A scientific retreat from triggers
The coronavirus pandemic has forced me (like far too many others) to think further about the world around me in a more precise, exact way. And, I know I am not alone in this. Every detail, all around us, has suddenly become very, very relevant to…. everyone. We have...Why Are Some Kids Amazingly Resilient?
(The article below is an excerpt from my book, Crazy Was All I Ever Knew: The Impact of Maternal Mental Illness on Kids. I have used a pseudonym to protect the privacy of family members.) Research shows that many children who experience adversity are amazingly...
Children Who Get Hugs Tend to Become Happier Adults
I missed out on hugs and cuddles. My mother, who was mentally ill, did not display affection. In second grade, I walked home from school with a friend. I remember watching as she ran up her front steps. Her mother would be waiting for her at the door with a smile....
My Amygdala: A Love Story (Part I)
My Amygdala: A Love Story (Part I) This is not your average love story, but I think it’s a love story nonetheless. It begins with desperation and jealousy, with insecurity and fear; fear of loss of love. It begins with horror at the thought of being shamed,...