Mental Health Topics

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…

There’s something uniquely satisfying about absorbing wisdom while you’re doing something else—whether you’re commuting, cooking dinner, or taking a walk. Podcasts let you gain insights and inspiration or simply be entertained by real voices without having to stare at another screen, making them perfect for our overstimulated lives. There’s no…

Has an old photo ever stopped you in your tracks, flooding you with memories so vivid you could almost step back into that moment? Or maybe a familiar song came on the radio and suddenly you were transported to a different time, a different version of yourself. That rush of…

Anxiety has a way of taking your emotions from calm to overwhelming in what feels like seconds. Whether you’re experiencing persistent worry that won’t quiet down or full-blown panic attacks, anxiety can make you feel like you’re losing control of your thoughts and body. That’s exactly why having reliable coping…

Dawn Laven (not her real name) and her husband have had sex maybe twice in 10 years. She blames the most recent drought on the discomforts of menopause, but the spark left her 27-year marriage long before that. “We’re just friends, roommates, people who do life together,” Laven says. “There’s…

Picture a jar full of marbles: Each marble represents a difficult feeling or emotion—grief, anger, or guilt, to name a few. Now, imagine the last person who upset or hurt you: They knock the jar over, the glass shatters, and the marbles spill out all over the floor. They quickly…

We’ve all encountered someone who seems overly self-focused—maybe they always steer conversations back to themselves or make decisions that seem pretty self-serving. It’s tempting to call that behavior “narcissistic,” especially since the term has become so common in everyday conversation. But there’s actually a crucial distinction in psychology: having narcissistic…

If you’ve ever wondered whether your relationship could handle more openness—or if you’re already navigating the complex world of multiple partners—you’re not alone. More couples are exploring open relationships than ever before, yet many struggle with the fundamental question: What does it actually take to make this work? While trust,…

Hyperfixation is a unique state of mind that goes far beyond a simple hobby or interest. Unlike casual interests, hyperfixations are intense, obsessive, and persistent—often taking precedence over everyday tasks and responsibilities. While commonly linked to conditions like ADHD, hyperfixation can happen to both neurodivergent and neurotypical people, shaping how…

Vacations are a wonderful and exciting part of life. They can expose you to new adventures and experiences that can change your life as you know it, or give you the relaxation and time off you need to be the best version of yourself.  However, returning to normal life after…