The Real Deal Family and Relationship Guide

The Way to Happiness (Photo credit: Wikipedia ) Happiness is not a given in this lifetime. It is something that has to be sought after, and it is often the ways we seek our happiness that determine how long and how successful our end results will be. People with mood disorders, depression and other personality issues become dependent on many external contributions to elevate their mood and happiness. When pills aren't getting you where you want to be.. This truth is, we all build up a tolerance to pills in some way or another. So what do we do then? Take stock in all the external factors that have been in your life of late. Have they been stressful, unsure, and negative? These things will come and go in life so pills will only carry you so far.  It is a good idea to talk your family doctor to rule out other contributing problems that may be affecting your mood, including having a thorough blood work up done to rule out low levels of iron, B12 etc. Sometimes there is an

Dawn Gagnon Photography ©2023 Release is a skill many fisherman develop over a lifetime of fishing. When they are not depending on the fish to provide food, but only the momentary pleasure of their company, they learn to release, so that the fish can return to their life, and the fisherman can continue doing what he loves. We as humans have to learn the art of release in other areas of our lives as well. We are called upon many times to release. Release guilt, release loved ones, release anger, release resentment, release the past... When we learn the fine art of releasing, we can then move on to embrace the truth, embrace our loved ones, embrace our feelings, embrace others feelings, embrace the future. The personality type that is most likely to resist learning how to release is one with low self esteem, dependent, seeking self worth through others, fault finding, judgmental, passive aggressive, smothering and likely to be disappointed a lot in other people around them.

Image by thorinside via Flick Manipulating people with guilt, shame or emotionally is a surefire way to build an explosive reaction in the future. There are many forms of manipulation and they all have the ability to backfire in ways that can destroy a relationship permanently. In some cases, a manipulator even uses their own misfortune as a way to conjure up pity and help from someone, usually a spouse, friend or family member. If you live in South Carolina and you find you are manipulative, or others have accused you of this, you may want to seek some help to get at the root of your problem, see: Psychiatrist Today in SC for help. Are you the type that keeps throwing up some indiscretion, or wrong from the past in your partner, friend, or family members face? Well I hate to break it to you, but you suck. If you claimed to have forgiven them for whatever it is you are throwing in their face, then drop it. If you haven't then you have no business being around them. It's tha

Image via Wikipedia There are events in life that can traumatize a person to a degree that they become ill from the event. Experiencing multiple traumatic events over a series of days, weeks, months and years can lead to a disorder called Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD. How each person copes with trauma may vary greatly. Symptoms of PTSD are as follows : Flashbacks, where the event seems to be happening again and again Reliving the memory or event to the point it interferes with day to day life Distressing memories of the event Repeated dreams of the event Having a physical reaction to situations that remind you of the traumatic event Emotional "numbing," often used as a defense mechanism to protect oneself Feelings of detachment Inability to remember important aspects of the trauma or blocking out Lack of interest in normal activities Moods that are flat and expressionless Avoiding places, people, or objects that remind you of the trauma. S

Image via Wikipedia Personality disorders are largely responsible for most of the relationship problems in families. Most all personality disorders stem from a long lineage of childhood abuse and/or neglect. Understanding some of the signs that are classic symptoms of personality disorders can be a way for loved ones to isolate the problems, and possibly seek treatment for them.  One such personality disorder is NPD, or Narcissistic Personality Disorder.  This list gives a run down of some of the traits associated with this specific disorder: A tendency to disregard or downplay other peoples trauma or feelings. Constantly shifting focus or conversation back on their personal experiences instead. A failure to validate other peoples feelings. A tendency to smother those around them, not because they “love” them so much, but because they need the reassurance for themselves. Addicted to the “feeling” of being loved, and constantly forcing situations and events that are nega

Image via Wikipedia Corey Haim , child star of the Lost Boys etc, was found dead in his apartment from an apparent drug overdose at the age of 38. How do we fight this battle in our own families to avoid this tragic end? Sadly, drug use enters into a family much like a thief in the night. By the time you realize it, it is usually well in force. Family members find themselves in unfamiliar territory as they journey through this devastating attack on their loved ones. Fighting a drug problem, whether your own or a family members takes courage and determination. Summoning support for a wide variety of resources is the only way to combat it head on.  Read more here: Helping an addicted loved one If you or a family member is suffering from addiction, seek information, support and help from :  The Addicted Family . Related articles D ysfunctional families and addiction Amy Winehouse death a sobering reminder Addiction to Ambien Another South Carolina baby testing posit

Image via Wikipedia Grief is a painful life changing process, support is needed through out the process.. With all the tragedies happening in the world today, people are experiencing great losses world wide. The pain of losing a loved one is overwhelming. It is an assault to ones senses and takes time and support to get through. Witnessing a family member or friend going through this difficult time is extremely hard. Offering supportive assistance and helping out even with menial tasks can be a great source of comfort, and a warm gesture of love. Offer to help- Loved ones going through the grieving process are oblivious to little details, and are wrought with pain. As a supportive friend or family member, offering to help with any chores, duties, tying up loose ends are invaluable. No offer is too little or too small. Small things are what get overlooked and this is where you can be the most help in what feels like such a helpless position to be in. Be The eyes