Category Archives: Healthy Relationship

Empowering Against Narcissism: Finding Strength

Healthy Coping Mechanisms, Healthy Relationship, Mental Health, Suicide Prevention, ,

Being with someone who acts like they’re better than everyone else, like they’re always right, can really mess up how you feel about yourself.  They might say mean things or make you doubt yourself all the time.  It can make you feel like you have to depend on them, even if they’re not treating you well.  It can even make you sick from feeling stressed all the time.  But even though it’s hard, people who go through this keep going, even when things seem really bad.

Learn more about the effects of stress,  Click here

I’ve had family and friends who acted like this, and it really hurt my feelings and made me feel bad about myself.  It took a long time for me to figure out that I’m actually pretty great just the way I am.  I used to feel unsure about myself and even pretend to be happy when I wasn’t.  But that just made things worse.  Dealing with someone who always wants to be in control made me feel like what I though or wanted didn’t matter.  it made me forget how important I am.

If someone acts like they’re better than everyone’s else, never says sorry when they hurt your feelings, or tries to make you feel guilty for thing that aren’t your fault, those are big signs something’s wrong.  They might act really nice at first but then start being mean later.  They might not respect your personal space or get mad for no reason.  Its important to notice these signs early so you can protect yourself from feeling bad.

When you’ve been hurt or treated badly by someone, it might feel like they’ve taken away your power.  But being a victim doesn’t mean you’re weak or helpless.  In fact, it can be just the opposite.  Going through tough times can make you stronger and wiser.  It gives you the chance to learn from what happened and grow from it.  Instead of letting it bring you down, use it as fuel to stand up for yourself and others.  You have the power to choose how you react and how you let it affect you.  Remember, you’re not alone, there are people who care about you and want to help.  Being a victim doesn’t define you; its what you do next that matters.  So, take control of your story and let it empower you to be even stronger than before.

 

National Domestic Violence Hotline

For more info, Click here

Call: 800-799-7233

Volunteer Crisis Counselor

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Text LEV to 741741

Mental Health Hotline Michigan

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Call: 866-903-3787

Suicide Hotline

For more info, Click here

Call: 988

I hope you all stay safe and have a wonderful weekend.

Don’t forget, you’re important.

Warm Regards,

Monique

 

 

References:

Admin. (2024, January 12). Mental Health Hotline Michigan | 866-903-3787. Mental Health Hotline. https://mentalhealthhotline.org/michigan/

Domestic Violence Support | National Domestic Violence Hotline. (2023, April 27). The Hotline. https://www.thehotline.org/

Emotional abuse – free 24/7 support – text 741741. (2023, July 24). Crisis Text Line. https://www.crisistextline.org/topics/emotional-abuse/#what-is-emotional-abuse-1

Our Network – 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. (n.d.). 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. https://988lifeline.org/our-network/

Vitalityunleashed. (2023, June 20). How to Identify Narcissism & Narcissist – Vitality Unleashed Psychology. VITALITY. https://www.vitalityunleashed.com.au/identifying-narcissism/

Identifying Narcissism

 

The Impact of Holiday Gatherings on Mental Health and Coping Mechanisms to Get Through it

Healthy Coping Mechanisms, Healthy Relationship, Holiday gatherings, Mental Health, , , ,

 

Easter brings people together for joy and bonding.  Yet, family gatherings may also bring tension.  Finding ways to manage this stress helps maintain harmony.

Read our excerpt about anxiety, Click here

Easter gatherings can have positive effects on mental health:

  1. Feeling connected: Holidays give us a chance to be with family and friends again, which can make us feel like we belong and less alone.
  2. Emotional Help:  Sharing happy and sad times with family helps us deal with tough feelings better and makes us stronger emotionally.

Negative effects of Easter Gatherings on Mental Health Include:

  1. Family Conflict:  Easter gatherings may bring unresolved conflicts to the surface.  Differences in opinions, values, and lifestyles can escalate into arguments.
  2. Pressure and Expectations:  The pressure to conform familial expectations and traditions can create stress and anxiety.  Individuals may feel compelled to present themselves in a certain way that may not be comfortable with.

Dealing with holiday gatherings can be tough, but there are ways to cope:

  1. Set Boundaries:  It’s important to tell your family what’s okay and what’s not.  If things get too much, take a break.
  2. Active Listening: Pay attention to what others are saying and try to understand their feelings.
  3. Manage Expectations:  Don’t aim for perfection.  Focus on enjoying the moment, flaws and all.
  4. Take Care of Yourself:  Do things that make you happy before, during, and after family gatherings, like meditating or exercising.
  5. Be grateful and Get support:  Talk to someone outside your family for a different perspective.  Focus on the good things about your family to feel better.  Changing your mindset can change your life.

Easter gatherings, lasting only two days, can deeply affect our mental well-being, for better or worse.  Recognizing these potential impacts beforehand can prepare us to appreciate and support each other, emphasizing the importance of love and connection during these times.

For more information,  Click here

I hope you have a safe and happy holiday.

Love,

Monique

 

References:

A psychiatrist’s guide to surviving family gatherings. (n.d.). https://www.psychiatry.org/news-room/apa-blogs/surviving-family-gatherings