By Rebecca Ward, MSW, LCSW If you can imagine, I really enjoy working with some of the narcissists who come into my office. They are mostly charming and engaging at the start, and many do not last long in therapy past the “beginning to see the light” phase. It is then that the dark side of this particular personality will emerge. And it is…
“Every 12.5 seconds another American life is claimed by opioid abuse.” by Kristy Alpert The statistics surrounding this epidemic may be sobering, but the unfortunate reality is that opioid abuse is still growing in prevalence across the United States, with more than 115 deaths occurring each day, according to a recent statement from Jerome Adams,…
by Jeanni Brosius Jocelyn Spencer has had an electronic device in her hands every day since she was 2. The now 10-year-old fifth grader has multiple social media accounts and interacts with “friends” that she’s never met. Social media allows us to connect with friends and family, network with colleagues, stay up on world events…
Two camps in Central Arkansas zero in on the issue of suicide — one to help young people cope with a loss and another to help teens learn how to intervene with a struggling peer. This fall, Camp Aldersgate will sponsor Camp Conquer, a suicide prevention camp designed to equip high schoolers with the skills…
Suicide is a complex phenomenon that affects every neighborhood, race, gender and age group. Prevention is equally complicated, as no two people are the same insofar as what plants the idea in their mind or ultimately forces their hand. Parents should develop a comfort level talking to their children about issues such as mental health,…
The numbers surrounding suicide are shocking — and the most shocking part may be that no one knows precisely how prevalent the problem is. Last year the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that slightly fewer than 43,000 Americans died by their own hand in 2014 — the highest number in 30 years.…
By Kristy Alpert • Photography by Jamison Mosley For Dr. Caroline Morgan Ford, the line between casual drinking and substance abuse was one she encountered early on in life. She grew up in a healthy and happy home, filled with Christian summer camps, trips to the beach and report cards from her prestigious boarding school…
Mental health professionals are changing the way we look at treatment for the mind and body By Caleb Talley As our perception of mental health has changed over time, so too has the way we view mental health treatment. Talk therapy is still the most common form of psychological treatment. But new – and sometimes old…
by Alex Gladden He wore a black baseball cap with the words “Vietnam veteran” embroidered across the top. His hair was mostly gray, and he stood staring out at the crowd. Large groups of people have made Ken Gheen nervous ever since he served in the military during the 1960s. “But I do it for…
By Marla Cantrell Being human is the only prerequisite needed to be vulnerable to grief. It’s so universal that you’d think we’d know how to fix it by now. But grief doesn’t work that way, and you can’t prepare for the loss you feel when a loved one dies. Rebecca Ward, MSW, LCSW, who offers…
