My Family Psychiatrist

08/02/2026

Fatigue is a lingering tiredness that is constant and limiting. With fatigue, you have unexplained, persistent, and relapsing exhaustion. It's similar to how you feel when you have the flu or have missed a lot of sleep. If you have chronic fatigue, or systemic exertion intolerance disease, you may wake up in the morning feeling as though you've not slept. Or you may be unable to function at work or be productive at home. You may be too exhausted to even manage your daily affairs. https://wb.md/4h1ls5Y

08/01/2026

SECOND CHANCE SUNDAY

Many children experience the world differently through their senses.

What looks like “fussy,” “dramatic,” “defiant” or “overreacting” may actually be a nervous system working incredibly hard to process everyday sounds, touch, movement, smells, tastes and body sensations.

Sensory processing differences can affect children who are autistic, have ADHD, dyspraxia, other neurodevelopmental differences, or no diagnosis at all.

Understanding the why behind behaviour is often the first step towards providing the right support.

FREE DOWNLOAD IS NOW EXPIRED

07/31/2026

Are any topics off-limits in therapy? Here's what to keep in mind.

07/30/2026

When it comes to PTSD treatment, you have options. There are multiple evidence-based treatments available, including talk therapies and medications.

Explore PTSD treatments and find the one that’s right for you: https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand_tx/tx_basics.asp

07/29/2026

07/28/2026

Many parents recognise the arguments about screens.

What we often don’t see is how they begin.

Screen dependence rarely develops overnight. It usually starts with a child discovering that a screen helps them feel calmer, less anxious, less bored or more in control. Over time, the brain learns to rely on that feeling.

When we understand why screens have become so important, we can support children in ways that build connection and regulation, rather than simply taking the device away.

I’d love to hear your thoughts. Has this been your experience?

07/27/2026

Data from Johns Hopkins University’s U.S. measles tracker shows that the nation reported 2,295 cases as of Tuesday. That count surpasses last year’s total of 2,289 cases.

07/26/2026

07/24/2026

School avoidance rarely begins with a child refusing to go to school.

More often, it starts quietly.

A child who suddenly complains of tummy aches before school.
A child who becomes unusually worried on Sunday evenings.
A child who struggles to sleep, cries more, or begins asking to stay at home.

These early changes are often the brain’s way of saying, something doesn’t feel safe.

When we recognise the signs early, we have a much greater opportunity to understand what is driving them and to offer support before anxiety becomes more deeply established.

In today’s post, I explain how school avoidance often develops, why it isn’t a choice, and why looking beyond the behaviour is so important.

I’d love to hear from you. Looking back, what were the first signs you noticed?

Niki

07/22/2026

Did you know?