My cynical 16-year-old face would grimace each and every time. My older sister’s gentle, yet insistent voice: “Just tell yourself, ‘It’s not me’ it’s my OCD.’” “How corny,” I would think before retaliating with, “You don’t understand, it is me.” These were my real thoughts. Real fears. I had real reasons to wash my hands 10 times an hour, to open doorknobs with my elbows, to avoid contact with bed sheets and dollar bills, to fear the tiniest speck of red on any carpet, because it could be blood – yes, blood. Obsessive compulsive or not, these were my thoughts, and nothing it seemed could make them go away. At that point, the low point, it didn’t matter that my hands... read more ...

Do you ever notice things feeling a bit off after seeing your family? Do the voices in your head second-guessing you get a little louder? Do you notice words coming out of your mouth that don’t even sound like you? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you, like so many others, have experienced the downside of the family visit. Whether inviting your parents along for your summer vacation, spending a long weekend at your relatives’ or celebrating 4th of July with a family-reunion-style BBQ, you may be unaware that when you see your family you are risking exposure to much more than UVB rays. This is not to say that the effects on one’s mental health of... read more ...

It may seem simplistic to suggest that taking certain actions can get you out of a slump when real concerns and practical strains are getting you down. However, there are proven ways a person can improve their mood even (or especially) in difficult times. Here are a few tips that can truly lift your spirits and give you a new perspective on life. 1. Be aware of your “critical inner voice” Your critical inner voice is made up of a series of self-attacking thoughts that mentally kick you when your down. These thoughts represent an attitude you’ve internalized that acts as an internal enemy, keeping you from going after goals or feeling confident in your decisions. When something... read more ...