How often do you find yourself forgetting an important date? Perhaps a birthday, anniversary, important milestone, job interview, or medical appointment?
Within relationships, acknowledging important dates in loved one’s lives has special significance. It shows that you are thinking about them and that you care.
Celebrating special dates with a loved one can be a truly meaningful experience. It can help the other person feel loved and appreciated.
December is a month of celebration. It is also a month full of rituals and traditions.
Rituals differ from traditions in that rituals involve a series of actions that are repeated. A tradition is similar in that beliefs or behaviors are passed down, with cultural significance tied to the past; however, they do not need to be performed in a prescribed order.
The Oxford Dictionary defines the word grateful as “showing an appreciation of kindness.” Being grateful is an action whereas being thankful is a feeling. While the holidays have looked different this year, especially compared to past years, I reflect on thankfulness and choose to practice gratitude.
How often does the topic of family mental health history come up while sitting around the dinner table? I am guessing not very often! What about your family’s medical history? This topic may feel a bit more comfortable but also tends to not be discussed.
How are you coping this holiday season? In response to the latest restrictions involving social gatherings and measures that have been taken in general to stay safe with Coronavirus, things will look much different this year.
The holidays tend to be a difficult time for those who have lost a loved one. This is especially true for family and friends who have died by suicide. Within the last year, I have been able to come alongside friends and family who have lost loved ones by suicide. As we celebrate the holiday season, suicide survivors are reminded of the “empty chair” at the table. The Saturday before Thanksgiving has been designated as International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day. It is a day where family and friends of those who have died by suicide can come together for support and healing.
We CARE about awareness. At CARE Counseling, our clinicians can assist with managing symptoms such as depression related to medical health concerns. We welcome care coordination/ referrals from primary health and specialty care providers. We are trained in managing mental health distress and have a clinician on staff with special interest in Type 1 Diabetes
As a follow up to the blog on CARE-ing for a Friend/ Family Member who is Misusing Drugs or Alcohol, I’d like to share some practical tools customized for parents and partners, the first tool being a 20minuteguide. It includes motivational techniques for behavioral change, worksheets, and examples of how to apply and practice CRAFT, or Community Reinforcement and Family Training strategies with your loved one
The Queen’s Gambit is a fascinating mini series from a mental health perspective. The storyline is based off of Walter Tevis’ 1983 novel, which follows the life of Beth Harmon from orphan to chess prodigy. The setting takes place in Kentucky through the mid 1950’s and 60’s and takes us around the US, ending in Russia.
Caring for a loved one struggling with the mental and physical reliance on substances can be a very painful experience, especially for those who experience the effects first-hand. Substance use impacts the entire family system; therefore it is important to have support at all steps along the way–from the time of emerging concerns to treatment and recovery. Knowing what to do is not always easy, especially when watching a loved one engage in self-defeating behavior.
