Any relationship can have its ups and downs. However, if your partner has a personality disorder, that can complicate matters. What can you do? If your partner does have a personality disorder, there are several things you can do to cope. First, try to understand as much as you can about the problem and the treatment…

Has life gotten in the way of what you truly care about? You can recognize that you’ve lost touch by identifying what matters. First, you have an inability to state what it is you do value and care about. Second, instead of working towards what you value, you try to avoid life instead. Third, you…

Do you blame yourself for your mistakes and have regrets? Some reflection can be helpful towards finding self-acceptance. Looking at past actions is hard as what is “right” vs. “wrong” is a matter of perspective. Also, it’s easy to get attached to other people’s opinions. When you take things personally you wind up blowing up…

If you always think that you are doomed to fail, you might struggle with self-sabotage. Self-sabotage occurs when you believe you can never succeed Do you try something already believing that you will fail? Generally, self-sabotage plays out in inaction and failure to make necessary decisions.   To combat self-sabotage, keep a record of your activities. That…

Does your partner really annoy you? Is it Them or Something Else? One possibility for this feeling is countertransference. This is when you transfer feelings that you experience in your life to others, like your partner.  For example, perhaps you have a client who gets on your nerves. Do you, in response, get agitated and…

Perfectionism can be a problem that leads to anxiety, depression, and even panic attacks.  However, there are useful strategies to overcome it. Ways to Be OK with Not Being Perfect One key strategy is to remove the word “should” from your vocabulary. For instance, saying that you “should” work out more is akin to comparing yourself unfavorably to…

The tug of war between work and family life can be trying. You can use mindfulness to create a balance between the two. Achieving Mental Balance Use a breathing meditation to help clear your mind. Sit upright in a comfortable place and focus your attention on your breathing. Another technique is sensory reconnection. This is…

There are several myths and misconceptions that can make depression confusing. Depression Myths First of all, nobody chooses to be depressed. It is a problem connected to brain chemistry, one’s surroundings, and how the brain works. Next, depression can’t be willed-away and it can be very hard to function day-by-day. Third, one doesn’t need to have…

Are you settling for less? Then you might be contributing to your own feelings of dissatisfaction and unhappiness. 5 Ways Not to Settle To avoid this trap, consider these ideas. First, avoid justifying others’ behavior and how it affects you.  Next, be aware of thinking that getting what you want is outside of your control….

Do you struggle with opening yourself up to others? Vulnerability can be difficult, even scary for some, yet there is a way to become more vulnerable. How to be courageously vulnerable An essential element of vulnerability is courage. Despite trying circumstances, emotions, or mental blocks, courage can help motivate you to be more emotionally available and vulnerable. Courage is…