Thoughts from the Couch Mental Health Blog

On my blog, I share tips for caring for your mental health.

Justine Carino Justine Carino

Family Conflict Solutions That Really Improve Connection and Understanding

Every family experiences conflict, but when handled with empathy and clear communication, disagreements can bring you closer. This post explores practical strategies to resolve tension, set healthy boundaries, and strengthen understanding within your family—turning everyday challenges into opportunities for deeper connection and growth.

Read More
Justine Carino Justine Carino

Parenting Advice When Raising a Stubborn Child

Raising a strong-willed child can test your patience—but it can also shape a confident, independent thinker. This article explores how to turn stubbornness into strength through calm communication, empathy, and positive reinforcement. Learn how patience and structure can nurture cooperation without breaking your child’s spirit.

Read More
Justine Carino Justine Carino

Preserving Your Mental Health Through the Early Stages of Motherhood

The early days of motherhood can feel overwhelming, filled with joy, exhaustion, and constant change. Hormonal shifts, sleepless nights, and new responsibilities can deeply affect mental health. This post explores practical ways to care for your emotional well-being, recognize early signs of postpartum stress, and build supportive routines that nurture both you and your baby.

Read More
Justine Carino Justine Carino

The Hidden Exhaustion of Always Being Strong as a Working Mom

Being a working mom often means wearing strength like armor — juggling deadlines, emotions, and endless responsibilities. But behind that strength is quiet exhaustion that deserves compassion, not guilt. This post explores how redefining strength through rest, boundaries, and support can help working mothers protect their mental and emotional well-being.

Read More
Justine Carino Justine Carino

Understanding When Anxiety Medication Makes Sense

Feeling like anxiety still has a grip even after therapy, journaling, and self-care? Learn from therapist [Your Name] and psychiatrist Dr. Mona Amini about when anxiety becomes a disorder, how medication can help, and what real healing looks like. Discover the truth about SSRIs, side effects, and finding balance without losing yourself.

Read More
Justine Carino Justine Carino

The Real Impact of Perfectionism on Mental Health

Perfectionism isn’t just about keeping high standards — it’s about carrying invisible weight that drains your peace, joy, and energy. For many high-functioning professionals, perfectionism hides behind packed calendars, color-coded to-do lists, and the constant fear of letting someone down. Instead of motivating you, it chips away at your confidence and fuels anxiety, guilt, and burnout. Left unchecked, it becomes an exhausting cycle of all-or-nothing thinking, unrealistic expectations, and endless “shoulds.” In this blog, we unpack the real impact of perfectionism on mental health, how core beliefs and hidden thinking traps keep you stuck, and simple, science-based shifts that help you reclaim balance. From practicing “80% effort” to loosening the rules that run your life, you’ll learn practical ways to stop over-functioning without lowering your standards. Because you don’t have to be perfect to be enough.

Read More
Justine Carino Justine Carino

The Reality of Being a Self-Employed Mom

Can you really be a present mom and a thriving business owner at the same time? The truth: there’s no perfect balance. But with flexibility, boundaries, and letting go of perfection, it is possible. Here’s how real women are making it work—and why you don’t need a flawless routine to succeed in both motherhood and entrepreneurship.

Read More
Justine Carino Justine Carino

The Real Work-Life Balance Fix for Moms

As a self-employed mom, I know what it’s like to carry the weight of a business and a family at the same time. In this solo episode, I’m breaking down the invisible stressors that so many of us face, decision fatigue, financial pressure, time scarcity, mom guilt and why they leave us feeling burned out, even when everything looks fine on the outside.

If you’re constantly chasing productivity and still feel like it’s not enough, this episode is for you. You will come across honest truths, mindset shifts, and small but powerful ways to care for yourself without losing momentum in your work or at home.

Read More
Justine Carino Justine Carino

Silent Stressors of Self-Employed Moms: Real Solutions for the Guilt and Burnout No One Talks About

As a self-employed mom, I know what it’s like to carry the weight of a business and a family at the same time. In this solo episode, I’m breaking down the invisible stressors that so many of us face, decision fatigue, financial pressure, time scarcity, mom guilt and why they leave us feeling burned out, even when everything looks fine on the outside.

If you’re constantly chasing productivity and still feel like it’s not enough, this episode is for you. You will come across honest truths, mindset shifts, and small but powerful ways to care for yourself without losing momentum in your work or at home.

Read More
Justine Carino Justine Carino

Is Cutting off a Family Member the Right Choice?

Struggling with family tension and wondering if cutting ties is the only way to heal? This blog explores the rise in family estrangement, the emotional toll it takes, and why setting boundaries—not breaking bonds—can offer a healthier path forward. Learn how to protect your peace without losing your roots.

Read More
Justine Carino Justine Carino

Real Sobriety Support for Women Who Want More

Some mood swings aren't random—they're hormonal. This blog breaks down how your cycle affects your mind, energy, and sleep, why common fixes often miss the mark, and how a practical, natural approach can help you feel like yourself again—without the side effects.

Read More