Camden Baucke, MS, LLP Camden Baucke, MS, LLP

Are Boundaries Selfish? The Truth about Healthy Conflict

This article explores boundaries - which are essential for healthy relationships, especially in conflict. They establish interpersonal rules for acceptable behavior and protect individuals from harm. Contrary to some beliefs, setting boundaries is not selfish or isolating; it helps maintain connections while ensuring personal well-being. Healthy conflict can occur when boundaries are respected.

Read More
Camden Baucke, MS, LLP Camden Baucke, MS, LLP

Gaslighting - Understanding its History, Purpose, and Impact

Gaslighting is a manipulative tactic rooted in psychological control, originating from the 1944 film "Gaslight." It undermines victims' confidence and perception, leading to severe self-doubt and distrust. Both victims and perpetrators must confront the issue to foster healthier relationships built on trust and respect.

Read More
Camden Baucke, MS, LLP Camden Baucke, MS, LLP

Break Away From Your Phone - Living by Decision, Not Stimulation

This article discusses smartphone usage - while convenient, it can be detrimental to mental health and cognition. Excessive use is linked to issues like anxiety, depression, and impaired decision-making. The urge to escape emotional pain drives this behavior. Healthy escapism exists, but individuals must learn to manage phone dependency through self-awareness and self-care for true well-being.

Read More
Camden Baucke, MS, LLP Camden Baucke, MS, LLP

Journaling: How to Improve Your Mental Health with just 10 minutes a Day

This article is about journaling - a simple yet impactful self-care practice that can improve mental health. Dedicating just 10 minutes daily offers benefits like catharsis, mood enhancement, insight, and problem-solving. It encourages self-expression, helping individuals understand their emotions and foster overall well-being.

Read More
Camden Baucke, MS, LLP Camden Baucke, MS, LLP

How to Use a Planner Without Harming Your Mental Health

This article discusses how planners and checklists can enhance productivity, but often carry emotional weight and impact mental health. They may become tools for self-judgment rather than support. It's crucial to use them as aids to reduce anxiety instead of measuring self-worth. Healthy use involves viewing them as supportive guides, not controlling influences.

Read More
Camden Baucke, MS, LLP Camden Baucke, MS, LLP

4 Ways to Stop a Self-Fulfilling Prophecy

Self-fulfilling prophecies can create cycles of pain and guilt, affecting various areas of life. Understanding their psychological roots is crucial for overcoming them. Techniques like cognitive challenging, self-care, acceptance, and self-forgiveness can help break this cycle and improve mental health, enhancing overall performance.

Read More
Camden Baucke, MS, LLP Camden Baucke, MS, LLP

The Rise of Main Character Syndrome

Main character syndrome refers to individuals who see themselves as the central focus, disregarding others as mere background characters. This behavior leads to social disruptions, lack of empathy, and potential recklessness. Recognizing this tendency is crucial for fostering healthier relationships, as embracing the perspectives of others enriches both personal and shared experiences.

Read More
Camden Baucke, MS, LLP Camden Baucke, MS, LLP

Teasing or Bullying? - The Line Between Bonding & Harming

The article distinguishes between teasing and bullying, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the differences for emotional well-being. Teasing is playful and fosters connection, while bullying is aggressive and damaging, often targeting insecurities. It offers signs to identify each behavior, encourages individuals to trust their feelings, set boundaries, and seek support when necessary, advocating for healthier relationships where one feels respected and safe.

Read More
Camden Baucke, MS, LLP Camden Baucke, MS, LLP

Stoicism or Self-Neglect?

The article discusses the rising interest in stoicism among young adults, highlighting its philosophical roots and cultural significance. While traditional stoicism promotes inner peace leading to virtuous actions, modern interpretations often blur lines with self-neglect. Emphasizing self-worth and emotional acceptance, the author advocates for a healthier approach to practicing stoicism aligned with psychological well-being.

Read More
Camden Baucke, MS, LLP Camden Baucke, MS, LLP

What is OCD? How Intrusive Thoughts Can Derail Your Life

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a widely prevalent condition, but not enough people understand what it truly is. You might hear it used in your family or social circles when somebody is enthusiastic about washing their hands or someone is very specific when organizing their bedroom. However, OCD is much more than your average pickiness about how things look or are. OCD is a deeply emotional disorder which can lead to someone derailing their own life to achieve a sense of relief. To understand its self-sabotaging nature, we need to look at what the DSM-5 says about OCD first.

Read More
Zoe Lapham, MS, TLLP Zoe Lapham, MS, TLLP

Celebrating Disability Awareness Month at Great Lakes Mental Health

July is Disability Pride Month, a time to celebrate folks with disabilities and increase visibility about disability issues.

What are disabilities?

Disability is a broad term that includes both visible and invisible differences that change how someone interacts with the world. Disability includes both physical and mental health conditions that change how someone interacts with the world. Visible disabilities include those we can see without talking to another person, like when someone uses a wheelchair or has lost a limb. Invisible disabilities are those that cannot be seen, such as diabetes or ADHD. The distinction between visible and invisible disabilities can be important for understanding different issues someone might face in their life due to how others perceive them.

Some people with disabilities prefer person-first language to talk about their disability, which is how this article talks about it. Person-first language means saying things like “individual with a disability” or “person with diabetes.” Others prefer identity-first language, such as disabled or autistic. These language differences can have important meaning to individuals, and for that reason you should listen to and use the terms the individual prefers when talking about their disability.

Read More