Articles

Anxiety disorders are one of the most common mental health issues, estimated to affect close to 20% of Americans in a given year. But not everyone is affected equally — research consistently shows the number of women diagnosed with anxiety disorders is about double that of men.1,2 Researchers have yet to definitively determine the causes of this discrepancy, but anecdotal evidence and clinical experience suggests that some men respond to anxiety in ways that can cause it to…

Safe spaces to socialize and express yourself in however way you see fit is something everyone aspires to find. We’ve seen these spaces shown in popular television series like the bar from Cheers, ‘Central Perk’ from Friends, and Saved by The Bell’s ‘The Max.’ Which is why when you find these havens, you cherish them. These celebrated examples of mostly white and heteronormative representations of community, reinforce a narrative that is not socially accessible to many…

"When we speak of the ties that bind, few pull as tightly as our family ties. Whether through birth or by choice, the people with whom we build our strongest connections — the people we call family — can lift us to peaks of joy or deliver us to depths of despair. The grip of family is familiar to us all, its dramas recounted from the time of ancient storytelling through centuries of song and literature, to film and television today.

The relationship we have with our mother is a primary connection that can make a big impact on our psyche and life. However, as in any other relationship, conflict is inevitable, especially when we grow up and become adults. Here are a few tips from therapists at The Family Institute to help you improve your communication and ultimately the relationship with your mom.

As a way to celebrate our 50th anniversary, therapists at The Family Institute have provided 50 actionable tips for taking care of your mental health. Some of the strategies include practicing mindfulness, overcoming perfectionism, nurturing your relationships and shifting your mindset.

Perfectionism is an illusion that can cause people to suffer. Unhealthy perfectionism includes the relentless pursuit of exceedingly high — if not impossible — goals, combined with significant distress around failing to meet these goals. If you find yourself suffering from perfectionism, consider the following tips based on research and experience: Paralyzed by what you have to accomplish? Break down big goals into smaller, manageable pieces that you can execute one step…

For students, the transition back to school can be both exciting and stressful. Here are a few tips to help your kids and teens feel prepared for that transition, as well as some thoughts about what is “typical” back to school stress and what might be a sign to seek support from others:

The transition to college is a balancing act for students and their families. Too little engagement can leave a student feeling lost or disconnected, and can leave parents feeling like they’re in the dark. Too much engagement (e.g., so called helicopter parenting) can actually interfere with students’ growth and development. Families should shoot for a balance that is empowering to the student and still allows parents to provide support and input where appropriate. This…