This month thirteen years ago, I had the strange, painful luxury of “starting over” for the new year. My house burnt down, so a new start was necessary. Not because I had some big New Year’s resolution. Not because I wanted to or tried to. But because I stood in front of my home withContinue reading “New Year”
Tag Archives: mental health professionals
Made Well-Minded
Hey there 👋 I wanna share some super important info with you: (P.S. Follow my blog, as well as made_well_minded on Instagram and Facebook for more!) In the U.S., 26% of Americans 18 and older suffer from a diagnosable mental health disorder in a given year. It is estimated that 20% of children have mentalContinue reading “Made Well-Minded”
Assessment
I am not really a numbers person. I’ve always been pretty good at math, but assessment and statistics get a bit too complex for me. And most importantly, I’m uninterested. But, just when I thought that the Assessment and Research Methods class I am taking would do nothing for me, besides keep me from writingContinue reading “Assessment”
Responsive Thinking
We cannot go seconds without thinking. It is what makes humans so amazing. It is also what causes us to suffer so much, or it can help us thrive. We cannot control our thoughts completely. If I say flamingo, what comes to mind? You probably think of a pink bird standing on its tall legs.Continue reading “Responsive Thinking”
THE SELF
Self-centered – takes the focus or attention in most circumstances Selfish – putting one’s own needs in front of others all of the time Self-aware – keeping one’s own needs and the needs of others in consideration, as well as how the two might interact; finding a healthy balance between one’s own needs and howContinue reading “THE SELF”
Changing Habits
So often, we make decisions, then we complain about them. We stay in relationships, but they tear us apart. We feel unsatisfied with our bodies, but we continue to eat badly and do not exercise. I cannot help but think of a bible scripture. Rowans 7:15 says, “I don’t really understand myself, for I wantContinue reading “Changing Habits”
Grief in Disguise
I sat with a small group of friends from church and did a growth activity. We sat in a circle and said one specific, positive thing about the person across from us. I was maybe 20 years old. The guy across from me was around the same age. He had shaggy hair, hemp bracelets, andContinue reading “Grief in Disguise”
Setting and Maintaining Boundaries
Boundaries are a part of healthy, thriving relationships. I believe the best relationships include self-awareness, empathy, and communication when boundaries are considered. To create a boundary, we first must be in tune with our needs. What are our values, beliefs, and priorities? We must check in with that. This is where self-awareness comes in. ForContinue reading “Setting and Maintaining Boundaries”
Why Boundaries?
I cannot tell you how many times I twisted and turned for everyone else. I got so flexible, acting like some sort of Gumby. However, I had little strength or muscle. I got good at setting my own needs aside because it was easier for me to just conform to everyone else’s needs. “I feelContinue reading “Why Boundaries?”
Mom Guilt
I have never seen women put more pressure on themselves than those who are mothers. I have observed, facilitated, and participated in small, practice groups for therapy over the last several months. I have been truly amazed at the consistent, underlying theme in mothers. Some women in my groups spend all day with their children,Continue reading “Mom Guilt”
Mental Health Advocate 