You just found out your teen is self-harming. Your heart drops to the pit of your stomach. You feel shocked, confused, and utterly lost. What now? You are not alone. About 17% of teenagers have engaged in self-harm at least once according to the American Psychological Association. Often times, self-harm occurs as a way to cope with distressing feelings or
"I am so sick of people minimizing my assault because 'it could've been worse'" http://postsecret.com/#jp-carousel-12116 Dear postsecret, You are experiencing so much pain, anger, and hurt after hearing the phrase "it could've been worse." Assault is horrible, wrong, and a violation. You do not deserve what happened to you and it was traumatizing. The cutting phrase "it could've been worse"
By: Colleen Andre, LMHC As a supportive friend, helpful family member, or reliable employee you are the one everyone goes to when in need. The fixer, advice giver, helper. At the same time, you feel exhausted, irritable, anxious, and stressed out. You find yourself run down because your energy is always spent on others. What you really crave is a healthy
Isn't it normal to want to be accepted by your in-laws? Not feeling accepted by your mother and father-in-law can bring complications, causing you to feel rejected and uncomfortable around them. If you think about it, you're joining into a family with a long history of established bonds. Realistically, it can feel like you are the outsider, especially when your
Our emotions deeply affect our actions, even when we are not aware of them. When we feel jealous, angry or rejected we are likely dealing with whatever stressors we have by suppressing our emotions. On the other hand, when we constantly worry and pre-occupy ourselves to avoid our feelings, we are surviving in a dysfunctional manner leading to anxiety and
Hurricane season is right upon us. As the hours and days draw closer and closer so does your fears. You have physically prepared as much as possible by putting up shutters, buying water and food supplies, and filling up your gas tanks. But, are you emotionally prepared? It is important to not only care for you and your family’s physical
The toxic/vindictive ex-wife or husband that doesn't respect the boundaries of their relationship with their ex is because they have never really let go emotionally and will hang on for dear life all the while undermining the Ex’s capability to co-parent with them and move on to a new life. It would be nice if everyone involved could just get
It's a difficult day when people are panicking and lining the streets and stores to prepare for the worst. You are doing as much as possible for the unknown by securing your home, buying food or supplies, and ensuring you and your family’s safety. However, you are doing all of these things but the hurricane anxiety is not going away.
By: Colleen Andre, LMHC In a documentary called "Diana, 7 days," Prince William and Prince Harry share their experiences in dealing with the death of their mother. "I remember just feeling completely numb, disorientated, dizzy," William said. "You feel very, very confused. And you keep asking yourself, 'Why me?' All the time, 'Why? What have I done? Why? Why has this
By: Colleen Andre, LMHC You have everything ready and set for your teen's first few weeks back to school. Clothes shopping is done, new school supplies are bought, and lunches are prepped for the week. Everything is planned and perfect. Until you realize your teen's back to school anxiety starts creeping in. The next thing you know, you are trying
