Mental Health

Before I had children, I considered myself a patient person.  Since becoming a mom, that quality is constantly being tested.  I guess I should accept the fact that waiting around for EVERYTHING is a key part of being a parent! A few days ago, I spent what felt like an eternity watching my 3-year-old attempt to put her socks and shoes on. For my fellow mommies out there who are anxiously waiting for their children to do things on their own, just know that it feels like you’re watching with your phone’s slow-motion setting on. I’m a Big Girl Now My daughter kept getting the sock caught on her last pinky toe, and then insisted that putting her shoes on the wrong...

  It's 4:19 am. I didn't call my Grandmother yesterday. I need to set a reminder to do that or something because the only time that I remember is when I can't do it. I also didn't text my friend who is going through a divorce, a friend who I haven't spoken to in weeks, or a friend whose husband is going through some stuff. I meant to. I had good intentions but failed. Again. A quick scroll through Facebook reminds me of all of the people that I need to touch base with. I mentally add them to my long list of people I need to reach out to. I know I will only remember when I am taking a shower or driving. You...

  I volunteer. I do Pilates. I run. Generally speaking, I look like a fairly put together person. I have a decent job. I’m well-spoken. If we met at Java Mama, a BREC park, or an LSU watch party, you’d have no clue that I had been going home to a physically and emotionally abusive relationship for nearly two years. Through countless counseling sessions and conversations with friends and family, I got myself and my daughter out. Recently, on the Betrayal Trauma Recovery podcast, I heard a guest say “an isolated victim is a controlled victim.” I’ve now realized the severely awful times were the times I was isolating myself from others. I was kicked, choked, slapped, called a sl*t, etc....

I was prepared for everything, except this. When I was pregnant with my son I felt so prepared for everything. My pregnancy was a lot of fun and I felt great the entire 9 months. I read books, took classes, talked to my doctor, went to every event that was recommended to me, combed through tons of blogs, and talked to all the moms in my life. I prepared for everything, except postpartum depression. Birth trauma happens. I was very fortunate to deliver my son at an incredible hospital with the most amazing OB/GYN. Being that this was my first child and my first time ever delivering a baby, I had no idea what was normal or not. I went in with...

Times are gloomy in Baton Rouge. We can say ‘good vibes only’ all day, but to be frank, it’s raining constantly, safe family outings are difficult to find, and our enthusiastic way of life just doesn’t look the same in the summer of 2020. What do you do to cope? Hi, my name is Deon and I’m addicted to self-help. I use self-help to ‘fix’ every problem I have. Since my sophomore at LSU, I’ve read over 50 self-help books. I read self-improvement blogs and listen to podcasts constantly. To avoid having to feel any real emotions of an issue or tragedy, I find a step-by-step list of what I need to do to come out on the other side. I...