What comes to mind when I mention the word “acceptance?” Let’s be honest, for most of us, our first reaction is an eye roll. When we are reminded to accept reality, it normally means it is something we are unhappy with or do not want to change, so we are, understandably, reluctant. For you, accepting may feel [...]
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The Fourth of July is bursting with celebrations — cookouts, pool parties, parades, and, of course, fireworks. And while it’s usually a time filled with summer fun for most people, it can be a minefield of summer eating disorder triggers, such as food and body image concerns for people who are in recovery from an [...]
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Witnessing your sibling combat a life-threatening illness can be excruciatingly painful and emotionally conflicting. You knew them before their disorder overtook their life, you witness their moments of victory as well as their moments of darkness. All at once, you may feel scared, sorrowful, helpless, guilty, angry, confused, happy, hopeful, and overwhelmed. You cannot take this burden [...]
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When Shame Becomes Toxic Shame “occurs in the context of self-reflection or self-perception and involves a fear or expectation of eliciting disgust in others [1].” As such, experiencing shame, in general, does not feel great. It becomes a new beast entirely when those feelings of shame reach a level considered to be toxic. Toxic shame involves [...]
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Contributor: Joanna O’Neill, LMFT of EDEN Treatment Center The world currently exists in a state of uncertainty and desperation. People feel helpless in the face of a viral predator they cannot see. Concern regarding work and finances has become the norm. Moreover, living in isolation, which is contrary to healthy human existence, only serves to [...]
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