Mental Health Topics

More than 40 million Americans are living with a clinical anxiety disorder. Whether you fall into that camp or not, most of us have experienced stress recently—maybe over a looming work deadline or juggling a sick kid at home. When anxiety strikes, we often wonder: How do I make this…

It can be tough to know what’s going on in your child’s world. Little kids may not have the language to name their feelings, while older kids and teens may be resistant to opening up. As both a counselor and a mom, I recommend checking in with your children regularly….

There may come a time when someone with a mental health condition—like depression, anxiety, or PTSD—needs your help. While these conditions require proper treatment from a mental health professional, you can provide meaningful support through comfort, reassurance, and simply being present. When a friend or family member says, “I’m feeling…

A healthy relationship should make you feel safe, heard, and secure. Betrayal shatters that foundation entirely, leaving the betrayed partner feeling like their world has fundamentally changed and often questioning everything they thought they knew about their relationship. While betrayal occurs across all types of relationships, I see it most…

Your 8-year-old suddenly refuses to go to birthday parties. Your teenager has started coming home from school and immediately disappearing into their room. Your preschooler, who used to hop out of the car at daycare, now clings to your leg every morning. If any of this sounds familiar, you’re not…

I had a picture-perfect childhood: loving parents, a nice house, a big yard and plenty of toys. My only concerns were going to school and playing with my Barbies, running off to soccer practice and riding my scooter, bugging my brother and watching Dragon Tales. Unfortunately, it never dawned on…

You’ve probably experienced a season of life that was the opposite of flourishing: You weren’t struggling with your mental health in a clinical sense, but you weren’t thriving either. Maybe you were stuck in an unsettling limbo—an awkward “in-between” of one life transition and the next. You felt unmotivated, lethargic,…

I want to acknowledge how difficult this family dynamic is. This situation stirs up complicated emotions, and it’s easy to get trapped in these harmful relationship patterns with your mother. You might also have family members or friends offering their opinions on what you should do. Let’s cut through that…

Most of us have experienced this confusing moment: tears suddenly start flowing, and you pause to ask yourself, “Why am I crying right now?” Emotions can surface unexpectedly without any clear trigger, leaving you feeling confused, surprised, or even frustrated with yourself. Here’s the truth: emotions are always a response…

Have you given any thought to your cortisol levels lately? The so-called “stress hormone” has become a popular scapegoat, blamed for everything from exhaustion and bloating to anxiety, brain fog, muscle cramps, and lack of focus. But as with any health “issue” that gains traction on social media, it’s hard…

We’re all familiar with the silent frustration of another meeting (that could have been an email) popping up on our calendar. What’s less clear? Knowing when our reaction to an irritating situation is healthy and when it enters the territory of anger issues.  “Ultimately, anger isn’t the problem, it’s often…

If you’re questioning whether your anxiety is normal, you’re not alone. The truth is, anxiety itself is completely normal. It’s a future-focused emotion that helps us prepare for potential challenges. Anxiety is the feeling that prompts you to buckle your seatbelt, study for an exam, or rehearse before a big…