Mental Health Topics

Breakups suck. I don’t care if you’re the dumper or the dumpee—regardless, you’re in a sucky position. However, there is one key difference between the two: as the dumper, you decide how this breakup unfolds. Or at least how this breakup begins to unfold. While there is no textbook equation…

When I was in college, one of my best friends announced out of the blue that she was going to start therapy. She said it nonchalantly, with a bright smile and hopeful eyes. Her first appointment was in just a few days, she told me. I was amazed, to say…

The stress and anxiety many of us experience on a day-to-day basis can be exhausting. Fortunately, however, there are a ton of grounding techniques and calming exercises that help to bring us back to our center again. And one of those practices requires nothing other than your five senses, simply…

Congratulations! You’ve decided to prioritize your mental health and see what therapy has to offer—that’s great. You should be proud of yourself… even if you’re feeling a little uncertain about this unfamiliar territory. First and foremost, it’s okay to be nervous. “Taking the steps to look for and then contact…

We all suffer from our fair share of heartache—whether it’s rooted in a breakup, the loss of a loved one, abandonment, the death of a pet, or any number of things. And in any such circumstance, it’s important that we confront the painful feelings that accompany the painful experience. But…

New research suggests middle-aged men may suffer from ill-fated or unfortunate events in a way that others don’t. According to this neuro study “Effects of lesions in different nuclei of the amygdala on conditioned taste aversion,” serious conflicts and crises—such as divorce, death of a loved one, or financial hardship—appear…

New research from Queensland University of Technology says that ballet improves the overall wellbeing of older adults and has a tremendously positive influence on several health categories. More specifically, the report “Ballet Moves for Adult Creative Health” showed that seniors involved in a three-month ballet project had higher energy levels,…

Our bodies are temples—but we don’t typically treat them as such. Instead, we hate them, we shame them, and we neglect them. And in turn, we hate, shame, and neglect ourselves. I say it’s time to change that narrative. It’s time we start loving and appreciating ourselves. And it’s time…

You bicker. I bicker. We all bicker. With our parents, our siblings, our friends… but especially our significant others. This is a common issue in relationships, but that’s not to say it isn’t harmful. In fact, it’s actually pretty destructive. It all comes down to avoiding or settling petty arguments…

I am the ultimate people pleaser. I put others’ needs before my own; I do everything in my power to make others happy; and only then do I think about me. In my humble opinion, this makes me a loyal, dependable friend… but it doesn’t come without its weaknesses. At…

New research from the University of Illinois says that surprises are the perfect recipe for influencing social change. According to this study, “Surprise, Recipes for Surprise, and Social Influence,” surprises make for memorable, stimulating experiences, but they also prompt people to change their thoughts and even influence them to take…

Have you ever picked up a book during a difficult time, in hopes of being transported to a different place? In hopes of feeling safe and comforted? In hopes of returning to the present with a new and improved mentality? If you haven’t, you should. Because time and time again,…