If your relationship keeps you up at night, you’re not alone. At some point, most relationships go through hard times. Wondering what to do next can keep you up for hours each night. It can easily turn your whole world upside down.

Love relationships are so important that when they are not going well, you end up suffering in many different ways. Let’s face it, it hurts all the time!
Sometimes I feel like running away, what do I do?

First take a deep breath, assess your relationship calmly. Write down on a sheet of paper pros and cons. What needs are not being met at this time? How long have you felt this way? What are you running away from? Do you feel pain and resentment?

Off one day on the next, I can’t make up my mind.

If ending the relationship, let your partner know in person. Do not text, email, or end over the phone. End your relationship on friendly terms. Remind yourself why you are ending the relationship and do not give mixed messages. Should you decide to stay, get some professional help, and move forward as if starting a new relationship.

Sometimes I feel alone in my relationship, how do I cope with these feelings?

It is normal to feel alone at times. You may often feel as if you’re on an emotional rollercoaster. Ask yourself, what is making you feel lonely? What do you want at this moment? Journal your feelings, and how you want your life to be. Do not keep yourself in a martyr role. Learn to move past your fears.

What if my partner calls me after I have ended the relationship, what do I do?

Your first instinct will be to answer the phone. Do not answer the phone or text messages. Answering calls will often leave you feeling emotionally drained.

Whether you decide to leave or stay in your relationship, focus on your needs create a vision of how you want your life to be. You have the right to have peace of mind.

Virginia Moreno, M.S., MFT #45231
Stress management for peace of mind

Blackberry Addiction

Do you suffer from a Blackberry addiction?
You just might!

Every adult understands that taking drugs or drinking alcohol excessively may cause an addiction and put their health at risk.

Over the years, we’ve heard about all kinds of addictions such as cigarettes, sugar and caffeine. Now, there are reports that the Blackberry is also addictive and can cause severe mental and physical health issues.
In 2005, The American Society of Hand Therapists issued a warning about handheld electronic devices stating that they cause increasing instances of Carpel Tunnel Syndrome and Tendonitis. The Washington Post featured an article that same year about the risks associated with Blackberry use called “Overuse Syndrome” also known as “Blackberry Thumbs”.

Orthopedists say the symptoms of this syndrome include pain and throbbing in the areas between the wrist and thumb. Sometimes this condition may increase in severity causing disability.

A more recent report about the dangers of “Blackberry abuse” says that Blackberry addiction is very similar to a drug addiction. Rutgers University in New Jersey has done a study that shows the key symptoms are: being unable to go more than a few minutes without checking your email; carrying your Blackberry everywhere; extending your working day; allowing technology to take over spare time or family time.

Now would be a good time to say, "remember everything in moderation."

Adicción al Blackberry

¿Sufre usted de una adicción al Blackberry?
¡Es posible que sí!

Todo adulto entiende que tomar drogas o beber alcohol en exceso puede causar una adicción y puede poner en peligro la salud.

En el transcurso de los años hemos oído de toda clase de adicciones como la del cigarro, al azúcar y a la cafeína. Ahora hay reportes que el Blackberry también es adictivo y puede causar graves problemas mentales y físicos.

En 2005, La Sociedad Americana de Terapeutas para las Manos dio un aviso sobre los aparatos electrónicos portátiles declarando que causan mayor incidencia de Síndrome del Túnel Carpiano y tendonitis. Un artículo en el Washington Post del mismo año presentó los riesgos asociados con el uso del Blackberry llamado “Síndrome de Sobreuso” también conocido como “Pulgares de Blackberry”. Dicen los ortopedistas que los síntomas de este síndrome incluyen dolor, punzadas en las áreas entre el dedo pulgar y la muñeca. De vez en cuando esta condición puede aumentar en severidad y causar incapacidad.

Un informe más reciente sobre los peligros del “Abuso del Blackberry” dice que la adicción al Blackberry es muy parecida a la adicción a las drogas. La Universidad de Rutgers en New Jersey ha hecho una investigación que demuestra que los síntomas claves son: no poder pasar más de unos cuantos minutos sin revisar su correo electrónico; llevar a todos lados su Blackberry, prolongar su día de trabajo; permitir que la tecnología se apodere de su tiempo libre o de su tiempo familiar.

Ahora sería un buen momento para recordar que todo se debe hacer con moderación.