SamaraCare helps people achieve their greatest potential by being compassionate and spirit-led counselors, consultants and advocates. We know mental health is a difficult subject for some, but it doesn’t have to be! When dealing with mental health, like physical health, one needs intervention when systems are not operating correctly. Normalizing...
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by Rev. Dr. Kenneth Potts, D. Min, MS, LCPC, LMFT Every so often, I hear things like: "Sure I've got some things bothering me. I'd like someone to talk them through with, but I don't want people thinking I'm crazy! Or, "I told my wife that we need to see...
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Our staff was asked to share words of wisdom with a confirmation class. Here is what they had to say! Be nice Be humble Be determined Dedication and persistence pays off Don’t take yourself too serious . . . no one else does Be respectful of everyone! There’s a lot...
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The holiday season can be a time of joy and celebration, but it can also be a time when many of us succumb to the stress of expecting the “perfect” holiday. Just how stressed do you get during the holidays? A recent poll indicated that 41% said they find the...
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Depression probably makes you think of symptoms such as feeling sad and anxious. While those are common symptoms, it’s important to remember that depression can cause physical symptoms, too. People sometimes spend a lot of time researching the causes of their symptoms, only to find no physical source and instead...
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What drives people to suicide? Most people respond, “depression.” But it’s such a broad term, used so frequently, that it isn’t very helpful. I’d like to say, “tunnel vision.” Tunnel vision is when one looks at the future, sees only one option, and that option is bad. Roger shot himself...
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By Philip Vedova My neighbor is in his 70's and still gets his small motor boat on the lake several times a year, so he can tell me and the rest of the neighborhood fresh fishing stories. He and his wife enjoy their kids and grandkids when they visit, which...
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By Ken Potts, D. Min, MS, LCPC, LMFT This really happened - I've got pictures. During a trip to the Children's Zoo, my then three year old decided to befriend a rather large cow. She started with a cautious pat on the brow. Receiving a positive response from her...
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by Karen Hurula, Psy.D. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is frequently talked about in the context of returned military veterans, but wartime trauma is not the only trauma that can develop into PTSD symptoms. Single, isolated events can also bring on the symptoms and it’s important to identify them. In fact, cording...
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by Nancy Kratz, PhD Summer’s here!!! Mornings at the park, family bike rides, afternoons at the pool, and lots of free time…or is that SCREEN time? I often get asked by parents how to manage screen time during those long summer days. And while we often hear about the dangers...
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If we want to break down discrimination and stigma surrounding mental illnesses we need to start talking about mental health and sharing how it feels to live with a mental illness. Telling people how life with a mental illness feels helps build support from friends and family, reduces stigma and...
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by Dana Wagner PsyD CADC To begin, I congratulate and thank you for taking an interest in this subject matter. Sobriety and spirituality are two complicated topics on their own, let alone used in the same sentence. Any addiction, be it shopping, cutting, food, sex, drugs or alcohol is likely one...
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World Bipolar Day takes place each year on March 30, the birthday of Vincent van Gogh who is believed to have had bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder is a serious brain illness. People with bipolar disorder go through unusual mood changes. Sometimes they feel very happy and “up,” and are much...
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By Dr. Ken Potts We've all read about how girls in our culture are affected by the current obsession with the tall, slender, well-endowed female body type as the ideal to which they should aspire. Given that this body type is something you are born with (or buy from your...
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We are continuously trying to improve upon ourselves and technology provides us with the resources that allow us to better ourselves with the click of a button. Want to learn how to complete a home improvement project on your own? There are countless apps available to help you to achieve this...
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by Dr. Ken Potts In my work with couples, there sometimes comes a moment in the midst of a heated argument when one or both spouses breaks out laughing. The tension eases and, almost miraculously, the argument moves toward resolution. Laughter can play an important role in our lives, especially...
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January, February, March, and even April see higher incidences of depression and related emotional problems and it’s not all that hard to figure out why. Emotional peaks are often followed by emotional valleys. If year-end holiday celebrations are a time of joy, satisfaction, and intimacy, then it is likely that...
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This fall my mentor, Amy, and I walk on the trails nearing a waterfall at Starved Rock State Park in southern Illinois. The trees are painted in the colors of pears and moonlight and homemade stew.The paths are muddy from recent storms. At precarious stretches we’re forced to walk grassy edges to keep our...
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The holiday season can be a time of joy and celebration, but it can also be a time when many of us succumb to the stress of expecting the “perfect” holiday. Just how stressed do you get during the holidays? A recent poll indicated that 41% said they find the...
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By Nancy Kratz, Ph.D. The Christmas countdown has begun! As you face the hundreds of options for electronic devices, and digital media for your children this season, check out these ideas from research in child development and education. If you want to start your children’s media learning early, choose a...
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