anxiety – A New Tomorrow Therapy

From Awareness To Action: Mental Health Begins With Us

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and this year’s theme—“Turn Awareness Into Action”—challenges each of us to go beyond conversations and take real steps toward a mentally healthier world.

At A New Tomorrow Therapy, we know that awareness is powerful, but action is transformative. We’ve made great progress in breaking down stigma and opening up the dialogue around mental health. But knowing about mental health challenges isn’t enough—now is the time to act with purpose, compassion, and urgency.

Why Action Matters Now

One in five adults in the U.S. experiences a mental health condition each year. And yet, millions still go without the care and support they need. Awareness alone doesn’t change that—but action does.

Turning awareness into action means:

Checking in on friends who’ve gone quiet.
Advocating for mental health policies in schools and workplaces.
Supporting services that increase access to care.
Prioritizing your own mental well-being without apology.

It means we stop waiting for change and start becoming it.

What We’re Doing This Month

What You Can Do

You don’t have to be a therapist or activist to make a difference. Here are 5 small but powerful ways to take action this month:

Speak up. Share your story or talk openly about mental health with others.
Show up. Attend an event, join a support group, or volunteer your time.
Support services. Donate to organizations doing the work, or help someone find care.
Learn more. Take time to educate yourself about mental health conditions and resources.
Take care. Treat your own mental health with the same seriousness as physical health.

This Is Our Moment

We have the knowledge. We have the tools. And now, we have the responsibility to turn that awareness into action. Whether you’re lighting the path for others or seeking your own healing journey, your steps matter.

Mental health is not just a personal issue—it’s a community one. And it starts with each of us choosing to act.

With hope and determination,
A New Tomorrow Therapy

Love Your Children More Than You Hate Your Ex –

The Harmful Effects of Contentious Divorced Parents and the Benefits of Positive Co-Parenting Relationships

Divorce is a challenging process for families, often resulting in significant emotional upheaval for both parents and children. While the dissolution of a marriage can provide relief from a toxic or unhealthy partnership, the way parents handle their relationship post-divorce profoundly impacts their children’s well-being. Contentious interactions between divorced parents can lead to lasting negative effects on children, while positive co-parenting relationships can foster resilience and healthy development.

In this post, we’ll explore the harmful effects of high-conflict parental relationships, the benefits of positive co-parenting, and strategies for building a healthier dynamic.

The Harmful Effects of Contentious Divorced Parents

Divorce itself does not doom children to poor outcomes; rather, it is the exposure to chronic conflict between parents that poses significant risks to their emotional and psychological health. High-conflict divorces—characterized by persistent arguments, insults, and lack of cooperation—create an environment of stress and instability for children. Here are some key effects:

1. Emotional and Behavioral Issues

Children exposed to ongoing parental conflict are at greater risk for developing anxiety, depression, and behavioral problems. Research has shown that witnessing parental disputes can alter children’s stress responses, leading to increased cortisol levels and heightened emotional reactivity. Over time, this stress can manifest as defiance, aggression, or withdrawal.

For example, a study published in Psychology Today highlights that children in high-conflict environments are more likely to experience long-term mental health issues, including difficulties in forming relationships and managing their emotions.

2. Communication Difficulties

Post-divorce, children often find themselves caught in the middle of parental disputes. This dynamic can strain parent-child relationships, particularly between the non-custodial parent and their children. Research from Transitions Legal notes that daughters of divorced parents, for example, may struggle with communication, especially with their fathers. These difficulties can extend into adulthood, affecting romantic and professional relationships.

3. Risky Behaviors and Long-Term Instability

Children of divorced parents in contentious relationships are more likely to engage in risky behaviors such as substance abuse, early sexual activity, and academic disengagement. Additionally, studies published on PubMed Central indicate that these children are at higher risk of living in poverty, experiencing family instability, and struggling with adult relationships.

The Benefits of Positive Co-Parenting Relationships

In contrast to high-conflict divorces, positive co-parenting relationships can significantly mitigate the negative effects of divorce and foster a supportive environment for children. Co-parenting involves both parents working collaboratively to prioritize their child’s well-being, regardless of personal differences.

1. Enhanced Emotional and Psychological Well-Being

When parents maintain a cooperative relationship, children are less likely to experience the stress and anxiety associated with parental conflict. Positive co-parenting allows children to feel loved and supported by both parents, fostering resilience and emotional security. According to research highlighted on Lovevery, children whose parents communicate effectively after separation fare better in terms of mental health, social skills, and academic performance.

2. Stability and Security

Children thrive in predictable and stable environments. Co-parenting arrangements that prioritize consistency—such as shared routines, rules, and expectations—provide children with a sense of security. This stability is crucial for their development, helping them feel grounded even as their family dynamics shift.

3. Positive Role Modeling

Effective co-parenting demonstrates healthy conflict resolution and collaboration to children, serving as a positive model for their own future relationships. Studies summarized on Wikipedia indicate that children with actively involved parents are more likely to exhibit higher self-esteem and lower levels of behavioral problems.

Strategies for Building a Positive Co-Parenting Relationship

Cultivating a positive co-parenting relationship is not always easy, especially when emotions are raw. However, the effort pays off significantly in terms of the child’s well-being. Here are some strategies:

1. Maintain Open and Respectful Communication

Effective co-parenting begins with clear, respectful, and consistent communication. Parents should focus on discussing issues related to their child’s needs, schedules, and well-being while avoiding personal conflicts. Co-parenting apps, such as OurFamilyWizard or TalkingParents, can facilitate communication and reduce misunderstandings.

2. Establish Consistent Rules and Routines

Children benefit from consistency, especially during times of upheaval. Parents should work together to establish similar rules, expectations, and routines across households. This predictability helps children feel secure and reduces confusion or manipulation.

3. Focus on the Child’s Best Interests

It’s essential to prioritize the child’s needs above personal grievances. Parents should make decisions based on what is best for their child’s physical, emotional, and social well-being rather than using the child as a pawn in conflicts.

4. Seek Professional Support

Family therapists and mediators can help parents navigate challenging dynamics and develop effective co-parenting strategies. Therapy can also provide children with a safe space to process their feelings and build coping mechanisms.

5. Consider Parallel Parenting in High-Conflict Cases

For parents unable to maintain direct communication, parallel parenting—a model that minimizes interaction while allowing both parents to remain involved—can be an effective alternative. This approach focuses on reducing conflict by establishing clear boundaries and separate parenting responsibilities. Parents.com offers practical tips for implementing a parallel parenting plan.

Conclusion

Divorce is undoubtedly a difficult experience, but it doesn’t have to result in long-term harm to children. The way parents handle their post-divorce relationship can make all the difference. High-conflict interactions increase the risk of emotional, behavioral, and social difficulties for children, while positive co-parenting fosters resilience, stability, and healthy development.

By committing to respectful communication, consistency, and a focus on the child’s best interests, parents can create an environment where their children can thrive, even after divorce. When direct collaboration is not possible, strategies like parallel parenting and professional mediation can help mitigate conflict and protect children from its harmful effects. In the end, the greatest gift divorced parents can give their children is a united commitment to their well-being.

The Prevalence of Misinformation on Social Media and TikTok About Mental Health

In recent years, social media has become a primary source of information and community support for many people seeking to understand and address their mental health. TikTok, in particular, has gained popularity as a platform where users can share personal experiences, advice, and educational content on mental health topics. However, this surge in content also brings a troubling rise in misinformation.

Misinformation can significantly distort public understanding of mental health issues, leading to negative consequences for individuals who rely on this content to make decisions about their well-being. The rapid spread of misinformation on social media can perpetuate harmful myths, encourage self-diagnosis without professional guidance, and stigmatize certain mental health conditions.

For instance, certain trends on TikTok promote the idea that certain behaviors or feelings are definitive signs of mental health disorders, without acknowledging that diagnosis requires a comprehensive assessment by a qualified professional. This can lead to both over-diagnosis, where individuals mistakenly believe they have a particular disorder, and under-diagnosis, where legitimate symptoms are overlooked because they don’t match what’s popularized online.

Over-Simplification of Complex Disorders: TikTok is full of bite-sized videos that attempt to explain mental health concepts. Unfortunately, mental health is complex and cannot be adequately covered in a short clip. These simplified explanations often lead to misunderstanding, such as assuming that ADHD is only about being hyperactive or that depression is simply about feeling sad.
Self-Diagnosis and Trend-Based Diagnoses: Hashtags like #MentalHealthTikTok have contributed to an increase in self-diagnosis among viewers. People often use these tags to discuss their symptoms, which may lead others to identify with them and assume they have the same disorder. This trend-based diagnosis is particularly problematic because it lacks professional evaluation and may delay proper treatment.
Misleading or Harmful Advice: While some creators genuinely want to help, others may share unverified methods for coping or “curing” mental health issues. For example, suggesting herbal remedies or lifestyle changes as an alternative to professional treatment can be dangerous. This type of content often disregards the necessity of clinical intervention for severe mental health conditions.
Stigmatization and Romanticization: In some cases, TikTok videos can unintentionally romanticize certain mental health conditions. Trends that depict eating disorders or self-harm can make these issues appear glamorous or desirable, particularly to impressionable audiences. This romanticization not only diminishes the gravity of these conditions but also encourages unhealthy behaviors.

The TikTok algorithm prioritizes content that garners high engagement, such as likes, shares, and comments, which can lead to the rapid spread of both accurate and inaccurate information. Additionally, content creators may prioritize engagement over accuracy, especially if they are not professionally trained in mental health. This emphasis on popularity over credibility fosters an environment where misinformation can thrive.

Furthermore, mental health topics are inherently personal and subjective, and everyone has unique experiences. When individuals share their stories, they may unintentionally misinform others about what it means to live with a mental health condition.

To combat the spread of misinformation on social media, several steps can be taken by both content creators and viewers:

Encourage Professional Sources: Content creators should refer to reputable sources like the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), American Psychological Association (APA), or certified mental health professionals. This can help ensure that viewers are getting accurate, research-based information.
Incorporate Disclaimers: Creators should include disclaimers that their content is not a substitute for professional advice. This reminds viewers to seek appropriate resources for diagnosis and treatment.
Promote Media Literacy: Social media platforms can implement media literacy programs that educate users on how to critically assess the content they consume. This could include recognizing credible sources, identifying red flags for misinformation, and understanding the importance of professional evaluation for mental health concerns.
Fact-Checking and Moderation: TikTok and other social media platforms can strengthen their moderation policies to flag or remove misleading content about mental health. Collaboration with mental health professionals to fact-check trending information could also be beneficial.
Supporting Accurate Content: As users, we can help combat misinformation by promoting and engaging with content that provides accurate, evidence-based information. By consciously supporting reliable sources, we can help foster a more accurate and supportive mental health conversation on social media.

While social media, including TikTok, offers valuable opportunities for mental health awareness and community, it also carries the risk of spreading misinformation. By staying informed and approaching content critically, users can protect themselves from misinformation and advocate for a more accurate and supportive online space. Mental health is a serious topic that requires sensitivity, professionalism, and a commitment to truth—elements that should be at the forefront of any mental health conversation on social media.

Monkey Bars

As a child on the playground, I always loved playing on the monkey bars. The feeling of swinging from one rung to the next with ease and agility was exhilarating. Recently, while talking with a client, I realized that life is like swinging across monkey bars – each rung representing a different milestone or goal we are striving for. And just as in the playground, there are moments when we successfully swing from one rung to the next without any troubles, feeling confident and capable. But there are also times when we slip, our grasp loosens, and we find ourselves hanging precariously in mid-air.

We start off with both hands gripping tightly onto the first bar, unsure of how to reach the next one that seems so far away. We may kick our legs or swing back and forth to gather enough momentum to propel us forward. If we’re lucky, there may be an older child on the playground who can show us how it’s done, and our parents are there to catch us if we fall, providing us with a sense of safety and support. They stand by us, encouraging our successes and cheering us on.

The scariest part is counterintuitive – to move forward, we must let go and trust ourselves to grab onto the next rung. One hand reaching back for stability while the other reaches forward towards progress. It can feel like we’re stuck in one spot, swinging back and forth until we finally let go of the past and reach for what’s ahead. Sometimes it takes a few tries before we finally get a firm grip on the next rung.

It’s true that in order to move forward in life, we must let go of the things holding us back – negative beliefs, unhelpful thoughts, past hurts and wounds. But often, the fear of letting go is paralyzing. Perhaps you didn’t have someone there to help guide you through this journey across the monkey bars. Maybe you felt alone on the playground, struggling to find your way.

But here’s the thing – we are all born with the innate ability to successfully make it across that horizontal ladder. The path may look different for each of us, some may seem more graceful while others struggle and fall often before reaching their goal. But we must remember that we are not alone. Along the way, we will encounter helpers – friends, partners, therapists, coaches, and others who can support us, teach us new techniques, and pick us up when we fall. None of us can make it across alone.

So don’t be afraid to let go in order to move forward. Release those bars behind you, they served their purpose for a time but now they’re holding you back from reaching your end goal. Seek out help and guidance along the way and trust in yourself to grab onto the next bar.

You can do it – let go and swing towards progress with confidence and determination.