Author name: Mary Joan Brinson

Did you know there are “brain-healthy” foods to promote a healthy mind and a positive mood? Food is important, not just for our physical health but also for your mind. Growing research supports the theory that what we eat every day can improve our mood and help with treating depression and anxiety. Nutritional psychiatry is a new […]

Affairs are damaging. They rock the foundation of a relationship creating a spiral of destruction and despair. However, there are other forms of betrayal that can be equally damaging to intimate relationships.Betrayal of trust can appear in many forms. While some are more obvious than others, they all impact the trust and emotional safety within a

Have you been betrayed by your partner? Have you hurt your partner by behaving in ways that violated their trust within your relationship? If so, you are not alone. Studies report that just over half of relationships have been damaged by some form of betrayal and one point or another. Broken trust can be as

The end of a relationship is difficult. Some relationships end suddenly while others grow apart over the years. Some endings are mutual, while others are unexpected and unwanted. Regardless of the reason for the ending or the manner in which it takes place, you are likely to experience intense emotions. A separation or divorce is

When it comes to self-esteem, only one opinion matters – your own. And even that one should be carefully evaluated as we tend to be our own harshest critic. There are three simple questions every person should ask themselves when evaluating how they feel about their own self-worth: Do you believe in your ability to

There is no more profound loss that the loss of a baby. It is a unique and agonizing pain that can leave families adrift in a sea of questions that often can never be answered; a sea of pain that can be all-consuming; a sea of doubt regarding the meaning of life; and a sea of

I thought this would be the happiest time of my life. I have been waiting for this. I have been planning for this. But why do I feel so bad? Maybe I am not meant to be a mom. Maybe this was a mistake. No one expects to become pregnant or have a new baby

Change is a part of life. Some times change can bring a sense of relief and calm, while at other times it can leave us overwhelmed, confused and emotionally off-balance. And it doesn’t seem to matter if the change is expected or unexpected – life transitions can be difficult. Some common life transitions include: Milestone birthdays

I have been through grief. There was a time when I felt that I would never see the world in full colour again. Everything felt dulled by the grief that took up so much space in my life. Over time, with support and help, the world brightened again. I felt changed by the experience but

Depression hurts. Depression is a dark journey that leaves you exhausted and depleted. Many will have an experience of depression at some time in their lives. It may be a brief episode related to a specific event, for others it may be a chronic low mood, while others may experience a debilitating condition that makes