Personal Life Issues

Linda Wants Her Traits To Work For Her And Asks How?

Dr. Dale Archer — Fri, 31 May 2013 06:00:00 GMT

Linda is divorced and works part time. She hates her job and is trying to find something else, but so far no luck. She's creative, but thinks people view her as weird and ugly. She wants to put her creativity to work for her, but how? She doesn't like to deal with people because she thinks they don't like the way she looks. I give her my thoughts; what are yours?

Lisa Questions Her Traits And Addiction

Dr. Dale Archer — Thu, 23 May 2013 06:00:00 GMT

Lisa grew up in a dysfunctional home where mom and dad hated each other, and they only shared one meal each year, where mom would just about throw the turkey at dad. She has an adventurous spirt, hence her job as an international flight attendant. She wonders if she's an alcoholic, wonders why she's a multitasker, why she prefers younger men and why her life is so disorganized. She wonders if she needs to return to AA, return to basics or just slow her life down. Thoughts?

Jen's Troubled Childhood Is Affecting Her Now

Dr. Dale Archer — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 06:00:00 GMT

Jen is 34 and mother to two. Being raised as a Jehovah witness, she was ridiculed as a child. Her father was alcoholic and her mother ran off with another man, leaving her behind.

Linell Lost It All In A Ponzi Scheme

Dr. Dale Archer — Thu, 07 Feb 2013 06:00:00 GMT

Linell was married to a successful physician. He died and left her with enough money for a secure future for their daughter and herself. Their financial adviser of 7 years, however, persuaded her to invest in what she now knows was a ponzi scheme, and she lost it all. Everything.

John Has Lost It All And Doesn't Know How To Go On

Dr. Dale Archer — Sat, 19 Jan 2013 06:00:00 GMT

John overcame incredible odds, and was on his own at 12. Ultimately, he owned his own company and had 40 employees. Then the economy crashed and at 61, he finds himself in a precarious situation. He lost his business and is fighting to keep his home.

Jennifer's Insurance Won't Pay For Her Eating Disorders

Dr. Dale Archer — Mon, 26 Nov 2012 06:00:00 GMT

Jennifer is 43 and has had an eating disorder since she was 14. She lost 220 pounds, but now suffers from bulimia and anorexia. Restricting herself to 600 calories a day, she binges and purges everything she eats. She takes more than 30 laxatives a day, water pills daily, speed walks daily for six miles and rides her bike for miles, as well. During all of this, all she can think of is food, food, food. Her doctor says she needs inpatient care, but her insurance refuses to pay.

Cathy Can't Get Over The Death Of Her Husband

Dr. Dale Archer — Sun, 19 Aug 2012 06:00:00 GMT

Cathy's 47 year old husband died shortly after their horrific car accident. It's been a year and a half, but she is still feeling the survivor's guilt. When she does manage to have a fun day, she feels guilty that he's not there to share it with her. She is seeing a psychiatrist and social worker, but doesn't feel like she's making any progress. Do you have thoughts to share with her?

Lanay's Doctors Cannot Control Her Pain

Dr. Dale Archer — Mon, 13 Aug 2012 06:00:00 GMT

Lanay has been suffering from back pain for 20 years. She doesn't have health insurance, and the county medical doctors are not helping her find relief. Looking online, she discovered she needs injections, but her doctor says there's no such procedure. She asks me what she should do and where to turn. I give her my thoughts. Do you have something to add?

Andrea Is Tired Of Sacrificing With No End In Sight

Dr. Dale Archer — Thu, 26 Jul 2012 06:00:00 GMT

Andrea is a 36 year old educated professional Italian man who has hit hard times. He cannot find work in his country or Germany and is terrified as to what tomorrow may bring. He has a girlfriend and wants to start a family, but how can he as things are in these troubled times? He asks how to find happiness in life when things are so difficult and uncertain. I think many of us feel this way, how about you?

Julie Has Trouble Setting Boundaries

Dr. Dale Archer — Thu, 19 Jul 2012 06:00:20 GMT

Julie survived a rough, abusive childhood and was married 13 years before filing for divorce. She finds herself too trusting of the wrong people, so isn't ready to engage in another relationship any time soon. She shares her story, and wonders if she can ever trust again in the right way. What do you think, can trust be shattered forever and never recover?

Cotye Is Ridiculed By Co-Workers And Family

Dr. Dale Archer — Mon, 09 Jul 2012 06:00:49 GMT

Cotye's father was arrested for murder and possession when he was 12, and had to grow up fast to help the family survive. He has always been ridiculed, and it continues to this day, from both co-workers and family. He wonders if this is what his life has to be, or if he can turn things around. Thoughts?

George Was Gang Raped And Now Suffers Nightmares

Dr. Dale Archer — Tue, 03 Jul 2012 06:00:04 GMT

George was in the Army in 1967 when he was gang raped by other soldiers. He was going to be subjected to this on a regular basis until he made a deal with his sergeant that he would be his alone, so he wouldn't have to suffer being attacked by many other men. Now, years later, he is having bad dreams and nightmares of being raped. He is seeing a psychiatrist and psychologist and is on many medications, but nothing has helped. What can he do to get his life back?

Bianca Asks Why Bother Writing, If No One Can Help Her?

Dr. Dale Archer — Sat, 30 Jun 2012 06:00:25 GMT

Bianca writes in and say, "I don't know why I should bother to write you ... No one can help me". Why would she take the time to write that? What would you tell her?

Joanna Cannot Remember The First 13 Years Of Her Life

Dr. Dale Archer — Tue, 26 Jun 2012 06:00:14 GMT

Joanna is 62 and cannot remember the first 13 years of her life. She wonders if something bad happened to her, something that caused extreme trauma, that prohibits her memory from resurfacing. She's doing ok now, but keeps wondering what happened back then. What do you think? Should she attempt to regain these memories or leave well enough alone?

Barry Blames Financial Ruin On His Meds

Dr. Dale Archer — Sun, 10 Jun 2012 06:00:46 GMT

Barry was having headaches and trouble sleeping, and was prescribed several medications. When he went through a divorce his doctor put him on epilepsy medications. His performance became less productive, and he lost his job. Desperate, he fell for a telephone scam and lost everything. Now he's blaming the medication for his actions, and filed a claim with the medical board. Can the med be to blame?

How Can Teresa Help Mom When She Spends Impulsively?

Dr. Dale Archer — Tue, 29 May 2012 06:00:18 GMT

Teresa is a college student, surviving on loans to get by. Her mom is bipolar and on disability, but she has a knack of spending money impulsively. Mom is constantly asking her for money, but how can she do this when her money is a set amount and must last and pay for school, books, room and board? She loves her mom and wants to make sure she has what she needs -- BUT -- Ideas?

Ashley's Husband Forbids Home Maintenance

Dr. Dale Archer — Thu, 24 May 2012 18:00:50 GMT

Ashley's husband of 30 years suffered his second heart attack. She loves him dearly, but since the second attack, he refuses to allow any maintenance or upkeep to their home. Walls remain half painted two years later; the screened porch is only partially screened. She can't have people over anymore, and the house needs work. What is she to do? Ideas?

Sylvia Cares For Her Brother, A TBI Victim

Dr. Dale Archer — Sun, 20 May 2012 18:00:31 GMT

Sylvia cares for her brother who suffered a traumatic brain injury 25 years ago in a motorcycle accident. She wonders why he never finishes anything -- he almost finishes a box of tissue, he almost finishes up the bottle of ketchup, he almost finishes watching a movie or television show. Almost, almost, almost! She finds it interesting and irritating, and wonders if it's due to his accident. What do you think?

Benita Wants To Move Past Her Horrific Pain

Dr. Dale Archer — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 06:00:55 GMT

Benita and her husband were married for 25 years and were madly in love. They renewed their wedding vows and one night their lovely life as they knew it ended with a head on collision with a drunk driver. She experienced years of pain and frustration, until she finally realized she needed to let the doctors amputate her leg. Years of fighting insurance, losing their home and businesses. Her family loves her, but they don't know the pain she endures. She asks how she can become a happy person again. Would advice do you have for Benita?

Diane's Brother Has Sleep Apnea

Dr. Dale Archer — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 22:00:48 GMT

Diane is worried about her brother's sleep apnea. He's overweight, relies on caffeine for energy and craves certain food. He stops breathing a lot at night when sleeping, and she's worried. Any advice for this sleep apnea patient and worried sis?

On Edge Is Having Difficulty With his Childhood Sexual Abuse

Dr. Dale Archer — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 06:00:17 GMT

On Edge suffered sexual abuse at the hands of many, and never talked about it. Now he's married with children, but is still haunted by his past. His wife is aware of his past, but is getting tired of all the turmoil. Now he's hearing voices and he is afraid of going into the hospital because he may lose his family. What do you think he should do?

KC Is Still Haunted By Her Past

Dr. Dale Archer — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 14:00:39 GMT

KC first remembers the incest when she was 14. Her mother was admitted to a mental hospital, and her father said she needed to take on the duties of the woman. Now, an intelligent, educated woman who holds a patent, she cannot keep a job for over three months, although she has volunteered for years. She's currently a prostitute to help pay the bills and is starting to lose hope. Your advice?

Kattlin Is A Bully Victim

Dr. Dale Archer — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 22:00:53 GMT

Kattlin is an 18 year old male who has been raped, is being bullied and is depressed. He loves to watch porn and enjoys abusing alcohol to make him forget some of his past. He feels worthless and can't help but think he has let his parents down. What can he do?

Paula Sees Her Identity In Her Job

Dr. Dale Archer — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 14:00:00 GMT

Paula has had a very challenging past. From a difficult, abusive childhood to two troubled marriages, to rape, she has been through so much. Now she is unemployed, and has lost her identity. She wonders how she could have overcome so much in her lifetime, only to now find her identity through her job, and no longer have a job. Now she's extremely depressed, and wonders what she can do. Thoughts?

The Global Economic Crisis

Dr. Dale Archer — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 22:00:33 GMT

Marcia is Greek, living in Athens. She wrote in to give her thoughts on the economic crisis which is now ravaging Greece, but is also being felt globally. As people lose their jobs, money and eventually hope, what will be the result? There is a global change happening, but where will it end? Is it really all about money and power and greed? Are the big banks only in it for themselves?