Mental Health Awareness Archives - Page 4 of 5

Kids and Suicide: Having a Serious and Frank Conversation About the Topic

on March 28, 2019 at 9:56 AM /

Consider the following story as it relates to this week’s topic. It just broke my heart to hear in the news that two students who survived the Parkland shooting in 2018 died by suicide related to PTSD. I can’t even imagine the psychological trauma they endured from such a horrible tragedy. I have a son and it worries me sick thinking of something like that happening at his school. I also can’t help but think that there might be other unimaginable things he and kids his age go through that might trigger feelings of suicide. It scares me to death, and...

Starting Over: Not Reaching Your Goals May Just Mean That You Haven’t Figured it Out “Yet”

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on February 22, 2019 at 11:35 AM /

The human condition is amazing for its ability to fail at something repeatedly and, when it is important, to keep on trying. This week’s vignette comes from a personal experience of mine. The struggle began in high school when my mother and I tried out the “Stewardess Diet”. All I remember was that it included beets, a new food for me at the time. I can’t recall if either of us lost any weight, but we definitely bonded over our efforts. I’m not even sure if I needed to lose weight! Now, after many years and at least as many diets, I...

The Power of Goal Setting: A Guide to Moving Forward

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on February 7, 2019 at 1:39 PM /

Consider the following story as it relates to this week’s topic. It’s been a little over a year since I graduated college and moved out-of-state for a job. It seems crazy, but I already feel stuck. I mentioned this to my parents and a few friends, and they all say the same thing: you’re too young to be stuck. They said that I’ll find a way out of my situation. I honestly don’t know what it is that’s causing me to feel this way. Back when I was in college, I felt driven! I was focused on my classes and always...

Tampa’s Winter “Warmerland” is Exactly What Your Body and Mind Need!

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on January 30, 2019 at 6:02 PM /

Consider the following story as it relates to this week’s topic. And, if you’re reading this from anywhere in the northern U.S. or Canada, please forgive us. We feel for you and hope that you can stay inside by a warm fire with cocoa at the very least during this polar vortex episode! After five years of freezing temperatures and snow storms in New Jersey, Matt and I decided to call Florida home. Just a week after settling in, we realized that this was probably the best decision we’ve made together! Matt goes on bike rides every day and I...

Solo Holidays: What You Can Do to Feel Less Alone During This Time of Year

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on December 20, 2018 at 12:46 PM /

Consider the following story as it relates to this week’s topic. I knew moving to Canada would be a huge change, but I always feel it the most during the holidays. Money is tight, so traveling back home to be with the family isn’t exactly an option. On top of that, I work so much that I don't have very many friends! And none of them are close enough for me to spend Christmas with. I guess I should consider myself lucky that it only lasts for a couple of weeks, but I still can’t help but feel a bit...

Love What You Do, Because Doing Nothing is Not an Option!

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on August 1, 2018 at 10:01 AM /

Consider the following story as it relates to this week’s topic. As an academic counselor, I get to spend my time with students and see them take the next steps toward their futures. As much as I love my job, it’s also extremely draining. Sometimes when I get home, the only thing I do is plop down on the couch and watch shows until I inevitably fall asleep! Well, a couple of weeks ago, I found my old knitting kit while cleaning out my closet and decided to take it for a spin. It was great! It’s obviously a low-effort...

Napping: What is it Good For?

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on February 21, 2018 at 3:47 PM /

Consider the following story as it relates to this week’s topic. I think yesterday was the first time since college that I actually made time for a short nap in the late afternoon. It was a tough day at the office with three meetings throughout the day and too many tasks to count, so it just made sense to come home and snooze. I wasn’t sure if I’d wake up feeling more exhausted or more awake, and I’m pleased to tell you that I woke up feeling absolutely refreshed. I even had enough energy to go to the gym, wash the...

Empathy: Go for the Extra Point

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on January 17, 2018 at 5:05 PM /

Consider the following story as it relates to this week’s topic. I swear it’s going to be a few weeks before everyone stops talking about the Vikings vs. Saints game that aired this past Sunday. I mean, the guys and I couldn’t believe our eyes! How do you miss a tackle, take out your own teammate and allow a touchdown, all in one play in the dying seconds of a game? As soon as we saw Marcus Williams’ mistake, we couldn’t stop jumping and screaming! We got so rowdy that some of the wives came into the garage to see what...

Smartphone Talk: Is it Time for a Screen Diet?

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on January 10, 2018 at 4:36 PM /

Consider the following story as it relates to this week’s topic. My husband and I went to our anniversary dinner last night and had a great time! We talked about the last year, our goals for the future and even about the possibility of having kids! We’re both really excited, but just as we were discussing a family, we looked up to a sea of kids sitting with their families, with their faces glued to their phones. Now, I know smartphones are a huge part of life nowadays, but it was quite surreal to see so many glowing faces interacting with...

Feeling Angry: Dealing with Your Feelings and Moving On

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on October 31, 2017 at 4:46 PM /

Consider the following story as it relates to this week’s piece. I consider myself to be a pretty calm and relaxed individual, but throughout my life, I’ve always had difficulty dealing with anger. It’s not so much that I always lash out when I’m angry (I rarely do this), it’s more that I have trouble getting over things that anger me. For example, last month, my sister made a passing comment during a family get-together where she poked fun of my blouse. It seemed like harmless fun but it was said in front of many people who laughed. At first, I...