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 writer
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”
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”
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”
Miracles and Losses
Sometimes, some people get an awful hand in life. Sometimes, bad things happen to good people. I do not know why. I will never pretend to know. I have met a lot of people who believe they have the answers. They do not. Once, I had some one point out during my grief after IContinue reading “Miracles and Losses”
Addiction Awareness: Mike Verdun
Mike tore his knee twice in football during college. After his 2nd surgery, he began using painkillers. At first, it was just to recover, but then he could not stop. He went from drinking and doing drugs as part of the college experience to being fully addicted. He began to only feel comfortable when heContinue reading “Addiction Awareness: Mike Verdun”
Mental Health Advocate 