Christina Neumeyer, M.A., LMFT

They stomp and kick up dirt and soil to throw attackers off the scent and basically act like a pack of badasses. They surround the mama and incoming baby in protection, sending a clear signal to predators that if they want to attack their friend while she is vulnerable, they’ll have to get through 40 tons of female aggression first.

First, there is a natural tendency to believe that the way you see the world is the way the world really is, which psychologists call naïve realism. Most people don’t believe that their view of coronavirus risk is simply one of a range of possible perspectives. Instead, they believe their view is reality, and all other perspectives are clearly wrong. And telling people they are biased doesn’t work either; when people learn about biases, they are far more likely to believe that others are biased than that they themselves are. Instead, a better approach starts with appreciating that family members, friends, and neighbors have genuine differences in how they assess and tolerate risks related to this disease.

In Los Angeles County, the nation’s most populous, overdoses rose 48% to 247 in the first month and a half of the pandemic compared with the same period a year earlier, said Gary Tsai, interim director of substance abuse prevention and control for the county’s public health department.

Many families are struggling financially, and youth are vulnerable and seeking connection during the COVID-19 crisis. Gang activity maybe enticing for youth who are social distancing at home. Join us on August 20th at 5:30pm for an interactive gang prevention presentation and Q&A with Youth Development staff from North County Lifeline, focusing on keeping youth safe, free from gang association, addiction and crime, and out of the juvenile justice system. Register TODAY! https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/regist/4979570922908609807

I had become this bitter, angry person who on one level was very grateful that they were still alive, but on the other level, just didn’t have a lot of patience for other people. People would complain about something they had just gone through that was upsetting to them, but I couldn’t care less. I was like, Trust me, it’s not as bad as what I just went through. I don’t think that’s the right attitude, but I think at a subconscious level, that’s how I was operating for a pretty long period of time.

Solid story of personal recovery.

Please share with any friends/family who might benefit from a confidential and supportive space to talk.

SPEAKING GRIEF Documentary, free screening via Facebook Live, this Wednesday at 5pm. Excellent reviews to date.

Grandparent resources. The number of grandparents who are raising their grandchildren is going up and increasingly it’s because their own kids are addicted to heroin or prescription drugs, or have died from an overdose. For some, it’s a challenge with little help available. In 2018, 3 million children were living with grandparents who were responsible for their care. By 2015, that number had risen to 2.9 million.