The Wellness Diary

Insights, advice, new research, tips and tricks, and new resources to help you with your mental health journey.

Relationships Sandra Kushnir Relationships Sandra Kushnir

How to Support Your Child During a Crisis: Mental Health Tips for Parents & Leaders

When a child is in crisis, the most powerful tool a parent has isn’t a perfect solution—it’s presence. In this blog, we explore how to support your child through emotional upheaval with empathy, structure, and resilience. Whether you're a CEO juggling leadership or a parent navigating everyday demands, you'll find evidence-based, practical strategies to help your child feel safe, seen, and supported during life's most challenging moments.

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Relationships Sandra Kushnir Relationships Sandra Kushnir

How to Balance Talking and Listening in Relationships | Improve Communication & Connection

In relationships—whether personal or professional—communication is everything. But what happens when one person always speaks and the other never feels heard? Or when silence becomes a substitute for connection? This post unpacks how to balance talking and listening in relationships, offering therapist-backed strategies to help you communicate with clarity, empathy, and intention. Whether you’re navigating intimacy, leadership, or mental health challenges like depression and anxiety, learning this balance can change how you show up—for others and for yourself.

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Relationships Sandra Kushnir Relationships Sandra Kushnir

What Premarital Counseling Can Teach You About Long-Term Relationships | Building a Healthy Partnership

Premarital counseling is a powerful tool for couples seeking to build a strong foundation for a long-lasting, healthy relationship. It teaches valuable skills in communication, conflict resolution, and emotional intimacy, while also addressing important topics like managing expectations and finances. For couples navigating mental health challenges such as depression, counseling provides critical support, helping partners understand how to communicate effectively, support each other, and maintain trust through difficult times. Whether you're preparing for marriage or simply want to strengthen your partnership, premarital counseling offers essential guidance for fostering a fulfilling and resilient relationship.

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Relationships Sandra Kushnir Relationships Sandra Kushnir

How to Spot a Narcissistic Female Friend: Red Flags & Psychological Impact

Navigating friendships with narcissistic individuals can be emotionally exhausting and damaging to your mental health. If you suspect a female friend may be exhibiting narcissistic traits, it's crucial to recognize the red flags early. Traits such as a constant need for admiration, a lack of empathy, manipulative behavior, and emotional unavailability can be indicators of narcissism in a friendship. These relationships often leave you feeling drained, isolated, and even depressed. In this blog post, we explore how to identify a narcissistic female friend, the psychological impact of such relationships, and practical strategies to protect your mental well-being. Prioritizing your emotional health is key, and sometimes the best solution may be walking away from toxic friendships for good.

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Relationships Sandra Kushnir Relationships Sandra Kushnir

What If My Partner Is Polyamorous and I'm Not?

When one partner is polyamorous and the other is monogamous, it can create emotional and logistical challenges in a relationship. Understanding each other’s needs, setting boundaries, and fostering open communication are essential for navigating this dynamic. This guide explores ways to build trust, manage emotions, and decide what’s best for both partners.

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Relationships Sandra Kushnir Relationships Sandra Kushnir

How to Balance Individual and Relationship Needs for a Happier Relationship

Maintaining a healthy, fulfilling relationship is no small feat, particularly when it comes to balancing the needs of the relationship with individual desires and goals. For many couples, the tension between preserving personal identity and nurturing their connection can feel overwhelming, leading to frustration or conflict. However, finding harmony between these two areas is not only possible but essential for long-term happiness and relationship success. In this post, we’ll explore how couples can balance individual and relationship needs, why this balance is important, and how you can navigate the challenges that arise in doing so

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Relationships Sandra Kushnir Relationships Sandra Kushnir

Couples and Economic Uncertainty: How to Navigate Relationship Stress Effectively

Economic uncertainty can create a substantial strain on relationships, particularly for couples navigating the complexities of financial stress together. Whether it's a global recession, job loss, or an unexpected financial setback, the impact of economic instability can infiltrate even the strongest relationships, causing friction, anxiety, and a sense of helplessness. During such times, it's not uncommon for couples to experience heightened tension, increased conflicts, and a sense of disconnection.

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Relationships Sandra Kushnir Relationships Sandra Kushnir

When There Is Nothing Left But Love

ove, a profound and multifaceted emotion, has served as the central theme of innumerable poems, songs, and stories across the expanse of human history. The concept of true love, in particular, transcends the boundaries of mere physical attraction and romantic gestures. It is an enduring bond that forges a connection between individuals at a deeper, more intrinsic level. This connection is not merely superficial or transient, but rather, it is rooted in a fundamental understanding and acceptance of the other person's essence.

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Relationships Sandra Kushnir Relationships Sandra Kushnir

What Kills Long Distance Relationships: Key Factors to Watch Out For

It is imperative to fully understand the potential pitfalls and obstacles that often result in the failure of long-distance relationships. Armed with this knowledge, couples can better navigate the trials that may come their way and work collectively towards maintaining their relationship's health and longevity. They can develop strategies to cope with the distance and build a stronger, more resilient connection despite the miles that separate them.

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Relationships Sandra Kushnir Relationships Sandra Kushnir

Understanding the 7 Stages of Trauma Bonding

Trauma bonding is a term coined to illustrate the deep, complex emotional connection that can often manifest between an individual subjected to abuse and their perpetrator. This unique bond is particularly prevalent in relationships where instances of abusive behavior are sporadically interrupted with moments of affection and tenderness. What is paradoxical about this bond is that it is not weakened by the abusive episodes, but rather, it is strengthened.

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