Written by Margaret Elle Wiggins, Ph.D. As we age, it is normal to experience some memory loss. The most common complaints of normal aging include general forgetfulness, feeling slower, and having a hard time coming up with a specific word (feeling as if it is on the “tip of the tongue”). However, sometimes memory loss …
Written by Jessica Knight, Psy.D. Grief takes many forms—the loss of a loved one, a relationship, a job, or even the future we once envisioned. The initial shock of loss is often compounded by a profound sense of the unknown, which can intensify during times of cultural or societal uncertainty. Grief is not a …
By Margaret Elle Wiggins, Ph.D. Stress and anxiety are common reactions to challenges that come up throughout our lives. However, when stress is experienced frequently or for extended periods of time, it can start to negatively impact our physical and mental health. Cortisol is a hormone that is released when the body experiences stress. In …
Written by: Margaret Elle Wiggins, Ph.D. As we step into the new year, many of us set resolutions with the hope of improving our lives – whether it’s increased physical fitness, learning something new, or making healthier choices. The challenge, however, is that these resolutions are often so lofty or specific that they can feel …
Written By: Beverly Sharifian, LPCC The jump into parenthood is recognized as a significant, life-altering event. New parents are often warned about the inevitable sleep deprivation and limited alone time, as well as encouraged with stories about the remarkably rewarding aspects of the experience. From the moment they become pregnant, mothers are advised about how …
Written by: Beverly Sharifian, LPCC Neurodivergence has recently become a well-known term, as more and more people recognize that their brains may be wired distinctively. Those who are diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can often feel relief after understanding why they may have felt different or faced particular challenges throughout their life. In this …
Written by Beverly Sharifian, LPCC In the modern era, our lives are characterized by constant connectivity, a barrage of notifications, and the constant pull of instant gratification. We live in a world where our smartphones are never out of reach and where the allure of social media and other digital temptations can hijack our …
Written by V. John Nguyen, Ph.D. Men, you can feel more than anger. You don’t have to ignore the lump in your throat during the chorus of “Tears In Heaven.” You don’t have to try to think of something funny to ward off tears when Spiderman gets turned into dust. And you don’t have …
Dr. Silva was among psychologists that were interviewed by Hanna Calkins for this article in the APA Monitor (November 2022) article discussing long COVID: https://www.apa.org/monitor/2022/11/psychologists-long-covid
Written by: Beverly Sharifian, LPCC Many of us have heard of the immense benefits of meditation. There are great strides in neuroplasticity research indicating that our brains are malleable and have the ability to restructure themselves (Kabat-Zinn, 2013; Shapiro, 2022). What we often forget is that mindfulness, which is the ability to be aware …
Written by Beverly Sharifian, MA, APCC Many of us are unfortunately affected by cancer in some capacity- perhaps due to having battled with it ourselves, dealing with the diagnosis of a friend or family member, or having lost a loved one to it. Like many diseases, the physical aspects of care have been at the …
Written by Beverly Sharifian, APCC As the start of each new year approaches, most people set resolutions with good intentions. Nevertheless, it doesn’t take longer than a few weeks or a couple of months for well-intentioned people to stop persisting toward their goals. This is usually not a consequence of lacking motivation or enthusiasm for …
By: Dr. V. John Nguyen One of the first questions I usually get when I meet with a patient suffering from chronic pain for the first time is, “Why am I here?” Certainly, a fair question given the fact that most pain conditions can be treated medically with interventions meant to reduce pain and promote …
Written by Beverly Sharifian, MA, APCC The COVID-19 pandemic has had incredibly devastating and often lasting impacts both globally and on an individual scale. For some, it has even provoked a sense of chaos, making it increasingly challenging to make sense of the world. Historically, philosophers have tried to answer questions about the meaning of …
Written by Dr. V. John Nguyen I am not a productivity guru. As a matter of fact, if you look at my phone, you’ll see a graveyard of productivity apps that were once downloaded with such promise. I also have sticky notes that have fallen to the ground around my desk over the years …
Written by Sarah Jurick, Ph.D. For most of us, the last year and a half has been difficult for many reasons. Many have lost loved ones, fallen ill, cared for sick individuals, found themselves out of work, and missed celebrations of important milestones with friends and family. Not surprisingly, these adjustments have led to ‘tandemics’—epidemics …
Written by: Delia Silva, PsyD, ABPP-CN What is Long-Haul COVID? “Long-Haul COVID” is a term that has been used extensively in the media to describe people who have experienced persisting physical, cognitive, or emotional symptoms for months following recovery from the acute phase of the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) infection. The reported symptoms have included: “brain fog,” …
Written by Stacy Ann Aquipel, PsyD If you’ve noticed yourself feeling more blah or meh in the past year, you’re not alone. Last April, a viral New York Times article identified languishing as possibly the dominant emotion of 2021. The term was coined by a sociologist named Corey Keyes, who compared it to the concept …
Written By: Angela J. Patino, Psy.D. The future is unwritten, 2020 is history, and one way we can improve our present is by reflecting on the lessons learned thus far. The following PNBC blog series will focus on highlighting lessons learned from the pandemic, with an emphasis on mental health. While we continue …
In a previous blog post, I discussed the emotional changes that may result from traumatic brain injury (TBI). Another consequence of TBI that patients may not recognize themselves are behavioral changes. It is crucial that loved ones pay attention to shifts in behavior in order to provide support and connect patients with the care they need. It …
