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The psychological dynamics of abusive relationships are complex, and sometimes difficult to understand. Theories like Battered Woman Syndrome help give us a framework to understand what victims feel and experience. It helps us understand why victims sometimes recant their stories, support men who abuse them, and stay in dangerous relationships. Understanding these dynamics and the reasons victims behave the way they do also enables counselors and advocates to more effectively help victims and their children stay safe, and hopefully escape abusive situations. [More]

“No one ever told me that grief felt so like fear. I am not afraid, but the sensation is like being afraid. The same fluttering in the stomach, the same restlessness, the yawning. I keep on swallowing… Perhaps more strictly, like suspense. Or like waiting: just hanging about waiting for something to happen. It gives life a permanently provisional feeling.” C.S. Lewis [More]

Many children struggle with mental illness. However, unlike adults, the symptoms are different and can be more difficult to recognize. Sometimes parents are unaware of the warning signs of mental illness in children, and if it is recognized, they may not know who to turn to. Mental health issues affect children in school, at home and in the community, and left untreated can cause delays in development in those domains. [More]

Stress is horrible, isn't it? But people have to deal with stress every single day because they don't know how to deal with it appropriately. In this blog post, we're going to take a closer look at stress and give you some ways that you can cope with stressful days that you may have to deal with. [More]

Many times in the course of receiving mental health care, an individual may feel like things are not going well, or that they are not receiving the treatment that is most beneficial. However, those same individuals may feel like they are unable to question the mental health professionals who are treating them. Additionally, a person may not have the energy or desire to take steps to demand better care and will go along with whatever treatment that they are receiving. This is especially true in the beginning stages of diagnosis and recovery. [More]

If you've looked at the news lately, you've likely noticed that there is a lot going on in the world of mental health. It can be hard to understand, especially if it's not something that you're used to seeing, but in recent years it has become obvious that mental health issues are more prevalent in the United States than in any other country on the planet. Why is this the case? What is so different about the United States that it seems to be "that much worse" when it comes to mental health struggles? [More]

There are many causes for mental illness, including biological, social, and emotional factors. Being a single mother can be incredibly stressful, and stress can contribute to the development of mental illness, or aggravate existing mental health problems. In one study, single mothers were found to have more incidences of moderate to severe mental disability than women who had partners to help with parenting. Financial hardship and lack of social support were two factors thought to contribute to the increased incidence of mental illness Crosier, Butterworth, & Rodgers, 2007). [More]

Some people do everything that they can to make sure that they avoid conflict, while others embrace it and get "toe to toe" with it so that they can feel brave and empowered. No matter which type of person you are, you should know that there is a healthy way for you to deal with conflict, whether it's in your friendship or in your marriage. In this article, we're going to take a closer look at conflict and how to deal with it in a healthy manner. [More]

Bipolar Disorder was commonly referred to as Manic Depressive Disorder, and is a mental illness that is characterized by extreme changes in mood from very high or manic, and very low or depressed. It is considered to be one of the more disabling disorders especially when it goes untreated. During manic phases, people can be self-destructive and impulsive which can be difficult for others to deal with. Also during a manic phase, many people living with this illness are likely to “feel great” and might become non-compliant with the treatment that keeps them more stable. [More]

One terrifying and debilitating thing that many people have to deal with are panic attacks. There are a number of people throughout the world who are diagnosed with panic disorders, and may have to deal with the negative effects of panic attacks on a regular basis as a result of the disorder. Other people may have panic attacks as a side effect of a disorder, like anxiety or depression, because they are unable to deal with extreme amounts of stress; these people don't necessarily have a panic disorder, but suffer from the same sorts of panic attacks that those with disorders have to deal with too. [More]