How Cancer Taught Me Self-Love, Author Patricia Heitz

Red heart made of yarn on pink background.

We often hear that self-love is about affirmations, and quiet moments of self-care. But for me, self-love was not something I found in a moment of peace; it was something I fought for in the darkest hours of my life. In 2002, I was diagnosed with kidney cancer, a complete shock. I had no symptoms,…

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Why Family Caregivers Feel Guilt and How to Replace it with a Positive Mindset, Author: Carolyn Dowdy

Woman sitting on couch, holding pillow sadly.

Family caregivers often experience guilt, a common and natural emotional response to the demanding role they play. This guilt can stem from various sources, linked to the emotional, psychological, and physical challenges of caregiving. Whether it’s the constant worry about not doing enough or the struggle of balancing caregiving with personal needs, these feelings are…

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Self-Care for Parents of Children with Special Needs by Carolyn Dowdy, Author

A woman and child sitting on the couch reading.

Every parent cares deeply for their family and takes on a caregiving role in some way. Yet, many don’t recognize themselves as family caregivers. When we think of “caregivers,” we often picture healthcare professionals. In this context, we define a family caregiver as someone who regularly supports exceptional children, those with chronic illnesses, or disabled…

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Finding Support for Parents of Autistic Children: Options for Resources, Author: Carolyn Dowdy

A young boy sitting at the table with his mother.

Navigating the challenges of raising a child with autism can be both rewarding and overwhelming. For many parents, understanding and accessing the right support can make a significant difference in their journey. Fortunately, there are numerous county-level resources, wonderful nonprofits, or other organizations who provide support and services designed to assist families with autistic children,…

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The Journey of Living Well: Author Patricia (Trish) Heitz

Hand holding small green seedling in soil

Living in T.H.R.I.V.E. As a family caregiver, it seems like you are the giving tree; always giving, never receiving. It’s important that you find balance between giving care and taking care of you. Here are some ways to work on finding that balance and staying positive. Staying positive keeps you in an elevated place, so…

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Want to Stop Overreacting? Try Affect Labeling, Author Jeffrey Bernstein, Ph.D.

A young girl sitting at the table with her arms crossed.

How naming emotions calms you down. KEY POINTS• Over-the-top emotions can cloud our judgment, impair decision-making, and strain relationships.• Affect labeling works on the idea of cognitive reappraisal, where we rethink the meaning of our emotions.• Affect labeling shows that we can handle life’s challenges, no matter how tough they are.Kevin, a counseling client of…

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Balancing the Complexities of Navigating a Career While Managing the Responsibilities of Being a Caregiver, Author: Karen Schnupp

A woman sitting at a table with a cup of coffee.

Most working individuals must balance the duties and responsibilities of their job with the responsibilities in their personal lives to include raising children or even grandchildren, while maintaining and nurturing a relationship with their significant other. In addition to each of these roles, many individuals at some point in their life will also become a…

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