family influence
This family pattern occurs when a person takes on excessive responsibility for others' emotions and needs, often at the expense of their own well-being.
What is codependency?
This term describes hiding or changing parts of yourself to fit in, avoid judgment, or meet others' expectations.
What is masking?
This phrase refers to secrets, past mistakes, or experiences that a person keeps hidden because of fear, embarrassment, or shame.
What are skeletons in the closet?
This cognitive trick convinces you that because you feel something, it must be true.
What is emotional reasoning?
This self-care treat involves taking a few minutes to enjoy a favorite hot beverage while focusing on the present moment.
What is mindful sipping of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate?
Children who grow up in homes where emotions are ignored, criticized, or punished may struggle with this skill as adults.
What is emotional regulation
Someone who constantly says "I'm fine" while hiding their true emotions may be engaging in this behavior.
What is emotional masking?
This emotion often grows when people believe there is something wrong with them and feel the need to hide parts of themselves.
What is shame?
This thinking error occurs when you imagine the worst possible outcome and believe it is likely to happen.
What is catastrophizing?
This self-care treat engages the senses and may include a warm bath, scented lotion, cozy blanket, or calming music.
What is sensory self-care?
Family messages such as "don't talk," "don't trust," and "don't feel" can contribute to difficulties with this aspect of mental health.
What is healthy communication and emotional expression?
A potential consequence of long-term masking is feeling emotionally drained, exhausted, or disconnected from yourself.
What is burnout (or emotional exhaustion)?
In recovery, sharing difficult experiences with trusted people can help reduce this feeling of being alone or disconnected.
What is isolation?
This cognitive trick involves assuming you know what other people are thinking about you without evidence.
What is mind reading?
this healthy self-care practice helps prevent burnout and communicates respect for your own needs.
What is setting boundaries?
This protective factor in families is characterized by feeling understood, accepted, and supported during difficult times.
What is emotional support?
This recovery skill involves honestly expressing thoughts, feelings, and needs instead of hiding them from others.
What is authentic communication (or self-expression)?
This recovery principle involves acknowledging past actions or experiences while recognizing that they do not determine your worth as a person.
What is self-acceptance?
This thinking error causes people to focus only on the negative details of a situation while ignoring the positive ones.
What is mental filtering (or selective attention)?
Spending time with this type of companion can reduce stress, increase feelings of connection, and provide comfort during difficult times.
What is a pet (or animal companionship)?
A family history of mental health or substance use disorders may increase a person's risk for developing similar challenges because of genetic and environmental influences.
What are risk factors?
This occurs when a person presents one version of themselves to others while experiencing something very different internally.
What is wearing a mask or hiding one's authentic self?
Keeping painful secrets hidden for years can increase stress, anxiety, and shame, while sharing them safely can promote this.
What is healing (or emotional recovery)?
This cognitive distortion involves seeing situations in extreme terms, with no middle ground, such as "I'm a complete success or a total failure."
What is all-or-nothing thinking (or black-and-white thinking)?
This self-care treat involves personal interest that can spark not only fun but also an engaging challenge. Could be something physical, mental, creative or social depending on the person.
What is a hobby?