The I-M Approach

Examining fear, stress, anxiety and more

Joseph A. Shrand M.D.

Envy or Jealousy Can Start Young

Revenge may be best served cold, but one small act may lead to decades of guilt. An apology can go a long way.

Are You Envious or Jealous?

What's the difference between jealousy and envy and why does it matter? Each can hurt.

Why Does Envy Lead to Anger?

Envy, the green eyed monster, can make us furious with rage. But what if just envisioning envy is a way to defuse out a most dangerous emotion?

Words Matter: Is It a Chore or a Contribution?

The words you use can motivate or create resistance. Choose wisely.

Recognize Rage: The First Step in Outsmarting Anger

Has anger ever been an obstacle to your success? Follow this first of seven steps to outsmart our most dangerous emotion.

Our Angry Brain

Has anger ever been an obstacle to success? The first step in managing your anger, and the anger of others, may be easier than you realize.

The I-M Approach

We perpetuate stigma when we label people as disordered

We use the word "disorder" all the time. But the very word perpetuates stigma.

Outsmarting Anger

Anger Is Only an Emotion

We all have an innate ability to understand and control the forces of anger in ourselves and others.

There Is Nothing Wrong With Anger

Anger is all around us. But why, and what can we do about it? In this series of posts, you will learn not only how to manage your anger, but to manage the anger of others.

Giving Tuesday Showed Who We Really Are

In a time of unimaginable loss and sorrow, we find a way to give.

We All Want the Same Thing

We all want to feel valuable. But why?

Fear of Hurting Others Can Leave Us Paralyzed

An interesting case of conversion.

Why Do We Need to Feel Valued?

Do you ever get angry, anxious, or sad when you think someone sees you as less valuable? Explore the reason why, and the answer may surprise you.

Why do we wear a mask?

How will wearing a mask influence our human interactions? Is there an unforeseen consequence of this adaptation and innovation in response to the coronavirus?

The Risk of Relapse Is Greater Than Ever

Being socially isolated is increasing the risk of relapse for those in recovery. Here are four things you can do right now to help yourself or someone you know stay sober.

Why Do We Make Resolutions?

Many of us look back on the year with a wish we could have done something better. So we make a New Year's resolution. But why?

Addiction Is Not a Crime but Can Lead to Them, Revisited

A prison reentry and addiction recovery creative writing program merge to create a new documentary, "In Their Shoes."

No One is Sick or Broken: The I-M Approach

The I-M Approach is a controversial paradigm shift challenging the very core of medicine: There is no disease. We are always at a current maximum potential, our I-M.

Why Do People Laugh?

Humor has deep and ancient roots in our evolution. But why did laughter evolve at all?

Find the Funny

Humor is a remarkable human behavior to help in some of the most stressful situations.

Are Religions Really So Different?

Division along religious lines goes against the premise of most religions. Why do we need to keep doing this?

Anger: Behind The Frustration and Disappointment

When a parent’s love cannot overcome the clutches of addiction, what do you do? You feel angry.

Anger: Behind the Disappointment and Frustration

Part 1: How to understand the anger one feels when a loved one is using.

Shame: We've All Experienced It

There may be no greater shame than that of a parent whose child is addicted. But addiction is not about morality, but about mortality. So do you need to feel ashamed?

When the Opioid Crisis Hits Home

A child overdoses. How do you manage the guilt?

Rats! Sometimes Psychiatrists Get It Wrong

Sometimes things are not what they appear to be in a locked psychiatric inpatient unit. This is a short story about a man who saw rats, and no one believed him.

Is Prescribing a Placebo the Same as Lying?

Is it ever OK to lie? The placebo response is well known. But prescribing a placebo borders on unethical in our age of informed consent. But are placebos happening all the time?

You Can Be a Reflective Detective and Reduce Stress

There is a lot of stress in the world right now. But you don't have to let it get to you. Become a Reflective Detective and take charge of your stress response.

The Science of Schadenfreude

Sometimes we laugh at someone else’s misfortune. We’ve all done it, even if we aren't proud of it. But once we know why we do what we do, we can choose to do something else.

Small Changes Can Have Big Effects: The I-M Approach

Have you ever promised yourself to do something only to fail miserably? Perhaps you are trying to do too much. The I-M Approach reminds us that small changes can have big effects.

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