The Lifeworks Group, Inc.

By: Megan Muñoz IMH Some find it difficult to understand the struggle many have with suicidal thoughts. Part of this struggle has to do with how we sometimes categorize things we don’t understand. Suicidal thoughts and suicide are often thought of in black and white terms. For example: either someone is terribly depressed and suicidal or the thought has never entered their mind. But suicide and suicidal thoughts have a much longer and broader spectrum than we often realize. There is a long and difficult road of gray hues that fill in the gap between the starting point of never having had a suicidal thought and the end point where the act of suicide takes place. We are not born with suicidal thoughts. However, we are born with the capacity to become overwhelmed by stress, adversity and pain that can threaten our ability to cope and lead towards thoughts of suicide as a solution. No one is completely exempt from the possibility of developing suicidal thoughts, however,

By: Christine Hammond LMHC At 12 years old, Tabitha was the polar opposite of her narcissistic parent. Her father was an overt grandiose narcissist who loved to brag about himself. Whenever Tabitha excelled, her father would take the credit but not before pointing out that he had accomplished even more.   By contrast, Tabitha was subtle, hated the spot light, and would go silent in times of trouble. Her demeanor was so different from her narcissistic father, that her mother thought there was no need for concern. But there was. Tabitha failed to see anything wrong with her narcissistic father and frequently idolized him, especially over her mother. Despite her mother’s attempts at praise, understanding and empathy, Tabitha continued to favor her dad. Even when he was blatantly wrong, yelling at her and verbally attacking her, Tabitha remained steadfast.   The difference was so striking that her mom was sure Tabitha couldn’t be a narcissist. But she could. Covert

By: Christine Hammond LMHC John and Sue were frustrated by their adult daughter who by 35 years old had two failed marriages (everything was the ex’s fault), lost the last five jobs (her bosses hated her and wanted to get rid of her), had several plastic surgical procedures (she HAD to have these), and was now living back at home. After stumbling on the definition of Narcissistic Personality Disorder, they believe she displayed all the characteristics. But there big question was: can she be fixed? The answer depends solely on the narcissist. There are some aspects that can be changed and then there are some that cannot. There are three components to the formation of narcissism: biology, environment, and choice. The fourth element of support reinforces the narcissistic behavior. Biology: DNA contains genetic characteristics that define the individuality of a person. A quick glance at the family tree often reveals some of those common traits within a family unit. Pe

By: Christine Hammond LMHC Recently a friend, Donna, experienced the trauma of losing their sister to suicide. Even though it has been eighteen years, four months, and 17 days since my best friend committed suicide, it still haunts me. Within seconds of hearing Donna’s journey, I was instantly transported back in time to the days following my best friend’s death. I tried to stay engaged with Donna and show empathy for her experience all the while desperately desiring empathy for my own. My best friend was beautiful inside and out with a compassionate heart too large for her physical body. As one of the smartest people I knew, she loved to engage in passionate discussions about her favorite subject: politics. She had more energy and could cram more things into one day than most could in a week. She was lovely, generous, clumsy, sarcastic, determined, enthusiastic, and feisty. She was also Bi-Polar Type 1. She tried to overcome it through numerous efforts of self-m