CW: Mentions of suicidal ideation and self-harm. “I’m sorry for wasting your time–” “I don’t mean to be a burden–” “I’m not sure if this counts as a crisis–” As a Crisis Text Counselor, I receive messages like this almost every shift. Often, they seem to come from the people who need these services the […]
What does gratitude mean to you? Does it mean saying thank you? Does it mean giving a gift? Or maybe, it means cooking a special meal for someone you love. Well, the great thing about gratitude is that it can mean all of the above! November is National Gratitude Month, and this comes just in […]
Burnout is a silent epidemic in today’s fast-paced world. The constant demands of work, social obligations, and personal responsibilities can leave us drained, detached, and overwhelmed. But there’s hope – by making small, intentional changes, we can combat burnout and restore a sense of balance and vitality to our lives. As I continue navigating my […]
Since middle school, I’ve fantasized about applying to colleges, even though I had no career plans that required a degree. The whole process seemed mesmerizing to me, but at the time, I couldn’t understand why seniors stressed over their applications and essays. After five challenging years, I am now a senior applying to three colleges, […]
Hi friends! I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase “self-care” a million times, but you may not have heard some original ideas on how to practice it. Self-care is generally seen as a few basic things: going for a walk, eating healthy, going to sleep at a good time, but really, self-care is so much more […]
CW: Mentions of self-harm, depression, and disordered eating. I was diagnosed with depression and started therapy only a year ago. Before that, I had no real understanding of how to manage my mental health, relying on unhealthy coping mechanisms like self-harm, isolation, and disordered eating. Despite everything, I remained highly self-aware. I recognized that my […]
‘It will pass. There are plenty of fish in the sea’ they said to me, as my heart was cleaving into two pieces. In that moment, I knew with complete certainty that this pain would not pass as painlessly as many made me believe. Many, like myself, have experienced the significant loss of a relationship, […]
I wrote the following poem for my Aunt, who passed away by suicide over two years ago. Her passing was absolutely heartbreaking to my family, especially my mother, who lost her baby sister. This piece was in speaking to my Aunt, the love my mother had and does have for her, and the admiration I […]
I’ve written a lot of pieces in the past about coping mechanisms and hobbies, but one of my favorite hobbies is reading. Seeing yourself represented in a book can be powerful—it’s often something you didn’t realize was missing until it’s there. Representation can help us feel seen, valued, and understood. When it comes to books, […]
Election anxiety and political stressors can affect everyone. During an election season, it is important to remember to make time for self-care and to prioritize your mental health. Regardless of your political affiliation or hopes for the outcome of an election, many people are experiencing the same stress and uncertainty. Leaning on your support systems […]