Easter is the Christian liturgical year’s central feast; it marks Jesus’ resurrection. Easter, in Western Christianity, is a “moveable feast” in that it is the first Sunday after the full moon and can fall between March 22 and April 25. This year, it falls on March 27. Easter seems to have kept its holy purpose. Churches are full. Pastors admit how good it feels … [Read more...]
Newspaper Column, "Mental Matters" published each Wednesday in the South Platte Sentinel Health Section
Happiness contagious but tragedy usually hits harder
Mental MattersBy Dr. Jennifer Goble Ever wonder why death, tragedy, or acts of violence affect you emotionally when you don’t know the people involved? The ability to feel empathy is one reason. Another reason has to do with systems, such as family, co-workers, church members, classmates, political parties, etc. Each member of a system contributes to the activities and … [Read more...]
Using humor can alleviate a challenging situation
Mental MattersBy Dr. Jennifer Goble My week started off semi-normal. My husband and I attended a business conference in Memphis, Tenn., and enjoyed gumbo, ribs, and the Blues. We stayed at the Peabody Hotel, where, for 80 years, five Mallard ducks have come down the elevator at 11 a.m., played in the lobby fountain until 5 p.m., and waddled down the red carpet, back onto the … [Read more...]
Determine what triggers your anger and frustration
Mental MattersBy Dr. Jennifer Goble Several articles in “Mental Matters” have addressed the subject of anger. Anger is a secondary emotion and a general word we use to describe fear, frustration, hurt, and unfairness. This article is about me and frustration. I can say, “I am angry!” More accurately, “I am frustrated!” Whatever it’s … [Read more...]
It takes courage to have enemies
Mental MattersBy Dr. Jennifer Goble Supreme Court Justice, Antonin Scalia, who died on Feb. 13, 2016, said, in an interview with Charlie Rose, anchor for CBS Morning News, “A man who has made no enemies is probably not a very good man.” Many people think they need to be liked, admired, and/or accepted by everyone. Mental wellness can be turned upside down … [Read more...]
Gratefulness is necessary for good mental health
Mental MattersBy Dr. Jennifer Goble I offer a 100% remedy for anyone who is feeling sorry, angry, or unappreciative. Even if one has chronic pain, terminal illness, or lives in poverty, my cure will work. I guarantee it is foolproof! And, it is free and totally accessible to everyone who can see and hear. Gratefulness is necessary for good mental health. If one is not grateful … [Read more...]
What do you think of Valentine’s Day?
Mental MattersBy Dr. Jennifer Goble I enjoyed randomly asking people, “What do you think of Valentines Day?” Their answers were spontaneous and delightful. I hope you enjoy them too. •“My husband and I have an agreement not to buy anything for each other. But, it is embarrassing when someone asks me what my husband gave me for Valentines Day, and I say … [Read more...]
Joining Oprah on her journey to health
Mental MattersBy Dr. Jennifer Goble I joined Weight Watchers one week before 2016 started. I had too much fun during the holidays and the previous fall, summer, and spring. I read about people losing 50 lbs., 100 lbs., and I could not lose one pound. I could not find my long-gone, youthful motivation to eat less or move more or both. Oprah supports Weight Watchers so; I said, … [Read more...]
New text message line used to help those in crisis
Mental Matters By Dr. Jennifer Goble Many people, kids, and adults alike, are in crisis. Children and young adults can feel hopelessness and pressure regarding test scores, athletic performance, adult expectations, and college acceptance, just to name a few. They can also struggle with love relationships and maintaining friends in general. Adults can feel … [Read more...]
Be the Somebody who teaches Anybody that Everybody…
Mental MattersBy Dr. Jennifer Goble While organizing art supplies, I found the following quote by an unknown author. It was obviously typed on an old typewriter, and was on a small, yellowed with age, paper about the size of a business card. The creative message entertained me years ago, and it still does today. I hope you too enjoy: “This is a story about four people: … [Read more...]
Women should write their stories while they still can
Mental MattersBy Dr. Jennifer Goble Write YOUR Stories – While you can. This is information continued from my Jan. 6 column. I have no agenda for the stories women post on my website, and I don’t even know if women want to write and share their stories on the internet. I proceed with the project knowing the mental health value of writing one’s stories, … [Read more...]
It’s a new place for rural women to share stories
Mental MattersBy Dr. Jennifer Goble For my 2016 (and beyond) project, I need your help. Let me start with some background. In the last few years, several deaths have hit me hard, especially the passing of women who influenced me and whom I admired. I wondered if they had told their stories, or better yet, written them. Stories about who loved them, what made them laugh and/or … [Read more...]
Resolutions are a good assessment for positive change
Jennifer Goble Mental Health Matters Deepak Chopra, on CNN, said, “We spend money we don’t have on things we don’t need to impress people we don’t like.” Welcome to the week after Christmas. Our credit cards are bulging and our bank accounts are starving. New Year’s resolutions come to the rescue and are commitments to improve our lives. We might want to lose … [Read more...]
Have no expectations but enjoy everything
Mental MattersBy Dr. Jennifer Goble Two days until Christmas. Are you ready? Are you excited? Are you grumpy? Most people share similar wishes and anticipations for Christmas. We want to taste the warm apple cider with the perfect dash of cinnamon; feel strong, slow hugs from family and friends; see soft, white snow as it falls gently on glowing holiday lights; smell blazing … [Read more...]
For some, holiday memories are painful
Jennifer Goble Mental Health Matters We are one week and two days away from Christmas; memories of childhood; love in the air; Christmas music; cookies, candies, and festivities abounding. Our blessings are immeasurable. This side of the holidays is ideal and joyful. There is a flip side to the story: The family living down the street with no money for … [Read more...]