Stress is now universal; patients and doctors are talking more about it, writes Dr. Dan Henderson. That's important, because stress is toxic to our brains, hearts and immune systems.

My Bookstore Has Been Closed For 9 Weeks, And I Don't Want To Reopen

Some of the guidelines the state has provided are useful, but there's a lot left to interpretation, writes Hannah Harlow, a bookstore owner. We’ll open when I feel it’s safe...

I Served In New York City As An Army Reserve Doctor. Here's What I Saw

Psychiatrist Zheala Qayyum is serving with the Army Reserves at a hospital in Queens, New York. The tasks she's performing in this new role are not things she expected to...

There Is No Pandemic In 'Flavortown'

E.B. Bartels writes about escapism through the television show "Guy's Grocery Games."

For So Long, My Hair Defined Me. Now It's A Fight Song

After Kathy Gunst was diagnosed with cancer, she cut her hair. Now, in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, she’s watching it grow out and thinking about how her hair...

Why The Difference Between Trump And Biden Matters

Joe Biden is imperfect, writes Julie Wittes Schlack, but there's no comparing him to Donald Trump.

Houses Of Worship May Be Reopening, But I'll Continue To Pray At Home. Where It's Safe

Praying online is not the ideal, but don’t we all have a moral obligation to protect the health of each other? Worship, even by Zoom, can still nourish our souls,...

As Alzheimer's Takes Away My Mother's Mind, Just Being Together Is Enough

As we looked out at the Charles River, I knew she felt comfort in my presence, Susan Lanzoni writes of her 88-year-old mother, who has Alzheimer's. We were together and...

Let Your Teens Stay Up All Night, And Other Pandemic Parenting Advice

Psychologist Marlene Major believes adolescents can benefit from defininig this moment for themselves. Younger kids, however, do better with structure.

The Pandemic Is Spiking Anxiety. Before You Take Anti-Anxiety Medication, Understand The Risks

Benzodiazepine prescriptions have skyrocketed since the pandemic began, write the authors. But overuse of these powerful medications is risky, and should be considered before they are prescribed.

As She Battles COVID-19 Alone, My Mother Has Become Another Face In The Window

Like so many others, Cynthia Dockrell's mother is battling COVID-19 away from those who love her. Some 60 years ago, their family experienced something agonizingly similar.

I’m A Black Woman And A Medical Student. I Know Public Health Can Be Lethal For People Of Color

We’re trained to tell our patients to exercise, writes LaShyra Nolen. But the shooting of Ahmaud Arbery reminds us that running outside while black might be more dangerous than not...

My Patients Are Sick And Alone. What The Pandemic Can Teach Us All About Intimacy

Clayton Dalton's patients are facing death alone, without the comfort of friends and family. Maybe we'll realize that physical proximity and connection are essential, he writes, and finally see what...

Cognoscenti

03:14May 14, 2020

Therapist: Trauma Is An Experience Of The Body. And We're All Feeling It

My work as a psychotherapist feels different since the onset of the pandemic, writes Elissa Tosi. Putting my own stuff aside is far from effortless, it’s sometimes impossible.

Cognoscenti

May 14, 2020

President Donald Trump talks to reporters before boarding Air Force One for a trip to Phoenix to visit a Honeywell plant that manufactures protective equipment, Tuesday, May 5, 2020, in Andrews Air Force Base, Md. (Evan Vucci/AP)

Why America Can’t Stop COVID-19

The GOP spent 50 years turning Americans against government, writes Steve Almond. That was a deadly mistake.

Cognoscenti

May 13, 2020

A mother and her son look at the closed Boston Public Library last month. (Jesse Costa/WBUR)

I Left For Australia Three Months Ago. Now I'm Mourning The Boston I Left Behind

Amy Gorel expected the city would be the same when she returns next year. Now, she writes, "I’m missing a home that doesn’t exist."

Cognoscenti

May 12, 2020

Self-care shouldn’t be an individual act but a collective one, writes Julie Wittes Schlack. (Kris Atomic/Unsplash)

Self Care Isn't A Privilege. It's An Act Of 'Self Preservation'

Being “worthy of care” has morphed into “I’m worth it," writes Julie Wittes Schlack. It's a phrase made all too literal by the relentless shilling of extravagantly priced products by...

Cognoscenti

May 12, 2020

The author's pandemic puppy, Wally (Courtesy)

Our Pandemic Puppy Was A Terrible Idea

Wally chewed up rugs, shoes and time, writes Hinda Mandell. She realized she couldn’t care for another being.

Cognoscenti

May 11, 2020

A United States Postal worker makes a delivery with gloves and a mask in Warren, Mich., Thursday, April 2, 2020. The U.S. Postal Service is keeping post offices open but ensuring customers stay at least 6 feet apart. The agency said it is following guidance from public health experts, although there is no indication that the new coronavirus COVID-19 is being spread through the mail. (Paul Sancya/AP)

The USPS Is Always There For Us. It's Time To Return The Favor

Through rain, sleet and now a national pandemic, United States Postal Service workers remain essential to our way of life. Representatives Stephen F. Lynch and Ayanna Pressley urge congressional action...

Cognoscenti

May 8, 2020

V-E Day Celebration in Times Square, New York City, May 1945. (National Archives/CORBIS/Corbis via Getty Images)

On The 75th Anniversary Of VE Day, We're Still Fighting To Protect The Dignity Of Every Human Life

Our best tribute to the dead and the survivors of the war 75 years ago, is to do everything we can to protect the dignity of every individual, writes Julie...

Cognoscenti

May 8, 2020

Morning Edition

How The Pandemic Could Help Our Deadly Fight Against Stress

My Bookstore Has Been Closed For 9 Weeks, And I Don't Want To Reopen

I Served In New York City As An Army Reserve Doctor. Here's What I Saw

There Is No Pandemic In 'Flavortown'

For So Long, My Hair Defined Me. Now It's A Fight Song

Why The Difference Between Trump And Biden Matters

Houses Of Worship May Be Reopening, But I'll Continue To Pray At Home. Where It's Safe

As Alzheimer's Takes Away My Mother's Mind, Just Being Together Is Enough

Let Your Teens Stay Up All Night, And Other Pandemic Parenting Advice

The Pandemic Is Spiking Anxiety. Before You Take Anti-Anxiety Medication, Understand The Risks

As She Battles COVID-19 Alone, My Mother Has Become Another Face In The Window

I’m A Black Woman And A Medical Student. I Know Public Health Can Be Lethal For People Of Color

My Patients Are Sick And Alone. What The Pandemic Can Teach Us All About Intimacy

Therapist: Trauma Is An Experience Of The Body. And We're All Feeling It

Why America Can’t Stop COVID-19

I Left For Australia Three Months Ago. Now I'm Mourning The Boston I Left Behind

Self Care Isn't A Privilege. It's An Act Of 'Self Preservation'

Our Pandemic Puppy Was A Terrible Idea

The USPS Is Always There For Us. It's Time To Return The Favor

On The 75th Anniversary Of VE Day, We're Still Fighting To Protect The Dignity Of Every Human Life