Family

Pregnant women can feel pressured to go off antidepressants. But that carries risks too.

Pregnant women can feel pressured to go off antidepressants. But that carries risks too.

The stigma surrounding the usage of psychiatric medication can become even more complicated during pregnancy. This can lead to uninformed choices and ultimately poor health outcomes. Dr. Lauren Osbourne explores the Impact of medication on a pregnancy, impact of stopping medication during a pregnancy, and the resulting impact on both mother and fetus. 

I Was Diagnosed With Bipolar Disorder At 49. Here’s How It’s Affected My Marriage.

I Was Diagnosed With Bipolar Disorder At 49. Here’s How It’s Affected My Marriage.

A behavioral health diagnosis that happens later in life carries its own unique stigma that can derail decades-long careers and marriages. In this personal essay, Elise Seyfried discusses her own experience with being diagnosed with bipolar disorder at 49 and how her marriage survived. 

How Mental Illness Affects Romantic Relationships

How Mental Illness Affects Romantic Relationships

Psychology Today breaks down some of the major issues people with behavioral health disorders face in dating and relationships. Challenging #DistortedPerceptions around behavioral health and romance, this article provides tips on how to have a healthy and successful relationship while navigating these challenges.

Army Wives Battle With Their Own Mental Health

Army Wives Battle With Their Own Mental Health

While there is a lot of research about the mental health impact of deployment on military members, less is known about the impact on their family members. Challenging #DistortedPerceptions around the role of spouses left behind, NPR investigates how stigma has silenced the behavioral health needs of military wives.

How to Repair and Rebuild Your Relationship When Your Loved One Enters Rehab

How to Repair and Rebuild Your Relationship When Your Loved One Enters Rehab

Stigma and fear can make communicating with loved ones about their substance use disorder hard to navigate. This article from the Gottman Institute provides a helpful introductory guide to repairing relationships after rehab. Note: #DistortedPerceptions does not choose to use the term “addict;” however, we recognize and honor that others may have differing opinions.

From My First Episode To My First Child

From My First Episode To My First Child

This personal story from NAMI recounts the journey from the first episode of psychosis to the birth of a first child. The author hopes that by speaking out about his experience he can help fight #DistortedPerceptions around parenting with bipolar disorder.

Pregnant and Addicted to Heroin

Pregnant and Addicted to Heroin

Opioid addiction can impact a person at any stage of life, including pregnancy and early parenthood. This article takes a detailed look into how stigma around substance use and pregnancy intersect and what services are being created to address the increased health needs.

Maintaining A Healthy Relationship

Maintaining A Healthy Relationship

NAMI provides concrete advice on how to maintain healthy relationships with family members who are experiencing behavioral health crises. Stigma feeds on isolation, silence, and assumptions.  Learn how to help those you love by improving communication, expanding your personal support system, and examining your own preconceived ideas about mental health challenges.

How I Learned To Talk To My Filipino Mom About My Mental Health

How I Learned To Talk To My Filipino Mom About My Mental Health

Stigma can appear differently in various cultures, in many cases making it harder to disclose behavioral health needs. This article discusses one woman’s journey to better understand behavioral health stigma within the Filipino community to assist her in communicating her health concerns to her mother.