September marks the end of summer and the beginning of fall—a favorite time of year for many. Our sports teams are gearing up for action, and the holiday season draws closer. As much as there is to look forward to, there’s just as much to keep in mind: After all,…
Camille and Amma couldn’t be more different. Camille is a 30-something journalist who prefers to stay under the radar. Amma, on the other hand, is her more outgoing and rebellious kid sister. That said, there is one common thread between them: their mother Adora. Or more specifically, her abuse. If…
There may come a time when someone with a mental illness — like depression, anxiety, or PTSD — needs your help. While mental health conditions require proper treatment from a mental health professional like a counselor or psychiatrist, you can provide help in the form of comfort, reassurance, and support. Are…
Q: Is it possible to recover or fix relationships with my young children? I hear often that the first 5 years are critical to a child’s development. I fear that I have messed those years up with my children. I have struggled with anxiety and have often found myself snapping…
Imagine that you’re going about your morning as usual – making coffee, feeding the cat, tidying the bedroom – when your chest starts to hurt. The pain quickly mounts. Within minutes you’re drenched in sweat and you feel as if you’re suffocating. You close your eyes and try to take…
Q: I’m happy to have my job and I don’t really have anything bad to say about my coworkers or my position. But still, there are people and situations at work that can be really draining on me. As an introvert, by the time Friday rolls around, I can’t wait…
Your abuser does not get to define the rest of your life. You can know this intellectually, but it’s a whole different beast to know it in your body. People who experience sexual assault might internalize their fear and trauma so they continue to feel unsafe in their skin. They…
Trigger warning: This content might be triggering or traumatizing to survivors of sexual assault or other forms of violence. It might also be disturbing or upsetting to some readers. First and foremost, sexual assault is never the survivor’s fault. This is the most important piece of information, ahead of understanding…
The LGBTQIA+ community is a diverse group of individuals—those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, or asexual. Despite outdated perceptions and unwarranted prejudice from others, cultural norms are shifting and society is becoming increasingly supportive of the community, thanks in part to the bravery of those who…
As the holiday season approaches, many of us feel happy, excited, cheerful, and… stressed. You probably can’t tell that stress is a universal experience during the holidays. How could you? Considering all of the picture-perfect photos on Instagram (highlight reels) and cheery (more like cheesy) Christmas cards. But it’s true…
It is entirely natural to experience a range of emotions after a traumatic event. Most people recover from these initial reactions and feelings within a few weeks. However, if you have ongoing problems, there could be something else going on, like PTSD. PTSD isn’t talked about enough. Not many people…
May 1st marked the beginning of Mental Health Awareness Month, a 31-day period during which every American is encouraged to put their mental health needs first. It’s also a time when dedicated mental health professionals are recognized for their efforts in offering compassionate care. This month-long focus on the importance…