An untreated eating disorder can have a devastating impact on virtually all aspects of a person’s life. It is not an overstatement to say that the effects of eating disorders can be literally life-threatening. For example, anorexia nervosa, which is a type of eating disorder that is characterized by extreme food restrictions due to an intense fear … Read More
Given the COVID-19 pandemic, women now face additional stressors that can diminish their mental wellness. From increased home responsibilities to loss of employment and compromised health, many women are vulnerable to developing mental health conditions that can lessen their quality of life. For some women, increased childcare responsibilities have put enormous pressure on their shoulders. … Read More
Stress and isolation are risk factors for addiction. These experiences can also undermine a person’s efforts to remain in recovery after they’ve received treatment for a substance use disorder. As the coronavirus pandemic continues to impact families and communities throughout the nation, almost everyone is dealing with elevated stress levels and a sense of being … Read More
As the Chaplain for Timberline Knolls, I have the unique opportunity of meeting people from a variety of circumstances and accompanying them on their spiritual journey. These journeys traverse the paths of spiritual highs and lows. In the heights of spiritual connectedness residents feel empowered, joyous, hopeful and happy. In the lows of spiritual connectedness … Read More
“I can’t do this anymore.” “I am mommied out.” “There’s no way I can cope with all of this.” Have any mothers among us not said or thought these words? They’re usually followed by the guilt and possible shame of not doing enough for our families. Because we can never do enough, right? Last on any to-do list is us. Stressors we experience every day: time demands (there’s never enough time); … Read More
Days seem particularly dark of late. We are living through a pandemic, severe social injustice, civil rights violations and loss of jobs and businesses. This undoubtedly is affecting many of us in different ways; physically, emotionally, financially, changes to our community and how we communicate, just to name a few. Here are some suggestions to … Read More
For individuals who are in recovery from a substance use disorder, the ability to recognize and avoid triggers can be an essential skill. But no matter how hard you work or how diligently you prepare, sometimes it’s impossible to remove yourself from situations or experiences that threaten your sobriety. For example, we know that excessive … Read More
As we continue to practice social distancing and attempt to flatten the curve of the COVID-19 pandemic, the focus is on protecting our physical health and preventing an overwhelming toll on many of our medical and surgical hospitals. But as new cases diminish, effective treatments become reality, and – eventually – a vaccine becomes available, there will … Read More
I am an introvert in the truest sense of the word. I hate small talk, love deep and meaningful conversation, thrive on my alone time, and have a very vivid thought life. While I am very much a “people person” and have chosen a field of work in which I am interpersonally engaged all day long, … Read More
According to a new study reported in the journal JAMA Network Open, the rate of alcohol-induced deaths among women increased between 3.1% and 3.6% a year from 2000 to 2016. Deaths for men increased 1.4% to 1.8% each year. Statistics report that the rates have particularly accelerated in recent years, with the average annual increase for … Read More
