How to Get Along with Your Ex-Spouse
Can you be friends with your ex-spouse? The answer to that question depends on how the marriage ended and whether one or both of you is still harboring pain from the breakup. If you have children together, friendship may be necessary for successful co-parenting. It’s in your children’s best interest for the two of you […]
Helping Others is Good for Your Mental Health
If you’ve been thinking about how to improve your mental health, helping others is a good place to start. Research shows that people who consistently help other people or volunteer on a regular basis benefit from improved mental and physical health. In fact, according to a 2017 study by United Healthcare and VolunteerMatch, up to […]
Taming Your Fears
From witches and vampires to skulls and horror films, Halloween has always been associated with a number of scary symbols that elicit fear. Today, as we enter the season of ghosts and goblins, it seems like a good time to talk about fear, including how to fight it and what to do if it becomes […]
Ask Dr. Lowenstein: Anxiety about the Upcoming Election
As we approach the election, what advice do you have for people who may be feeling overly anxious about the outcome? My advice is to vote. It’s not only your right, but it’s your civic duty. The act of voting can be very empowering – especially while living in a world that at times feels […]
COVID-19 and Mental Health Issues
Nearly half of American adults report that COVID-19 has negatively affected their mental health. For people with existing mental health conditions, the added burden can lead to a potential mental health crisis. However, it’s important to know that the support of family and friends can make a difference for a loved one who has a […]
Feeling More Tired Than Usual During This Coronavirus Lockdown?
I’ve noticed a lot of people on social media saying they’ve been feeling tired earlier than usual while on lockdown. Normally able to stay up into the small hours, they are now hitting the pillow at 10 pm. Many wonder how this can be when we are all doing less. The feelings of fatigue that […]
Narcissism: How to Recognize and Navigate Extreme Egos
Are self-centeredness and narcissism on the rise? Based on the headlines, it sure seems that way. Stories that expose greed appear to outnumber stories of generosity by a wide margin. You may be surprised to learn that although instances of narcissistic behavior may seem common, the disorder is actually fairly rare. Only about .5 to […]
The Link between Social Media and Mental Health
Photo: Pixabay Approximately 79 percent of Americans have some type of social media profile, according to 2019 statistics. In fact, estimates indicate that the number of worldwide users reached 2.34 billion, and that figure is expected to grow. While we still know very little about how social media impacts an individual’s behavior and mental health, […]
Talking to your child about lockdown drills
Sending a child to school for the first time can be a nerve-racking experience for any parent. Now, in addition to normal concerns such as bullying and separation anxiety, parents are worried about school safety. With active-shooter situations on the rise, teachers and students must regularly participate in lockdown drills. And while these drills are […]
5 ways to make your child less selfish and more thankful this holiday season
In a society driven by rampant consumerism, it can be a challenge to raise children who are appreciative of what they have – especially during the holidays. While we naturally want to make our children happy, satisfying their every whim is counterintuitive and often harmful. Here are five suggestions for scaling back your holiday spending […]
