Is Emotional Immaturity a Mental Illness? Understanding What’s Really Going On
Have you ever dated someone who shut down when you cried, got pouty when they didn’t get their way, or threw a tantrum when you said “no”? Or maybe you’ve felt like the parent for your actual parents- constantly managing their emotions, walking on eggshells, and getting very little support in return.
You might find yourself wondering: Is emotional immaturity a mental disorder?
What It’s Like to Date Someone with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
Dating someone with borderline personality disorder (BPD) can feel like being on an emotional rollercoaster: intoxicating, overwhelming, tender, confusing, and sometimes heartbreaking. In this post, I’ll dive into what these relationships can look like, why they’re often so intense, and how to care for yourself and your partner if you're in one. I’ll also share practical skills and strategies to navigate the chaos with more clarity and compassion.
Borderline Personality Disorder is a condition marked by:
Emotional dysregulation (big emotions that are hard to manage),
Relationship instability ( hot and cold, lots of conflicts and intensity),
Identity disturbance (shifting sense of self or values).
People with BPD often didn’t grow up learning that their emotional signals would be responded to or soothed. Many were invalidated, ignored, or punished for expressing emotion so they learned to “turn up the volume” just to be heard. That pattern often continues into adulthood, especially in romantic relationships.
Loving Someone Through the Darkness: What To Do When A Loved One Is Suicidal
If someone you love is thinking of hurting themselves, you may be filled with anxiety, dread, and a sense of helplessness. Sometimes you’re not sure if “they really mean it,” or don’t know how to get them help without breaking their trust. One person every 11 minutes dies by suicide in the United States and countless more think about hurting themselves. So what can you do to protect your loved ones and yourself? Here’s what you need to know, from understanding risk factors for suicide to practical guidance on how to support someone with suicidal thoughts, and even how to take care of yourself along the way.
The Secret Cause of Sexual Dysfunction: Trauma
After recording our latest episode of A Little Help for Our Friends, I sat with a heavy heart—but also with a sense of clarity. Jacqueline and I talked about something that comes up all the time in our work with trauma survivors, yet rarely gets named out loud: how PTSD affects sex and intimacy.
It’s a topic that feels too tender for the DSM, too personal for most therapy sessions, and yet it lives in so many of our clients' homes and relationships—in silence.
I wanted to take a moment to reflect more personally on what came up for me during this conversation, and what I hope anyone listening—or reading—takes away from it.
Gaslighting: How to Recognize, Overcome, and Heal from Emotional Manipulation
Gaslighting is a subtle yet damaging form of emotional manipulation that can leave victims doubting their reality and self-worth. Learn how to recognize its signs, understand its psychological impact, and find tools to break free. Inspired by insights from A Little Help For Our Friends podcast, this guide offers validation, support, and actionable strategies.
Loving someone with substance use disorder
Substance use disorder (SUD) isn’t just about using drugs or alcohol excessively. It’s a chronic condition that changes the brain and behavior, often leading to destructive cycles that are hard to break. For loved ones, watching someone struggle with substance abuse or SUD can feel overwhelming, heartbreaking, and isolating. This blog post describes what substance use disorder is, how it affects family and friends, and what loved ones can do.
Understanding Borderline Personality Disorder and its Impact on Relationships
Understanding Borderline Personality Disorder: Key Insights from Jacqueline and Kibby’s Podcast
Loving a Narcissist: How Narcissistic Personality Disorder impacts Love and Relationships
Unmasking Narcissism: Insights from a Podcast on Love and Relationships
Breaking Free: How to Set Boundaries in Toxic Family Relationships
Setting boundaries in toxic family relationships can be challenging, but it’s essential for emotional well-being. Dr. Caitlin Fang shares her insights on managing guilt, rebuilding self-trust, and navigating difficult dynamics, including over-sharing and emotional manipulation. By assessing what you can give, communicating limits clearly, and staying consistent, it’s possible to foster healthier connections without losing yourself.
The Cost of Loving Someone with Mental Illness
A husband with depression. A daughter with social anxiety. A father with narcissism and drug addiction. A roommate with an eating disorder. An uncle with dementia. These relationships are so common, we forget that having a loved one with mental illness is a challenge worthy of attention.
The Birth Of KulaMind- Dr. Kibby McMahon’s story
KulaMind’s mission of supporting family members, caregivers and other loved ones of people with mental and emotional problems.