Psychology Help Today

I love this article I found in my Sunday Reporter-Herald: "As of August 2013, the average American's credit card debt totaled $15,263; mortgage debt averaged $147,591; and student loan debt hit $31,646.   And many households have all three!  No wonder you report that you're more stressed than you were 10 years ago.  Twenty percent of you now say you live with extreme stress daily, and we think the real number is even higher than that. "It's not news that financial woes fuel tension, sleepless nights, relationship problems and depression.  But a new report reveals that debt is also linked with higher diastolic blood pressure --- that's the second number in a blood pressure reading that tells you the pressure level BETWEEN beats.  We say you should aim for 115/75. "High diastolic pressure signals high-blood pressure problems. And that can double your risk for heart attack and weaker recovery post-heart-attack; triple the odds for digesti...

“Susan is not unusual.  She developed this problem because she lives in a culture that teaches out appearances and material acquisitions can soothe psychological problems and enhance self-worth.  Like Susan, most of us believe that others will accept us and think more highly of us if we have more stuff, or fancy stuff, or the latest stuff.  Our psyches are marinated in promises of status and esteem gained through material possessions. “Large corporations implement highly sophisticated advertising campaigns convincing you that their products are necessary and will help you solve your problems.  They first remind you of your human fallibility and personal insecurities, and then promise you redemption from your feelings of inadequacy or shame.  Advertisements instill hope to achieve psychological states of being–like happiness, popularity, inner peace, sex appeal, and superiority to others–through particular products. “Advertisers have studied your...