Social media and pop culture has recently brought awareness of narcissistic abuse into the light, making it the topic of podcasts, tv series, books, and day-to-day conversation. A lesser known term, antagonistic relational stress, which encompasses the feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, confusion, isolation, and invalidation when one is in a relationship with a psychologically harmful person.

The news that we were having triplets brought us so much joy. We already had a two-year-old daughter and had always said we wanted four kids, so this was perfect. We settled in and began to plan. Our families rallied around us, and we had faith that we could make it through. But before the triplets came, I had to make it through a grueling pregnancy. Nothing about it was easy.

Culture plays a significant role in shaping mental health perspectives and practices. Each mental health professional must receive education to gain knowledge on different cultures and how some communities will have differing views on mental health treatment and social views.