No One Chooses to Experience Depression and Anxiety

on November 15, 2019 at 12:56 PM /

Consider the following story as it relates to this week’s topic. About three months ago, I was diagnosed with depression after moving to a new city to start a career. It’s been rough not having family and friends in this different environment. A few days ago, I spoke about it with some of my coworkers and one of them responded with, “Oh, it can’t be that bad. Just try to be happy!” Hearing that upset me because my depression isn’t controlled with an On/Off switch. I try my best to put on a happy face, but sometimes it’s just impossible. I...

Parental Awareness: Discussing Mental Health, Its Effects, and Understanding it with Your Child

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on November 1, 2019 at 12:17 PM /

Consider the following story as it relates to this week’s topic. My son, Matthew, came to me today and said that a classmate of his had been pulled from school after being diagnosed with what I later found out was a severe episode of depression. My wife and I sat down with him to explain what the disorder was. Matt is only nine but has a good head on his shoulders. He listened to what we had to say and asked some pretty good questions. I never really imagined that we’d have to talk to him about mental health at such...

Family Therapy: How a Joint Session with Your Loved Ones Can Work Wonders

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on October 24, 2019 at 11:37 AM /

Consider the following example as it relates to this week’s topic. The other day, one of my daughters came into the kitchen and said, “Hey Dad, I need some money to repay a friend who bought me Starbucks and for some haunted houses I’ll be going to next week for Halloween.” Now, granted, asking for money is a bit of a trigger for me, and nevermind the fact that I’ve routinely talked to her about saving money and getting a job. In walks my older daughter who has conveniently overheard this conversation and says to me, “That’s not fair! I asked for...

Anxiety and Depression with Teens and Helping Them Become Resilient

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on October 15, 2019 at 1:46 PM /

Consider the following story as it relates to this week’s topic. This is my son’s first year of high school and I’m noticing some changes in his behavior. He appears sullen and distracted much more often than he did last year and is spending an unfathomable amount of time on social media. His first report card arrived last week, and his grades were mostly B’s and C’s, which surprised me since he’s always been an A student. I tried talking to him about it, but he’s been very standoffish and brushes my concerns away. Is there something my husband and I...

At Rice Psychology Group, We Are so Happy to Now Offer Millennial Therapy!

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on September 27, 2019 at 10:38 AM /

Millennial Therapy

Millennials are the generation currently pushing us towards incredible progress. You’re out there fighting for diversity, acceptance, and mindfulness like no other generation before. You take to the streets to protest, voice your opinions on social media, aim your personal lives towards success, and do so without stopping to take a break. While millennial life comes with specific benefits, it also comes with very specific mental and emotional obstacles. It’s the reason why our team of licensed psychologists and therapists is now offering Millennial Therapy. The Generational Standard Despite your best efforts to appear well-rounded and happy on social media and in life,...

The Benefits of Rinse and Repeat: How Sticking to a Routine Can Help Your Health and Well-Being

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on September 18, 2019 at 3:09 PM /

Consider the following story as it relates to this week’s topic. I started working from home a few months ago. It was great at first, but as the weeks went by, I noticed that I was beginning to get disorganized. I forgot about scheduled conference calls, fell behind on a project because I took too long of a lunch break, and so much more! Three weeks ago, my husband gave me a daily planner. It’s the best gift I’ve ever received! I now organize my time and responsibilities into manageable routines that leave me feeling less disorganized, stressed, anxious, and lost. Did...

The Empty Nest: How to Cope When Your Kids Fly the Coop

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on September 12, 2019 at 3:48 PM /

Parenting

Consider the following story as it relates to this week’s topic. Last month, our oldest, Brian, left for his first year of college. It was a day I knew would come but was never quite ready to face. Even though we still have two other kids at home, Brian’s absence feels heavy for me. There’s no more, “Hey Mom! I’m home!” or “Hey Mom and Dad, I’m going out with the guys, be back later!” It’s only been three weeks and I miss him like crazy already! My husband seems to be handling it well and tells me that I’ll get...

The After-School Restraint Collapse: Helping Your Child Overcome Their Emotional Buildup from School

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on September 5, 2019 at 3:03 PM /

Behavior

Now that the school year has started, I always make sure to ask my patients how things are going. I’ve found that parents sometimes have more anxiety than their children! Other times, a typical response I hear is, “I just don’t get it. My children are angels at school, but when they get home, they’re a mess! I want to hear about their day and all I get is a huge meltdown.” As a mother myself, I know how hard it can be to have minimal time with your children and having that time monopolized by challenging behavior. You are not...

Your Child’s ADHD: What it Takes to Adapt as a Parent

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on August 22, 2019 at 11:34 AM /

ADHD
Blog

Consider the following story as it relates to this week’s topic. My husband and I recently found out that our 11-year old son, Ryan, has ADHD. It started with a call from his teacher saying that he wasn’t focusing enough in class despite having good grades on tests. We then had a meeting with the school psychologist who said Ryan was showing some behaviors that were similar to other children with ADHD, which was confirmed with a private child psychologist later on. It’s tough at times for sure, but with our son’s psychologist helping us out, it’s starting to get easier....

Tight-Lipped: Men and Their Unwillingness to Talk About Their Mental Illness

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on August 14, 2019 at 12:24 PM /

Consider the following story as it relates to this week’s topic. I grew up in an old-fashioned household where everyone had defined roles. The kids focused on school and chores, my mother cared for the house, and my father worked in construction. My father is the type to keep his emotions to himself and was rarely expressive. When I married, he was stoic. On the day my mother died, he was practically emotionless. He’s present physically, but mentally it’s almost as if he’s checked out. I feel that maybe he’s been dealing with a long-undiagnosed mental illness because he’s too embarrassed...