The Middle Path ~ Voices of the Collective

The Emotional Transition into Motherhood: Understanding Matrescence
MacKenzie Bradke, LCSW MacKenzie Bradke, LCSW

The Emotional Transition into Motherhood: Understanding Matrescence

No one tells you that motherhood isn't just the birth of a baby.

It's the slow unraveling of the woman you thought you were.

One day you wake up and realize the life that once fit so naturally no longer does.
Your body feels unfamiliar.
Your thoughts are louder.
Time bends in strange ways.
The things that used to matter don't seem to carry the same weight, yet you can't quite grasp what matters now.

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How to Manage Athlete Mental Health During the Off-Season
MacKenzie Bradke, LCSW MacKenzie Bradke, LCSW

How to Manage Athlete Mental Health During the Off-Season

For many athletes, the off-season is a welcome opportunity to relax and decompress. It's a chance to step away from practices, competitions, and the constant demands of training.

For others, it's much more complicated…

Managing this downtime is just as important as preparing for the season itself. Taking care of your mental health during the off-season helps you return to competition feeling healthier, more balanced, and ready to perform your best.

During the off-season, try these tips to make your break both enjoyable and effective.

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Life After Baby: Coping With Postpartum Stress and Identity Shifts
MacKenzie Bradke, LCSW MacKenzie Bradke, LCSW

Life After Baby: Coping With Postpartum Stress and Identity Shifts

It goes without saying being a new mom is stressful at times. Before the baby comes, you often have many conversations with people about the new parent exhaustion, the late nights, and the never ending feedings, but It seems a lot of parents aren’t talking about the stress of the transition from your old life to the new one.

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