Disappointment: How to conquer and reframe it
Your divorce may be over but you could still be experiencing feelings of disappointment that family life didn’t turn out as you hoped it would. The same is true of many things in life. You didn’t get the expected promotion. You weren’t accepted to the college of your choice. Or the pandemic is lasting longer […]
Ask Dr. Lowenstein: What’s the best way to cope with loneliness?
Although it’s clear that the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted each one of us in very different ways, one thing is probably true for everyone: The past two years have been a time of increased loneliness and isolation. According to statistics from Social Pro, 36% of Americans say they’ve felt more lonely than usual during the […]
Coping with Panic Attacks
Anyone who has ever experienced a panic attack understands just how frightening it can be. One minute you feel fine, and the next minute it hits you without warning. Symptoms vary greatly, from a racing heart or tightening chest to a queasy stomach, sweating, a smothering sensation or trouble breathing. Other possible symptoms include chills […]
Ask Dr. Lowenstein: What is adjustment disorder?
We all experience stressful events in life. And it’s certainly not uncommon to struggle with the changes brought on by these events. But excessive emotional or behavioral responses could signal an adjustment disorder, especially in children and adolescents. For children, this may be triggered by the loss of a pet or birth of a sibling. […]
A Healthy Approach to Video Games
In the past, parents worried about their kids spending too much in front of the television. Now we face the all-encompassing “screen time” struggle for kids who inevitably rely on their computers, tablets, phones and other devices for learning and entertainment. Video games have been especially controversial. The Benefits Despite data showing that video games […]
Ask Dr. Lowenstein: Do comfort foods improve your mood?
This year is coming to a close and many of us are looking forward to spending time with family and friends. More often than not, those gatherings involve traditional meals and dishes. It may feel like you’re surrounded by special holiday treats and sweets the entire season. But do you pay a price physically—and mentally—when […]
Understanding Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Most people experience trauma at some point in their lives. Based on the current state of affairs you may be grappling with several factors that have created trauma in your life, from climate change and the ensuing natural disasters to a high rate of COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths. Now that November is here, we recognize […]
Ask Dr. Lowenstein: Is there any truth to the 7-year itch?
According to popular belief, the 7-year-itch takes place when happiness in a marriage or long-term relationship declines after about seven years. But is there any truth to it? Let’s take a closer look. In the early years of a relationship, most couples experience a kind of marital bliss when mutual infatuation is the norm. These […]
Be Mindful of the Mental Health Stigma This Halloween
Whether you love a good scare or you’re just in it for the candy, there’s something for everybody on Halloween. Young children look forward to costumes and trick-or-treat while older kids seek out the scariest haunted houses. No other holiday brings neighborhoods and communities together in quite the same way. Despite all the hoopla, however, […]
Ask Dr. Lowenstein: Do mental health apps actually help?
They say there’s an app for everything–even boosting your mental health. Whether you struggle with a disorder or you’re simply looking to improve your mood, you can find help right on your smartphone or tablet. As many people continue to deal with pandemic stress, the convenience and low cost of apps is good news in […]
