Facing the Post-Graduation Slump

on July 20, 2016 at 7:08 PM /

I guess I haven’t felt like myself lately. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t think I’m depressed or anything, but I just feel…down. I really am glad that I finally graduated. With all the work I did over four very long years, who wouldn’t be happy to finally be done with school? But I guess I’m just scared of what lies ahead. Some of my friends already have jobs and others are planning on moving to different cities in search of an adventure, but I have no idea what’s coming my way. Was my hard work done in vain? [bctt tweet="Graduates...

Life in the Age of the Selfie: The Impact of Social Media on Relationships

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on July 13, 2016 at 4:06 PM /

We were having dinner a couple of nights ago and I could honestly tell that something was wrong right off the bat. We sat down, ordered a couple of drinks and I thought it’d be nice to post a quick picture of our wine glasses on Instagram. There’s nothing wrong with that, right? Except...

In the Limelight: How Celebrities Change the Way We Look at Mental Illness

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on July 7, 2016 at 3:32 PM /

We had a movie night a few days ago and everyone decided to watch “Get Him to the Greek” since no one had seen it yet. I could not stop laughing. As a matter of fact, there were no dry eyes in the living room and believe me, they were definitely tears of joy! We all thought the characters were hilarious, especially the one portrayed by Russell Brand. I ended up looking him up on Google after the movie to see what else he was in. I was surprised to find out he had issues with substance abuse, body image...

Summer Woes: School’s Out, Boredom’s In

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on June 30, 2016 at 12:34 AM /

The house is full of groaning kids and summer vacation just started! If I’m in the kitchen putting together our lunch, in come my three frowning kids, complaining about how there’s nothing to do and how they’ll probably die of boredom. I just don’t get it, you know? It happens almost all day! Is it my job to keep them entertained or is the downtime they have actually a good thing? After hours, days and weeks of hard work, children from around the nation (and around the world) are finally able to take a much-needed break from their projects and homework....

Breaking the Abuse Cycle in Your Adult Life

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on June 21, 2016 at 2:50 PM /

Every once in a while, I remember some of the things I hated most back then. I remember the yelling at our house, the constant criticizing and even the lengthy silent treatments that would drive me and my siblings crazy. I try not to let those times affect me, but I really don’t know if I’m doing a good job. I mean, what if I end up putting my family through the same pain and abuse without even realizing it? It’s not easy to face the truth of the emotional abuse a person may have experienced at a young age. As...

Tragedy in Orlando: Dealing with Traumatic Events

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on June 13, 2016 at 10:17 PM /

I cannot believe we are faced with yet another mass shooting in this country. My heart absolutely breaks for everybody directly involved with this massacre. Although I am a psychologist and have discussed countless tragedies with my clients over the years, I am still left speechless and devastated by these senseless acts of violence. Coming to terms with a traumatic event, such as this weekend’s shooting, can be a very difficult task, but it is possible. I want to offer you some comfort and tips for dealing with this event for yourself and your children. A traumatic event can make a damaging...

Glued to the Screen: Finding Balance in Today’s Digital Age

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on June 1, 2016 at 9:27 PM /

We hadn’t had dinner together in a long time, so I thought we could have a good father-son night out for a change. You know, just us boys. Well, we get to the diner and I’m trying to have a conversation with him. I start asking questions about his final exams and the end of the basketball season, but nothing. No reply. He was just sitting there on his phone. We finally get our food and I start eating while he’s just texting away. So I try it again: I ask him a few more questions and even offer to...

Relationship Goals: Before Calling It Quits

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on April 8, 2016 at 6:53 PM /

I wish I could say that I knew exactly why our relationship has been on the rocks lately, but I honestly can’t put my finger on it. All I know is that nothing is the way it used to be. There are arguments at all times of the day and for the stupidest reasons. Sometimes, even when I know he’s not trying to be hurtful, I find offense in his comments and I totally lash out. Then, without fail, we get into a screaming match, which he sees as an opportunity to reveal all the things I’ve done wrong since...

How Perfect is Too Perfect?

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on April 4, 2016 at 6:21 PM /

When I met Tom, I noticed he was a really hard worker and dedicated to everything he set his mind to do. To be honest, it was one of the things that really attracted me to him…but now I’ve realized he tries a little too hard. Everything he does has to be absolutely flawless, which wouldn’t be a problem, except for the fact that he gets extremely worried and stressed if things don’t turn out the way he wants. It’s gotten to the point where he won’t sleep or leave his apartment because he’s either putting all his time into...

Riding Out Your Fears

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on March 16, 2016 at 7:00 AM /

I’m rounding the corner after my last jump, patting my horse Caspar for a great round when I feel him speed up, lower his head and begin to twist underneath me. Suddenly, he kicks up his hind legs and I know it’s coming…I’m losing my balance. I know I’m falling off. If only I can get my legs underneath me. But no – I’m headed for the dirt head and back first! I know it’s coming and I feel this mixture of fear and frustration. Was I going to get hurt? How seriously? Would 1,500 pounds of horse step on...