August of 2010 NPR radio carried a story titled: "Is Emotional Pain Necessary?" citing a change in the rough draft of the upcoming American Psychiatric Association's new Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, or DSM---specifically, removing a caution of diagnosing major depression for people who have just lost a loved one in what's called "bereavement exclusion."
The DSM has more diagnoses than it did years ago. It reminds me of the number of medical diagnoses that have also increased over the years. Recently I read an advertisement for a diagnosis I hadn't seen before: "shift work sleep disorder" along with the accompanying medicine that can be prescribed for it.
Here are some questions to consider:

• What is the line between what is a normal response to a situation and pathology? When it comes to grief work, I've had some people say they've felt pressured to "get over it" leaving them thinking there was something wrong with them and feeling defensive.
• What influence do drug companies have on "new" diagnoses? Here's what one doctor has to say. Were you aware pharmaceutical companies track the prescriptions you fill and the doctor who writes them? This information has been used in the past by these companies to reward doctors who prescribed their medications often.
• Where do you think the breakdown of medications people take ends up going? You might not like what you learn. The question is: what can we do about it?

As part of the work I do with clients we talk about the importance that emotions and feelings have in our lives and how they are an internal guidance system which let you know if your wants, needs or desires are being met. Two books I highly recommend are "The Secret Language of Feelings" by Calvin Banyan and "Serenity: Simple Steps for Recovering Peace of Mind, Real Happiness, and Great Relations" by Jane Nelsen.
Beth

It was just 14 years ago when this picture was taken of me at my hypnosis certification graduation. So much has happened since then in every aspect of my life. The most visible is the change in my appearance which was and is part of me bringing and being all of me in the world!
So much has been said about change including its inevitable but I want to add a qualifier - it might not happen in the time frame it could or might have. I imagine there are multiple time lines co-existing with the "reality" we judge as real. I am a Star Trek fan and Captain Kirk and his crew introduced a very young me not only to computers and cell phones (aka Tricorders) but the concept of multiple time lines, time-space continuums, The Prime Directive, and what happens when the past is changed. Later Captain Picard and his crew expanded my perspective and introduced me to the Picard Maneuver - fans you understand. I also saw The Matrix again so time lines, reality, changing the past and the ripple effects, etc. are floating in my mind.
This has me wonder about my upcoming move to Tucson and if I had moved there sooner what my time line would look like from where I call home to writing to my hypnosis/consultant work as well as the community I would already be creating. I know all of my relationships and connections here in Delaware would have already shifted.
What kept me from going earlier?
I know fear was part of it with all the unknowns; I've never done something like this before, letting go of everything I know. Change is another reason especially my relationships and all of them would have to change. One of my closest friends has been clear that our relationship will and has to change and we both need to grieve the loss of what was (she has been in my life for 23+ years!). She and I will continue having our monthly lunches now via Skype so we still share a meal and stay connected. It won't be the same nor can or should it. However, I also see it as an opportunity for something else to grow from it. What I have no idea. Yet.
What's fun about time lines is they're not set in stone (Star Trek let me know this) and if we veer off what might be called the "optimal" one we have the opportunity to get back on it with modifications. Someone told me that when we get back on course there's an ease and flow we experience.
I can't tell you how or why but this is exactly how I feel about my January move to Tucson.
So I'll ask you - what's keeping you from your optimal timeline?
If you think or aren't sure the hypnosis work I do can help assist you on your way arrange for your complimentary Hypnosis Discovery Session now by clicking on this link to the online appointment scheduler.
Beth