Melanie Sivley, LCSW

This Veterans Day, Army veteran and former Military Police Sergeant Melanie reflects on the sacrifices, pride, and complex emotions of service, the hidden impact of PTSD and mental health stigma, and how therapies like EMDR can help veterans heal, find stability, and reclaim a sense of peace in civilian life.

OCD is more than neatness—it’s battling intrusive thoughts, irrational fears, and compulsions fueled by anxiety. Misrepresentation in media hides the reality: the true “OCD Monster” is fear of the unknown. Learn how to spot real OCD symptoms and support those who live with it.

Getting diagnosed with ADHD later in life brings both grief and relief. Suddenly, lifelong struggles make sense—from forgotten tasks to restless energy. With the right tools, structure, and self-compassion, ADHD becomes less about chaos and more about understanding how your brain works. It’s not failure—it’s wiring, and learning to work with it changes everything.