Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Are You Obsessive?
Or Compulsive?

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (also known as OCD) is a psychological problem that is driven by anxiety.
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The Source of Anxiety that Drives OCD

Imagine an underground stream that feeds a pond. You can see the pond, the frogs, the water lilies, but not the underground source.

This is what happens with obsessions; there is an underground stream that feeds the worry. That is why people with OCD seem to have a never ending source of anxieties, and an equally strong drive to try to control their surroundings and all the people in it.  [full article]

Warning Signs of OCD

• Do you wish you had an “off” button so you could stop thinking about the same thing over and over?

• Do you feel the need to repeat a ritual that would be embarrassing if others knew what you were doing?

• Are you so competitive that if you are not the winner or the absolute best you feel deeply upset?  [full story]

DIY: Stop Obsessing

Dr. Lipkins’ Tip: Tools for a Better Life

For those of you who like to do it yourself (DIY) consider the following self-help exercises: The 5 Minute Rule and Change the Channel are two kinds of behavioral options that you can try. Sometimes these kinds of exercises will help you to control unwanted or obsessive thoughts. It is best to practice these short exercises whenever you can; even when you are not anxious or obsessing. 
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Why Kids Don't Want to Sleep

Darkness is traditionally the time that bad things happen. Why? Because we can’t see as well at night, and because there are shadows and sounds that we pay attention to during the day.

Any fears or anxieties that your child may have seem to be concentrated at bedtime. This may occur because it is the first time that your child had a chance...  [full article]

Sleep Hygiene for Babies and Children

Who Wakes You Up?

No matter how old your children are it is likely that they could cause sleepless nights. Sleep Hygiene are habits that are essential to healthy minds and healthy bodies, for both you and your kids. 
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What Kinds of Monsters Haunt Your House?

The Hungry Monster

This monster may be legitimately hungry. It commonly happens when kids eat an early dinner, or when kids are on medicine that reduces their appetite during the day (like Ritalin, and other stimulants used for A.D.H.D. and A.D.D.) It also happens when kids are growing and simply do not eat enough during the day.
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The Sleepy Teen

Teens are more sleep deprived than any other age group. Everything in their lives works against them in terms of getting the amount of sleep they actually need.

Internal Clock: Teens secrete melatonin later in the day as compared to children and adults. This means they are not sleepy in the evening, and have energy deep into the night. However, they are tired in the morning, and are less alert. 
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Co-Sleeping

Co-sleeping is common in many cultures. Newborns, babies and children go to sleep in their parents’ bed, and sleep with them throughout the night.

Often children stay in the parental bed until they are 8 or 10 years old. Parents who encourage co-sleeping believe it helps children bond.

I believe that co-sleeping is not helpful to either the parent or child. 
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