We live in a hyper-connected age, yet we feel lonelier than ever before. “The number of Americans with no close friends has tripled since 1985” (Forbes). Because of the Internet, we can experience limitless virtual “connection,” but that doesn’t replace real-life interaction. Social relationships, whether with family or friends, play a vital role in [...]
Though it may be a popular idea, the concept of forgiving yourself is fruitless. I believe people have meant well when they told me during difficult times when I was ridden with guilt that God has forgiven me, but I haven’t forgiven myself. I think what they meant to say is that I haven’t [...]
According to a 2016 report by the Center for Collegiate Mental Health, by the 2015-2016 school year, half of all students surveyed reported having attended counseling for mental health concerns. In 2009, 37% of students complained about problems with anxiety. The percentage of students with anxiety reached 46% in 2013 and 51% in 2016. [...]
Do you feel as if people don’t respect you? That they take advantage of you, don’t listen to you, or that you end up in situations where you are unhappy? When you learn to set healthy boundaries, your self-esteem will be strengthened, your relationships can improve, and you can experience the freedom and empowerment [...]
In 2018, researchers asked American adults if they were depressed. Almost one in twelve said yes (AAFP). Women reported depression twice as often as men did. Depression is rampant in our culture, yet it’s been a reality throughout history. If you’ve experienced depression, you know it’s real. Its current pervasiveness may be partially just [...]
One of the most devastating things to happen in a Christian marriage is an affair. Rather than relying upon one another fully for love, protection, and support; one of the spouses has opted to seek those things from another, breaking their sacred vow to God and to their partner. Despite this terrible circumstance, believers [...]
A marriage in crisis can differ from one relationship to the next. Marriages can face a variety of obstacles and trials – from financial struggles, infertility, or the loss of a loved one, to a midlife or identity crisis of one or both spouses. Regardless of your current circumstances, it’s crucial to remember that [...]
Times of loss are painful and dark. Whether it’s hearing a new diagnosis or getting a call from the police, the pain of loss is difficult. Nothing makes it easier. There is no way to face loss without pain. The two are deeply intertwined like smoke and fire, where one is the other will [...]
Sometimes people experience ongoing low-level anxiety – a distress that seems to hang out continually as if it were an appendage. It can be like that constant whirring noise of a fan in the background that’s left on day and night. On the other hand, one can experience those sudden episodes of anxiety that [...]
One of the most emotionally scarring events a person can feel is abandonment. When a person has experienced it, it greatly affects how they view themselves. They may feel helpless, incomplete, insignificant, and unwanted despite their personal talents and achievements. The usual consequence of abandonment is that the one who was abandoned often tries [...]
