Mental Health Topics

In the post-COVID era, many of us instinctively reach for a disinfecting wipe to clean the grocery cart handle before shopping. While a healthy awareness of germs can protect us, excessive fear can disrupt daily life and well-being. Mysophobia, an intense anxiety about dirt, pathogens (germs), and contaminated objects, can…

Though therapy is often seen at the forefront of mental health care, medication is another important part of treatment for many mental health conditions. From ADHD to depression, medication can help make symptoms manageable in day-to-day life, allow people with mental health conditions some relief, and support coping and problem-solving…

This is a common question, as many people feel uncertain about couples therapy. Is it a dealbreaker? The answer isn’t always straightforward. While refusing to attend couples therapy can be a red flag, it doesn’t always mean the relationship is doomed. Every couple’s situation is unique, and there are other…

In a world where self-help books flood the market—more than 15,000 titles published annually—it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of advice claiming to be the “best” or “only” way to transform your life. With so many options available, separating truly meaningful guidance from superficial fluff can seem…

Boundaries are a popular topic right now, especially on social media. But if you consider yourself a people pleaser, you might find it stressful—if not impossible—to set them. I’m here to convince you that setting healthy boundaries is worth the effort, both for your own well-being and your ability to…

Grief is a universal experience — we all feel some type of grief during our lives, whether it’s through the loss of a loved one, job loss, pet loss, divorce, loss of a friendship, or the loss of another emotional connection. Losing something or someone you love is something no…

Gender dysphoria is the term used to describe deep feelings of distress, unease, and discomfort because one’s biological sex does not align with one’s gender identity, or the gender they feel they innately are. Gender dysphoria is a condition recognized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5),…

Though having and raising a child can be a wonderful and fulfilling experience, giving birth certainly comes with its tribulations. A myriad of emotions often accompanies the grueling process of giving birth. Some new parents might feel tired, anxious, unhappy, or even angry during the hard process of postpartum recovery. …

When you’re stressed, anxious, overwhelmed, or all of the above, there’s nothing less helpful than being told to “calm down,” even if it’s your own internal monologue. Whether you’re drowning in work, trying to balance parenting with your own needs, or grappling with the loss of a relationship, sometimes life…

James Lavino’s first big break came by way of Winnie the Pooh. Spending his 20s in New York (circa the late 1990s), Lavino found himself composing scores for his friends’ documentary films and dipping his hand in whatever creative endeavors came his way—including editing at the literary magazine “The Paris…

You probably know someone living with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), considering more than 15 million adults have been diagnosed with the neurodevelopmental disorder that affects focus and executive function. But despite being very common, many girls and women struggle to get a diagnosis, in part because ADHD symptoms present differently in…

According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), one in five U.S. adults is living with a mental illness right now. Yet, a large portion of this group never seeks help. Why? This statistic accounts in part for those who lack access to mental health services—but this doesn’t provide…