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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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Alcohol Dependency

You know if you have an addictive dependency on alcohol, drugs, or nicotine if #1 and #2 are present: #1 A maladapted pattern of the substance use leads to significant life impairment or distress. #2 At least three of the following are present: (a) Tolerance: you need more of the substance to reach the same […]

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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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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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Neuroimaging Is Being Used to Study Brain Development

Neuroimaging and Mental Illness: A Window Into the Brain Researchers use brain scans to study brain development in healthy people and people with illnesses. This publication answers frequently asked questions about what brain scans can and cannot do related to diagnosing mental illnesses. Brain imaging scans, also called neuroimaging scans, are being used more and […]

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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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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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Beat the Holiday Blues

Typically the holidays evoke visions of happiness and joy with family, friends and holiday gatherings. However, for those without friends or family near, it can be a time of overwhelming sadness, loneliness and stress triggering depression. More than 35 million Americans are affected by depression in their lifetime, and it becomes even more prevalent during the holidays. To […]

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Help Your Child Get Organized

Developing and maintaining good organizational skills is a key ingredient for success in school and in a child’s life. Anyone can put routines and systems in place to help a child get organized. Ten Ways to Help Your Child Get Organized: 1. Teach your child to use checklists to post assignments, chores, and reminders about […]

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Mild to Moderate Depression

Depression Depression: When the Blues Don’t Go Away Everyone occasionally feels blue or sad, but these feelings usually pass within a couple of days. When a person has depression, it interferes with his or her daily life and routine, such as going to work or school, taking care of children, and relationships with family and […]

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