The news of the death by suicide of psychologist Victor Yalom has sparked many conversations, especially among people struggling with their own mental health. The question that came to mind was: “If an expert in psychology couldn’t overcome his own suffering, what hope is there for the rest of us?” You see, we often assume…
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The time of the year has come where students are sitting for their end-of-school year exams and some for the very stressful University entrance exams. Stress, despite its bad reputation, can actually help you perform well. The problem starts when it becomes overwhelming and you lose control. It will help to remember that the goal…
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The other day, I had to go in for a scan with contrast, which meant a butterfly needle. Every time I need blood taken, my veins decide not to cooperate — they play hard to get. So, I knew what was coming. Quite a bit of tapping and slapping around to get a vein to…
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How does intergenerational trauma affect you and your success? Your behaviours, decisions and reactions today may have roots in past events – events that transpired way before you were even born. Intergenerational trauma, also known as generational trauma, refers to the transfer of traumatic experiences from one generation to the next. They are often linked…
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Are you being too self-protective? Overprotection comes at a price whether it is directed towards other people or yourself. A while ago, I was shopping at the supermarket and heard a boy pleading his mom to pick him up. He complained of being tired and wanted to be carried. What surprised me was the child’s…
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Traumatic events generate strong emotions some of which you may feel for the very first time. You could be experiencing unfamiliar emotions or familiar emotions with an unfamiliar intensity. Even though it is commonplace to experience an array of stress responses in the initial period after a traumatic event, it may frighten you and as…
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As Christmas is approaching, children are eagerly waiting for Santa to deliver their coveted gifts. However, there’s an increasing number of adults who insist in revealing the truth about Santa in the name of ‘valuing honesty’. Some of you may have come across ‘expert advice’ claiming that parents should be radically truthful to their children…
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Most of us, at some point, have been encouraged to not give up no matter what. In face of adversity, we remind ourselves (and are reminded) to keep on going. Persistence is obviously a strength with many benefits – including better chances of success in our goals – and some do need to bring more…
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Panic attacks are admittedly intense, scary and remembered long after they are over. I prefer the term ‘panic episodes’ over ‘panic attacks’ as the word ‘attack’ conjures up images and emotions that are far from being calming. A panic episode has: a) physical manifestations, such as palpitations- pounding heart, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, choking…
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