Tag Archives: psychology

Fitness Struggles for the Mentall Ill Person

Exercise is hard. In fact, not exercising may be one of the all-time hardest habits to break, surpassing even smoking. Studies confirm what we already know: despite all the cheerleading health advice out there, Americans simply aren’t getting enough exercise. And for people who suffer from mental illness, particularly depression and the depressive episodes of bi-polar disorder, there are additional obstacles thrown in the way. Lack of motivation, for one. When your mood is low and it’s hard to get out of bed even to accomplish simple everyday tasks, “I just don’t feel like it” takes on a whole new … Continue reading →

Interview with author Tara C. Allred

This week I decided to interview Tara C. Allred, the author of Sander’s Starfish, a Covenant Communications publication. I’ve come to know her through our mutual membership of LDS Storymakers and found her to be a truly nice person. From her website we learn that, “Tara was raised in California. Her philosopher/psychologist father and artist mother provided a critical thinking and creative home life. Their influence helped Tara develop the attributes and belief that she could pursue her writing dreams. In 1992, she was recognized as a California Scholar of the Arts for Creative Writing. Then in 1999, Tara graduated … Continue reading →

R.E.S.P.E.C.T.

So, men who respect and love their mothers make great husbands. That was a blurb in an article I read on relationships recently. Apparently social studies on relationships have uncovered this kernel of information. The article basically says that if a man has a poor or inadequate relationship with his mother or maternal figure, that he will not make a good husband. He will be too busy trying to replace that which he lacks rather than respecting and loving his wife. Ooookay. I can see where the article is coming from, but let’s talk about what respect is. When you … Continue reading →

Early Test for Autism

Scientists are moving closer to developing a blood test to detect autism early in life—possibly even at birth. Autism is often not diagnosed until a child is three to four years of age, when the characteristic behavior pattern becomes more apparent. Identifying the condition earlier creates an opportunity for researchers to better understand the condition, but also encourages the development of treatments that might reduce the severity of the symptoms. In time, it is hoped that biomarkers for the condition will be developed for use during pregnancy, although this aspect of the research is still in the pipeline. Meanwhile, the … Continue reading →

Food and Our Feelings

Why is it that food serves so many purposes other than nourishment? I am embarrassed to admit this publicly, but I often find myself downing something heavy on carbs (baked goods and pasta products are my favorites) when I’m: Not looking forward to an event or occasion Bored by something I’m doing Facing an imminent work deadline Feeling bad or sad about something Tired from too little sleep It seems that food is called upon to meet impossible demands. I mean, how can the same bagel both stimulate and sooth, energize and calm us? I searched the ‘Net for some … Continue reading →

When Your Child’s Pet Dies (2)

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In When Your Child’s Pet Dies (1), we looked at why it wasn’t helpful to your child’s emotional development to immediately rush out and buy a replacement for the newly-deceased Fluffy or Fido. Instantly replacing a dead pet denies your child an opportunity to go through the grieving process and, in doing so, learn a valuable life skill. In this case, the quick fix provides no long-term solution for helping your child to grow and learn. When the family pet dies, it is psychologically sounder to allow your child to “feel” the pain of loss. It may be painful for … Continue reading →

What will Happen in your Child’s Psychological Assessment

Typically, before a child receives a psychological assessment, ongoing problems have been occurring at school. Perhaps the child is combative and doesn’t get along with others, or maybe he is aloof and alone most of the day. Maybe her school work is consistently incomplete, or maybe she is acting out in some other way. Usually, many attempts have been made to assist the child which have not been successful. Perhaps his seat was moved, or he was sent to a counselor’s office to discuss his behavior. Parents have likely been notified about recurring problems. The request for a psychological assessment … Continue reading →