defensive communication

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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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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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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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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Indications that Your Child May Need Professional Help

All children need daily support and guidance.  However, some children are marked by more serious struggles and may require professional help from outside the family.  It is never too late to reach out for help.  Early intervention may reduce the damage that problems or acting-out behavior might cause. Watch for these… Indications that Your Child […]

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