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Jackson Rainer

Jackson Rainer is a board certified clinical psychologist living and working in Atlanta, Georgia and Tryon, North Carolina.  He may be contacted  by [email protected].

A man standing with several nurses and doctors ringing a bell in a hospital. Next Avenue, prostate cancer

Men Don't Want to Talk About Cancer

I now realize that thoughts of life and death lead me to the choice of accepting my prostate cancer experience as an invitation, not a catastrophe
June 28, 2024
A man standing outside. Next Avenue, prostate cancer stories

Coming Back to Life: Finding Vitality and New Meaning

Finding a sense of meaning in the presence of my cancer continues to help me with resilience, persistence and tenacity
June 25, 2024
A man posing in front of a glacier. Next Avenue, prostate cancer

Superman's Gone: Vulnerability and Cancer Treatment

The cancer, then the side effects of the treatment, upset my equilibrium of ordinary life and made a hard right turn away from my experience of physical realness and aliveness
June 21, 2024
Headshot of a man wearing a hoodie. Next Avenue, men and prostate cancer

'Manopause' and the Lack of Gumption: My Prostate Cancer Treatment

Radiation therapy and hormonal therapy left me lacking energy and feeling at times like 'a stranger in a strange land'
June 18, 2024
A man sitting up in front of a large proton therapy machine. Next Avenue, prostate cancer

Treatment Options for Prostate Cancer and What I Chose

I was tasked to weigh options on a course of treatment that I could live with based on many factors; I learned there is no obvious choice
June 14, 2024
A graphic that reads, "Public talk about private matters. Men and prostate cancer". Next Avenue

Isn't This Too Personal? My Prostate Cancer Diagnosis

An elevated PSA was the beginning of my journey and after a conclusive biopsy, it was time for me to consider next steps
June 11, 2024
A blurry crowd of people walking through a crosswalk. Next Avenue ,busyness culture

How to Balance Busyness

Running from place to place has become existential reassurance for meaning and a hedge against emptiness. Perhaps it's time to reconsider this.  
May 30, 2024
An anxious woman looking out of the window of her home. Next Avenue, worry, anxiety

When to Worry About Worrying

At different times, most people worry about things such as health, finances or family tension. Constant, persistent and unproductive worry may signify something more problematic.
March 27, 2024
Two men having a conversation Next Avenue, how to talk to someone with cancer

Better Ways to Talk With Someone Living With Cancer

I'm currently being treated for cancer. I have become very aware of what is helpful and what isn't.
March 4, 2024
An illustration of a Pomodoro technique tomato timer. Next Avenue

Reclaiming an Unproductive Day

Acknowledging days when we're just not feeling very efficient can help us shift and plug back into purposeful activity
September 19, 2023
A grandmother and her grandchild running on the beach. Next Avenue

What Is Happiness, Anyway?

Happiness is ultimately a choice: so choose to have good relationships, find beauty in nature and take care of yourself
August 22, 2023
Two friends laughing and walking together on a beach. Next Avenue

Consider Resetting Your Friendships

While your social skills may feel rusty, take stock of your relationships and then take steps to improve the ones that matter most
August 1, 2023
A person walking alone in winter. Next Avenue, family estrangement, holidays

Standing Alone: Living with Family Estrangement

Broken relationships can be painful and reconciliation isn't always a common goal. If it is, here are some steps to take.
December 22, 2022
A man sitting on a chair with his dog surrounded by his family. Next Avenue, rare diseases

The Rare World of Rare Diseases

Treatment for rare diseases, like Behçet's disease, is not widely available and for those who suffer, daily challenges are ongoing
December 8, 2022
A group of people impacted by suicide during a support group session. Next Avenue, facing suicide

Support Groups Link Survivors of Suicide Loss

Support groups offer a safe space where participants can hear the stories of others, and find that the burden of grief can be shared
September 12, 2022
Several U.S. soldiers standing at ease in a line. Next Avenue, veterans suicide

For Military Veterans, A Higher Rate of Suicide

In the U.S., veterans comprise almost a quarter of suicide deaths. Here's how a VA mental health screening program aims to make a difference.
September 9, 2022
A grieving person holding another person's hand. Next Avenue, facing suicide, spouse's suicide

Surviving a Spouse's Suicide

A 75-year-old widower talks about the ways he is coping with the unexpected and shattering loss of his wife of 33 years
September 6, 2022
Two older adults taking a walk in the woods. Next Avenue, facing suicide, older adults

Raising Awareness About Suicide and Older Adults

Isolation, pain and grief can be overwhelming — how to recognize the signs that an older adult might need help
August 30, 2022
A group of older friends celebrating together. Next Avenue, solo agers, traditions

A Solo Ager’s Traditions and Options

Growing older on your own may close some doors, but it can also open many others
May 9, 2022
Two older siblings standing next to eachother smiling. Next Avenue, living organ donation

The Gift of a Living Organ Donation

A brother's kidney donation to his sister changed her life
May 5, 2022
A family greeting each other in the doorway of their home. Next Avenue, retirement, spend sculpt time

How Do You Sculpt Your Time?

As you move from your working life to retirement, consider the ways you will frame your days
December 2, 2021
An older man sitting in a chair wearing oxygen, his children are dealing with the impact of their parent's death. Next Avenue

The Impact of a Parent's Death

Even after a long life, there is grief. But sometimes, tension among family members can be resolved.
November 9, 2021
Aerial view of a group of friends eating a meal outside. Next Avenue, well-being, new normal

Nurturing Our Return Into the Community

Steps to take to overcome the apathy many are feeling and re-engage with others in positive ways
August 16, 2021
A silhouette of a person walking in nature. Next Avenue, languishing, flourishing

How to Go From Languishing to Flourishing

5 ways to make the transition back into normal life as the pandemic eases
August 9, 2021
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