Mental Illness

Mental Illness Stigma

“Mental illness is nothing to be ashamed of, but stigma and bias shame us all” (Former President Bill Clinton)

Mental health conditions are often misunderstood. People living with anxiety, depression, trauma, or other emotional challenges are frequently seen as weak, dangerous, or incapable of managing their lives. These beliefs are not only inaccurate, they are deeply harmful. When symptoms are misunderstood, fear replaces compassion, and misinformation spreads easily.

Many people struggle in silence, not because they do not want help, but because they are afraid of how they will be seen.

They worry about being judged.

They worry about being labeled.

They worry that something is “wrong” with them.

Stigma shows up in different ways

Public stigma refers to the negative attitudes and assumptions held by society. These beliefs can lead to avoidance, judgment, or discrimination, making it harder for people to feel accepted or supported.

Self-stigma occurs when individuals internalize those messages and begin to see themselves through a critical and shaming lens. Over time, this can erode self-esteem, increase isolation, and make reaching out for help feel overwhelming.

The good news is that stigma can be reduced

Education matters. When mental health conditions are understood as real and treatable health concerns rather than personal failures, fear decreases and empathy grows.

Connection matters too. Meaningful contact with individuals who live full, productive lives while managing mental health challenges helps dismantle stereotypes and reminds us of our shared humanity.

Mental health struggles rarely affect just one person. They impact partners, children, parents, and close friends. Loved ones often feel unsure of how to help or what to do next. Learning about mental health and treatment options can be an important first step toward understanding and healing.

You do not have to carry this alone

Therapy offers a space to reduce shame, gain clarity, and begin meaningful change. Whether you are struggling personally or supporting someone you love, help is available.

If this resonates with you, and you are feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure where to turn, I am here to help. Reaching out for support can be the first step toward feeling better and moving forward.

Depression

Is Mommy Going to Be Grumpy, Sad, or Happy Today?

Children notice everything, the tone of a voice, the look on a face, the subtle shifts in energy that signal how safe or uncertain the day may feel.

When a parent is struggling with depression, children often wake up wondering what kind of day it will be and which version of their parent they will meet.

Depression changes the emotional rhythm of a home.

Routines feel less predictable.

A parent may want to engage but feel exhausted or emotionally unavailable. For children, this can feel confusing, unsettling, and even frightening.

Partners feel it too.

Many describe walking on eggshells, unsure of how to communicate without making things worse. Conversations become shorter. Connection feels harder to reach.

Even so, connection is still possible.

Small, consistent moments matter more than big gestures. Sitting together. Watching a familiar movie. Going for a short walk. Quiet presence can be deeply reassuring, especially for children.

A healthy home does not require constant happiness.

It requires emotional safety, predictability, and compassion.

Because depression often interferes with motivation and clarity, the non-depressed adult may need to take the first step in seeking help. Therapy can support the entire family by improving communication, strengthening understanding, and restoring balance.

Depression does not have to define your family’s story.If this feels familiar, help is available.

Reaching out can be the first step toward a calmer, more connected home.

Overcoming Infidelity

Infidelity Is More Than Just a Sexual Act

The moment you discover your partner has been unfaithful can feel like a devastating blow, comparable to the loss of a loved one. It shatters your reality and can forever alter the course of your life. The pain is not just emotional—it’s a deep and profound betrayal that can feel unbearable.

If you’re deeply attached to your partner, learning about an affair can trigger a traumatic response. This trauma often manifests in ways that go far beyond what you might expect. You may experience intrusive thoughts that replay over and over, leaving you unable to focus on anything else. You may feel emotionally numb, disconnected from feelings that once came easily. And despite the pain, you may find yourself obsessively seeking out every painful detail of the affair, desperately trying to make sense of what happened, even though it only deepens the hurt.

For couples struggling with the aftermath of infidelity, therapy often becomes the first step in rebuilding trust and restoring the relationship. But it’s essential to recognize that healing is not immediate or easy. It’s a process that takes time, patience, and a deep commitment from both partners to confront the pain and begin to rebuild the connection that has been fractured.

From my experience, I tell clients that there are two critical steps necessary for healing:

1. The affair must be completely severed.

In order for the relationship to have any chance of moving forward, the affair must come to an end, with no contact or lingering emotional attachments. The other relationship, no matter how complicated, must be completely closed off. Only then can the healing process begin.

2. Both partners must take responsibility.

It’s common for the person who had the affair to try to shift blame onto their partner. Comments like, “Our relationship wasn’t great,” or “The intimacy was lacking,” may suggest that the affair was somehow justified. But the reality is, affairs don’t happen when both partners are emotionally fulfilled and satisfied in their relationship. Both partners must take responsibility for their part in the breakdown—this is a crucial step in rebuilding trust and understanding.

Infidelity is not just about a physical act of betrayal; it’s about emotional and intimate involvement with someone outside of your relationship. It’s a breach of trust that goes beyond the obvious—it involves dishonesty, secrecy, and a fundamental breakdown in the emotional bond between you and your partner.

If you’re grappling with the aftermath of infidelity, struggling to deal with the overwhelming mistrust and emotional pain, you don’t have to face it alone. The journey toward healing and rebuilding your relationship starts with understanding, empathy, and a willingness to work through the pain together. With professional support, you can begin the process of rebuilding trust, repairing the emotional damage, and restoring the connection you once had.

Child Traumatic Stress

That can’t be it - - he (she) was only a child when that happened

When someone feels intensely threatened by an event he or she is involved in or witnesses, we call that event a trauma. Child traumatic stress (CTS) is a psychological reaction that some children have to a traumatic experience.  Childhood trauma results from anything that disrupts a child’s sense of safety and security, including:

• Automobile accidents

• Serious injuries or illness

• Acts of violence

• Sexual, physical, or verbal abuse

• The unexpected death of a loved one

• An unstable or unsafe environment

• Domestic violence

• Neglect

• Bullying

Not every child who experiences a traumatic event will develop symptoms of CTS. But 1 out of every 4 children will experience a traumatic event before the age of 16, and some of these children will develop CTS. If left untreated, CTS can interfere with a child’s healthy development and lead to long-term difficulties. Children who have been traumatized see the world as a frightening and dangerous place. When childhood trauma remains unresolved, this fundamental sense of fear and helplessness may carry over into adulthood. Children who suffer from CTS may experience:

• Behavioral changes

• Difficulties in school

• Difficulties eating and sleeping

• Withdrawal

• Aches and Pains

• Anxiety

• Depression

When a child has experienced a traumatic event, he or she may be struggling with upsetting emotions, frightening memories, or a sense of constant danger. Children who have experienced trauma may feel numb, disconnected, and unable to trust other people.

When trauma occurs, it can take a while to get over the pain and feel safe again. But with effective treatment, self-help strategies, and support, we can often speed up the recovery.

If you suspect your child may be suffering from the consequences of child traumatic stress, please feel free to contact me to find out how I may be of help.