I have been trained in CPR to help someone having a heart attack, and I’ve learned how to administer Naloxone (a.k.a. Narcan) to people who are experiencing an opioid overdose. But I had not been taught what to do with someone who is having a psychotic episode. I recently attended a Mental Health First Aid […]

What motivates someone to become a drug dealer? Few people purposefully set out in life to become entrenched in other’s addictions. There are circumstances in which legitimate businesses such as the manufacture and sale of alcohol, and medical marijuana in some states, provide the opportunity for abuse and addiction. In spite of the opportunity for […]

The vast majority of perpetrators of domestic violence are men. One study in England and Wales showed that 93.9 percent of convicted abusers are male. But it is no less hurtful to a man to be victimized. This is a serious crime that requires legal intervention whether the perpetrator is male or female. Why are […]

You may be aware of the opioid epidemic in the US right now. Opioids include heroin and prescription pain medication. There are now nearly 100 deaths a day from opioid overdoses. Deaths from opioids have been rising sharply for years, and drug overdoses are projected to increase. The toll could spike to 250 deaths a […]

Since 1999, the total number of hate groups in the US had more than doubled. There are now more anti-Muslin, anti-immigrant, anti-LGBTQ, white nationalist, neo-Nazi, neo-confederate and black separatist organizations. Although still active, the number of Ku Klux Klan chapters, racist skinhead groups and anti-government militias and political groups have declined. According to the Southern […]

My great-niece, Amanda, had what appeared to be a falling out with her friend. They had been best friends largely due to proximity. They were neighbors and could talk across the fence. Last year Amanda refused invitations for play. Upon searching for a cause, she admitted that her friend wasn’t fun anymore. Her friend ignored […]

My nine-year-old great-niece, Amanda, was taught not to use swear words. There is socially acceptable language and then there are “bad words.” She told her grandmother that her four-year-old brother had watched a movie with bad words in it. When asked what the words were, Amanda said they were “S” words. Her grandmother asked what […]

Most people who are familiar with PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) tend to associate it with war veterans. However, war veterans are not the only ones with this disorder. PTSD is a mental health condition that’s triggered by a terrifying event. This event can be either experiencing it or witnessing it such as sexual assault, […]

I’m not much of a gardener. For the most part, I plant Hostas and hope for the best. I work in an office and sit all day. I’m either engaged with people, or sitting at the computer. When I’m home, I’m most often reading or on my IPad. It can’t be good for my body […]

Altruism is the opposite of selfishness. It is the practice of concern for the welfare of others. Not everyone is capable of altruism. Some people lack empathy toward others, and would only offer assistance if it benefitted them. Others will help people in distress even when helping could easily be avoided. Even toddlers can be […]