Colleges have always been pressure cookers. The crucibles in which young adults can be fired to greatness are also heating some students to dangerous levels. Suicide and attempts are rising, as is campus violence. What’s going on? Helping us to understand the myriad pressures that today’s kids are under is Dr. Lynda Doyle, a therapist in-touch with the college generation. We also look at the controversial book, "Doing School" by Denise Clark Pope. Music heard on the show includes "Under Pressure" by David Bowie.

This episode is currently only available to Premium subscribers.

Spare us the histrionics! Is there a drama queen in your life? Everything is always about them. Adversity befalls only them. One thing you must not do is play into it. Here’s is your DQ survival kit. Guest Wendy Susman. Music heard on this show includes “Drama Queen” by Dave Blackledge. E-mail me at asknow@askdrharriet.com

This episode is currently only available to Premium subscribers.

It’s campaign season again. Reminds me of the last several campaigns. If you think  political campaigns inspire trust, vote yes. If you don’t, vote no. I sure have my doubts. Broken promises. Reassuring public statements followed by private betrayals. Little accountablility. Outright lies.

Lack of trust is not limited to politics. It’s in business. Remember Enron? You see it in local communities. Public figures say one thing. Then do another. I’m concerned about the consequences on a public level. And think about the implicit permission for private relationships. If it’s OK for a celebrity to violate trust, then maybe it’s not too bad for me to sometimes act that way.
(more…)

Ever notice how most people notice your mistakes? Your shortcomings? Your limitations? You get into the habit of just trying to protect yourself from “constructive” criticism. Why? Because most criticism turns out to be negative. Who wants to be the target of that? Not me. And, I’ll bet not you!

Think about the possibility of what could happen if important people in your life noticed what you did right! What you did well! What you accomplished! How would you feel then? I’ll bet, great! Confident! Wanting to take on a new challenge.

Here’s a thought: (more…)

They grab hold and won’t let go. What causes perfectly capable people to cling? Only one thing. Fear. Here’s how to find your backbone and stand on your own two feet.

This episode is currently only available to Premium subscribers.

There is at least one in your life. Power is what they crave. Control is what they use to take it. Fear is what they hope to fill you with. Whether the intimidator in your life is a loved one, or someone at work, here’s how to recognize their tactics, limit their hold over you and, ultimately, how to avoid becoming their victim.

This episode is currently only available to Premium subscribers.

Ring in 2008 with a look back at our favorite moments of Ask Dr. Harriet. Ken and I hope you get as much enjoyment from listening to the very best of 2007 as we had bringing them to you! We’re excited about what’s cooking for our second season. Happy New Year my friends! Thanks so much for your loyalty! ~ Harriet.

This episode is currently only available to Premium subscribers.

As the countdown to January 1st (fill-in the year) reaches single-digits, millions of us faithfully proclaim - sometimes aloud (gasp!) - our resolve to lose, change, acquire or better-balance something. What fools these mortals be. Studies show 4-out-of-5 resolutions are broken. Why? A little something called “ownership.” Happy New Year, anyway! Thanks for your loyalty and see you next year! Music this episode includes “My New Year’s Resolution” by Spike Jones. Web sites mentioned include Procrastinators Club of America.

This episode is currently only available to Premium subscribers.

Been dumped by text message yet? Your lover tell you it’s over… by e-mail? A new study says many bozos are choosing the cowardly way out. Great! Like we need another reason for the holiday blues. Bad enough being single this time of year. Well cheer up (literally!). Here’s how to have the last laugh. Tips on surviving family get togethers too. Need more advice? You can always reach me by e-mail.

Music heard on this show includes “The Thrill is Gone” by B.B. King.

This episode is currently only available to Premium subscribers.

Tis the supposed to season. The Holidays!! The time of stress. The season of pressures. You’re supposed to shop. You’re supposed to be social. You’re supposed to decorate. You’re supposed to cook. You’re supposed to be fun. No shortage of expectations. And so little time! What’s a person to do?

I’ll bet you are pushing yourself to do what’s expected. Running yourself ragged. Yearning for some down time. Time for you. Do you dare?
(more…)