Posts by Rebecca A. Berg, MFT
The Life Behind the Mask: Smiling Depression
Depression in and of itself is exhausting. But, masking your depression takes it to a whole new level. Sometimes referred to as smiling depression, this type of depression consists of trying to present as completely put together when you are struggling with severe internal emotional pain. The Cheerful Exterior The internal struggle does not match…
Read MoreCracking the Armor: The Invisible Battle of High-Achieving Men
Men are taught to be the strong ones, the protectors, the providers for their families. They jump into battle at a moment’s notice. Rarely are they allowed to show vulnerable emotions or have space to process the weight they are carrying. Outward success and competence can sometimes mask high-functioning anxiety. The Anxiety Lurking in the…
Read MoreScroll Less, Live More: 5 Tech Habits for Healthy Teens
I know, I know. I can already hear the sighs and see the eye rolls. Not another article or perspective on healthy tech habits for teens. If you’re a teenager, you don’t want to hear it again. If you’re a parent, you know the daily battle over screen time. Or maybe you’ve already given up…
Read MorePet Loss: How to Cope After You Lose Your Best Friend
Pets are family members. They bring us so much joy! The huffing and excitement of our dogs’ anticipation of going for their walk, the cuddles with the cat on the couch after a long day, or the softness of their gaze as they lay their heads on our laps–all of it is incorporated into our…
Read MoreWhy Rest Feels Elusive in Motherhood
Rest is often the last place we land as mothers. However, it is often what we most need. I don’t mean a quick nap or mindlessly scrolling on our phones. What I’m referring to is deep rest which soothes our souls. Things which bring calm and centeredness to the frenetic pace of our lives. Mothers…
Read MoreUnwound: Gentle Mindfulness for an Anxious Nervous System
Trauma can leave a devastated path in its wake. If you have lived through trauma, you have most likely learned to dissociate, leave your body, disavow your emotions, and flee the current circumstance, if given the chance. These were all adaptive mechanisms that allowed you to escape a very painful situation. However, in trauma recovery,…
Read MoreRecognizing Warning Signs and How to Help When Your Teen is Suicidal
Suicidality may appear without warning. Or, perhaps, your teen has been depressed for quite some time or experienced a traumatic event. In that case, their desire to die may come as no surprise. No matter the circumstances or the cause, being a parent to a suicidal teen is enough to take your breath away. Even…
Read MoreThe Silence After: Understanding Grief Following Death by Suicide
Losing a loved one to suicide is almost always shocking. It provokes many strong emotions in the griever and their support system. There are often more questions than answers. And, yet, the silence can be deafening. Suicide is often experienced as a traumatic loss. A death is considered traumatic if it occurs without warning. The…
Read MoreThe Importance of Collaborative Meaning Making with Suicidal Intensity
September in National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. This month is dedicated to talking about a topic and crisis that many shy away from, even clinicians. Much more work is needed to break the stigma surrounding suicide. Encouraging open conversations is paramount. The Statistics are Sobering According the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, suicide is the…
Read MoreWalking the Lonely Road of Guilt in Grief
After someone we love dies we often experience guilt. Learning to move through the guilt and find release is crucial to healing. But it can be tricky to know how to get unstuck. It is helpful to put words to the feelings and articulate our own unique experience with loss. Grief is universal and understanding…
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