Maria is just like any other teenage girl. She has multiple activities on her plate – school, sports, and theatre to balance all at once. But Maria is different from other teens – she no longer lives with her family, and never will again. In October 2021, Maria was staying at referred her to Nexus-Indian Oak’s Lighthouse Girl’s Group Home, which was a turning point for Maria. 

My daughter is 22. She has graduated, got a job offer, and moved out of the house. Last week she called me and told me she is lesbian. She told me it is ok if I don’t accept her, and she will go away from the family. I really don’t know how to handle it. Please help me to accept this. Is it my fault?

This time of year, many people find themselves setting resolutions for different aspects of their lives, including goals related to improving their mental health. By following a few key strategies, you can increase your chances of success and make meaningful progress towards better mental health in this next year.

It’s that time of year when all I hear about is self-improvement and New Year’s resolutions. I’d love to get on board, but for me, getting out of bed is a challenge this time of year. I feel like I set self-improvement goals, fail to meet them, and then I feel terrible about myself. Any advice?

Personal boundaries are the limits and rules we set for ourselves within relationships. A person with healthy boundaries can say “no” when they want and still maintain close, honest, positive relationships. Healthy boundaries are especially important during high-stress times like the holiday season. To help you establish and maintain your own boundaries this year, try these helpful tips to care for yourself while also nurturing your relationships.

I am concerned about my 19-year-old daughter, who lives with me, because she does not take proper care of her hygiene. I don't know if she is just being lazy or if there is some other underlying issue. I don't know if I'm partly to blame because it's something I've always done for her and just expected her to start doing it on her own as she got older. I'm at a loss and could use some much-needed advice.

Luke Spiegelhoff, LICSW, Clinical Director at Nexus-FACTS, joined KSTP-TV's Minnesota Live to talk about the pressure of the holidays. Take a look at his advice to relieve the holiday stress here!

Giving back to her community has always been a major factor in Gale’s life, but the question was how could she make the most meaningful impact? After experiencing a personal loss, her question was answered as she felt called to open her heart and home to foster care.

The end of the year can be comforting in its familiarity. Clustered with moments of tradition, we often have anchors that connect us to the past. It is so easy to not fully notice life when we have been with the person, done this action, had this routine so many times before. Treating each moment of “here” as a powerful stranger has piqued my interest and sharpened my attention.

I don’t know how to describe this, but I have a constant sense of trying to keep up. I worry that what I’m doing isn’t good enough. I compare myself and my life to others and what other people have. I just feel so behind on life. Do you have any ideas on how to combat this? It’s so draining. I just want to be happy.