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Social Media Risks for Teens: Mental Health, Addiction, and Cyberbullying
Social media has become a major part of our lives and a huge impact on society. Teenagers have more access to social networks. This access brings teens to a range of issues. Issues such as social anxiety, digital addition, cyber bullying, media pressure, and increased screen time are increased due to social networking. Parents worry about their children due to social media. Social media exposes dangers into a teens life. It is imperative for parents, educators, and other adults who have an impact on teenager’s lives to be aware of these dangers . Social media is changing. We have to remain knowledgeable to be able to protect our teens from…
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Understanding the Spectrum of Anger and How to Resolve It
Anger is a complex emotion that manifests in various forms, each with its unique characteristics and underlying causes. By understanding the different types of anger, we can gain insights into our own emotional responses and develop healthier coping mechanisms. In this blog, we will explore five common types of anger and their implications. Passive Anger Passive anger is characterized by indirect expressions of anger, such as sarcasm, silent treatment, or passive-aggressive behavior. Individuals experiencing passive anger may struggle to express their emotions openly, leading to resentment and frustration. This type of anger often stems from a fear of confrontation or a desire to avoid conflict. Recognizing passive anger is crucial,…
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Assertive Communication: 5 CLEAR Truths to Express Yourself with Confidence
Assertive communication is a powerful tool that allows individuals to express their thoughts, feelings, and needs in a clear and respectful manner. By using “I” statements instead of blaming language, assertive communication promotes healthy relationships, helps avoid conflicts, and enables individuals to set boundaries effectively. Not everyone knows how, or has the confidence, to begin using assertive communication. Using the acronym CLEAR, I have identified 5 truths than can help you gain confidence and understanding that can lead to healthier communication. Clarity through “I” Statements: Assertive communication emphasizes expressing oneself using “I” statements rather than using accusatory language with the word “you.” For instance, instead of saying, “You never listen to…
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Overcoming People-Pleasing Rooted in Mother-Daughter Relationships
Dear women, Do you find yourself constantly trying to please others (people-pleasing), even at the expense of your own happiness? Do you struggle with self-esteem and the idea of perfectionism? If so, you may have been impacted by the coldness and conditional love behaviors of your own mother. It is not uncommon for women to develop people-pleasing tendencies as a result of their upbringing. When a mother’s love is conditional, it can lead to a child feeling like they need to constantly earn love and approval. This can manifest in adulthood as a need to please others, even if it means sacrificing one’s own needs and desires. But the good…
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An Introduction to Basic Communication: Why Assertiveness is Key
Communication is an essential part of our daily lives. It is how we express our thoughts, feelings, and ideas to others. However, not all is created equal. There are three main types of communication: passive, aggressive, and assertive. Each type has its own unique characteristics and can have a significant impact on our relationships with others. Passive Communication Passive communication is when a person does not say what they need or how they feel. Passive communicators are usually afraid of conflict and avoid confrontation at all costs. People who communicate passively often end up isolating themselves, withdrawing from others, and internalizing their feelings. This can lead to feelings of resentment,…
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5 Things to Prepare Your Kids for Back to School Now
School’s In? In between late May to mid-August, it is your kids’ job to relax and have fun. As a parent, you must know what to do to prepare for after summer is over. For kids in Rapides parish, August 14th is right around the corner. Here are a few helpful tips to prepare your kids for back to school. Reinforcing Bedtime While during the summer, it is okay for your little ones to stay up late. On school mornings, the last thing you want is a tired kid. In order to prepare for this now, you can dial back their bedtime 15 minutes every two weeks. By the time…
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Why Every Family Should Have Weekly Meetings, and How to do them Successfully
As families grow and change, it’s important to stay connected and communicate regularly. One way to do this is by having a family meeting. By setting aside time to talk about important topics, you can strengthen your relationships and work together to achieve your goals. To make the most of your family meetings, consider using the FAMLY acronym: Focus on the Good Start your family meeting by talking about the positives. Share good news, celebrate accomplishments, and express gratitude for each other. This sets a positive tone for the rest of the meeting and reminds everyone of the good things in their lives. Focusing on the good can also help…
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5 Strategies to Take Care of Your Mental Health This Summer
When summer arrives, there’s often time for fun and freedom. The season also brings a break from our usual routines. However, it’s important to remember that taking care of our mental health is still important. By using some simple strategies, we can make sure to take care of our minds and make the most of this sunny (and hot) season. Embrace Nature and Sunshine Summer is full of opportunities to get out in nature. You can enjoy it by getting on the water at one of the many lakes around CENLA, on the Cane River in Natchitoches, or hiking in the Kisatchie National Forest. Spending time in nature has been…
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Marathons and Mental Health Part 4: Calling Yourself By Your Rightful Name
I’m not much of a TV or movie watcher, but Into the Wild is a fantastic biography that tops the list. Disillusioned with modern wealth and a high-stress, high-conflict home, Christopher McCandless leaves home after high school graduation, roaming through North America as a vagabond and hippie, his location completely unknown to his family. He takes on the name “Alexander Supertramp” and introduces himself this way in light-hearted fashion to everyone he befriends, which is basically everyone he meets. His travels, and his life, end in the wilderness of Alaska, where, after wasting away on a limited food supply, he is done in after eating a plant he thought was…
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Marathons and Mental Health Part 3: Who Decided That Was A Failure Anyway?
It was the spring of this year, and quickly getting hotter. It was now or never. It was time to go back and do what I had attempted to do in the winter, and failed at–run a 50 mile race through the Wild Azalea Trail. Notably, my attempt earlier in the year was hot on the heels of near-perfect training. I had followed a training plan religiously, done the whole self-care regimen, honed in my nutrition, and regularly checked in with a physical therapist to make sure everything was working the way it should. When race day arrived, I failed miserably. As in, I barely got started. I had three…
