Originally posted February 5, 2014. Puff, the magic dragon, Lived by the sea And frolicked in the autumn mist In a land called Honah Lee....

Originally posted October 22, 2013. I love this book. The co-authors seamlessly intertwine a full spectrum of education and complex issues associated with living with and the treatment of bipolar 1 disorder within the story of their true emotional and personal lived experiences. It’s an important work. It contributes to the conversation about the reality of the existence of mental illness, the deplorable lack of available adequate professional treatment, and the skewed

Guest Post: Today I am pleased to have Jennifer Killi Marshall guest posting here today. Her article today is about what is was like for her to become an active participant in managing her well-being and what point she realized that self-care is not just a worn-out concept. Hers is an important story about coping and thriving as a mom with bipolar disorder. I love Jennifer’s story. Because, as a therapist, I always wonder how to reach people, to help them come to th

Today I’m participating in Cristi Motto Comes of Life Unadorned in her World Suicide Prevention Day Blog Event. I’m also participating in Kathy Benson’s Bereaved and Blessed’s Time Warp Tuesday theme, Learning. I wanted to honor Kathy and also to honor my friend, Cristi for their work in helping and bringing people together. In reflecting on suicide prevention, I turned to research exploring the internal emotional experience of those who struggle with suicidal thoughts — wha

Originally posted July 29, 2013. This is a love letter to all of you hard-working women who fill so many various roles in your family...

April was a great month for Women’s Reproductive Health events in New Jersey. I was fortunate enough to attend and also was invited to present at La Leche League of the Garden State’s Annual Conference in Jamestown, New Jersey. I also went to an event hosted by St. Clare’s Hospital and the Partnership for Maternal and Child Health of Northern New Jersey. Both events were at the intersection of women’s physical and mental health. I had so much fun meeting and seeing some vir

This post is part of an ongoing series of conversations with professionals in the perinatal mental health field. It is offered to share perspectives, not as clinical guidance. Biography: Suzanne Swanson, Ph.D., is an activist in many areas of Maternal Mental Health. Since 2006, she has been the Postpartum Support International (PSI) Minnesota Coordinator. By 2007, along with a collective group of perinatal mental health professionals, she helped form the Pregnancy and Po

Book Review: In the Shadow of a Badge: A Memoir about Flight 93, a Field of Angels and My Spiritual Homecoming by Lillie Leonardi Post-Traumatic Growth, Spiritual Development and Development of the Self When I saw this book advertised by Hay House, I was instantly attracted. After a quick look at Lillie Leonardi, the author’s, website, I immediately Kindled her book and read it straight through. For me, the transcendent themes of post-traumatic growth, the process of soul

Originally posted January 26, 2013. I’m re-posting my previous blog about my experience with postpartum depression for Stand Up For...

Originally posted January 24, 2013. #LifeWellLived Did it. Done it. BOOM. I’m joining a small group of my bloggy friends, including Yuz...

Originally posted April 23, 2012. This is a personal reflection on community, support, and gratitude. Celebrating 50 Years in New Jersey: La Leche League of the Garden State Area Network Conference April 20 – 22 I want to start this article off with the disclaimer. I am not writing this article to make anyone feel guilty about their personal decisions or circumstances surrounding about infant feeding methods. I’m just giving a personal account about something that helped

Originally posted April 11, 2012. "Pets respond eagerly to care and attention, offering unconditional love and non-threatening...

Originally posted April 1, 2012. Science and Sensibility I am honored and hope that I can do a good job for Lamaze International for the...

Originally published March 12, 2012. Mindbody practices have so many benefits, you’d have to order online from outside the US to be able...

Originally published February 27, 2012. Share Your Story – Postpartum Psychosis Janet’s Experience – Postpartum Psychosis & Recovery THINK BEFORE YOU READ Janet’s story is graphic, yet it is a story of recovery. If you are currently experiencing scary thoughts, please do not read this article, as it may trigger negativity. Instead, immediately reach out to get the help you need. Tell a close family member or friend to take you to the doctor. Call a crisis line. If you feel y

Originally published February 20, 2012. In this interview, a mother shares her personal birth story in her own words, offering insight into the emotional, physical, and relational experience of childbirth. Ann Kirchner, CD(DONA) has graciously agreed to share her personal story of her birth, birth trauma, post-traumatic stress symptoms, and her struggle to just get recognition and diagnosis and treatment for severe postpartum depression. Her story is very important. Sprea

Originally published February 11, 2012. You remember the intensity at the beginning of your relationship: you were enveloped in an...

Originally published January 1, 2012. Chris Brogan, web entrepreneur, and also a depression survivor himself, has a blog topic/exercise...

Originally published September 19, 2011. Reflections from the Postpartum Support International Conference on gender, hormones, and women’s mental health. Great to see Dr. Jeanne Driscoll! There were so many great speakers talking about the complexities of caring for women in the perinatal period. Dr. Jeanne Driscoll, a practicing psychologist and nurse-practitioner, is co-author with Deborah Sichel, MD of Women’s Moods: What every woman must know about hormones, the brain,