Thoughts From Dr. Schwartz
A Complimentary Newsletter From Barry D. Schwartz, Ph.D.—Licensed Psychologist
How to Help Your Child Have Strong Self-Esteem
By Barry D. Schwartz, Ph.D.
Here is a list of ways to convey the message “You are worthwhile” to your children. This list could fill a hundred newsletters, since the ways to raise responsible, happy children are limited only by our imaginations. Here are some places to begin.
Should You Leave Your Relationship?
By Barry D. Schwartz, Ph.D.
How do you know when it’s time to say goodbye to a relationship? In any intimate relationship—especially in a marriage—it’s not a good idea to let a doomed partnership drag on, simply to avoid the pain of a breakup.
Signs of Trouble
There are some warning signs that your relationship is in trouble. If you recognize any of these signals in your own partnership, you may have some work to do to get things back on track.
Press Release
Barry D. Schwartz a Professional Psychological Corp. Receives 2017 New Orleans Award
New Orleans Award Program Honors the Achievement
NEW ORLEANS May 2, 2017 -- Barry D. Schwartz a Professional Psychological Corp. has been selected for the 2017 New Orleans Award in the Psychologists category by the New Orleans Award Program.
Each year, the New Orleans Award Program identifies companies that we believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and our community. These exceptional companies help make the New Orleans area a great place to live, work and play.
Holiday Blues
By Barry D. Schwartz, Ph.D.
Not everyone shares in the celebration and joy associated with the holidays. Many people feel stressed and unhappy in response to the demands of shopping for gifts, spending large amounts of money, attending parties and family gatherings, and entertaining houseguests. It is not uncommon to react to these stresses with excessive drinking and eating, difficulty sleeping, and physical complaints. The holiday blues are a common result. If you experience reactions like these during the holidays, you are not alone. Let’s look at some causes the holiday blues and what you can do about them.
Press Release
Barry D. Schwartz, Ph.D. Receives 2016 Best Business of New Orleans Award
New Orleans, October 14, 2016 — Schwartz Barry, PhD has been selected for the 2016 Best Businesses of New Orleans Award in the Psychologists category by the Best Businesses of New Orleans Award Program. This is the second time since 2014 that Schwartz Barry, PhD has been selected for this award.
Each year, the Best Businesses of New Orleans Award Program identifies companies that we believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and our community. These exceptional companies help make the New Orleans area a great place to live, work and play.
The Anger Toxin
By Barry D. Schwartz, Ph.D.
I see many people who have a difficult time expressing and managing angry feelings. Anger is a toxin that effects you physically and emotionally. Let’s take a look at what causes people to become angry and how they can respond to stressful situations more productively.
What Is Anger?
Many people think that anger is caused by hormonal changes or brain activity. This is only partly true. Researchers have found that while hormones play a role in an angry response, there is always a cognitive (thinking) component.
Dealing with Midlife Issues
By Barry D. Schwartz, Ph.D.
In this month’s newsletter, I would like to help you explore the challenges and opportunities that come at midlife. You will have an opportunity to take a look at issues that are specific to the Baby Boomer generation. You will also have a chance to begin the process of your own midlife assessment with a list of questions presented at the end of the newsletter. I call this assessment the Midlife Checkup.
Benefits of the Midlife Checkup
Taking the time to assess how your life is going at this point can result in benefits such as these:
Depression
By Barry D. Schwartz, Ph.D.
There are three basic ways to treat depression: psychotherapy, self-help, and medication. Many people respond best to a combination of two or more methods.
1. Psychotherapy: Exploring one’s beliefs and ways of thinking, and learning new ways of thinking and behaving, with the guidance of a professional.
2. Self-help: Exploring one’s beliefs and ways of thinking on one’s own.
3. Medication: Altering one’s brain chemistry by taking antidepressant medication.
A physician may recommend medication when four conditions exist:
1. The patient’s depression is severe.
2. The patient has suffered at least two previous depressive episodes.
3. There is a family history of depression.
4. The patient asks for medication only and refuses psychotherapy.
Simplify Your Life
By Barry D. Schwartz, Ph.D.
Most people say they want to simplify their lives because they feel like they have lost control of their time. They want to have more time to do the things they want to do, both at work and at home. Every few weeks, there is another newspaper or magazine story about how people feel that they aren’t spending their time on things they enjoy. A recent poll, for example, found that 65% of people are spending their free time doing things they’d rather not do. Isn’t that amazing? It’s great if you have created a full and interesting life for yourself, but how frustrating if you don’t have the time to enjoy it!
Press Release - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Schwartz, Barry PhD PC Receives 2015 New Orleans Award
New Orleans Award Program Honors the Achievement
NEW ORLEANS June 4, 2015 -- Schwartz, Barry PhD PC has been selected for the 2015 New Orleans Award in the Psychologists category by the New Orleans Award Program.
Each year, the New Orleans Award Program identifies companies that we believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and our community.
Depression: What It Is and What to Do about It
By Barry D. Schwartz, Ph.D.
If you or someone close to you suffers from depression, it is important to educate yourself about it and seek treatment from qualified mental health professionals.
Depression is a serious illness, not a harmless part of life. It is a complex disorder with a variety of causes. It is never caused by just one thing. It may be the result of a mix of factors, including genetic, chemical, physical, and sociological. It is also influenced by behavior patterns learned in the family and by cognitive distortions.
How To Have More Self-Esteem
By Barry D. Schwartz, Ph.D.
Self-esteem literally means to esteem, or respect, yourself. Having high self-esteem means that you have a positive image of yourself. Let’s look at where such a positive self-image comes from.
It’s important to understand the distinction between the real you and your self-image. The real you is unique and unchanging. Most of your self-image—what you think is true about yourself—is learned. It is not necessarily accurate at all!
Why Am I So Anxious?
By Barry D. Schwartz, Ph.D.
Every human feels anxiety on occasion; it is a part of life. All of us know what it is like to feel worry, nervousness, fear, and concern. We feel nervous when we have to give a speech, go for a job interview, or walk into our boss’s office for the annual performance appraisal. We know it’s normal to feel a surge of fear when we unexpectedly see a photo of a snake or look down from the top of a tall building. Most of us manage these kinds of anxious feelings fairly well and are able to carry on with our lives without much difficulty. These feelings don’t disrupt our lives.