1999 was the first holiday season I had without my dad. In June of that year, he passed due to complications from cirrhosis. Ten years later, was the first holiday without my little brother, who overdosed in 2009. The holidays for me, and for many people, can be tough. There is a difference between being…
Addiction is a far-reaching epidemic and impacts the lives of millions of people. According to the most recent data, 19.7 million Americans battled substance abuse in 2017. Based on recurring reports in the media, that trend continues to climb, particularly because of widespread opiate abuse. Unfortunately, a substance abuse disorder impacts not only the individual…
Seeking help is the first step to getting better. But as you know, the bills don’t stop coming while you’re in recovery. Learn how you can provide for yourself while you pursue a full-time job opportunity and continue on the path to wellness. Treat Job Hunting Like a Job The process of getting a job…
Alex is a US veteran who completed tours in Afghanistan and Iraq. He recently returned to his hometown in Illinois where he lives with his mom and 10-year-old son. It was a struggle to find work so he decided to drive for Uber and Lyft. Unfortunately, an encounter in Afghanistan left him in chronic pain…
#selfcareSunday If you search the hashtag on social media, you’ll find thousands of people taking charge of their own well-being with self-care. We’re all too busy, too overworked, stretched too thin. We all deserve a little pampering, a little time to ourselves, a little self-care. Yet, I noticed that what started as ten minutes of…
Very few things put me in a more positive frame of mind than checking things off a list does. I am 100% that person who will write down things I’ve already done, just so I can feel a sense of giddy accomplishment when I check them off. I have lists for everything. Books I want…
When battling depression, it is hard to find the willpower to bolster your self-confidence. Often, lowself-esteem and depression go hand in hand but by taking some small steps you can build your self-esteem and gain the confidence you need to improve your self-image. Seeing yourself in a positive light is important for overall mental well-being….
Cameron is a 20-year-old university student majoring in business administration with a minor in psychology at Stanford University in Connecticut. He is very active in on-campus organizations and works part-time as an assistant in the Registrar’s Department. He was recently inducted into the psychology honor society, Psi Chi. When not preoccupied with school, he enjoys…
I woke up this morning with a headache. I stumbled to the medicine cabinet for some Tylenol and 10 bottles fell to the floor. After I managed to calm down, I walked out of my room to discover my children had decided to make themselves breakfast. My head starts pounding again as I stare at…
Dear friend, 159 days. That’s how long it has been since I last touched drugs. 159 days since my entire life changed. I always said I had incredible self-control, ignoring the fact that addiction is hereditary. I believed myself to be stronger than my ancestors, but we both know from the opening of this post…