When Tragedy Happens: How to Fight Helplessness
A horrible tragedy happened this week in my hometown of Fayetteville, Arkansas. Not all of the details are known, especially not the “why.” But a young police officer was murdered while...
What It Takes To Be Real: This Is “My” Brave
This is a story about being brave in a different way – by letting others more fully into my own mental struggles. To actually be the real me. And it involves letting others see me cry....
Is It Self-Pity, Depression Or Perfectly Hidden Depression?
Nobody likes a whiner. Who might fit this bill? Let’s say you’re filled to the brim with self-pity or a sense the world is against you. You can’t get a break. Bad things seem to...
Guilt and The Borderline Mother (Or Wife or Daughter or Friend): Nine Ways to Work Through It
Your phone rings. Her name appears on your screen. You dread clicking over. And then comes the guilt. Your history with her rushes into your mind as you wait for one more ring — all the times...
The Shame No One Talks About In Sexual Abuse
Note: If you’ve been sexually abused, this article may trigger a response — memories, anxiety, nightmares. Please read with care. I can’t count the times that someone, male or...
Feeling Invisible and How To Confront The Shame You’ve Never Deserved
A lot of people feel invisible. And for many different reasons. What do I mean by “feeling invisible?” Like you don’t matter. As if you aren’t a vital part of things. As if you are being overlooked...
How Do You Heal From Parents Who Hurt You
My dad was very open with his love. One of his favorite things to say when I’d made a mess of things was, “You can always come home.” He’d send me a hand-written letter when things were tough, often quoting scripture, but always with a supportive, guiding message that reminded me of what was really important in life. And I knew how his eyes would light up when he saw me, especially when I no longer lived in the same city as him and my mom. I’m sure my brothers saw that same light.
The Muddle of Menopause and Midlife Depression: Five Common Sense Remedies
The year the world turned 2000, I was 46. Midlife was upon me. A few people were stockpiling water and supplies, zealous about the world coming to an end. Others were impatiently awaiting...
The Perfectly Hidden Depressed Person: Are You One?
You know her. She’s always smiling and appears to have everything together: a good marriage, a thriving business, and a couple of kids who do well in school and athletics. She started the book...
What’s A Nervous Breakdown? Answers to Common Misconceptions About Depression
No one welcomes depression. The brilliant writer Andrew Solomon describes his own severe depressive episode. “All I wanted was for “it” to stop; I could not have managed even to be...
Dr. Margaret’s Book Now Available!
I'm thrilled to announce my new podcast has earned over three quarter of a million downloads! Join thousands of subscribers and tune into SelfWork. It's available here on the website under the tag "SelfWork" and for subscription on iTunes. We talk about similar things as here, but go even further in-depth. Hope you'll join those who listen weekly!
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