Love bombing can leave you doubting everything you felt. Here's how to recover from love bombing, why it hits so hard, and the steps that help you heal and trust yourself again.
Maybe you're the family member who always gets called difficult or dramatic, and things go wrong and somehow land on you. Your side of the story gets waved off, and every argument traces back to your name. If that feels familiar, there's a word for it. Scapegoating is when a family unfairly blames one person for problems they didn't cause. It often starts in childhood, long before you're old enough to question it, and over time it can shape how you see yourself.
You're walking on eggshells in your own home. Conversations that should be simple turn into something you have to brace yourself for, and the moment you push back on anything, the script flips and somehow you're the bad one. You've started Googling words like "narcissist" and "manipulation" at 11pm because you don't know what to call what's happening, but you know something is wrong. You searched for how to deal with a narcissist, and you landed here. This post walks through what actually counts as narcissistic behavior versus everyday self-centeredness, what to watch for in your own relationship, and 8 specific strategies our therapists at Anchor Therapy use with clients who can't, or aren't ready to, leave the relationship.
The first step to determine your dynamic with someone who you think is a narcissist is to know the difference between someone with narcissistic tendencies and someone with Narcissistic Personality Disorder.
While everyone suffers and goes through uncomfortable situations from time-to-time, that does not mean that you should be left to suffer. In a scapegoating situation, you as the scapegoat are the one who assumes responsibility on behalf of someone else. This is not a voluntary position that you offer, instead it is pushed upon you.
Scapegoating can occur in many different environments. Most commonly, people discuss scapegoating dynamics within families. For more information, read our blog “Understanding the Psychology of Scapegoating in Families.” In families, a scapegoat can be unfairly blamed for conflicts within the family.
With that being said, scapegoating can occur in other relationships as well. At work, an employee or group of workers may be blamed for company-wide or organizational problems. At school, a student may be targeted for classroom concerns. Within communities, certain people may be blamed for widespread social problems. Regardless of the setting, the act of scapegoating is always used to intentionally shift blame and avoid addressing the reality of a situation and the actual issues at-hand.
When you are in a healthy relationship, it naturally functions well. Of course, like any couple, you may have disagreements from time-to-time or there may be some hard times, but you band together no matter what. You are able to make major life decisions together, discuss problems once they occur, and genuinely enjoy spending time with one another.
On the other hand, you have toxic relationships. In a toxic relationship, the ‘norm’ is feeling drained and unhappy after spending time with your partner. This should be a major red flag that some things need to change.
You may still love your partner, but the relationship does not seem enjoyable. Maybe minor issues turn into full-blown arguments or you always seem to provoke one another. It may even get so severe that you dread spending time with your partner instead of getting excited to see them, like you were in the past.
Continue reading this blog to see if your relationship is toxic, and some guidance on how to navigate a toxic relationship.
Menopause is a natural phase of life, but its symptoms can significantly disrupt daily routines, especially sleep. Many women find themselves tossing and turning at night, struggling with insomnia caused by hormonal fluctuations, night sweats, and mood changes. This lack of restful sleep can leave you feeling exhausted, irritable, and unable to focus, impacting both your physical and mental well-being. Understanding why menopause affects sleep is the first step toward finding strategies that truly help you rest through the night.
Fortunately, there are effective ways to manage menopause-related insomnia and reclaim restorative sleep. From lifestyle adjustments like mindful evening routines and dietary changes to natural remedies and targeted mental health treatment, solutions can be tailored to your unique needs. By exploring these approaches, you can reduce nighttime wakefulness, improve sleep quality, and wake up feeling more energized and balanced which proves that menopause does not have to mean sleepless nights!
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder, simply known as PMDD, can have a powerful impact not only on the person experiencing it, but also on their closest relationships. Unlike typical Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), PMDD affects mood, emotional regulation, and stress tolerance in ways that can feel sudden and overwhelming. To learn more, our blog “The Difference Between PMDD vs PMS” is a must-read.
During certain phases of the menstrual cycle, feelings like irritability, sadness, anxiety, or emotional numbness may intensify, making everyday interactions with a partner feel harder than usual. Without context, these shifts can be confusing or even painful for both people involved.
In relationships, PMDD can show up as increased conflict, withdrawal, miscommunication, or guilt on both sides. The person with PMDD may feel out of control or ashamed of reactions they do not fully recognize as their own while their partner may feel hurt, helpless, or unsure how to offer support. Understanding PMDD from a mental health perspective helps reframe these challenges not as personal failures or relationship flaws, but as a cyclical condition that requires compassion, awareness, and teamwork to navigate together.
Pregnancy is often portrayed as a joyful and exciting time, but for many couples, it can also bring unexpected stress, anxiety, and emotional challenges. Hormonal changes, physical discomfort, financial pressures, and the anticipation of becoming parents can create tension, misunderstandings, or even feelings of isolation within a relationship. These stressors are natural, but if left unaddressed, they can affect communication, intimacy, and overall emotional well-being for both partners.
Working with a couples counselor here at Anchor Therapy offers you and your partner a structured, supportive space to navigate these challenges together. Through perinatal or couples therapy, partners can learn effective communication strategies, manage anxiety, and develop shared coping skills to handle the unique pressures of pregnancy. It is not just about resolving conflict, it is about strengthening connection, fostering mutual understanding, and preparing both partners emotionally for the transition into parenthood. By addressing stress as a team, couples can create a healthier, more resilient foundation for their growing family.
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) and Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) are often mentioned interchangeably, but understanding the distinction is crucial, especially for mental health awareness. While PMS is relatively common and typically involves mild emotional and physical symptoms like irritability, bloating, and fatigue, PMDD is a far more severe condition that can significantly disrupt daily life.
Women with PMDD may experience intense mood swings, debilitating anxiety, deep sadness, and even thoughts of hopelessness, often in the week leading up to menstruation. Recognizing these differences is key to seeking appropriate support and treatment rather than dismissing the symptoms as “just part of being a woman.”
From a mental health perspective, PMDD is not simply a hormonal inconvenience, it is a serious mood disorder with major impacts. The emotional and cognitive symptoms can mimic or exacerbate conditions like depression and anxiety, making timely diagnosis and intervention essential. Raising awareness about PMDD helps reduce stigma and empowers those affected to access mental health care, explore coping strategies, and find relief. Understanding the difference between PMS and PMDD is the first step toward validating the lived experiences of those who face this challenging condition each month.
Menopause can bring on a range of emotional shifts and, for many women, depression becomes a significant challenge during this time period. Hormonal fluctuations, particularly a drop in estrogen and progesterone, can trigger mood swings, irritability, and even feelings of sadness or anxiety. Menopause also triggers physical symptoms, like hot flashes, sleep disturbances, and fatigue. With the combination of these symptoms, it is no surprise that many women feel overwhelmed by this life change. The emotional toll of this phase can also be compounded by life transitions such as aging, empty-nesting, or shifts in identity, making it hard to stay positive or maintain your usual sense of self.
But despite the emotional hurdles menopause brings, it is possible to manage and even overcome depression during this time! A holistic approach, including regular exercise, a balanced diet, mindfulness practices, and working with a therapist for women’s issues at Anchor Therapy, can provide significant relief. It is essential to acknowledge what you are going through and seek out the support you need, whether from medical professionals, loved ones, or support groups. With the right tools and mindset, you can navigate menopause with greater ease and find a renewed sense of energy!
Experiencing a miscarriage can be painful and it is often isolating. It can leave you and your partner to grapple with grief, confusion, and a profound sense of loss. While you may experience physical recovery in days or weeks following the miscarriage, the emotional and psychological effects of it can linger long after. The trauma of losing a pregnancy includes the sadness of an unrealized future along with feelings of guilt, shame, and uncertainty.
In this blog, we will dive into the complex emotions linked to miscarriage trauma, from immediate shock and grief to a long healing journey. We will get into the importance of acknowledging and processing miscarriage trauma while also explaining the significance of seeking professional support. A path toward emotional recovery is totally possible! Whether it is you or someone you know who has experienced a miscarriage, this blog will serve as a valuable tool filled with insights and coping skills to help you navigate this difficult experience.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, simply referred to as PCOS, is a hormonal disorder that impacts women who are of reproductive age. While the cause of PCOS is not well known, we do know that it causes enlarged ovaries with small cysts on the outer edges. Health experts believe a combination of genetic and environmental factors are at play with this disorder.
The effects of PCOS are still being studied, but we know that those with the disorder can experience a wide range of mental health concerns, from anxiety and depression to eating disorders and low self-esteem. Continue reading this blog to figure out how PCOS may be impacting you mentally and emotionally, and what you can do to cope.
When you experience the miracle and joy of childbirth, you can expect a lot of powerful emotions. You may feel excited, overwhelmed, fearful, or even anxious, but one emotion you do not expect to feel is depressed. Having a baby is a life-changing life transition. It is normal to experience worry or doubt, especially as a first-time parent; however, more extreme symptoms, such as severe mood swings and frequent crying spells, may signal that you are struggling with Postpartum Depression, often referred to as PPD.
PPD is a type of depression that occurs after someone gives birth. It is important to note that postpartum depression does not just impact the birthing person- it can also impact the other parent, surrogates, and adoptive parents. After having a baby, adults can experience hormonal, physical, emotional, financial, and social changes. These changes can trigger symptoms of PPD.
If you have PPD, please know that you are not alone. It is not your fault, and there are PPD therapists out there who can assist you, making you feel like your best self again. When you work with a therapist for PPD, you can learn how to effectively manage your symptoms.
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a health problem that affects millions of teen and adult women. It is similar to Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), but PMDD is more serious. PMDD has many serious health consequences, including irritability, depression, and anxiety. These symptoms typically occur one to two weeks before your period starts and start wearing off two to three days after your period starts.
PMDD is often referred to as “severe PMS” since it causes a range of emotional and physical symptoms. Many women experience symptoms of PMS. You may even have severe PMS symptoms, and simply acknowledge them as “normal” since you do not know how else to feel. With PMDD, the symptoms are harsh and it can have a great impact on your life. It can be difficult to work, go to school, socialize with other people, and form healthy connections. If you think you may be struggling with PMDD, continue to read this blog.
