Blog for Better Living

The ‘Up’ Side of Feeling Down

By: Rochelle Perper, Ph.D. | April 16, 2015

In today’s culture, everyone loves to be happy. Just look at posts on Facebook and other social media of people smiling and having a wonderful time. Bookstores are full of self-help books and you can’t go online without finding an article on “how to be happier.” We’re inundated with the craze to be happy – […]

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Depression, Family, Personal Improvement, Relationships, Stress

Depression: A problem for many older adults

By: Rochelle Perper, Ph.D. | March 19, 2015

Depression is a common problem in older adults. The symptoms of depression affect every aspect of life, including one’s energy, appetite, sleep, and interest in work, hobbies, and relationships. Unfortunately, senior depression is often overlooked, and many depressed seniors do not get the help that they need. Depression in older adults is often overlooked for […]

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Depression, Family

Finding Perspective

By: Rochelle Perper, Ph.D. | February 17, 2015

I recently came back from a dirtbiking trip to Death Valley and the surrounding area refreshed and refocused. There are many things that I love about dirtbiking like the opportunity to explore new places and be physically challenged. However, the aspect of the sport that appeals to me the most is the ability to Find […]

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Children, Family, Grief, Personal Improvement, Relationships, Stress, Therapy

Practicing Vulnerability

By: Rochelle Perper, Ph.D. | February 7, 2015

The term vulnerability is described beautifully in the book Daring Greatly by Brene Brown. Her book not only describes the concept of vulnerability but also discusses its importance in our lives. Vulnerability, according to Brown is a crucial part of human existence that is oftentimes ignored or suppressed. All humans have emotions, and thus, all […]

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Personal Improvement, Relationships

Coping with Frustration and Anger

By: Rochelle Perper, Ph.D. | January 8, 2015

Anger is a normal, healthy emotion, and can be an adaptive response to threats in our environment. But, when chronic, explosive anger spirals out of control, it can have serious consequences for your relationship, your health, and your state of mind. You can learn to control your anger You have more control over your anger […]

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Personal Improvement

Surviving the Holidays after Divorce

By: Rochelle Perper, Ph.D. | December 24, 2014

The holiday season is typically a time of great anticipation and excitement. But for those who are in the early stages of transitioning through divorce, the prospect of facing the holidays without your partner or children may cause some anxiety and sadness. It is okay to accept the difficulty of this time of year and […]

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Children, Family, Relationships, Stress

Compromise the Coffee

By: Rochelle Perper, Ph.D. | December 20, 2014

We know what happens when we don’t get our morning fix – withdrawals! It’s funny how a stop to my neighborhood café and one sip of my favorite drink can take away my headache and cheer me right up. Unfortunately, buying coffee everyday isn’t too kind to my wallet, nor is it to my health. […]

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Personal Improvement

The Psychological Benefits of Yoga

By: Rochelle Perper, Ph.D. | October 17, 2014

“Come with me to a yoga class!” said my friend Caroline to me sometime last year. “Why on earth would I want to go to a stretch class with strangers that I don’t know in a blazing hot room?” I thought to myself. “No thanks,” I quickly replied. Despite my reluctance and skepticism about the […]

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Stress, Therapy

Emotional First Aid

By: Rochelle Perper, Ph.D. | September 27, 2014

Most people experience some emotionally traumatic events, ranging from the manageable to the overwhelming, over the course of their lifetimes. Yet, few people know how to help with the emotional aftermath of traumatic events. Both victims and witnesses of trauma may experience feelings of confusion, fear, sadness, and isolation, and often feel at a loss […]

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Grief, Stress