Fostering Growth

Mental health is hard. Talking about mental health is hard. Life is hard.   In the past couple of weeks two celebrities have tragically taken their lives.   I am sure you have seen it; the coverage was all over media outlets. While most of their lives were spent in the spotlight I cannot agree that their deaths should’ve been in the way that I have watched.   There have been more than 50 research studies worldwide that have found that certain types of news coverage can increase the likelihood of suicide in vulnerable individuals. Risk of additional suicide increases when the story describes the suicide method, uses images, or glamorizes a death. I see responses to the media saying that the person was so selfish. Yes, it looks this way.   But if you have ever taken the time to speak with someone that has attempted to take their lives, it is quite opposite; their minds are telling them this is the ONLY way to protect those around them and themsel...

As Marriage and Family Therapists, we work with folks who are having relational issues. Sometimes the issues are in relation to others: our kids, our spouse, or our friends. But sometimes they are in relation to ourselves. I find that at the center of many of these issues is a sense of “not being good enough.” Everyone doubts and second guesses, and almost everyone beats themselves up over what they did (or didn’t) do today, yesterday, last week, or last month. So I thought I would share five things I wish I had known sooner… #1 All people are different . I know, I know….this seems obvious. But many of us readily say everyone is different, then use the same parenting style, follow the same rigid rules, or see all our relationships through the same lens. I often find that with minor adjustments and some practice, some of the rigid thoughts decrease and we are able to be more compassionate. Take away: know your audience. #2 Feelings just are . People say things l...