Some useful information regarding assessing depression – knowing the difference between “normal” sadness and a diagnosable condition that you won’t just “snap out of.” Spotting the Signs of Depression Read more

An incredibly frank documentary regarding the growing trend of vulval plastic surgery.  Raises all kinds of cultural issues, especially from feminist and parenting perspectives, as to the importance of self-esteem for healthy sexuality and self perception.  Be prepared for graphic images, surgical images, and some language.  It’s done in the UK so I got a kick out of hearing their slang for genitalia. The Perfect Vagina Read more

Helping a Loved One with Depression Read more

I have been asked often about “evidence” for effects of porn (both positive and negative).  Here are some articles that I believe address this issue fairly.  The End of the Porn Debate? Not all Warnings about Porn Use are Moralistic or Scientific Cupid’s Poisoned Arrow Read more

I get this question asked a lot and have answered it several times on this blog.  Here is someone else’s perspective that I agree with. What distinguishes Erotica from Pornography?by Leon Seltzer Read more

I’m a 17 years old and I think I might be gay. I don’t know who to tell because there really is no one. I have a very good relationship with my parents/family and I don’t want to ruin it, but I can’t seem to stop the way I feel. I don’t want to be gay but I have never felt sexually attracted to a single girl. The only way I know how to describe what I feel is that... Read more

GAD is characterized by chronic anxiety that persists for at least six months and can affect people of all ages.  GAD is not accompanied by panic attacks, phobias or obsessions.  It often occurs together with depression.  It affects approximately 4% of Americans and is slightly more common in females than males. Must have 3 of the following symptoms: restlessness easily fatigued difficulty concentration irritability muscle tension difficulties with sleep Current Treatments: Relaxation Training Cognitive Therapy Problem Solving Medication Lifestyle Changes... Read more

Phobias affect approximately 10% of the population.  Many do not result in severe impairment.  Many are fears that developed in early childhood.  As parents we can help our children by helping them face their fears.  Repeated observation of a parent with a phobia can lead to children developing them as well.  Phobias are very treatable. Current Treatments: Relaxation Training Cognitive Therapy Incremental Exposure  Ways to Overcome: Be willing to take a risk. Be willing to tolerate discomfort. Be willing to... Read more

Social phobia is a fairly common anxiety disorder.  It involves the fear of embarrassment or humiliation when exposed to the scrutiny of others. Examples include fear of public speaking, fear of blushing, fear of chocking or spilling food, fear of being watched, fear of using public toilets, fear of crowds, and fear of taking exams. These fears are somewhat normal for all of us – however, when it becomes debilitating to your daily life, it becomes a diagnosable disorder. Current Treatments: Relaxation... Read more

Agoraphobia is the fear of open spaces.  Typically people avoid public places.  The most common type is fear of being far away from home or a safe person. Environmental predispositions: growing up with parents who are perfectionistic, overcritical, overprotective and/or overly anxious about the world being a dangerous place.In my opinion this is a challenge we face as LDS parents within the Mormon lifestyle and even our view of the world.  Current Treatments: Graded Exposure Relaxation Training Cognitive Therapy Medication... Read more