Over the years, I have talked to countless depressed people, and one thing I’ve learned is that regrets are a profound waste of time. The emotional cost of dwelling on ‘what could have been’ is just not worth it. I … Continue reading
Category: Life’s a Beach!
Success and Enjoyment: Not Incompatible
It’s easy to be stressed and anxious these days. For those of you who didn’t take my advice to turn off the TV news, it’s probably even more difficult to unwind. Though it seems like it would be easier to … Continue reading
Humor can be toxic
‘Many a truth is said in jest.’ But where does ‘joking’ end, and emotional abuse begin? One of the most common complaints I hear from one family member about another is that, ‘He pretends that he’s joking, but I know … Continue reading
Tips for raising emotionally healthy kids
‘I love my kids!’ I hear it all the time. But sometimes love, by itself, isn’t enough. Children are a central theme with many of my clients, and I’ve learned much about what—and what not—to do. We have to pass … Continue reading
Choose to feel better
I received an email from a reader who tells me that insignificant things often annoy her. She writes that she was upset in a restaurant recently because a child was making some noise. She admits that the kid was just … Continue reading
Coping with elderly parents
Recent demographic research has revealed that today’s aging ‘baby boomers’ will spend more years caring for elderly parents than they spent raising their own children. This unusual turn of events is becoming more and more commonplace as advances in medical … Continue reading
Negative people are toxic!
Dear Dr. Hurd, While preparing to have my first child, I resolved that I was going to breast-feed. I did a lot of research, spoke to my doctor, and was very excited about it. I couldn’t wait to share this … Continue reading
Just do it!
Do you sometimes put off until tomorrow what you should really do today? Well, you’re not alone. People often tell me that their procrastination is so bad that it causes problems and stress in their jobs and in their personal … Continue reading
Avoid Arguments by Communicating Well
Dear Dr. Hurd, I read your column every week, and I really like what you say. But sometimes, when I try to make suggestions to my husband or my adult children, it turns into an unpleasant ‘heated discussion.’ I am … Continue reading
Shame and Personal Responsibility
A Delaware Wave reader sent an email asking me why some health professionals sometimes refer to her son’s behavioral problems as a ‘disease.’ She says it makes her son feel worse about himself and even seems to deepen his depression. … Continue reading
Is it a reason—or an excuse?
I have a friend who, when confronted about something, will often end his explanation with, ‘Well, it’s not an excuse, but it IS a reason.’ Though it always gets a chuckle, the expression doesn’t really resolve anything. A reason tells … Continue reading
Coping With Change
I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the many readers of The Delaware Wave for your feedback and responses to this column. Interestingly, many of your emails, calls (and even letters) include questions and comments about coping with changes … Continue reading