One of the biggest shocks as a new foster parent is the complete upheaval of routines. Enter: children who never had a routine, innocent kids whose lives were completely uprooted, living in different phases of trauma. Routine and structure are things of privilege, but finding a way to love yourself is essential. Adoptive/foster parent Cherie Johnson shares five steps she took to make sure she made time for herself.

My friend committed suicide a week ago and I can’t stop blaming myself. Three weeks ago, he told me he wanted to commit suicide, but he was too scared. I did not think he would do it. He also wrote to me saying if we would meet, he might not want to kill himself. I keep reading those messages. I can’t get it out of my head. I am someone who suffers from depression and have been suicidal as well. I can’t do this anymore. Is there any way I could get through this pain? Are there any other realities other than depression? I’ve lost all hope.

Depression. An unceasing battle I had watched impact so many of those around me, but never expected to face myself. We all know the saying, “when it rains it pours,” and let me tell you, life REALLY can pour when it wants to. A year ago, I chose to seek out help and in doing so I saved my life.

My neighbor doesn't keep up his yard. In the winter, he never shovels the sidewalk and in the summer, it's the grass. I know it's not my business but it bothers me. Can I say something? How can I get over this when I have to look at it every day?

Approximately 2.5% of adults in the United States live with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD); it’s much more common than you may think. Many adults with ADHD suffer with symptoms for years without an official diagnosis. Why?

My niece’s 4-year-old toddler has become so aggressive that daycare has put him on probation. It breaks my heart when she calls me crying, thinking that she is not doing enough. He is the only child of two military parents, and they have tried to work with him. She has requested an appointment for behavioral health, but the wait is too long. What can she do in the meantime?

Foster parents have one of the most important jobs – helping and supporting youth who are in temporary need of adults to care for them. PRIDE (Parent Resources for Information, Development, and Education) outlines five key competencies that all families build upon, and are great reminders and tools for both current foster parents or anyone considering becoming a licensed foster care provider.

In this week's Dear Dr. Michelle, we switch things up! Last fall, Jaelyn Arndt's father unexpectedly passed away. Dr. Michelle K. Murray asks Jaelyn how friends and family can best support a loved one who is grieving a loss.

The mental health field has some of the most stressful work environments, with the highest turnaround rates reaching up to 37 percent for mental health workers. Staff experience burnout for all kinds of reasons – and sometimes without even realizing it. Knowing your mission and shadow mission can help you identify and navigate possible burnout. So what is a shadow mission?

My 15-year-old son recently told me he wants to be referred to as they/them. He has started experimenting with makeup and is interested in women's clothing. I'm having a really hard time with this one. I am uncomfortable, I don't understand and don't know how to handle it. I want to support him, but I worry about him being bullied and what struggles he will face. Where do I even begin?