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Browse every published article connected to Bill White, with exact attribution and full-archive search.
Articles
Browse every published article connected to Bill White, or search within this exact expert archive.
It was a drunke Saturday night at Red's Place some fifteen years ago when I first heard about the grip. I was young, just over the legal age, and had a few shots too many, enjoying a "bacchanalian" night on the town so typical for that period of my life. A woman sat at the bar next ...
When was the last time you had a disagreement with your significant other? Let's for a moment forget who's fault it was. Let's stop the adrenaline before it starts pumping. Now, how long did the tension remain? Did the scene ruin an hour? a day? a week? When you want to make up with, so often ...
Many of my clients have heard me say the phrase, “We play checkers, but God plays chess.” I had never phrased it that way until early last year, when I made the acquaintance of a great man named O.L. Houston. O.L. and I met for a business lunch one day to discuss how he might grow his business. ...
If you think you can do a thing or think you can't do a thing, you're right. - Henry Ford When it comes to your goals and ambitions what are your inner expectations? Do you think as if it is impossible to fail or deep down do you figure your just dreaming? Whichever feeling you have will ...
I often talk about the “secret messages” we receive from God or the universe that guide us along our path. You may have heard me talk on the subjects of animals, numbers or dreams and how they are vehicles for these messages. Another vehicle for divine communication that should not be ...
For some people it’s Christmas that just does it for them. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve always loved Christmas, but for me Halloween has some really terrific memories. I was blessed with a wonderful and creative mother. Each year we would decorate our porch for Halloween with a different theme and ...
The first time you really experience a synchronistic event in your life, you feel a real sense of wonder and awe. It can be difficult quite simply because you get so excited about it that you want to tell everyone, and more often than not, you’ll get blown off and people will discount it as a ...
With each new year we re-adjust our course and set new goals. These goals, born in winter, are set forth in hopes of a spring bloom. As winter gives way to the early signs of spring, we see the budding trees and the days growing longer, little by little. It’s at this time that we often realize ...
What in the world could a common office tool used to create holes in paper have to do with synchronicity? Let’s take a look at what a hole punch is useful for and then I’ll draw my analogy. The most obvious thing a hole punch does is punch holes. That would seem obvious right? But why do we ...
How many times have you started a project and, as you approached completion, found yourself losing momentum? How many near misses have you had with success? In my youth, I was a musician. I practiced with bands for about 15 years in all. One thing I became incredibly aware of is that as my ...
Life is a Hard Teacher: Failing to Have an Exit Strategy I can tell you a specific thing I learned early on when I started buying stocks. I had $550 in my account..not much I know...so I bought 1 stock, 100 shares at $1.90 a share. Just 3 hours later it dipped to $1.80 a share..so I bought ...
If you’d like to know one of the biggest pitfalls of life and how to avoid it remember one axiom, Substance over Illusion. n n You see it all around you, the flashy sports cars, the designer clothes,and the latest greatest gadgets. Being trendy is in. It always has been. n n ...
Here we are just three days before Christmas. Well, I suppose I should reach into my vast stores of inspiration, wit, and good cheer; and bring you the most awe inspiring newsletter of the year. But, no, I actually believe I can do much better. I’m going to share a story with you, and it’s not The Night Before Christmas. But let me set the table first. I’m 55 and was fortunate enough to have found my life’s passion and work five years ago. So I earned my master’s degree and
“Tired.” Just pause for a moment and ponder the word. Actually, it’s a very deep state of mind and heart, isn’t it? I mean, we all know what it’s like to be tired and ready for bed after a long day. However, I’m presenting the word within the context of being emotionally, mentally, and physically overwhelmed and without direction. Have you been there? So often a client has repeated the words, “I’m just so tired,” in the midst of a visceral cry. And just as frequently a torr
Life is difficult. But, do I really need to tell you that? Or maybe I should ask, "What would any of us really expect?" You know, so many in my line of work preach all things harmony and homeostasis. And not that I find anything wrong with that; I simply question how realistic it is. Not to mention, I would actually propose conflict (and its resolution) is good for us. In the spirit of embracing personal crises, I put together a roster of management strategies to rely upon
I’ve had a lot on my mind lately. On top of that, it seems as though there haven’t been enough hours in the day to accomplish all that’s on my “to-do” list. Absolutely, I’ve been pushing myself to the max in recent weeks. And I can feel it mentally, emotionally, and physically. Have you ever been in the midst of such circumstances? Perhaps you are right now. Coping during such times becomes a genuine challenge. And for me it becomes a personal game. Just how much can I heap
Anxiety and depression are fast friends. We know that all too well, don’t we? And that statement brings some questions to mind (literally). When we consider the dynamics of anxiety and depression, can presentations along the depression spectrum be generated by anxiety? Can anxiety be triggered by situational or chronic depression? Since anxiety and depression share much of the same neurochemistry, can they actually present independently of each other? Now, it makes perfect
There’s no way on earth we’ll have any chance, at all, of successfully managing our disorder if we can’t own up to, embrace, and engage that from which we’re suffering. And we have to acknowledge that this suffering has legitimate biological and psychological foundations. If we can’t bring ourselves to own our suffering and disease, why would we be motivated to do anything about it? I can’t tell you the number of emails I’ve received from new clients who proclaim a clear ac
Let me share a cool story as to how I came to know and understand one of life’s greatest truths. Years ago, as my ex-wife and I were putting the final touches (as if we were painting a portrait) on our divorce arrangements, I was being asked to sacrifice yet more time with, and access to, my children. At least on paper. I can’t tell you how much that cut me because I just couldn’t fathom why my children (and, yes, I) had to suffer because two adults couldn’t work out their
A friend of mine loves to eat, and his food choices have traditionally been very poor. Over the years he’d become overweight, easily fatigued, and a lot less mobile than he used to be. Six months ago he had his annual physical. And though he’d always had cholesterol problems, this time around he’d outdone himself. His physician, and wife, gave him a good talking to; and he embarked upon a plan to change his lifestyle habits. To his credit, he really took the bull by the horn
You’re visiting a friend at his 20th floor condo. He takes you out on the balcony for a marvelous view of the city. Suddenly you feel the urge to take a flying leap. You’re walking down the sidewalk and coming your way is a woman pushing her baby in a stroller. You can’t help but wonder what would happen if you tore the stroller from her hands and flung it into the street. You’re carrying your two-year-old down the stairs, and after three steps you want to toss her over the
I guess when it comes to the anatomy and physiology of panic attacks and anxiety I’m kind of a geek. The stuff just fascinates me. What can I say? However, beyond the pure wonder of it all, a good portion of my interest is grounded in really wanting to comprehend that from which I’ve suffered most of my life. I mean, I just don’t see how one can own and manage something if they don’t fully understand what’s going on. The superior colliculus (SC) is a component of the very an
As we begin to recover from panic disorder, any mind variance for that matter, we spend so much time monitoring the frequency and intensity of our symptoms. As humans, pain isn’t out thing; so we’re always looking for signs that our suffering is coming to an end. And, naturally, we’re hopeful, and our expectations are high. That’s understandable, and the quest for wellness is a healthy sign of recovery. However, if we’re not careful we can easily fall into an obsession with
“Necessity is the mother of invention.” Always works for me. It seems as though it works for psychiatric research, as well. And that’s a good thing because I’ve become frustrated and puzzled by the lack of research and treatment attention panic disorder, all of the anxiety disorders for that matter, receives. Panic, and the anxiety disorders, so often take a back seat, especially to the mood disorders. And that’s odd given the fact that the anxiety disorders are the most pre
Hooked-up with a friend I hadn’t seen in a while today. And I’m very glad we had lunch together. You know, the lessons life unexpectedly throws our way can be absolutely amazing. She taught me one such lesson. Suzanne and I were in the same cohort throughout grad school. I’ll never forget that very first class, as sixteen of us gathered for what would be the first of many experiences together over the next two years. As I looked around the room I noticed a woman with a very
Without a doubt, opening up has always been a toughie for me. Still can be. My issue has always been trust, trying my best to believe that those in whom I might confide will truly listen to all I have to say; and accept it, not necessarily in agreement, without passing judgment. God only knows I’ve always been willing to do the same. Looking back over the years, I can only imagine the price I’ve paid in relationships and personal frustration because of this opening-up dilemm
I read a marvelous article several days ago entitled, “Understanding the Anxious Mind.” Written by Robin Marantz Henig, it appeared in the September 29, 2009 edition of The New York Times Magazine. The article was so good I knew I’d have to spread the word moments after I began reading it. And you can be sure I’ll keep it handy for future reference. Henig wrote about the longitudinal anxiety studies of Harvard psychology professor Jerome Kagan. Also featured was the work of
I have two wonderful teenage children and I love them very much. Over the years, I’ve pondered how my panic attack and anxiety-generating genes would one day impact them. Yes, would my children struggle as I did? You know, isn’t it odd that as much as I had nothing to do with my genetic composition, I would feel any measure of guilt regarding the potential for passing my pathology to my children? Have you ever felt the same? Well, let’s first determine if genetics is even an
Well, this is the final article of a three-part series on the role of anger in the occurrence and perpetuation of panic attacks and anxiety. In the first two installments we defined anger within two theoretical perspectives, and took a look at how anger presented in my life as an anxiety sufferer. I’d like to wrap-up the series by discussing what I did, and still do, to keep my anger in check. The first technique came to life as I gained the insight to identify the relations
In part one of this three part series we poured a solid foundation by defining anger within the context of psychoanalytic and cognitive theory. Well, now it’s time to have a look at how anger directly impacts panic and anxiety. As I focused upon recovering from my disorder, it didn’t take long before I realized I was a pretty angry guy. And my stealthy anger deeply impacted my day-to-day living. Now, I wasn’t one to have an explosive temper, or to be verbally or physically ag
I’d like to discuss anger’s role in the generation and sustenance of panic attacks and anxiety. To give the matter its due, I’ve decided to present the information in two parts. In this edition, part one, we’ll review what anger is in the eyes of the psychoanalysts and cognitivists. And in part two we’ll have a closer look at how anger directly impacts panic and anxiety. Well, are you ready? Let’s get to work. The French psychiatrist, Jacques Lacan, a 20th Century pioneer in
I’d like to share two concepts I believe will be of great assistance as we approach panic attacks, agoraphobia, derealization, and depersonalization - any of our anxiety and mood-driven misery, for that matter. They play so very big and need to be put into practice over and over again. And that’s exactly why I came up with names that are easily remembered. The first is “interpreaction,” which reminds us of the fact that interpretation always drives reaction. And the second i
I found an editorial in the March 6, 2007 edition of the Annals of Internal Medicine that I believe is spot-on. It was written by Wayne Katon, M.D. and Peter Roy-By e, M.D., from the University of Washington School of Medicine. The subject matter was poor treatment practices, as well as outcomes, for anxiety disorder sufferers who receive primary care-based mental health care. The editorial begins with Drs. Katon and Roy-By e referring to the anxiety disorders as “the neglect
A mimicker is a symptom or disorder that fools its victim, as well as medical and psych professionals, into believing he/she is suffering from something other than the true cause of the problem. And the likeness is so striking that the mimicked issue gets all the attention, allowing the real culprit to remain a mystery. Obviously, mimickers can cause all sorts of confusion, as well as unnecessary pain and anguish. One of the major mimickers of panic attacks and panic disorder
Raise your hand if you’ve ever been plagued by agoraphobia. Well, my arm’s fully extended upward. I can recall being all but housebound because of it in the early 1980’s. And if I did venture out it was with a few drinks under my belt, a few beers in the car, and about ten cigarettes in my mouth. I can’t tell you how thankful I am those years are gone. But, one of the huge upsides is my ability to offer very meaningful and efficacious assistance to those suffering from the sa
Guilt can be absolutely crippling for anyone, but it hits panic attack and anxiety sufferers particularly hard. We’re so darned tough on ourselves, and hold ourselves accountable for so many things that simply aren’t fair or reasonable. And that makes guilt a major obstacle to overcome when it comes to recovery. Well, let’s have a look at this toxic phenomenon. In any effort to examine guilt, Sigmund Freud and the psychoanalysts would submit one has to consider the superego;
In Part I of this two-article series we discussed Somatic Experiencing (SE), Dr. Peter A. Levine’s anxiety and trauma healing philosophy, within the context of a contributor to panic attacks and anxiety. Well, now we’re going to have a look at SE from a treatment perspective. As with the first article, I believe you’ll find the information fascinating and relevant. Let’s get to work. In review, SE came to life as Dr. Levine made the observation that though wild animals of pr
In my ongoing quest for knowledge pertaining to the contributors to panic attacks and anxiety, as well as treatment strategies and techniques, I came upon some very cool stuff several years ago. It’s called Somatic Experiencing (SE) and it’s the amazing work of Peter A. Levine, Ph.D. This will be the first in a series of two articles. Here we’ll have a look at SE within the context of a contributor to panic and anxiety. The article that follows will approach SE from a treatme
First of all, this isn’t going to be a discussion of how to build a fire. Uh no, this is a review of a fascinating physiological phenomenon that I consider a physical contributor to panic attacks and anxiety. And that’s because the limbic system, particularly the amygdala, is highly susceptible to the effects of kindling. Now, before we get to work I want to make sure you know that I’m going to be cramming thirty pounds of information into a five pound bag. Okay? Well, let’s
My mother died yesterday. She was 85 years old. A ruptured 6+ centimeter aortic aneurysm took her life subsequent to breaking a hip during a fall at her assisted living facility two days ago. I might also add that my mother suffered a stroke two and a half years ago, and was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease several years prior. Given her medical history and our knowledge of two aortic aneurysms, her passing still took us by surprise. My mother was an extraordinary woman. Sh
Sometimes people ask me why I spend so much time on what generates panic attacks. My usual response is, beyond my natural curiosity, I simply don’t see how one can manage something if one doesn’t fully understand just what that something is. And, at least to me, a complete understanding has to include insight into genesis. I mean, if you were experiencing chronic chest pain, wouldn’t you want to know what was causing it? And let’s no forget that knowing why something happens
I wrote an article just yesterday summarizing a bit of research by Dr. Jack Nitschke at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Dr. Nitschke’s work focused upon the role of the element of uncertainty in intensifying reactions to disturbing events, as well as increasing overall levels of anxiety. Along with the amygdala’s involvement in these presentations, Dr. Nitschke noted a brain structure known as the insular cortex. Until reviewing his research I didn’t know much about the
You’d certainly get no argument from most anyone that we’re living in very uncertain times. Though I suppose that’s been the case since humans graced the planet, it sure appears to be a lead-pipe-cinch these days. I mean, you name it, the economy, unemployment, political unrest, terrorism; the list of uncertainty goes on and on. Now, for many, this business of uncertainty isn’t much of an issue; however, it sure is for an anxiety sufferer. And the good news is there’s a reaso
If you’ve followed my writing you’ll know I believe misinterpretation and overreaction are the number one psychological contributors to panic attacks. I believe so deeply in this truth that I coined the term, “interpreaction,” to underscore the power of the relationship between interpretation and reaction. Well, let’s take a look at this concept within the context of a very real life scenario. A few days ago I summoned an elevator to the 11th floor of a building. As I waited,
Hans Eysenck, a Brit born in Germany in 1916, may not be one of the more widely known personality theorists; however, he was one of the finest. And his work is important to panic attack sufferers. Eysenck believed temperament, a characteristic mode of emotional response, is the featured component of personality. And he believed it was up and running at birth. Now, that isn’t to say he didn’t believe in the influence of environment, it’s just that he reasoned nature, as oppos
Over a period of months you’ve noticed you can’t get to sleep. You’ve become very nervous and have had a couple of what you think are panic attacks. Man, your heartbeat’s been racing and your hands have been trembling. And if that wasn’t enough, your family and friends have wondered why you’re so downright crabby all the time. You do the right thing and schedule an appointment with your physician. And she does the right thing by tossing hyperthyroidism on the differential di
Any sufferer of panic attacks, agoraphobia, derealization, depersonalization, generalized anxiety, phobias, post-traumatic stress, or obsessions and compulsions is likely to have a pretty good feel for the concept of fear. Perhaps an understatement, right? Heck, as I was writing this article I opened my panic attack recovery eWorkbook and ran a “find” on the word “fear.” It appeared 270 times! So I’m thinking there’s a lot of it floating about. Now, any number of experts wil
In a previous article I discussed the importance of including balance issues in any discussion of the contributors to panic attacks and anxiety. Amazingly, this connection hasn’t received much attention, but it appears as though that’s changing. Yes, children with balance issues are being assessed for signs and symptoms of anxiety, and intervention strategies and techniques are being developed and implemented. This is great news, as it holds the potential to save millions fro
Whether it’s within the context of panic disorder, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, ADHD, substance dependence, or obsessive-compulsive disorder, I never cease to be amazed by the strength and courage of mind variance sufferers. We, yes “we,” endure so much and somehow manage to carry on and face another day of presumed turmoil and despair. I was reading the Chicago Tribune this morning and found an article that vividly illustrates exactly what I’m talking about.
The human brain is absolutely amazing. And as much as we’ve learned about it, it remains one incredibly mysterious three-pound mass of tissue and fluid. The brain’s functioning has certainly been a puzzle to me over the many years, as it’s facilitated a long bout with panic disorder, as well as dances with other distressing mental, emotional, and physical phenomena. Lately, I’ve become more and more fascinated with how a panic sufferer’s assorted pathological challenges prese