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.

Daily Strength: Online Support Group When You Can't Make a 12-Step

I write many articles on self-help, emotional health, physical health, relationship issues and 12 Step programs. In exploring emotional, physical and psychological health issues, I always want to provide  resources. DailyStrength.org is one such resource. Dailystrength.org (click here) is a comprehensive online support group network. Dailystrength.org links people with hundreds of online support groups on everything from parenting issues, health issues, addiction recovery, substance abuse, survivor issues, mental health, 12 step programs and every kind of support group in between. Read more...

How to Set Boundaries for Holiday Guests and Be a Good Guest

The holidays represent different things for different people. For many people, the holidays mean parties, entertaining and house guests, which means extra work and preparation. Can you be a good hostess and set  boundaries for house guests? Absolutely. In fact, if you don't set some expectations, you may wind up in your local hospital psych ward with HSD - Holiday Stress Disorder (term mine). Here is a list of expectations, boundaries and protocol for house guests. Read more...

Panic Attacks as Coping and Defense Mechanisms

Panic Attack as Coping and Defense Mechanism for Stress and Crisis
'Existential crisis' refers to experiences of extreme stress or that shake a person's core convictions. In response to 'existential crisis' stress, the mind may go into safety mode. Panic attacks can be defense and coping mechanisms.
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AA and Alanon Slogan and Recovery: But for the Grace of God

AA and Alanon Slogans: But for the Grace of God
The 12 Step AA and Al-Anon programs describes their beliefs this way: 'spiritual but not religious'. We recognize a Higher Power in AA and Al-Anon, whom some of us choose to call God. 'But for the Grace of God' refers to our higher power.
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AA Sayings, Alanon Slogans and Recovery: Just for Today

AA Saying, Alanon Slogans: Just for Today
AA and Alanon are known for their 12 Step program which guide recovering alcoholics and co-dependent people through self-help steps. AA and Al Anon also use slogans and sayings in the recovery process. 'Just for Today' is a popular AA and Alanon slogan.
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AA and Alanon Slogans: Using HALT for Depression, Codependent Behavior and Detachment

AA and Alanon Slogans: Using HALT in Recovery and Treating Depression
In working a 12-step program like AA and Al-Anon, an important recovery and self-help tool is the acronym HALT. Whenever I feel Hungry, Angry, Lonely or Tired, I need to HALT, identify this need and address it. Here's how HALT works.
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Alcoholic Addictive and Dry Drunk Crazy Making Behavior

Codependence and Recovery: Profile of Alcoholic Addictive Behavior What is alcoholic behavior? Al-Anon calls it 'crazy-making behavior'. Whether the person engaging in alcoholic behavior is drunk or just acting like it, alcoholic behavior is disturbing, frightening and impossible to interact with. Read More

Communication Skills in Alcoholic Addictive Behavior

Addictive and Alcoholic Behavior: Poor Communication Skills
Alcoholic and addictive behavior makes for very poor communication skills. Addict talk in confusing and often counter-productive. Alcoholic behavior doesn't listen to others. Addicts are self-centered and often unable to maintain relationships.
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Codependent Enabling Behavior, Recovery and Detachment

Codependent Enabling Behavior in Response to Alcoholic Addictive Behavior What is codependent or enabling behavior? Codependent behavior fuels alcoholic stinkin' thinkin' (toxic addictive thoughts that impell the non-addict to try and fix the addict's behavior). Enabling behavior is fueld by stinkin thinkin. Co-dependents care-take, ignore the elephant in the living room and excuse crazy behavior. Read More