The Wellness Diary

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

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Parenting Sandra Kushnir Parenting Sandra Kushnir

25 Powerful Parenting Methods to Support Trans Kids

Parenting a trans child is a journey of love, resilience, and learning. Many parents want to support their child but struggle with questions, societal pressures, or fears of “doing it wrong.” As a mental health professional, I’ve worked with families navigating the complexities of gender identity alongside race, disability, and sexuality. This article explores practical parenting methods that empower trans kids to thrive—while also strengthening family bonds and building a safe, affirming home.

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Relationships Sandra Kushnir Relationships Sandra Kushnir

Finding Friends Who Share Your Political and Moral Beliefs: A Guide to Healthy Connections

Finding meaningful friendships can feel especially challenging in today’s polarized world. When your political and moral values differ from those around you, conversations may become stressful, invalidating, or even isolating. Over time, this misalignment can take a toll on your mental health, increasing feelings of loneliness or depression. In this blog, we explore why shared values matter in friendships, how to reflect on your core beliefs, and practical ways to meet people who align more closely with your worldview. By approaching connection intentionally, you can cultivate supportive, values-driven relationships that foster belonging and emotional well-being.

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Health and Wellness Sandra Kushnir Health and Wellness Sandra Kushnir

Overcoming Body Dysmorphia: Therapy, Coping Tools, and Hope for Recovery

Body dysmorphia, or body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), goes far beyond everyday insecurities about appearance. For those who struggle, the mirror becomes a source of constant distress, fueling obsessive thoughts, anxiety, and even depression. In this blog, we’ll explore what body dysmorphia really is, how it impacts mental health, and the steps you can take to begin healing. From evidence-based therapies like CBT to everyday coping strategies, discover that recovery is possible—and that support is closer than you think.

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Relationships Sandra Kushnir Relationships Sandra Kushnir

Being the Black Sheep of the Family: Mental Health, Depression, and Healing Strategies

Being the black sheep of the family can feel lonely, painful, and overwhelming. Many people in this role struggle with depression, anxiety, and self-worth as they navigate rejection, constant criticism, or simply feeling misunderstood. This article explores what it truly means to be the black sheep, the psychological toll it can take, and how therapy, boundary-setting, and self-compassion can help you heal and embrace your authentic self.

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Resources Sandra Kushnir Resources Sandra Kushnir

The Silent Wound: The Hidden Dangers of Vicarious Trauma from Violent Videos Online

In today’s digital world, violent videos spread faster than ever before. But each view comes with an invisible cost: vicarious trauma. From shootings to attacks on public transit, exposure to graphic violence online can leave deep psychological scars—even if you weren’t there. Here’s what every viewer needs to know, from a mental health professional’s perspective.

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Resources Sandra Kushnir Resources Sandra Kushnir

How to Cope with Gen Z in the Workforce: A Guide for Anxious Managers

Gen Z is entering the workforce in large numbers, and managers across generations are feeling the pressure. From new communication styles to shifting cultural norms, managing this generation can create stress and uncertainty. As mental health professionals, we know that with awareness and practical tools, managers can turn anxiety into opportunity, fostering healthier workplace relationships across generations.

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Resources Sandra Kushnir Resources Sandra Kushnir

How to Turn Fear into Motivation

Anxiety doesn’t have to hold you back—it can fuel your success. Learn how to reframe fear into motivation, discover science-backed strategies to channel stress into energy, and explore real-life examples of people who turned anxiety into growth.

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Spirituality Sandra Kushnir Spirituality Sandra Kushnir

The Spiritual Meaning of a Breakup: Soulmates, Karma & Healing Lessons

Breakups often feel like devastating endings, but from a spiritual perspective, they are profound beginnings. Every relationship—whether soulmate, karmic, or twin flame—serves as a mirror for our soul’s evolution. When a relationship ends, it invites us into deeper self-discovery, healing, and alignment with our higher path. By viewing heartbreak through the lens of reincarnation, soul development, and self-actualization, we can transform pain into wisdom and loss into liberation.

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Relationships Sandra Kushnir Relationships Sandra Kushnir

What to Do if You Notice a Friend Is Unconsciously Competitive With You?

Friendships are meant to be supportive, yet sometimes subtle competitiveness creeps in. If you’ve noticed a friend who unconsciously compares themselves to you, it can feel confusing or even hurtful. At Meridian Counseling, we believe these moments can be powerful opportunities for growth, boundaries, and deeper self-understanding. Here’s how to recognize unconscious competition in friendships and respond in a way that protects your peace while preserving the relationship.

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Spirituality Sandra Kushnir Spirituality Sandra Kushnir

Breaking Stigma: Mental Health & Therapy in Mormon Culture – The Shift Beyond LDS Support

The Mormon community is experiencing a cultural shift in how mental health is understood and addressed. Once primarily relying on church leaders for counseling, many members now turn to licensed therapists outside the LDS Church. This shift reflects a growing acceptance of professional mental health care, a desire for specialized treatment, and the recognition that faith and therapy can coexist in powerful, life-changing ways

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Relationships Sandra Kushnir Relationships Sandra Kushnir

The Hidden Cost of Beauty: How Beauty Bias Affects Women’s Friendships & Relationships

Beauty is often praised as a gift, but for many women, it’s a double-edged sword. While society rewards attractiveness with attention and opportunities, it also subjects women to jealousy, exclusion, and bullying—especially from other women. This article dives deep into how beauty bias shapes relationships and friendships, revealing its often hidden emotional toll.

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Relationships Sandra Kushnir Relationships Sandra Kushnir

The Emotional Toll of Friendship Breakups: Coping With Loss and Healing

Friendship breakups can leave behind a deep ache that’s hard to explain. Whether sudden or long overdue, these endings can feel as devastating as romantic separations—yet they’re often overlooked. In this post, we explore the emotional toll of friendship breakups, why they hurt so much, and how to begin the healing process with compassion and clarity.

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