Category: Women’s Issues

— 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

— 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

— Anger Management, Anxiety, Faith & Well-being, Mental & Emotional Health, Mental Health & Support, Postpartum Support, Relationships & Family Life, Self-Harming, The Well, Women's Issues —

52 Gentle Ways to Lower Stress and Reclaim Calm

June 16, 2025

At Barksdale Missions, we believe that healing starts with intentional, sustainable care—body, mind, and spirit. Stress may be part of life, but it doesn’t have to rule your day. Whether you’re navigating parenthood, managing mental health, or simply trying to feel more grounded, these 52 gentle strategies are here to help. You don’t have to… Read More 52 Gentle Ways to Lower Stress and Reclaim Calm

— Birth Trauma, Childbirth, Mental Health & Support, Support, The Birth Chat, Trauma, Women's Issues —

Advocating for Yourself During Childbirth After Sexual Trauma: Understanding Your Rights, Choices, and Coping Tools

March 31, 2025

Childbirth is a deeply personal experience—but for survivors of sexual trauma, it can also bring unexpected triggers, fear, or vulnerability. If you’ve experienced sexual trauma, know this: you are not alone, and your voice, body, and choices matter—especially during labor and birth. This post is here to remind you that you have the right to… Read More Advocating for Yourself During Childbirth After Sexual Trauma: Understanding Your Rights, Choices, and Coping Tools

— Anxiety, Family Conflict, Support, The Birth Chat, Toddlers, Women's Issues —

Work-Life Balance for Moms with Toddlers: Real-Life Tips for the Working Mama

March 21, 2025

If you’re a full-time working mom of a toddler, you know the juggle is real. Between daycare drop-offs, work deadlines, laundry piles, tantrums, and maybe remembering to eat lunch—it’s a lot. At The Birth Chat and Barksdale Missions, we believe in honest conversations and practical support. We see you trying to do it all, and… Read More Work-Life Balance for Moms with Toddlers: Real-Life Tips for the Working Mama

— ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, Mental & Emotional Health, Mental Health & Support, Support, Teens, The Well, Women's Issues —

The Power of a Visual Timesheet: Reclaiming Balance in Your Daily Life

February 10, 2025

Life is full of responsibilities—work, family, personal goals, health, social commitments, and self-care. With so many demands on our time, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, stretched too thin, or stuck in a cycle of burnout. If you’ve ever felt like there just aren’t enough hours in the day, you’re not alone. The truth is, we… Read More The Power of a Visual Timesheet: Reclaiming Balance in Your Daily Life

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

Navigating Life with ADHD: A Parent’s Perspective

January 29, 2024

Life can be incredibly challenging for both parents and children impacted by Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Many children with ADHD are unfairly labeled as “bad” kids, leaving parents and caregivers feeling frustrated, judged, and often defeated. As an adult with ADHD and a mother of children who also have ADHD, I’ve experienced my fair… Read More Navigating Life with ADHD: A Parent’s Perspective

— Blended Families, Child, Family Conflict, Mental & Emotional Health, Mental Health & Support, Parenting & Child Development, Relationship Issues, Relationships & Family Life, Siblings, Stepchild, Stepparent, Support, The Well, Women's Issues —

Bidirectional Relationships in Stepfamilies: Mutual Impact Between Stepparents and Stepchildren

May 10, 2019

The was written as an assignment for FS468 Parenting in Contemporary Societies at Mississippi University for Women in Spring 2019. Bidirectional Relationships in Stepfamilies: Mutual Impact Between Stepparents and Stepchildren Ashley BarksdaleMississippi University for WomenApril 10, 2019 Introduction In the United States, approximately 9% of married couples and 12% of cohabiting households contain resident stepchildren… Read More Bidirectional Relationships in Stepfamilies: Mutual Impact Between Stepparents and Stepchildren

— Baby, Birth & Baby, Childbirth, Doula, Info, Pregnancy, Pregnancy Health, Pregnancy Week by Week, Support, The Birth Chat, Women's Issues —

All About Labor Contractions: Understanding What’s Happening in Your Body

January 25, 2018

Labor and birth are incredible processes, but for many expectant mothers, contractions are one of the most feared aspects of childbirth. The good news? You don’t have to fear contractions! Your body is designed for this process, and understanding what happens during labor contractions can help you feel more confident, in control, and prepared. The… Read More All About Labor Contractions: Understanding What’s Happening in Your Body

— Ask for Help & Advice, Baby, Birth & Baby, Breastfeeding, Childbirth, Info, Pregnancy, Pregnancy Health, Pregnancy Week by Week, Support, The Birth Chat, Trying for Baby, Women's Issues —

Pregnancy FAQs: Common Concerns, Safe Medications, and When to Seek Medical Care

January 24, 2018

We’ve highlighted key information from several reputable websites to help expectant mothers feel informed and confident throughout their pregnancy. Always consult your healthcare provider before taking any medications or changing your routine. Can I Take Medications During Pregnancy? In general, it is best to avoid unnecessary medications during pregnancy. Minor discomforts such as headaches, mild… Read More Pregnancy FAQs: Common Concerns, Safe Medications, and When to Seek Medical Care