Author: Pam Perez

Life presents an ongoing dialogue of self-discovery, introspection, and personal evaluation. A critical voice that surfaces in these introspective moments is often referred to as the ‘inner critic.’ This concept, though not as straightforward as it may seem, has deep psychological roots and impacts our emotional well-being and behaviors. Understanding the inner critic is an…

As our world spins at an ever-increasing pace, so too can our minds whirl with thoughts, worries, and anxieties. Amid this mental storm, mindfulness emerges as a beacon of calm and clarity. Rooted in ancient traditions and validated by contemporary science, mindfulness offers a powerful tool for reducing stress and promoting mental health. In this…

Childhood is a formative period in life when a person’s sense of self, view of the world, and social abilities are being developed. Unfortunately, when these years are punctuated by trauma, it can have far-reaching effects that extend into adulthood—particularly influencing the realm of interpersonal relationships. In this article, we would like to consider some…

Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health conditions worldwide, encompassing a broad spectrum of issues such as generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and various phobia-related disorders. While these conditions may vary in their specifics, they share a common thread of pervasive and often disruptive anxiety. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has emerged as a…

Social media, undeniably, has revolutionized the way we communicate, engage, and interact with the world around us. But amidst the tweets, likes, shares, and DMs, a compelling question emerges: How does the omnipresence of social media impact our mental health? A growing body of research within the psychological community provides valuable insights into this important…

What is Marijuana? Marijuana, also known as cannabis, is a psychoactive substance derived from the Cannabis sativa plant. It is most commonly consumed for its mind-altering effects, which are primarily caused by a compound called delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). When consumed, THC interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, leading to a range of effects including euphoria, altered…

Building and growth take time. Restoration and healing. when these things have been broken or hindered. take time as well. Many people question whether healing from trauma is really possible. And if so, they wonder, why does it take so long? Following is an excerpt from Just Before Dawn (Perez, 2003). I hope it will…

Many people wonder about the addictive nature of drugs and other substances. If you are interested in this issue, I have written several articles on this topic over the years and will include the resources to one on Cannabis Use Disorder I wrote in 2020. Using marijuana (cannabis) does not necessarily mean a person has…

One verse that has been incredibly misunderstood by so many is, “forgetting what lies behind” in Phil. 3:13. Somehow, we get the idea that looking at past issues in order to resolve the internal conflicts raging within us is wrong. Past experiences are, however, deeply relevant both to our present and to our future. Our…

“For since the creation of the world, His invisible nature and attributes – that is, His eternal power and divinity – have been made intelligible and clearly discernible in and through the things that have been made – His own handiworks” (Rom. 1:20 Amp). One morning as I was driving to work, I was praying…