Mental Health

I’ve always been the type of person that had absolutely no idea what to do or say when a loved one was hurting. I’ve always felt absolutely useless in these situations and as if I needed to step aside and let an adult handle it. Here are some things that stuck with me during a time I needed help: Don’t try to fill the silence. My best friend once said, “There’s not anything you can say to make it better, but there’s a lot you can say to make it worse.” Just let her be sad, hurt, angry, etc. It’s kind of selfish to fill silence just because you’re uncomfortable anyway, right? Buy a houseplant. Even if a mom thinks she has...

I can feel it creeping in, slowly and almost secretly. It’s there like a shadow, always with me, but I can’t always see it. Do I acknowledge it? Do I ignore it and hope it goes away? If I speak it then am I giving it power? Anxiety. It is there as an undercurrent, but now a hurricane is slowly brewing. This time is different, this time I know what the trigger is. This time I’m aware of the reason for my anxiety. Infertility. If you’ve walked the journey that is infertility you know it is a winding road. If you haven’t, maybe imagine the thing that creates the most anxiety for you…then amplify it by ten, twenty, more. I often...

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Ochsner Baton Rouge and written by Kathleen Freeman, MD.  How Can Parents Avoid Burnout? We’ve all heard the proverbial metaphor about self-care: Put your oxygen mask on first then assist the child sitting next to you. I’m sure that, given the situation, I’d be perfectly capable of putting my mask on first. So why is it so hard to do it metaphorically? That’s a loaded question, but I think I know the answer. We feel guilty tending to our own needs when the needs of those around us are so many. We care deeply about doing what is best for our children, showing love to our families and friends, and making good choices. We want to...

“Mommy, read.” As annoying as these words are to hear at bedtime some nights when we’ve already read four books, I still love them deep down. I love that I’m raising a reader. I’ve been reading to my daughter since she was a newborn. Don’t get ahead here and think I’m one of “those moms” that had reading all planned out, doesn’t let her get do screen time, etc. I’d bet money my daughter gets more screen time than your kid. No, I didn’t intend to be a reading mom. One of my great friends teaches elementary school. She told me a few weeks after having my daughter to start reading to her, even if it was just news articles. So, I started...

Disclosure :: This post is sponsored by Ochsner Baton Rouge.  Warning Signs of Suicide for Children and Teens The COVID-19 pandemic and social isolation has taken a toll on everyone’s mental health, including children and teens. A recent report from the Centers for Disease Control indicates that people of all ages are struggling with anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts during the pandemic. Ongoing school closures; the loss of routines; missing out on milestones, like prom or graduation; and a lack of in-person interaction can be especially difficult for young people. As a parent or caregiver, you may wonder if your child is in danger. The following are a few signs to watch for in friends, family and your child: Talking about...