Author Archives: JmaC

As a psychiatrist and novelist concerned with people’s inner conflicts, I’m often asked whether people can truly change. The answer is: yes, and no. Most mental health professionals agree that our deeply embedded traits and tendencies are ingrained by the … Continue reading →

Awhile back I listed some symptoms of panic and a few techniques that have helped me cope (as well as these exercises for managing anxiety). These techniques work for me whether I am in the midst of a full-blown panic … Continue reading →

Since I was younger, I knew that I thought in a different way than most children. As I grew older, I became consumed with death and its aftermath. I couldn’t understand why my biggest worry wasn’t which dress I would … Continue reading →

“I don’t have trauma.”“What happened to me isn’t trauma.” “Trauma is something horrific.” “I should have been able to cope with it.” “It’s not sad.” “I’m not upset.” Accepting you are suffering from trauma is by far one of the … Continue reading →

Four years ago, a good friend of mine put her 10-year-old son on Prozac (fluoxetine). He had always suffered from anxiety and anger outbursts, but at age 9, his behavior turned violent, and his ruminations were keeping him up at … Continue reading →