Article for Michigan Chronicle: May Live Well

Written by:
Kim Logan- Nowlin, Ph.D., LPC, BCPC, MFT, ACAC, IAMFC
President/ CEO
Clinical Director Out Patient Programs


Does stress affect the ability to make sound decisions?

In most cases stress does affect a person ability to make sound and rational decisions. we must be careful when we are in a stressful situation to allow ourselves the ability to regroup and make a paradigm shift so that we can have healthy and positive outcomes. We do not want to make emotional decision but logical positive decisions. because the decision you make not only impacts you but it will impacts others as well. Remember the Domino Effect or chain reaction is the cumulative effect produced when one event sets off a chain of similar events.


When feeling overwhelmed, what are some resolutions to help alleviate stress at home?

1. Identify  the source of the stress and seek help
2. Avoid stressful situations and people.
3. Recognize your triggers
4. Take a personal. Inventory of your progress or lack of progress
5. Express your feelings, hurt or anger in a positive and productive manner
6. Be proactive
7. Eat a well balanced meal and drink lots of water
8. Incorporate exercise in your daily routine
9. Laughter is medicine for the soul
10. Prayer empowers you spiritually.


What is some advice that you have for women that are always on the go and want to slow down, but aren’t really sure how?

As women we must allow balance within our lives. We are pulled in so many different directions and wear many hats. We have to learn how to prioritize and allow time for relaxation and healing.  We have to make a plan and stick to that plan so that you can develop healthy patterns in our lives.  We must eliminate old patterns that cause us stress such as the way we communicate, eat, rest,  and balance. Set serious boundaries and a safe zone for you. You deserve it so now do it.

When it comes to dating, what causes attraction to the “wrong partner”

There are times in our lives when we may feel our "baggage" is valuable- the things we feel to be essential. Some of the things we consider significant or necessary may need to be reassessed. In some situation our family origins plays a major role in the type of partner we select. For example: Is verbal abuse something I need to to re-evaluate and eliminate from my relationship?  Just because my parents communicated that way do I need to? You may need to self evaluate the issues in your life that can become negative "baggage".

Once married how you maintain your own identity?

The rejuvenation of the mind, body, and spirit ensures us that our relationship with God is a continual reminder of the  sense of well being, joy and peace we brought into the marriage and must be maintained. Be open to change for yourself as well as your spouse. be an active participant in the positive changes in your life. Embrace who you are becoming. Have a positive attitude towards your life and be willing to address negative issues that may prevent you from excelling. Be sensitive to your needs and your expectations. Continue to be heard, seen and understood.

How can one identify when the level of stress has gone from normal to a level that requires professional attention. (In other words when should a person seek help)

If the problems you are experiences is causing distress in your life. You must be able to move yourself out of the way and implement objectivity. If you are feeling anxious and overwhelmed and you no longer can handle the day to day activities in your life,  when your own copping skills are no longer affective and working to assist you, and you have thoughts of abusing yourself or others to help to alleviate your symptoms it is time to seek help. Also, when someone has noticed a change in your behavior and your temperament has changed for the worse, and you are engaging in gambling, negative internet activities, and constantly checking your social media pages to avoid addressing your problems, and if your anxiety, depression, mania or whatever is causing you to function poorly in one of these environments, for weeks on end, that is a sure sign it is time to seek out help.

Kim Logan- Nowlin, Ph.D., LPC, BCPC, MFT, ACAC, IAMFC
President/ CEO
Clinical Director Out Patient Programs