By John Dauer, LCSW, ACSW You have a dilemma: a health problem, sadness, fear, problems in your marriage, anger, panic, anxiety, pain. "I'm stuck in life!" How many times do we hope that some external force will help us: someone's love, God, a doctor, a pill, alcohol?...
Mind & Spirit
Depression in Older Adults FAQ
By Diane Palmer, MSW, LCSW Isn't depression a normal part of aging? What are the causes of depression among older adults? What are the symptoms of depression? Can a person who is depressed snap themselves out of it? Is depression treatable? What is the...
Depression in College Students
Many students are excited for the transformation that will take place during college, but they may not be prepared for how the challenges of college can lead to depression.
Grief and Loss Tip Sheet
Thirteen Rights of the Bereaved Instant Relief from Grief Three Questions About Widows, Widowers, and Their Relationships Managing Stress Triggers Instant Relief From Grief Explaining Suicide to Children Handling Grief at the Holidays Mourning a Miscarriage Loss After...
Springtime Spike in Depression, Suicide Threats Expected
By Ryan Stutzman Local Mental Health Authority Says Local Trend Is Counterintuitive One said she was going to kill herself with the gun she had in her hand. Another said she was going to cut her wrists with a knife. One teen boy made suicidal statements to his...
Caregivers: Don’t Be Afraid to Ask For Help
If you're caring for an aging parent or facing the challenges of assisting a loved one or friend who is chronically ill, disabled or elderly you are not alone. You are one of the 22 million Americans who care for an older adult. Caregivers provide 80 percent of...
Bereavement Support Groups: An Effective Tool for Healing
By Margo W. Steinberg, MSW, LCSW Introduction Time-Limited and Open-Ended Groups Effective Support Groups Summary Introduction Bereavement support groups are increasingly being recognized as an effective way to promote healing through education and...
How to Improve Your Communication Skills
When emotional tension between two people runs high, they might turn to a third person or bring them into the conversation. This does not solve the problem. Instead, it creates a relationship triangle.
Adults With ADD: Non-Drug Treatments
Knight Ridder Photo Charles Ryder tosses a bean bag from hand to hand as part of his non-drug ADD therapy at a Schaumburg, Ill., treatment center. Introduction When Charles Ryder was finally diagnosed with adult attention-deficit disorder at age 25, his doctor...
Schizophrenia: Organizations that Help
If you or someone you know is struggling with schizophrenia, there is help available. Please reach out to one of these organizations or another mental health resource in your community.
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Recent Articles
How to Prevent Burnout in an Always-On World
By Kristen Lee, EdD, LICSW High stress, heavy workload, a lack of control over job situations and lack of emotional support all contribute to burnout. In the U.S., we work longer hours, take fewer vacation days and retire later than employees in other industrialized...
Wealth and fame are no protection from suicide
The deaths by suicide of celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain and world-famous fashion designer Kate Spade in 2018 surprised many. How could people so successful and at the top of their careers die in such a way? "It's a myth that wealth and fame protects people from...
How to Help Your Child Develop Empathy
By Bette J. Freedson, LCSW, LICSW Wouldn’t it be simple if you could just say to your kids, “Now look you guys, be empathetic!” The blank looks you would get would be enough to let you know that a different starting point might be more effective. How you go about...