Mental Health and Behavioral Health Blog

Divorce is rarely easy, even when the children involved are adults. Many parents assume that because their children are grown, they are emotionally equipped to handle the pain, tension, and shifting loyalties that often come with separation. But adult children are not immune to the emotional fallout of divorce. In fact, many find themselves pulled directly into their parents’ unresolved conflict — becoming confidants, messengers, mediators, or even emotional caretakers. Famil

There are two types of anxiety, acute and chronic. Acute anxiety occurs on a daily basis. Examples are the reactions we get to stressors such as being late for a meeting, a child waking up with a cold/illness, sitting in traffic, missing a train/bus, etc. Chronic anxiety is more of a background of anxiety that we carry with us. Much of this type of anxiety is programmed into us during our years in our family of origin, a level of anxiety that was/is usual for the family. We c

Some stories are written from imagination. Others are written from real life, love, and the moments that leave a lasting imprint on our hearts. Jayce Never Gives Up was inspired by my granddaughter Jayce and the determination she showed while learning to overcome challenges at such a young age. I watched her attempt the monkey bars again and again. There were moments of frustration, tears, hesitation, and doubt — but there was also courage. No matter how difficult it felt, sh

We often use the word love to describe intense feelings—thinking about someone constantly, wanting to be near them, feeling deeply affected by their presence or absence. But not all intensity is love. Sometimes, what we’re experiencing is something else entirely: obsession. So how do we tell the difference? Love is rooted in connection. Obsession is rooted in control. Healthy love allows space. It respects individuality, boundaries, and autonomy. When you love someone, you wa

Parent–child relationships are often seen as the most enduring bonds in our lives—rooted in love, history, and shared identity. So when that connection fractures or disappears altogether, it can feel both confusing and deeply painful. Parent–child estrangement is more common than many realize, yet it remains one of the least openly discussed family experiences. Estrangement rarely happens overnight. It is typically the result of patterns that build over time — unresolved conf

One of the most painful and often invisible family dynamics happens when a parent pulls one child into conflict with a sibling. It may sound like venting, complaining, labeling, or “just sharing concerns,” but the emotional impact runs much deeper. When a parent confides in one child about the other child—complaining, labeling, venting, or sharing frustrations—it can quietly pull that child into an adult emotional role and create an unhealthy alliance . Family systems researc

“I’m not sure I love my partner anymore.” The moment this thought enters your mind, panic often follows. What does this mean? Is the relationship over? Am I a terrible person? Should I stay or should I go? Am I involved in another relationship whether it be emotional or physical? Long-term relationships move through seasons The intensity of early passion naturally shifts over time and is often replaced by routine, responsibility, parenting, work stress, emotional fatigue, and

There is something our culture often rewards: being the one who is always pleasant, always agreeable, always available. The one who never wants to disappoint. The one who says yes quickly. The one everyone describes as so nice. On the surface, it sounds like a compliment. But underneath that label, I often hear a different story. I hear exhaustion. I hear resentment. I hear people who have spent so much time taking care of everyone else’s comfort that they no longer know what