family

Family can be our support system. Or they can be part of the problem. All about the complicated, loving, and difficult relationship with us and the ones who love us.

Recognizing Grooming Behavior: Signs, Stages, and How to Protect Yourself. Content Warning.
Grooming is a manipulation process that is used by predators to gain confidence, establish emotional control, and eventually exploit their victims - whether emotionally, physically, sexually or financially. It often occurs in plain sight and is disguised as care, mentorship, or friendship, making it difficult to find out that it is too late.
By Diana Crooks11 months ago in Psyche
7 Benefits of Seeking a Therapist vs. Confiding in a Friend
Life presents unexpected hurdles that can feel overwhelming. Conversations with friends provide compassionate reassurance, while discussions with a therapist offer structured, research-backed guidance. Both serve critical functions, yet their approaches and outcomes vary immensely. Recognizing these distinctions can help individuals make informed choices regarding their mental and emotional well-being.
By Piper Burch11 months ago in Psyche
The Shadows I Fear. Content Warning.
For the last 15 years I have struggled with what I call "negative hallucinations" whenever I get too much stress in my life. They typically take the form of shadows saying some really dark and untrue things like:
By The Schizophrenic Mom11 months ago in Psyche
Embracing My Mid-life Crisis
I’ve decided to start my mid-life crisis at the grand old age of 39. I say “decided to start” as though I have any say in the matter. In reality I’ve been going through an identity crisis for quite some time.
By S C Goode11 months ago in Psyche
The Largest Challenge We Face On The Road To Success
The Road to Success often Feels like a Struggle. It is something we All Experience. The "Specifics" are usually Different from Person to Person.
By Dr. Cody Dakota Wooten, DFM, DHM, DAS (hc)11 months ago in Psyche
A Common Piece Of Life Advice That Is Horribly Misleading
As you go through Life, you'll hear many Pieces of Advice. Many of them are Common to Hear. Yet, just because it is "Common" Does Not Mean it Works.
By Dr. Cody Dakota Wooten, DFM, DHM, DAS (hc)11 months ago in Psyche
People Would Rather Shock Themselves Than Sit Alone
Silence makes people uncomfortable. Not the kind that comes after a bad joke but the kind where there is nothing left to do but think. In a world that bombards us with notifications, background noise, and endless distractions, the idea of sitting alone without any stimulation seems unbearable. But just how unbearable? A study from the University of Virginia discovered something shocking. When given the choice between sitting quietly with their thoughts or giving themselves an electric shock, many chose the latter. They preferred physical pain over mental stillness.
By Ojo11 months ago in Psyche
Two Horribly Painful Things That Frequently Stand In The Way Of Our Success
The Path to Success can be Littered with Obstacles and Challenges. Some of them we Face on our Own. Some of them we Face with Others.
By Dr. Cody Dakota Wooten, DFM, DHM, DAS (hc)11 months ago in Psyche
Why Narcissists Turn Your Criticism Against You
Unfortunately, you won’t get a narcissist to see where they are wrong, because of many different factors. One main factor is that they have no sense of self-reflection. Self-reflection means to observe and analyze oneself in order to grow or change as an individual. This is not the case for someone who has NPD narcissistic personality disorder, because they have convinced themselves that there is no need to grow or change. Self-reflection refers to in-depth awareness of cognitive, emotional, and behavioral aspects that governs one’s life, and a narcissist’s personality disorder governs their entire life.
By Waleed Ahmed11 months ago in Psyche
Daring Greatly: Lessons from the Arena of Mental Health Battle
I’m sitting in a room after resigning from my dream job. Reading Daring Greatly by Brene Brown where I found this speech. This is Roosevelt’s famous speech about the man in the arena that I first heard from Brene Brown. Today it felt like he is directly talking to me.
By Smita11 months ago in Psyche
Decide You Can Do It One More Day. Content Warning.
Eighteen years ago today my Daddy lived his last full day. Is it odd that a sixty-four year old woman refers to her father as daddy? I am, after all, not a Southern Belle. I was, for many years, emotionally and physically estranged from him. Be that as it may, I refer to him as my father but in my heart-voice he is always my Daddy.
By Judey Kalchik 11 months ago in Psyche
Understanding Asperger's Syndrome: A Closer Look at a Neurodevelopmental Profile
Asperger syndrome, often simply called Asperger’s, is a term historically used to describe a specific neurodevelopmental profile on the autism spectrum. Although the formal diagnosis is no longer used in the latest diagnostic manuals, many individuals who were previously diagnosed with Asperger's continue to identify positively as "Aspies." This article explores what Asperger syndrome is, highlights its typical symptoms and distinctive strengths, and reviews various therapy and support services that can help individuals overcome challenges and harness their potential.
By Janneta Bohlander11 months ago in Psyche