Changing old patterns
If you’ve spent much of your life putting others’ needs before your own, saying “yes” when you really meant “no,” or feeling responsible for the emotions and actions of those around you—know that you’re not alone. Many people navigating codependency struggle with setting healthy boundaries. And even when they start to say “no” or speak …
Continue reading “Setting Boundaries Without Guilt: A Guide for Recovering Codependents”
Relationships are meant to be a source of support, joy, and mutual growth. But what happens when the line between caring and controlling gets blurry? Codependency often masquerades as love or devotion, but it can erode both partners’ sense of self. In contrast, healthy relationships are rooted in respect, autonomy, and balance. Here, I’ll explore …
Family relationships are some of the most complex and emotionally charged connections we have. When things go wrong—whether due to repeated conflicts, emotional neglect, betrayal, or abuse—many people face the painful decision of whether to reconnect or stay no contact with a family member. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but there are some key considerations that …
Continue reading “Reconnect or Stay No Contact? Navigating Difficult Family Relationships”
When we hear the term PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder), many of us think of combat veterans, survivors of natural disasters, or people who’ve endured single traumatic events. However, there is another related and often misunderstood condition called C-PTSD (Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder). While both involve trauma and can deeply affect a person’s mental health, they …
Continue reading “Understanding the Difference Between PTSD and C-PTSD”
For those living with Complex PTSD (C-PTSD), the idea of finding a healthy, loving relationship can feel like chasing a mirage—always visible in the distance, never within reach. While the desire for connection runs deep, the path to intimacy is often obstructed by invisible scars, unhealed wounds, and deeply ingrained survival patterns. C-PTSD often stems …
Continue reading “Why It Feels Impossible to Find a Healthy Relationship After Complex PTSD”
When it comes to discussing chronic illness, disability, or mental health, finding the right words can be a challenge. One metaphor that has resonated deeply with many people navigating these experiences is Spoon Theory. Originally created to describe the challenges of living with chronic illness, Spoon Theory has since become a powerful framework for understanding …
Continue reading “Understanding Spoon Theory: A Powerful Metaphor for Mental Health”
Are You Confusing Codependency with Love? At the beginning of a relationship, it’s easy to mistake emotional intensity for genuine connection, or constant reassurance for affection. But what if those overwhelming feelings aren’t love at all—what if they’re symptoms of codependency and a deep-seated fear of abandonment? Why Codependency Feels Like Love—But Isn’t 1. Emotional …
Addiction is a complex, multifaceted issue that impacts millions of individuals and families worldwide. While genetics, environment, trauma, and peer influence all play a role, one often under-discussed yet critical factor is parenting. The way a child is raised—the emotional tone of the household, the boundaries set (or not set), the way love is …
Continue reading “How Bad Parenting Can Contribute to Addiction: A Hard Look at Root Causes”
In classrooms, homes, and countless parenting books throughout history, fear has often been used as a tool to shape behaviour. Threats, punishments, raised voices, and harsh consequences are tactics many adults have relied on—often with the best intentions—to “teach a lesson.” But modern neuroscience and child psychology have made one truth increasingly clear: fear …
Not all toxic people come across as cruel or uncaring. Some genuinely love us and may even mean well. But that doesn’t mean their presence in our lives is healthy. Sometimes, it’s not about malice—it’s about misalignment. The way they live, what they ask of us, or what they take from us can force us …