Wellness Wednesday from The Current

It's the month of February: Valentine's Day is on the way. Whether or not you think it's one of those Hallmark card holidays, it's a good opportunity to talk about love and healthy relationships. Have you heard the term “love bombing”? Emily Jordan Jensen is a University of Minnesota lecturer in the College of Continuing and Professional Studies program in behavioral health and addictions counseling. She’s also a licensed marriage and family therapist who specializes in couples therapy. Jill Riley: What does “love bombing” mean? It sounds cute and nice…but it is anything but? Emily Jordan Jensen: Right? It sounds like it should be really fun. The idea of love bombing is that it's this behavioral pattern where you see a series of grand gestures - maybe gift giving, excessive focus, attention - kind of in one direction. So from one partner in a dating relationship to another…and in the beginning, it can feel really flattering. But in the love bombing situation there kind of tend to be some strings attached to that behavior. So the partner who is doting and providing all this additional attention may knowingly or unknowingly be sort of creating a power imbalance in the relationship. Attempting to be someone's world can really create the illusion that the other person doesn't need anyone else. What the signs that you could be with a love bomb? What are the personality traits? I don't want to create a sense of skepticism around every nice thing that someone does for you. I think many of us have trouble opening up at all in the beginning of a relationship and, and so some people would connect this pattern of love bombing with narcissism or narcissistic personality disorder. So you know, it doesn't necessarily mean that trouble is afoot if there's grand gestures in your relationship, but one thing that you might want to start keying into is: are those gestures kind of creating an atmosphere in your relationship where you're feeling a little cut off from some of your other people and other things that bring you joy? Isolation is certainly a red flag, and something that we'd be more concerned about. It really sounds like it could be dangerous to be in that kind of relationship. The concern is that this pattern of imbalance and control can set the stage for intimate partner violence or emotional abuse in a relationship. That's the worst case scenario…but I think even in a less severe situation, if you're in a situation where you're being cut off from family, friends, social supports, it puts an immense amount of pressure on the relationship itself. It's a lot to be somebody’s everything, and quite frankly, I think relationships that don't have that outside support tend to collapse under the waiters themselves. Yeah. And during a pandemic, during a time of such isolation, maybe it can be hard to to pick up on what actually is going on, since you're kind of used to being isolated with this person. Oh, absolutely. Yeah, I think the conditions that we're in now can make it even harder to kind of make that distinction. And maybe you're in a bubble with this other person that you're dating, and they're like, the only person you see, because of safety concerns. I do think that's been a real challenge in light of what's been going on recently. There's healthy love, and there's unhealthy love. What are some some signs that this is healthy, this is going in the right direction? The love bombing thing really sounds like it can spell disaster. For sure. Yeah, you know, when you're just starting a relationship, I think one of the most important things you can tune into is looking at the other relationships in that person’s life. Psychologists love to say like that the best predictor of future behavior is past behavior. If you're hiring someone for a position, you're going to look at their references or ask for people to vouch for them. I think about dating as sort of an extended interview process: you know, if you are going to be the...

Whether Dry January is a way to address a serious drinking problem or simply a break from booze after a season of overindulgence, there are myriad benefits to abstaining from alcohol. Addiction psychiatrist Kristen Schmidt joins Jill Riley to discuss. Wellness Wednesday is hosted by Jill Riley; and produced by Anna Weggel and Jay Gabler. Our theme music is a portion of the song 'F.B. One Number 2' by Christian Bjoerklund under the Non Commercial Share Alike 3.0 International License. Head to thecurrent.org for more wellness content and great music.

The omicron variant of Covid-19 has arrived in force. What should we be doing to protect ourselves? Kris Ehresmann of the Minnesota Department of Health joins Jill Riley to shed some light. Wellness Wednesday is hosted by Jill Riley; and produced by Anna Weggel and Jay Gabler. Our theme music is a portion of the song 'F.B. One Number 2' by Christian Bjoerklund under the Non Commercial Share Alike 3.0 International License. Head to thecurrent.org for more wellness content and great music.

As we approach the middle of a second winter of extra at-home time, spending some time to pick up and clean out can pay dividends for our mental health. Mayo Clinic psychologist Lisa Hardesty shares tips with Jill Riley. Wellness Wednesday is hosted by Jill Riley; and produced by Anna Weggel and Jay Gabler. Our theme music is a portion of the song 'F.B. One Number 2' by Christian Bjoerklund under the Non Commercial Share Alike 3.0 International License. Head to thecurrent.org for more wellness content and great music.

Now is the time of year to talk about seasonal affective disorder. Craig Sawchuk is a clinical psychologist and co-chair of Mayo Clinic's Division of Integrated Behavioral Health. This valuable conversation was previously featured on Wellness Wednesday in January 2021. Wellness Wednesday is hosted by Jill Riley; and produced by Anna Weggel and Jay Gabler. Our theme music is a portion of the song 'F.B. One Number 2' by Christian Bjoerklund under the Non Commercial Share Alike 3.0 International License. Head to thecurrent.org for more wellness content and great music.

Performing artist Nakara Forjé has recently published a ‘7 Day Grief Journal for Hip Hop Lovers.’ She tells Sean McPherson about how she hopes to help people work through their grief, whatever that might mean to them. This week Wellness Wednesday is hosted by Sean McPherson; and produced by Anna Weggel and Jay Gabler. Our theme music is a portion of the song 'F.B. One Number 2' by Christian Bjoerklund under the Non Commercial Share Alike 3.0 International License. Head to thecurrent.org for more wellness content and great music.

The holidays are a time of joy - but they can also be a difficult time, charged with anxiety. University of Minnesota wellness expert Mary Jo Kreitzer tells Jill Riley why this is, and shares some tips for maintaining mental health during the holiday season. Wellness Wednesday is hosted by Jill Riley; and produced by Anna Weggel and Jay Gabler. Our theme music is a portion of the song 'F.B. One Number 2' by Christian Bjoerklund under the Non Commercial Share Alike 3.0 International License. Head to thecurrent.org for more wellness content and great music.

With Covid-19 vaccines now available for kids five and up, Jill Riley turns to immunologist Azza Gadir to speak to questions and concerns that parents might have. Wellness Wednesday is hosted by Jill Riley; and produced by Anna Weggel and Jay Gabler. Our theme music is a portion of the song 'F.B. One Number 2' by Christian Bjoerklund under the Non Commercial Share Alike 3.0 International License. Head to thecurrent.org for more wellness content and great music.

With the Omicron variant having officially arrived in Minnesota, the Minnesota Department of Health’s Kris Ehresmann joined Jill Riley to talk about what the latest twist in the Covid-19 pandemic means with holiday gatherings ahead. Wellness Wednesday is hosted by Jill Riley; and produced by Anna Weggel and Jay Gabler. Our theme music is a portion of the song 'F.B. One Number 2' by Christian Bjoerklund under the Non Commercial Share Alike 3.0 International License. Head to thecurrent.org for more wellness content and great music.

A Red Cross expert tells Jill Riley the need for blood donations is more urgent right now than it’s been in decades. Learn why, and how you can help. Wellness Wednesday is hosted by Jill Riley; and produced by Anna Weggel and Jay Gabler. Our theme music is a portion of the song 'F.B. One Number 2' by Christian Bjoerklund under the Non Commercial Share Alike 3.0 International License. Head to thecurrent.org for more wellness content and great music.

Taking time to feel and express gratitude is important for our hearts, minds, and relationships. Psychiatrist Lidia Zylowska shares some tips on making gratitude a habit. Wellness Wednesday is hosted by Jill Riley; and produced by Anna Weggel and Jay Gabler. Our theme music is a portion of the song 'F.B. One Number 2' by Christian Bjoerklund under the Non Commercial Share Alike 3.0 International License. Head to thecurrent.org for more wellness content and great music.

Giving to others is an important part of our own well-being, and the need is great. Ahead of Minnesota’s annual Give to the Max Day, Jill Riley spoke with Allison O’Toole of Second Harvest Heartland, a nonprofit working to feed the hungry. Wellness Wednesday is hosted by Jill Riley; and produced by Anna Weggel and Jay Gabler. Our theme music is a portion of the song 'F.B. One Number 2' by Christian Bjoerklund under the Non Commercial Share Alike 3.0 International License. Head to thecurrent.org for more wellness content and great music.

Naps take practice. That’s just one of the helpful hits that neurologist Michael Howell shares with Jill Riley as we move forward from falling back. Wellness Wednesday is hosted by Jill Riley; and produced by Anna Weggel and Jay Gabler. Our theme music is a portion of the song 'F.B. One Number 2' by Christian Bjoerklund under the Non Commercial Share Alike 3.0 International License. Head to thecurrent.org for more wellness content and great music.

“Hygge” isn’t just a buzzword, it describes a pattern of habits that can help us stay healthy and contented during the long Minnesota winter. Theresa Nutt, an expert on integrative health and well-being, gets cozy with Jill Riley as they discuss how to make hygge work for you. Wellness Wednesday is hosted by Jill Riley; and produced by Christy Taylor and Jay Gabler. Our theme music is a portion of the song 'F.B. One Number 2' by Christian Bjoerklund under the Non Commercial Share Alike 3.0 International License. Head to thecurrent.org for more wellness content and great music.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month…but what exactly should we be aware of? Oncologist Todd Tuttle tells Jill Riley what scientists are learning about breast cancer and what steps can help make you safer. Wellness Wednesday is hosted by Jill Riley; and produced by Christy Taylor and Jay Gabler. Our theme music is a portion of the song 'F.B. One Number 2' by Christian Bjoerklund under the Non Commercial Share Alike 3.0 International License. Head to thecurrent.org for more wellness content and great music.

When will Covid-19 vaccines be approved for children under 12? How do we know they will be safe? Pediatrician Jill Foster tells Jill Riley how the approval process works, and what the expected timeline looks like right now. Wellness Wednesday is hosted by Jill Riley; and produced by Christy Taylor and Jay Gabler. Our theme music is a portion of the song 'F.B. One Number 2' by Christian Bjoerklund under the Non Commercial Share Alike 3.0 International License. Head to thecurrent.org for more wellness content and great music.

ADHD is often associated with children, which makes it all the more important to understand the symptoms and treatment options for the many adults who also experience challenges with attention and executive functioning. Wellness Wednesday is hosted by Jill Riley; and produced by Christy Taylor and Jay Gabler. Our theme music is a portion of the song 'F.B. One Number 2' by Christian Bjoerklund under the Non Commercial Share Alike 3.0 International License. Head to thecurrent.org for more wellness content and great music.

After realizing that some music fans with invisible disabilities weren't able to attend concerts, singer-songwriter Jason Isbell became involved with an organization called KultureCity, which works to accommodate different sensory needs in public spaces. He joined Jill Riley to talk about what that means, and why it's important. Wellness Wednesday is hosted by Jill Riley; and produced by Christy Taylor and Jay Gabler. Our theme music is a portion of the song 'F.B. One Number 2' by Christian Bjoerklund under the Non Commercial Share Alike 3.0 International License. Head to thecurrent.org for more wellness content and great music.

Even as we fight to end the Covid-19 pandemic, an ongoing pandemic of violence against women continues around the world. Cheryl Thomas, of Global Rights for Women, joins Jill Riley to share some perspective and advice. Wellness Wednesday is hosted by Jill Riley; and produced by Christy Taylor and Jay Gabler. Our theme music is a portion of the song 'F.B. One Number 2' by Christian Bjoerklund under the Non Commercial Share Alike 3.0 International License. Head to thecurrent.org for more wellness content and great music.

Dr. Mustafa al'Absi tells Jill Riley that he expects the cumulative effects of the stress we've all experienced during the Covid-19 pandemic to be serious and long-lasting. There are steps we can take, though, to reduce those effects. Wellness Wednesday is hosted by Jill Riley; and produced by Christy Taylor and Jay Gabler. Our theme music is a portion of the song 'F.B. One Number 2' by Christian Bjoerklund under the Non Commercial Share Alike 3.0 International License. Head to thecurrent.org for more wellness content and great music.