Relationships change. Boundaries change. One of the “problems” with setting boundaries is that sometimes we end up losing relationships that were part of our support system. Our sanctuary changes and it feels uncomfortable -- because it’s hard to understand or accept the shifts in those relationships. It is a very painful experience, but a necessary … Continue reading Safety planning to stay sane
High-functioning depression is one of the most difficult forms of depression to recognize. Societal expectations of depression tend to be stereotypical and not meeting those standards but still having depression can be complicated to understand. Generally, when we discuss depressive symptoms, crying, withdrawing, difficulty getting out of bed, poor hygiene- to name a few, are … Continue reading High-Functioning Depression
You have a great life. You love your career. Your relationship with your parents has improved tremendously. You are in a good place romantically. But you still struggle with anxiety. You repeat the mantra you grew up with: “there are so many others who have it much worse than you; be thankful for what you … Continue reading Are you even allowed to have a mental illness?
We have often heard that the meaning gets lost in translation. The intensity of an experience can definitely get diluted in the balancing act of living a bi-cultural life. In honor of Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, I would like to offer some culture-specific examples that may help with understanding the importance/impact of these experiences. … Continue reading Understanding the unhealthy norms
During my years working with ‘victims’ of domestic violence, I noticed a common theme- most did not recognize that emotional abuse was a form of abuse. The best way I could describe emotional abuse was by comparing it to an accident. It’s easy to treat the physical cuts or bruises because you can see it … Continue reading Recognizing Emotional Abuse
How many times in your life have you heard the word “no”? How many times have you said “no” to someone else? Even yourself? Does that mean you are not enough? Does that mean that someone else was unworthy? In this instance, the answer is a resounding “NO.” There are many types of rejection that … Continue reading Dealing with rejection
We all make numerous decisions every single day- from what to wear to what to eat for lunch. Early on, we become experts at decision-making such that, generally, small decisions are no longer mentally taxing. However, making a large life decision can be anxiety-inducing and cause tension in our relationships. Humans are incredibly complicated creatures. … Continue reading When decisions conflict
There is no official diagnosis for it but it is a real thing. It is something that many struggles with, sometimes without even realizing that they are affected by it. Some say that the individual is not mature enough to handle grown-up life decisions while others find themselves continuously around the “wrong” crowd. Commitment Phobia … Continue reading Commitment Phobia
How do you tie your shoelace? Who taught you? Do you know who taught them? Chances are that it was a parent or a family member who taught you just like they were taught by the generation before them. When we talk about family “inheritance,” we mostly assume money, traditions, or even genes but it … Continue reading Generational Trauma
Let’s start today with a pop quiz. What is Mental Health? a) Understanding what mental issues we struggle with. b) Understanding our overall well-being. c) A diagnosis so we can get help from insurance. d) Everyone is just crazy! If you answered B, you are correct! Mental health is so much more than just understanding … Continue reading What is Mental Health?
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