About

Hi. Nice to meet you. I’m Erick Lauber, a dad of three twenty-somethings, a long-time college professor/adviser, and a Ph.D. psychologist (not a therapist – I do applied research.) I’m here to help you get smarter, richer, healthier, and happier by learning how to get over those first “adulting” challenges. I have the help of my wife of 30 years (and an M.S. in developmental psychology), my kids (aged 27, 25, and 24 right now), and my current and former students.  If you have any questions, feel free to get in touch using the “Contact” form below. I’d love to hear from you. Sometimes Growing Up Sucks! but often there is something productive you can do about it. Get in touch!

But in addition to the usual demographics, you probably want to know more about me. I can explain that I was 22 and a senior in college when I discovered I suffered from “seasonal affective disorder” (depression). Yes, I was suicidal for a brief time and luckily found help at the Northwestern University health center. I missed my finals fall semester, but I went to counseling for a while and got better. Eventually, I studied psychology and earned a master’s and Ph.D.

A few years ago I seemed to be getting worse again, so I went to my doctor and now I’m on anti-depressants. I feel great and I manage my life well. I could brag about how well I’m doing (part of my “therapy” is I work out a lot), but really I still struggle in ways – big and small. I’m not afraid to talk about these things. You need to hear even us successful adults struggle.

I’ve come out on the other side of many of the challenges young people face today. I didn’t know what I wanted to be when I grew up (still don’t) so I’ve been many things. I didn’t think anyone wanted to date me (still surprised I married such an awesome woman!)  I struggled with my tendency to be an introvert combined with my kind of obsessive task orientation (as opposed to “relationship” orientation). This means I don’t make a lot of friends at work. Though I’m happy to report I do have some life-long friends from everywhere I’ve ever gone to school or worked.

I’ve got lots of other problems, but you’ll have to listen to the podcast to learn more. The bottom line? I’m just trying to help. Many times I struggled with what you’re going through. Sometimes my kids or students have gone or are going through it now. The show isn’t really about psychology. I’m not a therapist. But you’ll hear me reference everything I’ve learned, including things I studied or taught. But I’ll be honest with you. And in the end, I’ll tell you you’ll get through it and have a wonderful life! I did, still do, and so will you!

Sincerely,
Erick Lauber