Many substance abusers and addicts believe that the only one they are hurting is themselves. Though substance abuse and addiction heavily impacts the life of the abuser, it also negatively affects the lives of everyone around them, especially close friends, family, and children. Significant family conflict develops if the abuser or addict is stealing goods […] Continue reading → 
Experiences of separation and loss are fundamental to all members of those involved in adoption. The child has lost their bond with their birth parents or other caregivers (e.g., grandparents, foster parents). There is often a loss of self for the child, who wonders “Why did they give me up?” Separation from siblings, extended kin, friends, […] Continue reading → 
In 1980, the American Psychiatric Association (APA) added PTSD to the third edition of its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-III) nosologic classification scheme (2). Although controversial when first introduced, the PTSD diagnosis has filled an important gap in psychiatric theory and practice. Since 1980 questions that remain about PTSD include: Are there […] Continue reading → 
It can be easier to find articles and resources for how to cope with a paralysis diagnosis than it is to find ones on how the diagnosis affects the lives of the friends and family of someone that is paralyzed. It is incredibly difficult to watch someone you love go from being active and healthy, to struggling to find themselves with […] Continue reading → 
Watching someone we love go through the grieving process often reminds us of our own grief, and can remind us in very visceral ways what it feels like to lose someone. Grief can also affect people who did not personally experience a loss, because it’s hard to see people we love struggle with the pain. We spoke to Susan Bryant about […] Continue reading → 
As November rolls in, across the world men visit their local barber or pick up their razors and scrape their faces clean in anticipation of a now annual event that has crossed national and cultural lines: Movember. What started as a small group of friends and colleagues in Australia has grown to become an […] Continue reading → 
Palliative care is a unique form of care, distinct from hospice, and an essential part of caregiving for those with long term, chronic, or terminal illness. The word hospice is bandied about today with little thought as to its actual purpose and its importance in the end of life care of individuals. Palliative care, too often […] Continue reading → 
Suicidal Thoughts are More Than Just Passing Moments Few people ever want to feel suicidal. That line of thought is a dark and terrifying place from which you feel you can’t escape. It truly feels like drowning in the ocean: there is no random island, there is no life raft, there are no life vests, […] Continue reading → 
Compassion fatigue may be a term you’re familiar with, something you’ve heard in passing. This could be the first time altogether that you’re reading about it. Either way, it’s something you should be aware of–it can happen to anyone, but those who work with people in difficult situations are the most susceptible to it. What […] Continue reading →