Something Good Comes Out of the "Jersey Shore"

On Thursday night, Vinny Guadagnino left the Jersey Shore to obtain treatment for his anxiety disorder. After the show, Vinny made an impressive move to use his departure as an opportunity to educate the public on anxiety disorders through the public release of his website   http://www.halfofus.com/vinny/  . This website serves as a resource for those who would like to learn more about anxiety disorders.

In his video above (which is on his website's homepage), he discusses his history dealing with anxiety and encourages those who are coping with these disorders to get the help they need.

Who new that Vinny would lead the international charge to break the (relative) silence on the impact and treatment of anxiety disorders? I can't believe I am writing this, but I am genuinely glad that the Jersey Shore is an international phenomenon.  Vinny, we'd go to the Jersey Shore with you any day.

OCD Support and Education Group Starting Soon

• This month (January 2012-can you believe it?) I will be leading an OCD support and education group in New York City. 
• All individuals with OCD who are in a regular treatment and looking for OCD specific education and support in dealing with their symptoms are welcome. 
• There will be no Romanian Folk Dancing unfortunately, but, similar to the group above, it will provide individuals with new connections and  rich educational experiences. 

          To learn more about the group click below.

How to Avoid Being A Part of the Possible Stress-Induced Public Health Crisis

                 Ahhh...stress such a lovely empowering phenomenon. It just wont go away will it? Findings from the American Psychological Association's "Stress in America" ™ 2011 survey http://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/stress/2011/final-2011.pdf  suggest that Americans:
1) are experiencing high levels of stress (no surprise here!) and 
2) rely on unhealthy coping strategies to manage stress.