Relationship Problems

Everyone needs help from time-to-time in their relationship.  Having a loving, caring relationship with someone special, who respects and understands you, is one of the greatest joys in life.

As you are probably aware, getting a relationship like that is not easy!  Relationships can be frustrating, difficult and complicated.  It takes tremendous courage to make the first step towards getting the help you need so you can have the relationship you want.

Here are some of the many examples of relationship problems you might want help with:

1. Have you lost someone special to you?  Do you feel heart-broken, alone, abandoned, rejected?
2. Are you worried that you'll never find someone and that you'll always be alone?
3. Do you have a secret crush on someone but are too shy or afraid to let them know?
4. Does it seem like the people you want to be with won't give you the time of day?
5. Are you afraid to be in an intimate relationship?
6. Are you having trouble finding someone special?
7. Does your partner refuse to listen?  Are they demanding and critical?  Do you spend more time fighting than making up?
8. Are you confused about whether to stay in your troubled relationship or take the risk of breaking up?
9. Do you find yourself irresistibly drawn to the wrong type of person, over and over again?
10. Do you find yourself playing the same "role" over and over in relationships and can't seem to stop yourself?

If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, be reassured that you are not alone and that there is plenty of help available.  You can have the the happiness you want in a relationship.  I can help!

Anxiety

Are you frequently worried, nervous or afraid? Do you have intense episodes of panic that appear without warning?  Do you avoid important activities because of your anxiety?

Do certain situations, like public speaking, crowded/enclosed spaces, heights/bridges or being around animals, needles, blood or illness make you afraid?

Are you disturbed by repetitive, unpleasant, intrusive thoughts or images that just won't leave you alone?  Do you sometimes feel compelled to address your concerns by performing a ritual, like counting, checking, washing or cleaning?

Do you have recurring dreams or memories of an upsetting event?  Do you avoid certain situations because they remind you of that event?  Do you startle easily?  Do you feel numb and depressed?

Fear is a normal, protective response to danger.  Sometimes our protective fear instincts can be triggered even when there is no real danger.  This is called "anxiety".

We all get anxious sometimes, but when that anxiety is persistent and interferes with your social life, daily functioning, work or education  ...  it's time to get help!

Here are some of the Anxiety Disorders that I treat:

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder
• Panic Disorder
• Phobias (including Social Phobia)
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

You can find more information about these diagnoses here:

• www.nami.org
• mhanational.org/find-support-groups

Depression

Have you been feeling sad, down, depressed or unhappy?

Are you not enjoying life as much as before?

Do you feel guilty, bad or ashamed?

Do you think of yourself as inadequate, defective or worthless?

Are you feeling hopeless?

If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, you may be experiencing a mood disorder.  We all have bad days, but if you're experiencing more bad days than good for two weeks or more and it's affecting your social life, work life or education, then you may need help.

Here is a list of some of the mood disorders that I commonly treat:

1. Major Depressive Disorder
1. Post-Partum Depression
2. Seasonal Affective Disorder
3. Substance-Induced Depression
4. Melancholic and Atypical Depressions
5. Major Depression with Psychotic Features
2. Bipolar Disorder
3. Dysthymic Disorder
   (less-severe but longer-lasting depression)
4. Cyclothymic Disorder
   (milder, longer-lasting depression with episodes of hypomanic symptoms)

You can find more information about these diagnoses here:

• www.nami.org
• mhanational.org/find-support-groups

Habits and Addictions

Do you have a guilty pleasure?  Are you frequently tempted, even though you know it's probably bad for you?

It's perfectly natural to want to do things that feel good and to enjoy life's many pleasures.  Furthermore, we are all creatures of habit, so we frequently develop routines in our lives without even realizing what is happening.

As you know, some habits can harm us.  Still, it can be difficult to recognize when our habits are harming us, especially when it feels so good.  Even after we accept this sad news, it can still be incredibly hard to change our habits and develop new, healthy habits.

Do you ever tell yourself things like:  "It will be so good, I just have to do it!" or "I can quit later, just one more time won't hurt" or "It will be too difficult to quit, I just can't do it, so why try?".  If so, you may be struggling with a habit or addiction.

You're not alone and there is help!

Here are some common examples:

1. Overeating (including binge-eating and purging)
2. Cigarette Smoking (also chewing, dipping and using snuff or cigars)
3. Alcoholism (Alcohol abuse and dependence)
4. Drug Abuse (prescription or recreational drug abuse and dependence)
5. Skin Picking, Hair Pulling and nail biting
6. Compulsive Hoarding
7. Compulsive hand-washing, checking, counting, cleaning
8. Compulsive gambling

Remember, "we all drift in and out of enlightenment", so whether this is the first time you have become aware of a problem or the ninety-ninth relapse, you still deserve quality treatment, respect and the joys of a new life.