Act Pay

Natural Depression Therapies for 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

Natural Depression Therapies for 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.  Holistic Mood Therapies

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.

Emotional Self Help Recommended Reading

10 Emotional Self Help Books
Are you struggling with emotional issues: fear, anger, shame, low self esteem, depression, grief, abuse, addiction, or betrayal? Here is my recommended reading list of authors and books on emotional healing. Bibliotherapy has saved my sanity and emotional health many a time...
Click here for list...

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...