EMDR: A DIFFERENT APPROACH TO OVERCOMING TRAUMA
Throughout our lives, we are exposed to various situations that can have a lasting impact on how we view ourselves, others and the world. At times, single or multiple adverse life events (e.g., violent crime, loss of a loved one, childhood abuse) can result in trauma that extends beyond normal stress reactions and, instead, creates […]
DENIAL
Where is the line that separates a heavy drinker from an alcoholic? Is there a difference? Some questionnaires and brochures attempt to prescreen whether or not a person is an alcoholic. The problem is that those questions may not be answered truthfully by someone who is looking at it subjectively. They believe their problems are […]
BRAIN FOG
Are you experiencing low energy, fatigue or irritability? Having trouble concentrating? Experiencing headaches, forgetfulness or trouble remembering information? How about low motivation, feelings of hopelessness or mild depression? Do you feel anxiety, confusion, trouble sleeping through the night or insomnia? Difficulty getting motivated to exercise? In one study, the top-ranked descriptors of brain fog were […]
LASD STANDS WITH LGBT
The month of June and part of July were filled with lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) Pride celebrations. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department participated in the celebration and released the LASD Pride badge. The symbolism of this hits pretty deep for those in the LGBT community and their LASD brothers and sisters. It […]
GOOGLE “ALCOHOLIC COP”
I Google the phrase “alcoholic cop” every few months. The results shed light on several challenges cops face. Undoubtedly, police work is one of the most challenging jobs in the world, often faced with the worst of the worst regarding the world today. It can be sad, depressing and frustrating. It’s commonly reported as one […]
WHEN IT BEGINS
Where is the fine line that separates a regular drinker from an alcoholic? Is there really a difference? Some questionnaires and brochures attempt to ascertain for people whether or not they are an alcoholic. The problem is, the questions on the advertisements may not be answered truthfully by someone who is looking at it subjectively. […]
RESILIENCY: WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE RESILIENT?
Let us start with the basics … Resiliency can be defined in many ways. Our own perception of a situation can give resiliency different meanings. Resiliency can be interpreted in a physical sense, as in bouncing back from an injury. Resiliency can also be defined as having the mental capacity to endure hardship. Finally, resiliency […]
WORK/LIFE BALANCE
Having an unbalanced work life can cause stressors that can result in burnout, both mentally and physically. Burnout is the mental and physical exhaustion caused by being overworked or stressed. With our modern lifestyle, one can struggle to find a balance between work and personal time. This is especially true for those who have responsibilities […]
LAURA’S LAW: ASSISTED OUTPATIENT TREATMENT
Mental illness, like other diseases, does not discriminate. Within the scope of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, its presence can be noted in the field, as well as in custody facilities. Some of the most unsettling aspects of severe mental illness, such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, occur when individuals do not recognize they […]