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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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Control Drinking over the Holidays

Excessive drinking can lead to vehicular accidents, hangovers, and unwanted calories and health problems. If you intend to celebrate with alcohol this holiday season, keep in mind the following tips on… How to Control Drinking and Be Safe over the Holidays: Attend only the gatherings you really want to go to Arrive close to mealtime […]

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Twelve Ways to Stay on Your Diet during the Holidays

Holiday Diet For most people, holiday eating leads to abandoning diets and gaining weight. Pre-emptive planning can help prevent that post-holiday bulge without ruining your holiday feast by following these… Twelve Ways to Stay on Your Diet during the Holidays Take or serve fat-free or low-fat dishes for potluck parties Replace sweets with healthy holiday […]

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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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Good Mental Health for Children

Most parents find it easier to identify a child’s physical needs – balanced and nutritious meals; adequate shelter and clothing; sufficient rest and physical activity; medical care; and a safe living environment.  However, a child’s mental and emotional needs may not be as obvious.  Good mental health allows a child to think clearly and learn; […]

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Mental Disorders

The Impact of Mental Disorders Statistics Mental Disorders are common in the United States and internationally. An estimated 26.2 percent of Americans ages 18 and older — about one in four adults — suffer from a diagnosable mental disorder in a given year. When applied to the 2004 U.S. Census residential population estimate for ages […]

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