Category: Mental Health & Support

— ADHD, Anxiety, Child, Child Development, Depression, Education, Life Skills, Mental & Emotional Health, Mental Health & Support, Mood Disorders, Parenting & Child Development, Parenting Resources, Teens, The Well —

When Schools Say ‘No’: Advocating for a 504 Plan Despite Strong Grades

September 10, 2025
school ADHD 504 plan header image

This is a common roadblock families face—especially with students who are “high-achieving” but still struggle with ADHD. Schools often argue that because the student makes good grades, they don’t need a 504 plan. But that’s a misinterpretation of Section 504 law. Here’s how to navigate it: 1. Know the Legal Standard 👉 The Office for… Read More When Schools Say ‘No’: Advocating for a 504 Plan Despite Strong Grades

— Anger Management, Family Conflict, Mental Health & Support, Parenting & Child Development, Parenting Resources, Relationships & Family Life, Stepchild, Stepparents & Stepchildren, Teens, The Well, Trauma —

Supporting a Teen with a Trauma History: Why “Emotionless” Isn’t the Whole Story

August 15, 2025
Supporting a Teen with a Trauma History: Why “Emotionless” Isn’t the Whole Story

Parenting a teen with a history of trauma, adoption, or disrupted attachment can feel overwhelming. You may find yourself wondering why your child seems distant, emotionless, or quick to defy rules. At Barksdale Missions, we hear this concern often — and we want you to know there are deeper reasons for these behaviors. If your… Read More Supporting a Teen with a Trauma History: Why “Emotionless” Isn’t the Whole Story

— Anger Management, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, Birth Trauma, Depression, Family Conflict, Infant Loss, Infant Mortality, Medical Professional Stress, Mental & Emotional Health, Mental Health & Support, Mood Disorders, Postpartum & Loss, Postpartum PTSD, PTSD, Support, The Well, Trauma —

EMDR vs. CPT: Understanding Two of the Most Effective Trauma Therapies

July 19, 2025
EMDR vs. CPT Which is better?

When it comes to trauma therapy, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the options. Two of the most evidence-based and widely recommended treatments for trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT). At Barksdale Missions, we often get asked, “Which one is better?” The… Read More EMDR vs. CPT: Understanding Two of the Most Effective Trauma Therapies

— Depression, Mental & Emotional Health, Mental Health & Support, Relationships & Family Life, The Well, Trauma —

Between Sessions: Therapy Tools to Support Healing and Save Money

June 28, 2025
This is your journey.

When you’re juggling grief, financial stress, and overwhelming emotions, therapy can feel like both a lifeline and a luxury. At Barksdale Missions, we know healing takes time—but we also know that progress doesn’t only happen in the therapy room. Whether you’re spacing out sessions to save money or simply trying to stay grounded during a… Read More Between Sessions: Therapy Tools to Support Healing and Save Money

— ADHD, Child, Mental & Emotional Health, Mental Health & Support, Parenting & Child Development, Relationships & Family Life, Teens, The Well, Toddlers, Women's Issues —

Understanding ADHD: Support, Not Stigma

June 20, 2025

As therapists, our goal is to help individuals understand their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors so they can feel empowered, build healthy relationships, and navigate life’s challenges with more ease and confidence, including ADHD. One common concern we see in both children and adults is ADHD—short for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Let’s break it down. What is ADHD?… Read More Understanding ADHD: Support, Not Stigma

— Anxiety, Mental & Emotional Health, Mental Health & Support, The Well —

Facing Intrusive Thoughts: How to Respond with Awareness and Compassion

June 20, 2025

Intrusive thoughts can feel alarming, confusing, or even shameful—but they are far more common than people realize. At Barksdale Missions, we believe in removing the stigma and offering compassionate guidance to help individuals face these experiences with clarity and self-kindness. Understanding the Nature of Thoughts Before diving into how to manage intrusive thoughts, it helps… Read More Facing Intrusive Thoughts: How to Respond with Awareness and Compassion

— Bipolar Disorder, Couples Counseling, Depression, Infant Loss, Marital Counseling, Mental & Emotional Health, Mental Health & Support, Mood Disorders, Postpartum, The Well —

Understanding Depression

June 19, 2025

Depression is a common but serious mood disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed (American Psychiatric Association, 2022). It can affect thoughts, behavior, and physical health, and may interfere with daily functioning, relationships, and overall quality of life. Signs and Symptoms of Depression… Read More Understanding Depression

— Codependency, Couples Counseling, Family Conflict, Marital Counseling, Mental & Emotional Health, Mental Health & Support, Relationship Issues, Relationships & Family Life, The Well —

Understanding Codependency

June 19, 2025

Codependency is a dysfunctional relational pattern in which an individual prioritizes another person’s needs over their own, often to the detriment of their well‐being (Cermak, 1986). Originally identified in the context of familial alcoholism, codependent behaviors can emerge in any close relationship characterized by imbalance, enabling, and emotional suppression (Beattie, 1987). Signs and Symptoms of… Read More Understanding Codependency

— Bipolar Disorder, Depression, Mental & Emotional Health, Mental Health & Support, Mood Disorders, Self-Harming, The Well —

Understanding Bipolar Disorder

June 19, 2025

Bipolar disorder is a chronic mood condition characterized by alternating periods of elevated mood (mania or hypomania) and depression. These shifts can affect energy levels, sleep patterns, behavior, and the ability to function in daily life (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Although the exact cause remains unknown, a combination of genetic, biochemical, and environmental factors is… Read More Understanding Bipolar Disorder

— Mental & Emotional Health, Mental Health & Support, Relationships & Family Life, The Well, Women's Issues —

Supporting Women Diagnosed with Autism in Adulthood

June 19, 2025

When a woman receives a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in adulthood—especially while managing complex roles such as motherhood, partnership, or a professional career—it can be both validating and overwhelming. Many women report years of masking their differences, struggling with burnout, and feeling “different” without understanding why. This guide shares autism-related books and resources… Read More Supporting Women Diagnosed with Autism in Adulthood