Deep breathing has become increasingly important in my recovery from depression and anxiety because I recognize that shallow breath contributes to my panic. In fact, at my worst hours, I would use a paper bag to keep from hyperventilating. The practice of deep breathing stimulates our parasympathetic nervous system (PNS), responsible for activities that occur when our body is...

Paris Jackson, daughter of rock star Michael Jackson was rushed to a hospital yesterday after cutting her wrists, say sources close to the family. She had called a suicide hotline and the counselor called 911. The young girl who lost her father in 2009 is now recovering and getting the appropriate medical help. “Being a sensitive 15-year-old is difficult no...

Human beings are creatures of habit, which is why Spencer Johnson sold more than ten million copies of his book, “Who Moved My Cheese?” Business executives sit down to PowerPoint presentations based on it, and depressed patients watch the “Who Moved My Cheese?” video during group therapy in hospital psychiatric units across the country. (Who...

Recently I described symptoms of panic: Indecision: sorting the laundry is excruciating. My God! I don’t know if these plaid shorts go into pastels or darks. They include both light and dark colors! Guilt: I’ve given my husband a rash because I’m causing him stress and stress does evil things, shame on me. I’ve also caused...

The Everyday Health link is down right now, so I thought I’d publish the whole post here. A very wise editor once gave me a simple piece of writing advice: write from where you are, not from where you want to be. In naming this blog, “Sanity Break,” my hope is that it becomes a...