June is Pride month. Do you have LGBTQ Stress? It is also the month that the Supreme Court ruled on the Masterpiece Cake decision. Some LGBTQ individuals feel threatened by this ruling. Some worry that our right to marry will be taken away. Some people in the LGBTQ community have…
The Williams Institute recently published statistics stating that 27% of California teens are gender nonconforming (December 13, 2017). I am a gender specialist and I assist transgender adults with their transitions. I also help gender nonconforming or non-binary individuals with identity and self-acceptance. Key findings of the study include: 27…
Transgender Diversity November 20 is Transgender Day of Remembrance. Before that day comes, I would like to show respect to my friends and clients who are transgender or gender fluid by thanking all of them for being alive. Perhaps I celebrate Transgender Day of Awareness on multiple days. I also…
Literature review shows a biological nature of gender identity. Gender identity is a fundamental human attribute that has a profound impact on personal well-being. Transgender individuals are those whose lived and identified gender identity differs from their natal sex. Various etiologies for transgender identity have been proposed, but misconceptions that…
A recent study found that women are more likely to develop PTSD. The researchers are trying to discover the mechanism for the sex difference in PTSD risk. This suggests first that women who have suffered trauma should be assessed carefully and over time to monitor whether they develop PTSD so…
Same-sex marriage is legal in Colorado According to The Williams Institute: A new rule amending the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) will impact same-sex couples. Changing the definition of “spouse” extends family and medical leave rights to all eligible workers in same-sex marriages. The U.S. Department of Labor announced…
Integrated care recognizes that behavioral health is a critical component of overall health. There is a growing body of evidence that integrating physical and behavioral health care promotes better overall health and can reduce per capita costs. Chronic illness accounts for more than 75% of the nation’s health spending, and…
Do you feel down during the holidays? You’re not alone. Depression and the holidays often go hand-in-hand. The darkness can be a factor. Dealing with family can be a big factor. Formalities and disappointments may be a drain. There can be a combination of factors. If support is needed to…
A recent editorial by Tom Lauricella discussed retirement and grief. Most retirees look forward to slowing down, but not everyone makes the transition easily. The author correctly identifies that, for some, one’s career is often one’s identity; co-workers are often a primary social network; and providing for self and family…
Depression is affecting workplace productivity in America, according to a new survey. It shows that nearly a quarter of American workers have been diagnosed with depression in their lifetime and that more than one third needed time off from work because of depression. “The survey provides evidence surrounding the detrimental…
