Dear Neil: I feel sad and empty. I was never loved as a child, and I do not have the bonds I should have had. The non-existence of love in my family and the coldness has just made me numb, and I feel numb all the time. I am also a cancer survivor. I fear […]
Are you depressed? Depression does not necessarily mean you’re just sad. You might be more numb—not feeling much of anything—than sad. But some people are in deed sad, withdrawn from others as well as from themselves, and withdrawn from most of the activities that used to bring them pleasure and enjoyment. Take this quiz, adapted […]
Dear Neil: 10 years ago, I had a horrible bout of Stage 3 breast cancer. 5 years ago I divorced, leaving a 12 year marriage. Finally, I just turned 50, and that has really put a spin on what has become a downward spiral. Today I’m cancer-free, but I’m left with both physical and emotional […]
Anytime we go through a genuine crisis, our intimate relationships with other people—your spouse or sweetheart, children, family and friends—are affected. Whether those relationships help us through the crisis, or instead go down in flames depends on a host of factors, most of which are within our control. People in crisis find it difficult to […]
Ever been depressed? Ever been in a relationship with someone who is depressed? If so, did you find yourself at a loss to know what to do? Did your relationship get battered in the process ? Depression strains relationships. A depressed person is likely to be morose, pessimistic, cynical, hopeless, sad, lonely, tired, fatigued and […]
Note: This is the second of a two-part series. How do you overcome depression? Try these: Activities: Exercise; sports; long walks; yoga; dancing; reading; listening to music; long hot baths; making love; gardening; drawing or painting; journal writing; writing letters; shopping; day trips; playing a musical instrument; spending time with young children; cleaning; watching videos […]
Dear Neil: I was recently rejected by a woman I was hoping to marry, and I am really hurting badly. I tried so very hard in the relationship, gave it so much, was so loving, romantic, generous, patient, forgiving and accommodating, but I was still rejected. I still want a relationship, and I still want […]
Have you ever noticed what happens when you keep pursuing a business that refuses to succeed? When you hang onto items that a represent a failed relationship or old financial problems, or piles of things to do or things to file that you never get to? These items are huge energy drains that can keep […]
Dear Neil: My relationship with my husband has recently gone downhill. I have been depressed for a long time, and just haven’t had the energy to give to him; I haven’t been attentive, sexual, enthusiastic, happy or fun. I would like our relationship to improve, but I don’t know what to do. Can you help? […]