Alcoholism has been called a 'disease of denial' for decade, which is why education about denial is essential in addiction treatment programs. It's the #1 roadblock to self-diagnosis for those whose drinking is contributing to life problems. A common description of denial is found in the statement, "I don't have a problem with alcohol, because I can take it or leave it. I can quit drinking at any time."Of course, any who drinks can do these things. It's "staying stopped" -- which is what's…

It's easy to dismiss dips in mood, sleep issues, or suppressed appetite. But these could be subtle symptoms of depression. People with mild depression are six times more likely to slip into major depression. So, if you notice these types of symptoms, or others like sadness and waning interests in activities lingering for a couple of weeks, see a mental health professional or your EAP. Major depression can have long-term effects on your body, even contributing to dementia and heart problems. A…

Blue light from technology screens like smart phones is known to interfere with sleep. Suppression of melatonin, a naturally occurring hormone, is the reason. It helps us fall asleep and makes sleep restorative. Researchers recently demonstrated that blue light also interferes with your body's ability to naturally reduce its temperature at night, which also enhances restorative sleep. During the night, this temperature drop hits its low at about 4 a.m. As body temperature returns to normal, you…

Workaholism is not an officially recognized disease process, but those who work too much are more prone to depression and anxiety disorders, and these are real, treatable illnesses. Examining your work pattern can motivate you to find more balance. You can then discover whether the changes you want are too difficult to maintain. This can help you decide the next step - seeking counseling or support from an EAP or counseling resource. Start with a screening tool called the Bergen Work Addiction…

Mental hygiene is the practice of using techniques, strategies, and good thinking habits to help prevent harm to mental health and maximize a positive outlook for your life. Mental hygiene is more than practicing positive thinking, just like oral hygiene is more than brushing your teeth. Person problems that linger despite attempts to resolve them are an opportunity to use professional counselors or helpful resource to examine goals, relationship stress, self-talk patterns, diet, sleep, and…

"Worrying doesn't take away tomorrow's troubles, it takes away today's peace," wrote composer Randy Armstrong. Worrying is part of our survival makeup; when we worry, we consider threats and how to respond to them. However, when worry chronically interferes with happiness, then it's time for an intervention. Don't accept worry as a disability, and don't be frustrated when you fail to block out what's worrisome. This suppression causes worry to linger in the background, making you feel…

Summer is a time when people move away, change jobs, change careers, switch schools, and leave old friends. Moving can be surprisingly stressful. If you're moving, follow a few tips: 1) Do nothing until you make a to-do list, and then allocate the work over a period of weeks until the move. 2) Don't just start packing. Get rid of all the junk and clutter first. 3) Plan a few local trips to favorite places to recall memories and have social get-togethers with old friends to experience closure.…

Start a stress garden and grow your own anti-stress foods in season! Many foods can help you manage stress because of the nutrients they contain. One of these "anti-stress" nutrients is magnesium. Foods high in magnesium include spinach, beets (especially the stems), blackberries, and raspberries. 

Magnesium plays a role in relaxing muscles, works in concert with other metabolizing functions of the body that contribute to reduced stress. It also aids sleep and helps reduces anxiety. Discover…

Knowledge of the physical responses to stress can help you intervene sooner. They include headaches, sleep disturbances, cuts that do not heal well, eyelid twitching, fatigue, catching colds easily, craving sweets, diarrhea constipation, abdominal cramps, panic feelings and undefined fears, sudden feelings of sadness, forgetfulness, and weight gain. Cortisol - the natural stress response/fat storage hormone - is the culprit in chronic stress. It is emitted by adrenal glands that sit atop your…