Category: Blog Posts

Losing weight is a difficult journey. It takes hard work and dedication. Weight loss surgeries have become increasingly popular over the last few years. With any kind of surgery, risks are always involved. One possible risk is alcohol abuse.

After studying 2,000 obese individuals who underwent bariatric surgery (particularly Roux-en Y gastric bypass surgery), the risk of alcohol abuse increased. This only became apparent after a two year period. (For more detailed information, read – Weight-Loss Surgery May Raise Risk of Alcohol Abuse.)

At this point, researchers can only speculate why the Roux-en Y surgery is more likely causing alcohol abuse. It could be linked to increased alcohol sensitivity. Some patients go back to old habits. Regardless of the reason, alcohol abuse can take a toll on the mind and body.

Recognizing that this is a possibility after surgery is important to understand. The patient needs to be aware of all the consequences, negative and positive.

One important step to take in dealing with alcohol abuse, obesity, or both is to understand the reasons why. With the help of a mental health care professional, you can learn to understand this pattern of destructive behavior and how to redirect your thinking. Visit Weight Control and Alcoholism Recovery for additional information.

Asperger
Syndrome is a high functioning form of autism. This diagnosis can sometimes go unnoticed and the individual is classified as being “different” or “unusual.” Times are changing and more and more are recognizing that they either have Asperger Syndrome or
that their spouse or parent have Asperger’s. Either way, adjusting to this realization is challenging.

Did you grow up with an
Aspie parent? How did being raised in an Asperger environment affect you? As a licensed psychologist who specializes in working with neuro-typicals or NT’s (a term given to non-Aspie’s), I have found this to be a unique situation and I do not mean that
lightly. This is especially true of those raised by an Aspie parent. I have found that these individuals feel like they do not fit in the typical NT world or in the Aspie world yet they are sensitive to both. They crave an emotional connection with their parent,
but feel convinced that nobody will truly understand who they are. What a conundrum!

You are not alone if you have felt this way before. I am overwhelmed by the response I have received from many NT’s with Aspie parents. Connecting with others who have been in your shoes will not only provide comfort in an uncomfortable situation, but may help
you to learn more about yourself. Asperger Syndrome: Partners and Family of Adults with ASD Support Group is an excellent medium
for any who find themselves in this situation. Please join us for our monthly Meet Up if you live in the Portland, Oregon/Vancouver, Washington area. We will be meeting on July 21, 2012 to discuss what it is like being raised by an Asperger parent. If you
are unable to attend, please visit on
online page and become a member. The online support is incredible.

For more information on Asperger Syndrome, visit Asperger Syndrome Frequently Asked Questions.

Often you will find that there are major style and personality differences between male and female entrepreneurs. These differences become even more apparent when a husband and wife equally own and operate a company. Management, decision-making, even operations are powerfully influenced by a difference in entrepreneurial style. The integration of a male perspective and a female perspective can be quite an asset. Often times a husband and wife get stuck because they do not recognize the dynamic that is going on.

An interesting dynamic between entrepreneurial couples is how they make decisions. One way I sum it up is that men make the first best decision, but women seek out the best-best decision. Women want to look at all sides of an issue before deciding anything. They value everyone’s opinion in the process of moving toward a decision. Men on the other hand seek to move the organization along as swiftly as possible. Regardless of everyone’s view, men tend to value the efficiency of getting to the answer quickly.

How does this dynamic work when a husband/wife team needs to make decisions together? If they understand each other well, then the decision-making dynamic is powerful. If they don’t, then each party can feel very misunderstood. How can this be done effectively? When a husband and wife work together there is the potential to create a strong leadership for their organization. When a husband recognizes that his wife needs an impartial discussion with a variety of options before deciding, she feels understood and more inclined to move toward decisive action. When a wife recognizes that her husband has a need to get things done as efficiently as possible, she can refocus her energy onto solutions, even if she would like just a little more discussion.

Put simply, when making a business decision as an entrepreneurial couple, work to combine the wife’s strengths and the husband’s strengths. Take what you know about each other and use it to the fullest to take your enterprise to a new height and enlighten the world with your success.

For more information on succeeding as an entrepreneurial couple, pick up your own personal copy of Entrepreneurial Couples – Making it Work at Work and at Home. This book will soon be available as an Ebook for entrepreneurial couples on the go, stay tuned for the release!

Living alone or feeling lonely may have more dangers than we thought. New research is pointing to loneliness and isolation as a possible cause for premature death. The age group at the most risk? Middle age. Those living alone were more likely to die earlier of heart problems or stroke than those living with family or friends.

Psychological problems can lead to physical health problems like heart disease. If you live with someone, there is a greater chance of recognizing physical health problems. If you live alone, you might forget medication or even choose to ignore symptoms. Because of this research, doctors are being encouraged to ask patients about their living situation because it may give insight into their physical and emotional state. For more information on this research, read the article – Lonely? Your health may suffer

Of course there are many who live alone who are far from lonely. It’s possible to develop a warm social circle of friends and family members. On the other hand, you could live with someone and still be lonely! Whatever your circumstances, if you feel sad or lonely look for a mental health care professional in your area. Depression, anxiety, and stress are all issues that you can overcome with the aid of a professional. If you delay in taking action, it could have a negative impact on your health. Contact my office if you live in the Portland, Oregon/Vancouver, Washington area to make an appointment.

This week a deal is in the works between a Swiss pharmaceutical company, Roche, and Seaside Therapeutics. They are planning on developing treatments for Autism Spectrum Disorder and Fragile X Syndrome. Even though these disorders are different, they share similar symptoms. The anticipation for a drug to alleviate symptoms of ASD or Fragile X are high. Another company, Novartis, is also working on a similar drug. To learn more about these companies and their plans, read Competitors Form Partnership to Develop Autism Drug.

Time will tell if these types of treatments will prove to be effective or not. Whenever you are dealing with taking medication, it is always important to discuss it thoroughly with your doctor. Often times, medication can be abused or used incorrectly. Look for a mental health care professional who specializes in these types of developmental disorders. There are many therapy options that can work in conjunction with medication.

To learn more about these therapies, visit Asperger Syndrome Frequently Asked Questions and Psychotherapy Options.

Even with an increase in understanding, there is still a negative stigma surrounding mental disorders (Asperger Syndrome, ADHD) and illnesses (depression, OCD). Fear, discrimination, and rejection are some of the negative reactions that some have received because of their mental disorder/illness. Because of this, some fail to seek out treatment. Failure do so will only lead to serious consequences like substance abuse, failed marriages, suicide, or even jail.

How can this stigma be reduced? It is important to understand that these disorders/illness stem from the brain. The brain is a highly powerful organ in the body. As is true of any other organ, it doesn’t always function properly. What would you do if you had heart disease? Wouldn’t you immediately go to a heart specialist and get the right type of treatment and medication to help you heart? Should we view the brain in the same way?

Getting proper treatment is the big step to changing the stigma. Also, remind yourself that you are not the disorder or illness, it is just something you have. For example, if you had diabetes, do you run around introducing yourself as someone with diabetes? Of course not because it is just something you have, it is not who you are. The same should be for whatever your mental situation is. Don’t allow it to define you. Yes, accept that it is a part of you, but do not let the idea of it change who you really are.

You are also not alone. Join a support group. You can now find a support group for just about anything. The more supported you feel, the more inclined you will feel to stick with your therapy and treatments. There may always be some stigma surrounding the mental health community, but it is changing. Don’t let what others think change what you need to do to be a happier and mentally healthier person.

Contact my office if you live in the Portland, Oregon/Vancouver, Washington area if you would like to seek help for your mental disorder or illness.