CW: Depression/Mental Illness Having depression sucks, and so does having mental illness in general. But you know what? People like us are not alone. So many people are in our shoes, and we are no less valuable because of our illnesses. Let’s talk about one of the things that sucks about mental illness, something that […]
A week or so ago, I sat down to begin brainstorming for my college essay. I had no introduction, didn’t know what I wanted to say, and couldn’t think of any life-altering revelations during my high school career. I spent three years pining after perfect grades and a shimmering reputation. It left me with quite […]
The National Institute of Mental Health defines social anxiety as “an intense, persistent fear of being judged by others.” For many, it is not that straightforward. For those who struggle with social anxiety, it may be hard to explain why they feel uncomfortable in social situations. It can be as simple as an increased heart […]
CW: PTSD As we meet new people, we have many questions that may come up, whether it be what someone does for work, inquiries about their family, or where they were born. When we think about family, this can also include our pets. For many of us, our animals are truly part of our family. […]
Get outside! No, really! There are a couple of things we’ve learned through research that tie together here. First, looking around at the space we’re in can help us feel grounded. Second, when we’re in nature, our eye movement is naturally increased. That means that when we’re in “green space” (a nature trail, forest, or […]
Being in a rut can mean a lot of things, but it is most commonly defined as “to not have changed what you do or how you do it for a very long time so that it is not interesting any longer” (“BE IN A RUT | definition in the Cambridge English Dictionary”). Being in […]
By the age of 10, I had already moved eight times. Since then, I’ve moved six more. The first few times, I remember being frustrated at having to shove my favorite toys into boxes and the U-Haul truck pulling in and out of my driveway. As I got older, I adopted an angsty attitude toward […]
With decision day fast approaching for high school seniors, the junior class is not far behind. Being a member of the class of 2024 means college tours are just around the corner and it’s time to start thinking a little more seriously about our futures. It’s both terrifying and overwhelming, but it can also be […]
From mindful walking to fidget cubes, I’ve been exploring tools and techniques that help me when I’m feeling anxious or overwhelmed. With the support of my therapist, I’ve been finding ones that work for me! In this blog, I’d like to introduce you to a few so you can try them, too! I’ve been collecting […]
Recently, I made a big transition in my life. I entered my freshman year of high school this past fall, and as winter approaches, I’ve started to settle into a rhythm. But high school is challenging, especially for this generation. A disruption to your routine can be difficult – I’ve certainly found it to be! […]