Sexual orientation makes up most of our identity, questioning that aspect of self can sometimes be anxiety inducing for a multitude of reasons. Within sexual orientation, the concept and idea of the individual coming to an understanding of who they are as a person and their sexual preference can provoke an identity crisis, which can in turn cause anxiety. It is known that the LGBTQ+ community experiences a higher risk for developing mental health disorders, especially Anxiety and Depression.
Members of the LGBTQIA+ community are at an increased risk of experiencing disorders such as anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, and dysphoria. One way that we can be mindful of our impact on others is to use gender neutral language instead of assuming we know how an individual identifies. Using inclusive language to refer to others is not something that was taught widely until recent years and is still not prioritized enough outside of the LGBTQIA+ community. Regardless of how you identify your gender, it is important to understand what it means to use inclusive language when referring to others.
June is pride month and focuses on celebrating the LGBTQ+ community. There are probably events in your area to commemorate the month such as family pride picnics, flag-raising, and maybe even a parade. But why are these events and pride so important?
While eating disorders and disordered eating behaviors can impact individuals of all identities, studies repeatedly show that those in the LGBTQ+ community experience these struggles at higher rates than the general population. As sexual and gender minorities, this community faces increased levels of external and internal stressors. These external stressors (bullying, discrimination, violence, micro-aggressions, stereotypes, social pressures to conform, etc.) and internal stressors (internalized homophobia or transphobia, concealment of identity(s), fear of rejection, disclosing/coming out, etc.) are challenges that disproportionately impact this community and are more likely to contribute to feelings of body dissatisfaction. Body dissatisfaction is found to be one of the greatest predictors associated with eating disorders and/or disordered eating behaviors.
As the trees start blooming and the weather begins to get warmer the anticipation of the summer season starts to grow. Some families follow a certain activity of traditions that they look forward to all year. Others may find themselves thinking of how to make the best of the summer months with nothing particular planned other than a brief family vacation. No matter what situation you find yourself in, using structure to make the most of the summer months can help you make the most of your time.
Adolescence is the developmental stage from about ages 12-18. During this period, adolescents are building an understanding of who they are and how they fit into the world. Because of what we know about the developmental stage of adolescence, it is expected that this is a time when comparison to others is more present and body image may waver. This often brings up concerns for kids about what others think of them and if they are living up to societal expectations. When it comes to body type in our culture, there is a societal expectation for bodies to fit the “thin ideal”. This expectation is something that we cannot escape as it is presented to us at every angle whether that be consuming media or what is taught in health classes at school. It is important to understand how to respond to your child when they approach this stage.
Are you finding it difficult to help your kid whose struggling with managing their anger or their acting out behavior? This is very common and this is tough for both the parent and the kid who struggles with anger management. If your kid is experiencing anger outbursts and it’s impacting their daily functioning, it’s important to help them build the emotional tolerance that they need to manage these big feelings. The following are ways that you can help your kid whose struggling with managing their own anger.
The end of the school year could be filled with many different emotions for students and parents alike. It marks the completion of another school year full of growth, successes, and overcoming obstacles. Many may have already grown attached to their routine, classmates and teachers, while others may be eager to move on happily looking forward to the future. In either case, it can be beneficial to intentionally plan on supporting your child so they can get the opportunity to experience a meaningful goodbye.
Have you ever gotten a good night’s sleep but still woke up feeling exhausted? This might be a sign of “rest deficit.” Rest is more than just sleep! Often, we might confuse the two. It’s important that we stop treating rest like a reward, or something we start doing once exhaustion, burnout, or overwhelms finds us.
Are you questioning whether or not your family would benefit from family therapy? Well first things first, every family would benefit from this form of therapy due to the ability to process difficult feelings in a safe place with the family system. Homeostasis is very important in maintaining a healthy balance and relationship between family members. If there’s a disruption within the family system, if there lacks communication, if there are behaviors that are worsening.. it may be best to try family therapy. The goals for family therapy usually include helping develop healthy boundaries, facilitating healthy communication patterns, and building empathy and understanding.
In today’s culture, children and teens have access to their own smartphones and social media accounts earlier than ever. Smartphones and social media allow us to have a constant stream of images and advertisements at our fingertips. If you’ve had conversations with your children about how many hours per day they are allowed screen time then you know that once they have access to these platforms- viewing content becomes a consistent component of their daily lives. What are the implications on children’s self-image when having access to this type of content every day?
Setting expectations for your child is meant to be helpful. But, when is it harmful? Similar to a tightrope, expectations can be tricky to navigate and acrobats (in this case, your child) often require the perfect combination of skill, training, and coaching to be able to successfully get across. So when you set expectations for your child you should consider whether or not you are setting your child up to succeed (meet the expectations) or fail (not meet the expectations).
Do you feel like you don’t have time for self care? Many people feel that way because their definition of self care is like a fantasy. Many of us wonder, how do we set aside three hours to run a hot bath and read our favorite book? This idealistic vision of self care leads many people to believe that self care is unattainable, or that they just can’t make time for it. Luckily, self care is much easier to incorporate into your routine than you’d expect! Let’s figure out what self care really is, and how you can make it part of your day-to-day with a simple checklist…
Relationships are emotional roller coasters. They make us feel anxious, frustrated, and upset. What causes us to feel certain ways during times of conflict or quiet moments? One factor is your attachment style. There are three attachment styles, according to attachment theory: anxious, avoidant, and secure. Which attachment style resonates most with you, and what can it tell you about your feelings in your relationships? Dive in…
As parents, we tend to feel like there’s not enough time in a day for quality time with our kids. We want to maintain a strong connection with them, but how can we juggle that, sports practice, work, and so many other responsibilities? The key is quality over quantity. Quality time does not have to involve a 2-hour shopping spree or a full-day activity. When your children were toddlers, going for a walk together or having them help you bake cookies was considered quality time together. So why would that have to change as your children get older? Sometimes, even the simplest ideas for quality time will work great. Here are some tips and tricks to making bonding with your child easier…
Are you craving calm? A sense of peace won’t suddenly appear at your door. To find calm in your life, you’re going to have to create it for yourself. Luckily, it’s not hard to do! Start by blocking out a routine time for you. Maybe it’s after the kids go to bed, or on a weekend morning before soccer practice. Make it a time that you will focus on your well-being without distractions. Use the time to take care of yourself by practicing self-soothe. We’ll help you get started…
Seeing your child struggle may be one of the most difficult things to experience as a parent. Whether it’s watching them fall down at the playground or reading their rejection letter from their top choice college, it’s equally painful to witness. As a parent, your instinct is to fix your child’s problem or soothe their pain as quickly as possible. But what if the distress you’re feeling is more about your own discomfort than your child’s? The secret to being a supportive parent is helping your child without enabling them. Where do you draw the line between being there for your kid and doing the hard work for your kid? And how do you manage the stress that comes along with this? Here are some helpful tips…
Do you feel like breaking a habit is impossible? You’re not alone. It’s tough for anyone to change our behaviors because of the way our brains are wired. It’s naturally challenging—but not impossible—to make a change. By understanding how our brains work and making gradual, repetitive adjustments over time, we can alter our behavior. If you’re ready to break a habit or if you want to help your child make a change for the better, follow these tips…
Do you sometimes feel like you’re walking on eggshells with your teen? Like certain things you do or say could easily set them off? If your child’s emotions are causing a disconnect and leaving you at a loss for how to respond, don’t worry! Teens are prone to emotional ups and downs; it’s part of growing up. Sometimes intense emotions will quickly pass, while other times, they’ll stick around for a while. How can you navigate your child’s emotional experience without either of you feeling as frustrated, confused, or upset? Emotion regulation skills can help! Ask yourself these questions to make the experience more manageable for you and your teen…
As your child gets older, do you feel like you’re drifting apart? It’s understandable to want to connect with your child. But the baby you once knew is older, wiser, and different now. They seek more independence and privacy than ever before. While it’s not easy maintaining a strong bond, it is certainly doable. Every so often, you’ll have to rethink the dynamics and your approach to the relationship. If one method isn’t working, try something new so you can continue to be a trusted source of support. Here are some tips and tricks to help you stay connected to your child…
