Dial Back On The Political Vitriol

Our political pot has reached the boiling point. Fueled by mounting social and economic fears, a widening divide between liberals and conservatives and rampant zealotry, the conduct of our political campaigns has sunk to unsavory lows. This political season, almost anything goes. Day after day, we find ourselves surrounded by shameless half-truths, character assassinations and political diatribe driven by a win-at-any-cost fervor. The news cycle seizes upon and intensifies the discord. We get drawn into the degrading fracas.

Not in a good way, we become part of the problem. When those "on the other side" denigrate our values, we set aside the rules of civility and go on the attack. By descending into the same biased and ill-mannered behavior that we see in our political candidates, just like them we provoke conflict rather than reasoned discourse. We become part of the ill-tempered political drama that swirls around us. We become like them.

Yes, our values are precious to us, but that doesn't mean we are justified or well-served to throw away the rule book because others are. Civility and respect are always important. Emulating the ravaging political demeanor of this election cycle when our values are challenged brings no good. We feel and act better when we stand for what we believe in without the vitriol.

The inspiration for this site: I believe all of us can gain the skills for emotional health and happiness.  My passion is offering help to those who share this vision.  We can learn the ways to defeat anxiety, depression, and addiction and build strong self-esteem, positivity and happiness over a lifetime.  By gaining these critical life skills, we create a better world for ourselves and the world around us. 

My experience as a cognitive-behavioral psychologist for more than three decades now shows that, when given the right tools, people readily learn how to elevate and maintain emotional well-being and happiness. You can learn about many of the essential tools right here, at the Think Right Feel Right Blogoscope. 

My vision here: I believe we can all learn the secrets of emotional health and happiness.   We can defeat troubling conditions such as anxiety, depression and addiction, and empower strong self-esteem, positivity and happiness over a lifetime.  My passion is helping others who share this vision.  

Experience gained from my 30+ years practice in cognitive-behavioral psychology shows that, when given the right tools, people readily learn to elevate and maintain emotional health and happiness.  At the Think Right Feel Right Blogoscope you will find  practical tools and information for achieving these goals . 

Myth Four: Good #Mental Health equals the absence of disturbing symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and addiction.

Experience gained from my 30+ years practice in cognitive-behavioral psychology shows that, when given the right tools, people readily learn to elevate and maintain emotional health and happiness.

At the Think Right Feel Right Blogoscope you will find the behavioral tools and techniques that help to ward off #anxiety, depression and addiction.  You will learn about ways to defeat troubling emotions such as anger, worry and sadness.  You will also find practical #self-help strategies for increasing self-esteem, positivity and for being a happier you. 

Myths and misunderstandings about  mental health and emotional well-being abound.  We think we can change, or we doubt real change is possible. We hear that #happiness is attainable; then we hear that it is limited by our "setpoint." 

We are told that mental health may be largely genetic and are left thinking that our emotions and behavior patterns are indelible patterns, like fixed personality traits.  We burden ourselves with the shame that these problems are somehow our fault.  We are embarrassed by emotional problems and avoid talking about them.  

If we have "issues," we see ourselves as being different from others. We try to fix ourselves with talk therapy.  We go the medication route.  We ignore emotional problems and our cup rarely gets above half full.  Change is too difficult, too little, impossible.  Just give me some drugs.  No medication for me thank you, medication only hides the problem.

We pay a big price because of the myths and misconceptions about happiness and emotional health.  Those who are willing to search for greater fulfillment often expend considerable time and money on the journey.  Too often, their journey is long, the road signs vague, and success limited.  Others avoid the journey altogether, staying stuck in their struggles over a lifetime. We can indeed learn how to possess good mental health, but first we must cut through the jumble of misconceptions that stand in the way.

Myth Four: Good #Mental Health equals the absence of disturbing symptoms such as #anxiety, depression,  and #addiction.  Not really.  Mental health is not simply the absence of mental disorders or psychological symptoms.  Mental Health is something much more.  Being mentally well involves gaining key behavioral skills including the ability to regulate thought and emotion, maintain self-esteem and self-care, promote positive mood states, and sustain other adaptive behavior over time. Reduced emotional disturbance, attentiveness to self-nurturance, resilience and increased well-being are some of the affirmative indications of good mental health.  Stay tuned to #ThinkRightFeelRight for practical #self-help.