I recently lost my grandmother, which was probably one of the biggest losses that I’ve ever experienced in my life, especially because it happened very suddenly. I spent several months of the year in her company, and spoke with her everyday; she was like a second mother to me. After this loss, the automatic reaction […]
“When we protect ourselves so we won’t feel pain, that protection becomes like armor, like armor that imprisons the softness of the heart” – Pema Chodron Most people experience pain that may never be spoken about. For some of us, that pain causes mental health concerns, such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). […]
CW: Mentions of suicide. In the wake of my father’s suicide, when I was just 12 years old, I was engulfed in a storm of grief, guilt, and confusion. During a late-night internet deep dive, I stumbled upon a report by the John Hopkins Children’s Center that found that children of parents who die by […]
TW: Sexual violence, sexual assault, suicidal thoughts, depression, and PTSD. April marks the beginning of Sexual Assault Awareness Month. This year, the focus of awareness is on building connected communities to help us “reduce the likelihood of sexual abuse, assault, and harassment.” By focusing on connection within our communities, we can promote safety and look […]
CW: Eating disorders This year, Eating Disorders Awareness Week (EDAW) takes place from February 26th to March 3rd with the theme of “healing in community.” EDAW is an annual campaign that focuses on educating the public about eating disorders and provides information, hope, visibility, and support to those affected by eating disorders. According to the […]
As a kid, the holidays were always magic: bright lights, time with family, and a general aura of joy. I would wait all year for my favorite season, beaming with joy when the air started to turn cold. I loved the tradition, the predictability, and the consistency of my holiday plans. Never did it cross […]
CW: Mention of suicide, and suicide ideation. Crisis. The word itself is daunting and complicated, presenting itself uniquely in the experience of each individual. Crisis can take on many forms: perhaps it may look like suicidal ideation, relationship turmoil, financial strain, personal loss, or overbearing stress. These are just a few of the many examples […]
CW: Mention of Chronic Illness and Mental Health Each year, October marks the arrival of cold weather and sweaters, but it also serves as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. But breast cancer does not strike just one month out of the year- it affects the lives of many people all over the world every day. And […]
CW: Transphobia and trans misogyny, discriminatory violence. This blog includes some details about the murder and violence against trans people, specifically Black trans women. If this story is too close to your heart and you need support, please visit The Trans Lifeline or The 988 Suicide & Crisis Prevention Lifeline. For members and supporters of the trans community, […]
CW: Suicide My Grandma and Grandpa have been two of the most important people in my life since the moment I was born. For just over 19 years, I never had to imagine life without either of them, until last November, when my Grandpa passed away. This was a gut-wrenching few months for my family […]