Coping Strategies for Relating with a High Maintenance Parent

Some parents are overbearing, hypersensitive, needy and temperamental, in other words high maintenance. As a child, it should not have been your responsibility to manage the dysregulated emotions acted out by your parent. Now, as an adult, it’s essential to acknowledge that your parent is self-absorbed, and may also have a mental illness diagnosis, however, he/she is also a unique human being, with flaws and quirks like everyone else. read more

Changing the Narrative for Male Depression

Depression doesn’t know any gender. Nor does it discriminate. It can impact anyone.

Unfortunately, there are still plenty of stereotypes and stigmas surrounding men’s mental health. While it’s socially acceptable for men to feel blue or down from time to time, that’s not the same as being depressed. read more

How to Get Off the “Pleasing Parent” Treadmill

If you’re like most parents, you want the best for your children and you strive to see that your children are well cared for and happy. A fine line exists, however, between doing what’s best for your child and giving into your child’s every whim. read more

Are You Stuck in Uncertainty?

With every life event we can expect both opportunity for personal and/or professional growth and major/minor losses.  Confronted with a life transition we are met with unexpected changes and decisions on how to navigate a disruption in our life.  Tools for coping that have worked in the past may now be inadequate and perhaps detrimental to our emotional growth.  But what to do?  Challenged with that question and the confusion and/or uncertainty of choices can freeze us in a state of inertness.  In other words…Stuck! read more

Navigating a Path of Uncertainty

Navigating a Path of Uncertainty

There I was living my life with a false sense of security…I had my Act together…or so it seemed!   Though the door to my inner world was creaking and showed signs of wear, I was lulled by the fact the hinges still functioned and I could shut out the world when needed.  When open for community business, I was all frozen smiles and fragile confidence, but behind my psychic door I was dog paddling in a pool of anxiety, regrets, and resentments.  Then came the pivotal moment when the mental games no longer worked and I stood in the doorway of uncertainty; confronted with the absurdity of my actions.  I couldn’t duct tape the hinges together any longer and I broke.  Just hanging onto the door jamb of my sanity was all I could do.  Internal voices pelted me with my greatest fear “I’ve lost control!”  The eyes of family, friends told the story of hurt and disappointment, and the ultimate judgement, “she’s come unhinged”. read more