Silent Treatment From Your Teen? Here’s How To Get Them To Open Up
When your teen shuts down, it’s agonizing as a parent. I’ve been there with my daughter Maddie. What helped us reconnect wasn’t forcing conversations but being patient and compassionate. We shared laughs, but we also shared moments of sadness. Sometimes, just showing up without judgment makes all the difference.
Do You Have These 6 Essential Parenting Skills For The Teenage Years?
Supporting a teen with depression can feel like navigating a storm without a compass. Through my journey with Maddie, I’ve learned six essential skills every parent needs: listening, celebrating progress, practicing patience, being self-aware, showing resilience, and advocating for your child. These tools aren’t just for crisis moments—they’ll help you become a better, more compassionate parent every day.
A Lighthouse in the Storm: Empowering Parents to Find Their Way Through Teen Struggles
Navigating the mental health journey with a struggling teen can be isolating, but you’re not alone. Sharing our stories is vital for connecting and supporting one another as parents. By opening up about our experiences, we can help each other face the challenges of raising teens who may be struggling. Together, we can foster a sense of community and understanding, reminding ourselves that we don’t have to go through this alone.
I Still Have Dark Days, But Now They Empower Me
Twelve years ago, I shared my mental health journey for the first time, and I was overwhelmed by the support that followed. What started as a nervous step into the unknown became a mission to keep speaking up, even as life tested me in ways I never could have imagined. Some may tire of the topic, but as long as the messages keep coming, I’ll keep sharing. We all have a story worth telling, and I hope mine encourages others to share theirs too. #MentalHealth #Growth #Resilience #KeepGoing #Support
How My Viral Post Made My Mental Health Plummet
I shared a deeply personal post about my daughter on World Suicide Awareness Day, and it went viral. At first, the response felt amazing, but soon I found myself overwhelmed—caught in an emotional whirlwind I didn’t see coming. Going viral taught me a hard truth: even positive attention can take a toll on our mental health. Sometimes, protecting our peace means stepping back.
Twenty-Two Missed Calls: The Moment I Knew My Worst Fear Had Come True
This is the opening chapter of my book, Wake Up, You Could Lose Your Teen to Suicide. Writing it was the most difficult thing I’ve ever done. Reliving those moments brought a flood of vivid memories and the searing pain of the night we lost my 14-year-old daughter, Maddie, to suicide.
On the night of April 10, 2015, I was jolted awake by an urgent voice and a series of missed calls, leading to the devastating truth: Maddie was gone. It’s every parent’s worst nightmare, a moment that shattered my world. But from this unimaginable tragedy came a commitment—a mission to change how we approach mental health.
My goal is to ensure no family has to experience the same unbearable pain we did that night. Through better awareness, support, and prevention, I want to make sure that parents, children, and communities are equipped to handle the challenges of mental health in ways we weren’t. This book is my way of turning that grief into action, and my hope is that it will help save lives.
The Best Therapist Book, Few Therapists Have Read
Have you ever felt like your goals are always just out of reach, leaving you frustrated and discouraged? 'The Gap and the Gain' by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Ben Hardy completely changed my perspective on progress. Instead of chasing an elusive ideal, I've learned to appreciate how far I've come. This simple shift has not only transformed my life but also the lives of those I coach. Ready for a game-changer?"
Why It's Natural to Feel Sad When Your Child Heads to University
As your child heads off to university, it's natural to feel a mix of pride, sadness, and loneliness. This transition can leave your home feeling emptier and your heart a bit lost, but these emotions are normal. Embrace the feelings, stay connected with your child, and focus on self-care. While the change is bittersweet, it's also an opportunity for growth, both for you and your child. You're not alone in this journey.
How Can It Be So Dark Even on the Sunniest Days?
Overcoming depression and finding happiness: Learn valuable insights from my personal journey. Discover practical tips for self-help, gratitude, passion, exercise, seeking support, and setting goals. Embrace positivity and live one day at a time. Find hope and inspiration in this transformative story. #DepressionRecovery #FindingHappiness #SelfHelpTips
Why I Believe It’s So Much Easier To Say I’m Fine
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In this heartfelt post, the author shares their journey of loss and grief, highlighting the ongoing challenges and transformations they've experienced. They stress the importance of understanding and supporting individuals who have endured significant loss. Additionally, they encourage support for How Are You Feeling, a cause dedicated to teaching kids to understand their emotions for youths and families affected by mental illnesses. Discover the profound impact of grief and how we can offer compassion to those in need.