The bargaining stage of grief is a process in which an individual who has suffered a loss might seek to regain control of their inner narrative, as they slowly process what has happened to them or someone they care about. Bargaining involves psychological negotiating with oneself, other people, or even…
We all experience days when we’re just not in the mood to mince words; which means some conversations may get a little heated under the right circumstances. And often, we tend to snap at the people who are closest to us; the friends and family we care about. Those arguments…
Q: If your week has already been immensely tumultuous added with an accumulation of a triggering session for the day, what are other ways to deescalate failed attempts of coping skills that were previously working? A: Thank you so much for reaching out! Sorry to hear you’re having a rough…
Whether it be stress, grief, anger, or any other tough emotion, we all have to find a way to cope with what life throws at us and the emotions that come along with it. Coping mechanisms are an integral part of functioning and dealing with life’s problems, but sometimes they…
Coping strategies (referred to interchangeably as coping mechanisms or coping skills) are behaviors that are designed to help us reduce the negative emotions associated with difficult events, situations, relationships, and more. Coping mechanisms may be learned both consciously or unconsciously. Learning and implementing healthy coping strategies is a routine part…
Anxiety is a human response to stressful stimuli. In other words, it’s normal. Whether we’re late for work, have ruined our favorite shirt, or totally failed a first date, life certainly offers us a lot to be anxious about. However, when anxiety stops becoming an intermittent experience and becomes more…
Adults aren’t the only ones who can experience depression: Depression in teens is an increasingly common and serious mental health issue. Teenage depression may look like moodiness and irritation on the surface, but underneath, there’s genuine emotional pain. Teenage depression may conjure dark feelings of sadness, frustration, and fatigue that…
Question: I’m in my mid-20s and have a decent job. I’m able to pay all of my bills on time, and I try to save what I can for the future. But there are some bigger financial stressors that hang over my head, mostly my student loans and my car…
Q: I have a neighbor that I struggle to get along with—we’ll call her Heather. I met Heather when we first moved into our neighborhood a few months ago. She and her husband live across the street and came to say hi while my girlfriend and I were carrying boxes…
Imposter syndrome is a lingering feeling of uncertainty related to some part of our identity—the sense that we don’t belong. It can occur at work if we’re promoted, when relocating to a new community, or when meeting new people in our personal lives. But it can also happen to members…
The front door open for the last time that night, my friends standing on the front porch, arm in arm, waving goodbye, their silhouettes shimmering against the half-moon behind them. Just beyond, I see another set of friends (another couple) climb into their car, as the cabin light illuminates the…
Q: How do you deal with a panic attack? A: We’re so sorry to hear you’re experiencing panic attacks! We know they can be incredibly scary. First off, if you ever feel like you’re having a mental health crisis, you can call a hotline for assistance, such as 800-273-8255 or…