conflict

Postpartum Depression

‘Did You Know’ there are numerous terms that are related to mood disorders previous to and following motherhood? The term ‘perinatal’ refers to both the prenatal and postnatal periods of motherhood; the term ‘postpartum’ refers to the mother’s experience after labor and delivery through the infant’s first year of life; and the term ‘antenatal’ refers […]

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Fidelity in a Relationship

‘Did You Know’ that there is behavior that may direct an individual away from fidelity in a relationship? Behaviors that may lead one away from their spouse (or significant other) and towards another person include the following… Sharing private matters with friends before discussing them with your spouse. Spending inordinate amounts of time with one […]

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How the Brain Processes Alcohol

‘Did You Know’ the brain of a non alcoholic processes alcohol differently than in the brain of the alcoholic? In a non alcoholic brain, Alcohol, after it is ingested, is broken down by the liver into a very toxic substance, Acetaldehyde.  Acetaldehyde then breaks down into Acetic Acid and is blown off by the lungs as […]

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Ten Traits of Healthy Significant Relationships

Did you know there are ten traits of healthy significant relationships?   Strong relationships have these common characteristics which help them stand the test of time… 1.   Commitment, dedication 2.   Friendship 3.   Emotional and mental health 4.   Healthy, supportive friends 5.   Effective conflict resolution and decision making 6.   Serving each other with respect and admiration […]

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What is Depression?

Everyone occasionally feels blue or sad, but these feelings are usually fleeting and pass within a couple of days. When a person has a depressive disorder, it interferes with daily life, normal functioning, and causes pain for both the person with the disorder and those who care about him or her. Depression is a common […]

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Stress Hormone Receptors Less Adaptive in Female Brain

Dr. Rita Valentino describes a discovery in rat brains that may explain why women are more prone than men to mood and anxiety disorders. Announcer: NIMH Radio from Bethesda. Dr. Rita Valentino:  The incidents of depression, anxiety and many disorders- psychiatric disorders that in which stress has been implicated, are more prevalent in females than […]

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Depression During and After Pregnancy

What is Depression? Depression is more than just feeling “blue” or “down in the dumps” for a few days. It’s a serious illness that involves the brain. With depression, sad, anxious, or “empty” feelings don’t go away and interfere with day-to-day life and routines. These feelings can be mild to severe. The good news is […]

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How Individuals Create a Defensive Atmosphere in a Relationship

  Have a long list of expectations for the other person. Assume that all anger is bad and that you should never disagree. Use the word or phrase you frequently use during disagreements…You never.. If only you would.. Keep secrets, reveal only flattering facts about yourself and keep all negative experiences inside. Hold firmly the […]

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Defensive Communication

 Are You in a Relationship with Someone who Communicates Defensively? Is there a pattern of accusing words, threats, or anger? Is there a frequent effort to change the other person’s perspective? Does one person share thoughts and feelings while the other hides behind a wall of evasiveness? Or do both of you hold your feelings […]

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Boundaries – What are they and why are they necessary?

Boundaries – What are they and why are they necessary for individuals, couples, children, and families?   How are healthy boundaries developed?   They are developed in childhood and modeled by our family of origin through ‘healthy’ bonding, separation and individuation; loving communication and teaching; and consistent limit setting and consequences. How are our boundaries […]

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