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Laugh, Cry, Live

Pondering the emotional side of life, beginning to end.

Adolescence
How Schools Can Support LGBTQ Youth

Deborah L. Davis Ph.D. on October 11, 2023

For LGBTQ youth, coming out is easier in a compassionate climate. Educators can creatively encourage all students to share messages of support.

For LGBTQ youth, coming out is easier in a compassionate climate. Educators can creatively encourage all students to share messages of support.

Resilience
In Honor of Bereaved Mothers on Mother's Day

Deborah L. Davis Ph.D. on May 13, 2023

If you are a bereaved mother, Mother's Day can be heart-wrenching. Here are some tips for getting through that day and seeing yourself as a good mother who deserves to be honored.

If you are a bereaved mother, Mother's Day can be heart-wrenching. Here are some tips for getting through that day and seeing yourself as a good mother who deserves to be honored.

Neuroscience
How the Brain Rewires as We Grieve

Deborah L. Davis Ph.D. on March 29, 2023

After your partner dies or leaves, grieving can be lengthy, painful, and bewildering because your brain is engaged in the monumental task of redrawing its neural map.

After your partner dies or leaves, grieving can be lengthy, painful, and bewildering because your brain is engaged in the monumental task of redrawing its neural map.

Grief
Stages of Grief: The Harmful Myth That Refuses to Die

Deborah L. Davis Ph.D. on March 17, 2023

The "five stages of grief" was developed to describe the dying process. Never intended to describe the grieving process, it is a persistent myth that harms the bereaved.

The "five stages of grief" was developed to describe the dying process. Never intended to describe the grieving process, it is a persistent myth that harms the bereaved.

Narcissism
6 Keys to Dealing With Narcissistic People

Deborah L. Davis Ph.D. on December 9, 2022

Are there people in your life with narcissistic tendencies? Dealing with them can be extremely difficult. Here are 6 key relationship skills that can help you prevail and thrive.

Are there people in your life with narcissistic tendencies? Dealing with them can be extremely difficult. Here are 6 key relationship skills that can help you prevail and thrive.

Environment
A Soothing NICU Environment Improves Babies' Outcomes

Deborah L. Davis Ph.D. on September 29, 2022

The NICU has succeeded in saving the lives of ever-tinier premature babies, but too many babies have had dismal outcomes. What critical ingredient has been missing from NICU care?

The NICU has succeeded in saving the lives of ever-tinier premature babies, but too many babies have had dismal outcomes. What critical ingredient has been missing from NICU care?

Fear
Why Is Having a Baby in the NICU So Distressing?

Deborah L. Davis Ph.D. on September 13, 2022

September is Neonatal Intensive Care Awareness Month. What do NICU parents need to know to make sense of their distress and find their footing on this unexpected path?

September is Neonatal Intensive Care Awareness Month. What do NICU parents need to know to make sense of their distress and find their footing on this unexpected path?

Neuroscience
Dear Doctor: Please Fix My Thumb, Not My Feelings

Deborah L. Davis Ph.D. on June 23, 2022

A Personal Perspective: Relationships are key to quality health care. When there is a disconnect between patient and practitioner, medical care can be seriously compromised.

A Personal Perspective: Relationships are key to quality health care. When there is a disconnect between patient and practitioner, medical care can be seriously compromised.