Abusive relationships rarely begin with obvious pain. They often start with connection, intensity, and what feels like love. That’s part of what makes them so confusing and why so many people stay silent long in these toxic and damaging relationships. Silence in abusive relationships isn’t weakness. It’s often a form of survival. Many people hide what they’re going through because…
READ MOREMondays get a bad reputation. It’s not because Mondays are inherently worse. It’s because of how our brains interpret them. That heavy feeling many people experience on Monday morning isn’t just in your head, it’s rooted in real psychology. Here’s what happens: 1. The Contrast EffectYour brain compares your current state to what came right before it. Weekends often bring…
READ MOREI’ve always loved the song Unanswered Prayers by Garth Brooks. It’s one of those lines that feels comforting yet confusing at the same time. While it sounds great in theory, it’s much harder to embrace when we’re in the middle of wanting something deeply and not getting it. At first, that idea can feel frustrating and even a little unfair.…
READ MOREWhen you grow up with a parent diagnosed with a mental illness, it is not uncommon to ask yourself: Will this happen to me? The answer is not exactly clear, but it does offer hope. Does Mental Health Run in Families? Mental illness can be inherited but it’s not a foregone conclusion. That’s because mental health conditions are influenced by…
READ MOREFor most of my life, compliments made me uncomfortable. Someone would say something kind about my appearance, my work, or my personality and almost instinctively, I would deflect. I’d laugh it off, make a self-deprecating joke, or immediately point out something I could have done better. It felt safer, somehow—like, I was staying humble or just being me. But the…
READ MOREFriendship often places us in difficult positions. We care deeply about the people in our lives, and sometimes we watch them make choices that concern us. Whether it’s staying in an unhealthy relationship, making risky financial decisions, or engaging in behaviors that may harm their wellbeing, knowing what to say—and when—is not always clear. Mental health professionals often emphasize that…
READ MOREAt the core of being human is connection. We are wired for relationships—not just to survive, but to heal, grow, and remain resilient in the face of life’s inevitable challenges. When life feels heavy, uncertain, or overwhelming, it is often our relationships that keep us grounded and remind us we don’t have to do hard things alone. Psychologist John Bowlby,…
READ MOREThere are moments in life when the hardest decisions aren’t the loud, dramatic ones, but the quiet, uncomfortable ones. The ones that sit with us in the early hours of the morning. The ones we turn over in our minds again and again. This morning, I found myself facing one of those moments. I’ve recently lost touch with a friend.…
READ MOREAfter 66 years around the sun, I’ve learned a few things about peace and happiness. One of the biggest lessons is that money doesn’t buy either one. Sadly, we spend so much of our lives chasing the idea that more money, more things, more success, will finally make us feel whole. Yet life has a quiet way of reminding us…
READ MOREI’ve always preferred animals to people. My childhood heroes were James Herriot, the country vet who wrote All Creatures Great and Small, and Doctor Dolittle, the man who could talk to animals. If there had been a college degree in animal communication, I would’ve enrolled in a heartbeat. Looking back, I think my deep connection with animals came from being…
READ MOREAs we approach retirement, unforeseen challenges like illness and identity loss can disrupt our envisioned future. This shift often brings grief and necessitates acceptance of new realities. Acknowledging emotions, seeking support, and fostering connections are vital. Embracing change can lead to finding beauty and purpose in a redefined life.
READ MOREWhen most people say they are lonely, they’re often describing something simple and surface-level: physically being by themselves. But true loneliness runs much deeper than an empty room or a quiet house. Many of us have experienced a moment where we were surrounded by people—at a party, a family gathering, a workplace event—and yet felt profoundly alone. That kind of…
READ MOREFeeling Overwhelmed? Life has a way of piling on responsibilities, expectations, and unforeseen challenges. Even with the support of family and friends, it is so easy to feel overwhelmed. Support systems are helpful, but they cannot erase the reality that each of us has a personal “window of capacity.” This is a range within which we can cope with stress,…
READ MOREAdmitting fault isn’t just about honesty—it touches on identity, self-esteem, and even survival instincts. For some people, acknowledging they’re wrong feels like admitting they’re less competent or less worthy.
READ MOREOur brains are designed to protect us. When something frightening, overwhelming, or painful happens, the brain stores that memory along with the sensory details surrounding it. Later, if we encounter something that reminds us, even vaguely, of that past event, our nervous system can respond as if the danger is happening all over again.
READ MOREImpulse control challenges are more common than most people realize. They can show up in different ways depending on a person’s health, environment, and life stage. Some groups are especially prone.
READ MORERest is essential, but too much can worsen fatigue. Gentle movement, such as stretching, short walks, or yoga, can improve circulation, boost mood, and maintain muscle tone without overexertion.
READ MOREEducation and behavioral support are essential for medication adherence. But even the best treatment plan won’t work unless the individual is willing to follow their medication regimen. Forcing medication on someone who’s not ready or willing is often a recipe for failure.
READ MOREWhen we avoid conflict or sweep issues under the rug, it creates emotional and physical stress. Over time, that stress can take a toll on the heart, immune system, and mental well-being.
READ MORESince the early days of film, movies have always offered an escape from our everyday worries. When left unchecked, persistent stress can take a serious toll on our health, our mood, and our relationships.
READ MORERejection is one of the most painful human experiences. Whether it’s being excluded, criticized, or simply ignored, the emotional toll can linger for days, months or even years. While everyone feels the sting of rejection, responses to it can be wildly different. Much of that difference lies in the experiences we carry from childhood. When I think about rejection, my…
READ MOREHealthy love isn’t about molding someone into your ideal version of a partner. It’s about respecting and accepting the person they already are, and letting go of the fantasy that they’ll change to fit your desires.
READ MORESo what can you do when life doesn’t go as planned?
READ MOREHave you ever walked into a friend’s home and been amazed at how neat and organized everything is? Or maybe you’ve felt a little overwhelmed stepping into your own space, surrounded by piles of stuff? If so, you’re not alone. The way we organize—or don’t organize—our surroundings can have a surprising impact on our mental health. Let’s clarify something: being…
READ MORESelf-harm is profoundly complex and often misunderstood. For many, it becomes a way to cope when emotions feel too intense or overwhelming. It can involve cutting, burning, hitting, or other forms of self-injury to manage pain, regain a sense of control, or simply feel something when numbness takes over.
READ MOREExpectations are a natural part of life. We expect loyalty from friends, effort from coworkers, compassion from partners. These assumptions often stem from our past experiences, values or how we treat others. If you go above and beyond for someone, it’s only natural to hope they’ll do the same.
READ MOREResearch indicates that approximately 60% of people remain friends with at least one ex-partner. As psychologist Dr. Jennice Vilhauer puts it, “Just because a romantic relationship ends doesn’t mean the value of the person disappears.”
READ MOREThe truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to mental health treatment. For some, medication is a vital part of managing their condition. For others, natural therapies provide a path to wellness without the side effects of pharmaceuticals. Moreover, many find a combination of both to be the best medicine.
READ MORELearning to delegate isn’t about being lazy or letting go of high standards. It’s about building trust, setting boundaries, and learning how to optimize your time and energy. It’s a skill—and like any skill, it takes practice.
READ MORELike most behavioral habits, chronic lying can be stopped but it requires a genuine willingness to change, self-awareness, and often professional help. Chronic lying is usually a symptom of deeper issues—such as low self-esteem, trauma, anxiety, or personality disorders—and addressing those root causes is key to changing this destructive habit.
READ MOREThe struggle to slow down, achieve more, and avoid stillness is real. It can stem from a mix of psychological, developmental, and neurobiological factors, including childhood experiences and conditions like ADHD.The struggle to slow down, achieve more, and avoid stillness is real. It can stem from a mix of psychological, developmental, and neurobiological factors, including childhood experiences and conditions like…
READ MOREOver time, that constant feeling of not quite measuring up leads to anxiety, sadness, and low self-esteem. Trust me, it’s taken years of therapy to figure this out.
READ MORETrust is the foundation on which every meaningful relationship is built—whether it’s with a partner, a parent, a colleague, or ourselves. But lately, I’ve found myself wondering: what really makes trust possible? And more importantly, can it truly be rebuilt once it’s been broken? At its core, trust is about predictability and safety. It begins the moment we’re born—when we…
READ MOREHave you ever been on the verge of success only to somehow derail your own progress? Perhaps you procrastinated on an important project, picked a fight with your partner before a special occasion, or abandoned a healthy habit just as it was beginning to show results. I know I have. It’s called self-sabotage and is a common but destructive pattern…
READ MOREThe economy is unpredictable—markets crash, inflation rises, and job security wavers. These realities affect our daily lives, but our perspective shapes our experience. A scarcity mentality sees only loss and limitation, while an abundance mentality focuses on opportunities. Of course, shifting our mindset is easier said than done.
READ MOREStaying focused and productive can often feel impossible —especially when dealing with social media, raising children, or an overwhelming to-do list. With the right strategies, you can minimize interruptions and maximize productivity. Here’s some ways to stay on track and get more done each day, no matter what life throws your way. 1. Plan Your Day A structured plan helps…
READ MOREFriendships, especially among women, evolve as we age, often becoming more difficult to form and sustain. Most people over 50 have at least one close friend. However, many friendships are lost due to life changes. Shifting priorities, shrinking social circles, and health challenges also contribute to the loss. In August 2024, the University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging…
READ MOREChronic stress takes a significant toll on the body, contributing to a range of health issues.When we experience stress, our bodies release stress hormones that can lead to increased heart rate and blood pressure.
READ MOREReflecting on my journey with ADHD, the phrase “Driven to Distraction” resonates deeply—not because I’ve read the well-known book, but because its title encapsulates my lived experience. For those navigating life with ADHD, it’s not merely about being “distracted”; it’s about being propelled by a unique cognitive wiring that fuels our endeavors. Shattering the Stereotypes Society often reduces ADHD to…
READ MOREUnderstanding attachment styles reveals how we connect with others, shaped by early experiences. The four main styles—secure, anxious, avoidant, and disorganized—impact relationships. Recognizing these styles fosters self-awareness and communication, enabling growth and healthier connections. Although rooted in childhood, attachment styles can evolve through conscious effort and positive influences, promoting emotional well-being.
READ MORESetting boundaries with a therapist is essential for maintaining a healthy and productive therapeutic relationship. Boundaries establish the framework within which therapy operates, ensuring mutual respect and professionalism. These boundaries can include limits on session length, communication outside sessions, personal disclosures, and financial arrangements. They help both the client and therapist maintain clarity in their roles, fostering trust and safety…
READ MOREThere are some people who love roller coaster rides and others who get nauseous just thinking about them. I am in the latter group. So when I first started experiencing neurological issues, like problems walking, poor vision and hands trembling, I got that same sickening feeling of being on a roller coaster and desperately wanting to get off the crazy…
READ MOREby Candace Schoner The body’s response to trauma is a complex physiological process designed for survival. During a traumatic event, the “fight-or-flight” response is activated, which can lead to shock and impaired rational thinking. This initial reaction is a normal defense mechanism that helps individuals cope with immediate trauma. While about half of all U.S. adults will experience at least…
READ MOREAs a seasoned business owner with over two decades of experience in business development, I have witnessed firsthand the intricate dance of perfectionism in the pursuit of success. This double-edged sword has both propelled businesses to new heights, and hindered the growth of others. Here I will share with you what I’ve learned, and how it might help you in…
READ MOREHave you ever found yourself scrambling to finish a project at the last minute, even though you had weeks to prepare? You’re not alone. Procrastination is a common struggle that affects people from all walks of life. It’s more than just a time-management issue—it’s often rooted in deeper psychological challenges. By understanding the causes of procrastination and its impact on…
READ MOREBy Mary McAleer I used to think I could just love them out of it.Depression. Anxiety. Whatever.Upset baby: Nurse, rock, coo. Toddler: Kisses for boo boos, Band-Aids, popsicles. Five and eight and ten: Hugs, after school snacks, homework help, singing to the car radio. All of it mother love. When they are twelve or so and the tardies begin, love…
READ MOREBy Candace Schoner The expression every cloud has a silver lining may seem like an empty platitude when you’re experiencing a difficult time, struggling with your mental health, or suffering after a serious accident. As it so happens, I was recently involved in a horrible car accident on my way to a Parkinson’s Awareness fundraiser. I vividly remember knowing seconds…
READ MORETravel can be a great escape, but it can also spark mood changes, anxiety and depression. According to data from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), a record 4.7 billion people are expected to travel around the world in 2024, and 50 percent say they plan to travel more than they did last year. People like to do different things when…
READ MOREby Christine Lazorishak I was taught to put others before myself. I learned early in life not to be “selfish”. The idea of choosing my needs over another’s produces a great deal of guilt for me. At some point, I came to believe it was my job to keep everyone happy. All. The. Time. Say the right thing. Do the…
READ MOREGrowing up I was always told, “If you don’t have anything positive to say, don’t say anything.” Easier said than done, right? Depression can make it especially hard to see the good things in life. Nobody can tell you what you should or shouldn’t feel thankful for. For many people, a sense of gratitude doesn’t come naturally. I know, for…
READ MOREby Candace Schoner Walking may not be the fastest way to shed pounds or the best activity for improving cardiovascular health, but it is a great step towards improving your mental health. In an interview on the Today Show, Dr. Mark A. Slabaugh, an orthopedic sports medicine surgeon at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore, Maryland, says “walking outside, being in…
READ MOREby Corazon Stegelin …”oh my god, you are the single most greatest thing that has ever happened to me!” …”you are different from all the people who were ‘different’ before you.” …”you are The One.” …”all the other ‘Ones’ before you were simply practice for you, the end all be all One.” …”I am going to always prioritize your needs…
READ MOREby Cri’ Glendenning I joined Voices for Mental Health to learn from everyone. Not only to gain the skill sets involved in creating, writing and producing a successful podcast, but to learn from the guest wisdom keepers and their audiences as they tell their stories. As an incest survivor, I believed for years that the burden of mental dis-ease only…
READ MOREBy C Kerwick Like most, I have experienced joy and peace, gratitude and fulfillment, fear and insecurity, numbness and pain, grief and despair- just to touch the surface. All my personal experiences have contributed to who I am but none more so than the day my husband, Noel, lost his battle with depression and died by suicide. Life and death…
READ MOREMy father was an alcoholic who had a violent temper. I once saw him throw my mother down the stairs. I yelled at him to stop because I was afraid that he would kill her. When he heard my voice, he looked up at me with an expression on his face that I was not familiar with. And then he…
READ MOREWritten by Anne Moss Rogers, Suicide Prevention Speaker One of the signs of someone who might be living with depression and even suicidal thoughts is a person who visits the school nurse, the doctor, ER or urgent care often. Research has shown a large percentage of those who visit the ER are at risk of suicide. (Do keep in mind…
READ MORE“There was a young woman who had been diagnosed with a terminal illness and had been given three months to live. So as she was getting her things ‘in order,’ she contacted her Pastor and had him come to her house to discuss certain aspects of her final wishes. Keep your Fork! The best is yet to come…
READ MOREDepending on the severity of depression, there are also a number of alternative holistic home recipes which can help to manage mild, moderate and clinical depression naturally.
READ MOREBy Chris Glendenning Having made the decision to divorce, many married people feel a sense of personal failure when facing life changes they didn’t think they would have to make. Where will I live? Will money become a problem? Even self-defined realists who have already experienced divorce second-hand through family members and friends face depression and sadness. Sharing children complicates…
READ MOREWritten by Dr. Rita Louise, author and founder of soulhealer.com Generalized Anxiety Disorder describes any feeling of worry or dread, usually about events that might potentially happen. Most people worry or experience feelings of anxiety before a big exam, business presentation, or first date. Some anxiety about stressful events is normal, but for a number of people, anxiety can interfere…
READ MOREA trauma bond is when a person forms a deep emotional attachment with someone that causes them harm. It often develops from a repeated cycle of abuse and positive reinforcement. When this occurs between partners, this is called a trauma-bonded relationship.
READ MOREAccording to the American Psychological Association, approximately 40-50% of first marriages end in divorce, while the divorce rate is even higher, between 60% – 70%, for second marriages. These stats seem to point to the institution of marriage as insufficient to meet our needs in contemporary society, not individual failure. The decision to get divorced should never be taken lightly.…
READ MOREBy Candace Schoner There is no shame in wanting to climb the corporate ladder, succeed in a chosen profession, and/or start your own business. However, these goals can come at a high cost to your mental health and every aspect of your life. According to a recent New York Times article, almost half of all Americans consider themselves to be…
READ MOREAfter giving birth to her daughter Luna, model and television personality Chrissy Teigen developed postpartum depression, a condition affecting approximately 1 in 5-7 women and 1 in 10 men. (Depression During Pregnancy & Postpartum | Postpartum Support International (PSI) (Source: postpartum.net) “I (…) didn’t think it could happen to me. I have a great life. I have all the help…
READ MOREIf you grew up with a parent who made you feel invalidated or unloved as a child, your pain is very real. In a supportive home, parents provide children with love, security and acceptance. Without having these basic needs met, some children grow up with low self-esteem, serious depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders. There are biological reasons we…
READ MOREExcerpt from recent article by Beth Tyson, Childhood Trauma Therapist, http://www.bethtyson.com Nobody wants to talk to young children about the violence in our world, and I get it. As a trauma therapist, I fall into a small category of people who are willing to broach these subjects with little ones. I don’t do it because it’s any easier for me…
READ MOREWith winter approaching and the days getting shorter, you may find yourself feeling down and having less energy. This could be a sign that you are dealing with seasonal affective disorder also known as SAD or major depressive disorder. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), SAD is a type of depression and not a separate disorder. It…
READ MOREI am writing this article on a whim. This is not my norm. Usually, when I choose a subject to write about, I plan ahead and focus on something that is currently being discussed in the news or social media. As someone with ADHD, I am prone to impulses (case in point) and have spent most of my life learning…
READ MOREI must admit it has been a very long time since I have taken a test of any kind – yet I can still recall that feeling of anxiousness that bubbled up inside me for days before an exam. Perhaps you can relate. Feeling nervous about test taking is a normal reaction for many. Whether it’s taking a high school…
READ MOREI just turned 64 years old a month ago. Where has the time gone? It seems like only yesterday, I attended my older sisters’ wedding. She now has two grown daughters with children of their own. I never thought I would be looking in the mirror at a 60-something year-old woman staring back at me and asking am I prepared…
READ MOREImagine your mind is a vast storage unit, filled with boxes. These aren’t just ordinary boxes. Some of them contain bright cheerful memories like your best friends laugh or the first time you saw a rainbow. But other boxes are packed with past traumas. They contain unprocessed feelings and thoughts so powerful and overwhelming that your brain cannot handle them.…
READ MOREBy Candace Schoner I’m sitting on my sofa with my cat Tali by my side and it has just started to rain heavily. I just came back from walking with my neighbor and discussing a myriad of topics from religion to relationships. I admit I’m not an expert on either, but our talk made me feel better and lighter. The…
READ MOREBy Carrie Kerwick Four years ago, I lost my husband of 18 years to suicide. It was tragic and unexpected and left our family shattered. Losing him came with a pain that I thought would never go away (and it never really does). I wondered if I would ever be able to survive it. As time passed, I questioned how…
READ MOREBy Candace Schoner For me, 2023 started off horribly with the death of my mother. She was 92 and living on borrowed time so her passing did not come as a total surprise. As her Medical Power of Attorney, I was the first to learn that she died peacefully in her sleep. What followed was a mix of emotions as…
READ MOREPost-traumatic stress disorder (or PTSD) affects every area of life, relationships, physical health, success, career, and overall happiness. If you’ve ever lashed out at loved ones, lost jobs, or pushed people away…It’s NOT your fault. According to mental health professionals, PTSD is an emotional and physical reaction to a shocking or frightening event such as a violent assault, natural or…
READ MOREFor years I suffered from insomnia and still to this day have trouble falling and staying asleep. According to the American Sleep Association, nearly 70 million Americans have a sleep disorder and about 10% of people have long-lasting insomnia. Most cases of insomnia are related to lifestyle or environmental factors such as poor sleep habits, depression, anxiety, lack of exercise,…
READ MOREMost people with bipolar disorder struggle with taking medication routinely and often provide various excuses for noncompliance such as negative side effects, diminished sex drive, forgetfulness, and not accepting their diagnosis. Often these same individuals must try several medications before discovering which works best for them. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIH), bipolar disorder (formerly called manic-depressive illness or…
READ MOREExcerpt from an email from Jennifer Singlarland Ryan, Ph.D., LPC-S at ichoosechange.com Being in a long-term relationship with someone can be rage-inducing, angering, and maddening! I mean, yes, it’s blissful and joyous, too. Blah, blah, blah. Of course. I used to wonder, “What do they mean, ‘marriage takes work.’ How do you work on your marriage?” 🤔 Twenty-six years, three kids,…
READ MOREBy Candace Schoner. Many of us struggle to live up to the idea of romance and love, whether we are in a relationship or not. That’s why days that are supposed to celebrate love and togetherness can negatively impact self-esteem and magnify feelings of loneliness. Even people in relationships can feel left out on Valentine’s day if their significant other…
READ MOREBy Candace Schoner A recent comment from a colleague about my “addiction” to coffee prompted me to wonder why some people become addicted to certain things while others appear to be asymptomatic. According to Psychology Today, a person with an addiction uses a substance or engages in a behavior for which the rewarding effects provide a compelling incentive to repeat…
READ MOREBy Candace Schoner Whenever I experience a significant bumpy patch in my life, I feel the need to write about it as a form of therapy. I have used writing as a way to express myself since I first learned how to read. This was the norm for me growing up in a household where silence was rewarded, tears were…
READ MOREBy Candace Schoner When kids are anxious, it’s natural to want to help them feel better. However, when trying to protect them, it can actually backfire and worsen the anxiety they are experiencing. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCP), 7% of children in the US between the ages of three and 17 have been diagnosed with…
READ MOREYou’re used to sleepless nights and long days. You’re human, though, and you need to care for yourself, too. Failure to do so can cause parental fatigue and eventual burnout.
READ MOREBy Candace Schoner An estimated 19 million Americans have a phobia that causes difficulty in some area of their lives. For me, it’s arachnophobia (fear of spiders) whether they’re itsy bitsy or full grown tarantulas. I know I’m bigger than a spider but when it comes to phobias, logic doesn’t make any difference. A phobia is an overwhelming and debilitating…
READ MOREBy Candace Schoner No one wants to talk about suicide, yet it is the second leading cause of death among individuals between the ages of 10 and 34. Despite society’s progress in talking more about mental illness, suicide still remains highly stigmatized. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), an estimated 1.4 million adults attempt suicide each year. “Many…
READ MOREReposted from: Guttman, Max E. LCSW, “The Importance of Social Connections for People with SMI” NAMI, Greater Cleveland. Aug 24, 2022 https://namigreatercleveland.org/the-importance-of-social-connections-for-people-with-smi/ Socialization is particularly important for the emotional well-being of people with serious mental illness (SMI). This is true for several reasons. When people maintain their connections with others, they are more likely to be tuned in to the…
READ MOREBy Candace Schoner Anxiety and depression are serious mental health conditions that affect the lives of millions of Americans. While they are uniquely different conditions, they can occur together. The main symptom of depression is generally a lingering low, sad, or hopeless feeling. On the other hand, anxiety mainly involves an overwhelming sense of worry, nervousness, and fear. Feeling down…
READ MOREChildren of alcoholic parents often share a number of characteristics in adulthood due to chronic stress and the endured unpredictable environment. A parent’s alcohol dependency can have a gradual or cumulative impact on a child’s development. While each family’s situation is unique, experts agree that there are certain patterns and beliefs common among individuals who grew up with one or…
READ MORE“Repurposing is the process by which an object with one use value is transformed or redeployed as an object with an alternative use value” – WikipediaMy history with therapy began some 25 years ago when I was first diagnosed with major depressive disorder. Through those previous decades of therapy, I blindly went through the process. That is not to say…
READ MORELots of new mothers feel unprepared and anxious when it’s time to bring their new babies home from the hospital. However, few are prepared for postpartum depression (PPD). PPD is a complex mix of physical, emotional, and behavioral changes that happen in some women after giving birth, usually immediately after childbirth when the mother’s hormone levels and uterus size returns…
READ MOREMental health is a vital component of overall well-being and can impact our relationships, our work and even our physical health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. will experience a mental illness in a given year, and 1 in 25 adults in the U.S. lives with a serious mental illness, such…
READ MOREWritten by Robin L. Flanigan, Senior writer, bphope newslettersIt can be hard to admit that we need help. And we’re often reluctant to ask for it because we fear uncertainty and the possibility of being judged for our vulnerability. Researcher Brené Brown, Ph.D., says we tend to feel better about ourselves when we help someone else but think less of ourselves when we…
READ MOREI remember walking into first grade and being the only kid in my class wearing glasses. Back then eye glasses were not considered a fashion accessory and as a result I became the easy target for bullies. Six years ago, after multiple eye surgeries including strabismus for lazy eye, vision correction, cataract surgery, and a retina reattachment, I was diagnosed…
READ MOREInsecurity is a common feeling that most of us will experience due to a lack of confidence, anxiety, or uncertainty. According to The American Psychological Association, insecurity can impact both mental and physical health. So where does insecurity come from? Think back to your own life. When was the first time you felt insecure or lacked confidence? Were you at…
READ MORESchizophrenia is a serious mental illness that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. According to the National Association of Mental Illness (NAMI), “people with schizophrenia may seem like they have lost touch with reality, which can be distressing for them and for their family and friends.” The term ‘schizophrenia’ meaning “a splitting of the mind ”was coined in…
READ MOREI’m 62 years old and a former journalist, TV producer, marketing director, publisher and small business owner living with ADHD. Six years ago, I started having symptoms of confusion, memory loss, and dysphasia. I could no longer remember simple things like my office passcode, my own cell phone number, how to turn on the dryer, and what day it was.…
READ MOREThe teenage years are incredibly formative and challenging. It is a time when they often experiment with their identity and need additional parental attention. Those with mental health conditions are particularly vulnerable to social exclusion, discrimination, educational difficulties, risk-taking behaviours, physical illness and even human rights violations. A study by Emory University and the University of Rochester of 233 adolescents…
READ MOREThe power of music is both undeniable and scientifically proven. It can help us run faster, reduce pain, increase relaxation, and even save a life. In 2017, hip hop artist Logic released his powerful song “1-800-273-8255” about suicidal ideation, recovery, and the power of hope. The Papageno Effect.
READ MOREMost people experience anxiety on occasion. You know the feeling: Your chest tightens, your breathing shallows, and your mind starts racing with worst-case scenarios. No matter how hard you try, you can’t calm down. According to the Anxiety & Depression Association of America, “Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the U.S., affecting 40 million adults age 18…
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