Depression Archives | Rice Psychology

Are the Benefits of Commercialized Online Therapy Too Good to be True?

on July 16, 2021 at 12:58 pm /

Consider the following story as it relates to this week’s topic. When the pandemic hit, it seemed like online therapy companies were popping up left and right. I was already seeing a therapist for some time, and when the world went digital, I was nervous I’d no longer be able to meet with her. Luckily, she offered her services via Telehealth. One day, after being bombarded by Facebook ads for a ton of online therapy companies, I decided to give it a try and see what it was all about. Here’s what I experienced: The therapist I was matched with seemed...

The Illusion of Control in the Year of COVID-19

By Dr. Anna Schrack

on June 7, 2021 at 10:27 am /

June 2021 looks vastly different from June 2020, in the United States at least. We went from the uncertainty of what COVID-19 would bring, the difficulty of facing social distancing, and scrambling to find or make masks to having hope that we are finally getting a handle on this whole “COVID thing.” Many states are lifting restrictions on masks and social distancing, and more and more people are getting vaccinated every day. So, why are some people struggling with more intense fear and uncertainty? There is hope and our nation is recovering, yet here we struggle. Giving Up What Made Us Feel...

Navigating Through Life as a Recent Graduate

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on May 28, 2021 at 2:35 pm /

Consider the following story as it relates to this week’s topic. My college graduation day was amazing! Since we’re all vaccinated, I was able to celebrate with my family and friends just like I’d hoped. I worked harder than I ever have in my life to earn this degree and, for the most part, I’m incredibly excited to start my new life. However, with an internship and living with roommates in our first “adult” apartment in a new city, I’m starting to really worry about doing this without help. The internship doesn’t pay much and will only last a few months....

How Physical Activity Can Improve and Sustain Your Mental Health

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on April 22, 2021 at 12:56 pm /

This week’s blog is personal and one that I hope you can draw inspiration from and use to enhance your quality of living. I previously shared with you that, for a long time, I put my health on the backburner. I’ve struggled with my weight since I was a teenager and typically ate whatever I wanted, even if it was very unhealthy. And exercising? Yes, if it meant riding horses. No, if it meant cardio, strength training, or going to that place we call “the gym!” Over time, these bad habits began to take a toll on my physical health (think...

With a New Year Comes a New Diet and Mindset!

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on January 26, 2021 at 1:27 pm /

Today’s story is personal since it’s mine. Please consider it as it relates to this week’s topic. I’ve struggled with my weight since high school and have gone up, down, and practically sideways on the scale over the years. Breaking my leg in 2005 was a huge setback, and the effects of the weight gained that year have lingered. I’ve heard many people with poor diets and lack of exercise complain of feeling sluggish, both mentally and physically. Like many, there have been days when I’ve had particular trouble focusing and lacked the motivation to get off the couch. After speaking with...

What Are the “Post-Holiday Blues?”

By Dr Ashley Diehl

on December 31, 2020 at 2:55 pm /

Even with the holidays looking different this year, for those like you, there is still a lot on your plate. You’re decorating, buying gifts, cooking, taking photos, and connecting with family - even if it’s through Zoom. After all of this time preparing and connecting, the family departs, decorations come down, and your emotions could shift. Suddenly, you may be feeling lonely or even empty. These feelings can cause our brain to bring up other memories that’ve made us feel this way in the past. When big events (like weddings, graduations, birthdays, and holidays) are finally over and all of the...

It’s Okay to Not be Okay: Looking Back at the Rocky Year of 2020

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on December 23, 2020 at 1:42 pm /

Consider the following story as it relates to this week’s topic. I was extremely anxious and worried when the pandemic began. At first, I found peace thinking we would shelter in place for a few weeks until things went back to normal. Now, we’re in December and things don’t seem to have changed much at all! I’m having a harder time keeping up my “this is just a bump in the road” outlook. On top of that, it’s brutal to see my family struggle as well. I feel like my sunny and positive demeanor is now cloudy and dull. I’m finding...

Feeling Better During the Holidays While Missing a Loved One

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on December 14, 2020 at 3:16 pm /

Consider the following story as it relates to this week’s topic. Growing up, I loved the holidays. My dad always made them so special and we had so many great traditions. This year, though, will be different because I lost him a few months ago and am dreading the upcoming weeks. To top it all off, getting together with family is impossible due to COVID-19 group guidelines. I don’t want to completely miss out on the holidays, but I’m just not sure how to face them alone. What can I do? In our most recent blog, we discussed helping your family cope...

Thanksgiving Doesn’t Have to be a Write-Off

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on November 17, 2020 at 4:46 pm /

This week’s story isn’t just any story – it’s my story! I adore Thanksgiving. It may be my favorite holiday. It was my father’s holiday. With divorced parents, I loved traveling to Old Greenwich, Connecticut on Wednesdays after school to spend the fall weekend with my dad. He and his wife were the best feast-preparers, and we indulged in turkey, stuffing, and leftover sweet potatoes with extra marshmallows in little white ramekins all weekend long. Ever since my dad died, I’ve continued to celebrate this special day with family and friends of choice. However, this year, despite invitations, I’ve struggled with the...

Election Blues: What You Can do to Feel Better After November 3rd

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on November 2, 2020 at 6:04 pm /

Consider the following story as it relates to this week’s topic. Election Day is almost here, and even though I voted early, I’m stressed about what’s to come. I’ll be relieved once the negative ads and heated debates finally end, but I’m seriously afraid of my candidate losing. I’ve been losing sleep at night and can’t focus during the day because of all the what-ifs that might happen after Election Day. Instead of feeling relief, I’m expecting that my anxiety is only going to get worse if my candidate loses. How can I get a better handle on my stress after...