Darkness to Dialogue: Living Well With Mental Illness

How to Talk to Your Kids About Mental Health and What It Teaches Us About Recovery Summary Talking about mental health with my child doesn’t just support them, it strengthens my own recovery. With school back in session, here’s why opening these conversations matters and how to do it in a way that feels honest, open, and hopeful. Key Insight Talking openly about mental health with your child doesn’t just teach them; it strengthens your own recovery. Every honest conversation lays the foundation for trust, resilience, and lifelong coping skills. Why I’m Honest About Mental Health with My Child As a mom, I’ve always made it a point to be open about my mental health. I talk about my experiences honestly, about struggles, coping, and healing, so my child understands that mental health is a normal part of life. I realized early on that hiding my feelings wasn’t protecting them; it was creating a wall between us. When they asked questions about why I sometimes seem sad or overwhelmed, it bec...

Mental Health Misinformation Online: Separating Fact from Fiction As a mental health blogger and advocate, I know how important it is to share accurate, research-backed information. With my background in research analysis and my education, I’ve learned the value of not just accepting studies at face value but researching the research itself. In a world where misinformation spreads quickly, especially online, misleading mental health advice can do real harm. I’ve seen people dismiss professional treatment in favor of viral “quick fixes” or feel like failures when a one-size-fits-all solution didn’t work for them. The truth is, mental health support and recovery look different for everyone. That’s why I make every effort to ensure the information I share is based on science, not trends. Misinformation can prevent people from getting the help they truly need, and that’s a risk I refuse to take. Honest, well-researched conversations are essential for real healing and growth. Remember, you...

  Summary Always saying “yes” may seem kind, but people-pleasing can quietly erode your mental health. Discover how to identify patterns, reclaim your voice, and cultivate lasting resilience. Key Insight People-pleasing often hides unmet needs and fuels anxiety, resentment, and burnout. Recognizing these patterns and practicing healthy boundaries improves mental health and accelerates recovery. My Story With People-Pleasing For most of my life, I thought being agreeable, easygoing, and always available made me a “good person.” The truth is, it made me invisible to myself. When I was struggling with depression and trauma, I believed that saying “yes” to everyone else would make me more likable, easier to love, and less likely to be abandoned. But the cost was high. I stopped recognizing my own needs, my own voice, and even my own preferences. People-pleasing left me exhausted and resentful, yet terrified to change, because I didn’t want to disappoint anyone. “People-pleasin...