9/11: Managing Your Emotions

on September 9, 2022 at 1:28 PM /

Most of us remember exactly where we were on September 11th, 2001. To many, it seems like yesterday when we were learning about those devastating attacks and now it’s odd to even think that there are adults who weren't even born yet. This weekend will mark the 23rd anniversary of this tragic event, and the mental health effects for those who were there and even for those of us who were watching it on the news, continues to linger on. Mentally letting go of the fear, anxiety, and depression caused by such an event isn’t easy. Fortunately, it can be managed,...

Lockdown Blues: COVID-19, Its Effects, And How It’s Being Processed

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on April 3, 2020 at 3:15 PM /

Consider the following story as it relates to this week’s topic. It’s been about six days since my boyfriend and I have been outside. The first couple of days were fine, fun even. We watched a few movies, played some games, and even had a few drinks. But things are definitely changing now. I’ve been on social media almost non-stop, reading about all the new cases, the deaths, the economy, and everything else related to the virus. I’m a puddle of anxiety, convinced I will be the next to get sick. My boyfriend, on the other hand, is on the complete...

Parental Caution: What a History of Mental Illness in Your Family and Marijuana Could Mean for Your Kids

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on May 23, 2019 at 10:29 AM /

Consider the following story as it relates to this week’s topic. When I was a teen, smoking marijuana was a common pastime for my friends and I. It was fun, mostly harmless, and we all grew out of it fairly quickly. Our kids are still young and happily not old enough to be dabbling with illicit substances yet (seriously, they are five and eight!). I told my wife that I wouldn’t mind if our children dabbled in a little weed when they were a bit older as long as they kept their usage to a minimum, but she immediately opposed this...

Trying to Cope: An Inside Look at the Effects of Traumatic Events

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on November 1, 2015 at 6:49 PM /

I honestly thought things would be better after the accident. I mean, I expected to be shocked and frightened when it happened, but now it’s been months and somehow I’ve been feeling even worse. I can’t walk out the door without feeling vulnerable, helpless and angry at the thought that it might happen again, even if my friends tell me it won’t. A traumatic event, such as an illness, accident, assault or natural disaster can produce aggressive and troubling emotions. While some people may overcome these feelings without the need of professional help, others may struggle for lengthy periods of...