Leave the boredom of the winter months behind with these fun and romantic tips.
January and February don't have the happiest reputations, as far as months go. The short days and cold nights, the post-holiday hangover, the fact that summer is such a long time away... This can all take a toll on your relationship if you're not careful. The good news: There are many fun, easy ways to inject some fun into your relationship in the winter and keep from getting bored.
Don't let January be the reason you break up or get divorced.
According to a recent study, January is the most depressing month of the year. In fact, a study of 1,000 couples in Britain found that in January, couples fight for more than eight minutes a day and have 20 arguments during the month, compared to about 15 fights in the other months.
Depressed? Take a good hard look at how your lover, friend, boss, is treating you.
"Before you diagnose yourself with depression or low self-esteem, first make sure that you are not, in fact, just surrounded by assholes." ~ William Gibson
When I saw this quote on a friend's Facebook wall I laughed out loud with delight and recognition. It hit me on a subconscious level. Why did I like it so much? I couldn't tell you. It even seemed wrong that I, a psychologist, would like the idea of blaming depression on others. And then there was the swearing bit.
Depression makes me want to stay in bed and cry—but being a wife and mother helps me to get up.
Whether or not researchers have Blue Monday (this year, today, January 13) pinned accurately as the most depressing day of the year, the winter months can be a particularly challenging time for those who struggle with depression. The cold weather, holidays and reduced daylight hours are enough to make anyone feel a little bit sad. But depression is so much more than just feeling sad. Depression is sadness and it’s hopelessness, fear, a paralyzing sense that this is how you’re going to feel forever, that this misery is never going to go away, things won’t get better. Then there’s the guilt: the guilt that comes from feeling like you’re failing everyone around you. Like you should be able to snap out of this and come back to life. Feeling like you’re letting everybody down.
When a man takes advantage of your affection, it's time to get out and get going.
Dear Dr. Romance:
I don't want to be here anymore. Be here on this earth that is, be here in this ole' body of mine. Perhaps you can help. I think I'm simply looking for some inspiration. Also, when I think about no longer being "alive"... I am comforted. This feeling of calm comes over me. That's not a good sign, is it? I'm over fifty years old. I would have to admit I am sad and perhaps frustrated, and yes, maybe a little angry. I'm sure there are people out there who do love me, however, they seldom show it.
Overcome depression by incorporating these 5 traits into your everyday mindset.
When someone is depressed, they feel like there is nothing in the world that can make things better. When someone seeks help from a mental health professional, they are looking for something that is going to make it better. Whether this is medication or some type of inner discovery, there is still usually something missing. When someone is depressed it may be harder for them to tap into the discovery of themselves.
Do you believe that you are responsible for causing others' anger, hurt, sadness or anxiety?
"My wife is so upset that I have to travel more on my new job," Chuck told me in our phone counseling session. "She feels so alone and lost when I'm gone. When I talk with her she is either crying or angry. I feel so badly and guilty but I don't know what to do."
"Do you feel responsibility for her feelings?" I asked him. "Do you feel that you are the cause of her feelings?"
"Yes."
Study says bisexual women are more likely to suffer from depression and alcoholism.
Think being bisexual is a fun, carefree walk in the park? Bisexuals often feel rejected by both the straight and the LGBT community, and that feeling of not fitting in appears to be strongest with bisexual women.
5 steps to keep disenfranchised grief from blocking your path to healing.
Our culture tends to confuse the legalities of abortion with the actual process of coping after a difficult decision. There is an implied message that the abortion is the closure, which is simply not true. Choosing to have an abortion and feeling okay with the decision doesn't mean that a natural grieving process won't happen.
Calling on your faith may be the best way to combat signs of depression.
Some of the symptoms commonly associated with depression include loss of appetite, energy, and enthusiasm, diminished interest in things previously enjoyed, sleeplessness or hypersomnia, poor concentration, and social withdrawal. Some people have feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness or inappropriate guilt. Others face low self-esteem and too many have suicidal thoughts.
