My alarm clock sounds and I wake up feeling drained. I can’t remember what’s on my schedule for the day and I can barely focus on any of my tasks. I go through the motions and feel unmotivated in everything I do. This was the mental state of survival mode that I lived in for […]
For some people, the idea of spring or summertime coming is a welcome joy, but others may dread the hotter months of the year. They may even experience feelings of depression or sadness during the spring or summer months, which can be symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Sometimes referred to as seasonal depression or […]
School is inevitably a stressful time for teens. Balancing school work, extracurriculars, and a social life poses many stressors. To find out more about the stress that teens experience, I interviewed 12 high school students from grades 8 through 12 about their mental health, stress levels, and what affects them. The students interviewed were from […]
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 […]
*Disclaimer: I do not have personal experience with intrusive thoughts, so the following piece is drawn strictly from other resources. According to NBCNews, 94% of people have faced intrusive thoughts at least once in their lives. While I wouldn’t consider myself to fall within this percentage, such a sweeping number suggests a need for a […]
Practicing gratitude is an effective way to consciously think about what you’re thankful for. It can be a simple daily practice that helps boost your mood, improve sleep, and increase empathy. When struggling with your mental health, it can be increasingly difficult to focus on the positives in your life. Depression and anxiety can leave […]
January 1st can be an exciting time for many. The sound of the ticking clock signals a change in state, the close of one chapter, and the opening of a new one. A global holiday celebrated across all continents and cultures, New Year’s serves as a profound reminder of the passage of time and the […]
The start of the new year often brings forth resolutions and change. People frequently set ambitious goals that can be challenging to attain within their existing circumstances, leading them to abandon or break their resolutions within a month or two. According to a poll designed by the American Psychiatric Association, 76% of Americans are headed […]
TW: Panic attacks, suicidal ideation Panic attacks are scary and sometimes come without warning. When panic attacks occur, some people feel as if they are losing control, having a heart attack, or even dying. That’s why it’s helpful to know the signs of a panic attack as well as the strategies that can be used […]
Everybody has a different mental health journey and experiences that have helped them grow and feel more in control of their emotional state. Personally, talk therapy has been and continues to be one of the most essential parts of my journey to understand myself, those around me, and how I interact with the world. Although […]