My family stresses me out: Cut back on family conflict and stress by prioritizing time alone and communicating openly by Taylor Bennett | Jul 28, 2020 | Family, Mental Health Topics, Stress Family conflict and stress is, well, distressing. While it’s normal to fight with our loved ones—especially the family members we see and talk to regularly—withstanding and working through these conflicts is far from easy. Not to mention that the impact of stress on families is damaging, both in the short…
4 tips for dealing with difficult relatives during the holidays (Video) by Taylor Bennett | Dec 18, 2019 | Family, Stress The holiday season is in full swing, as many of us look forward to celebrating Christmas! In fact, according to a poll from Harris Insights and Analytics, Christmas is America’s favorite holiday. Unfortunately, though, Christmas isn’t beloved by all. Some dread the holiday season instead, as they are forced to…
How can family issues affect a child’s performance in school? by Taylor Bennett | Aug 1, 2019 | Children, Teens, & Adolescents, Family, Mental Health Topics Family challenges — such as divorce, financial issues, and sibling bullying — have the potential to negatively affect all family members, including kids. These young individuals do not have the tools or mental capacity to properly manage stress, and it shows in multiple capacities: one being their performance at school….
When a family member takes advantage of you: How to spot it and what to do next by Alannah Miller | Aug 1, 2019 | Family, Mental Health Topics, Power & Control Have you ever been told that you are “too nice” and were confused by what that meant? Aren’t you supposed to be nice to people? The obvious answer is yes. But how nice is too nice? When you perform an act of kindness for someone, it gives you a sense…
When family members stop speaking: What do I do? Should I pick a side? by Alannah Miller | Jul 31, 2019 | Family, Mental Health Topics Family feuds don’t just affect everyone directly involved; they have the ability to negatively affect the entire family. When a family dispute occurs, holidays, birthdays, and special occasions can go from a joyful occasion to an awkward, tension-filled time. Plan out the best course of action for you to take…
How to help your kids adjust after a divorce by Taylor Bennett | Mar 12, 2019 | Family, Mental Health Topics, Parenting When my parents decided to divorce, I was 19 years old and a sophomore in college. Fortunately, because I was 19, I was able to cope (mostly). I was able to understand and adjust accordingly. I also had distractions aplenty, being that I was away at college. My kid brother,…
Is your family under financial stress? Don’t let it rule your lives—here’s what you should do instead by Dr. Carla M. Manly | Nov 14, 2018 | Family, Mental Health Topics, Money & Financial Issues Many of us struggle financially from time to time, as the cost of day to day living expenses continue to rise. As these bills continue to pile up, the stress of financial burden weighs heavy on the family, from the parents to the kids. Fortunately, your financial stress doesn’t have…
When a family member dies—how to adjust to a new normal by Christy Monson | Nov 13, 2018 | Family, Grief & Loss, Mental Health Topics There are many different types of loss and a plethora of different reactions to loss; loss might mean a loved one’s death, divorce, or moving, while common reactions to loss include depressive or anxious feelings. The way we react to such a loss has much to do with two systems:…
A Father’s Rejection Can Increase Social Anxiety and Loneliness in Children by Taylor Bennett | Dec 22, 2017 | Family, Mental Health Topics Everybody can benefit from some time spent alone—most even desire some peace and quiet to themselves. Too much alone time, however, can result in feelings of loneliness and negatively impact our mental health, as a healthy and happy life demands we maintain loving interpersonal relationships: with friends, old and new;…
Spending Time Together in Nature Has Positive Effects on Family Relationships by Taylor Bennett | Dec 22, 2017 | Family, Mental Health Topics An abundance of research has shown that spending time in nature—even just 5 minutes—can yield amazing benefits, such as: stress reduction, mood improvement, increased concentration, and a boost in overall wellbeing. And you don’t have to go to any extremes to reap said benefits either, you can simply go for…
Children of Divorce: 5 Effects by Taylor Bennett | Aug 14, 2017 | Children, Teens, & Adolescents, Family, Mental Health Topics Divorce is not simply the separation of two people—it instead involves other loved ones and members of the family… especially the children. They may be 5 years old, 15 years old, or 25 years old; regardless of their age, it can be a very hard and confusing time. This goes…
Marriage and Family Problems, Insights by Thriveworks Counseling | May 9, 2014 | Family, Mental Health Topics, Relationships Communication, Hard Work and Connection I woke up this morning with an interesting thought about marriage and family relationships. So many people I know have healthy, loving relationships for years and years, but then something happens and suddenly their relationships take a nosedive. It is almost as if there is…