Anxiety, Ask a Therapist, Mental Health Topics How do I know if my anxiety is normal or something more serious? by Ashlee Martin on Jul 1, 2025 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…
Mental Health Topics, Self-Improvement 23 podcasts that can change how you think, according to therapists by Ashley Laderer on Jun 27, 2025 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…
Memory, Mental Health Topics Restorative vs. reflective nostalgia: How your memories shape your mental health by Hannah DeWitt on Jun 26, 2025 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, Mental Health Topics What is the 333 rule for anxiety? How this simple grounding technique works by Hannah DeWitt on Jun 24, 2025 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…
Mental Health Topics, Relationships 11 real reasons couples stop having sex (and how to reconnect) by Aviva Patz on Jun 23, 2025 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…
Anxiety, Mental Health Topics Emotional flooding: Why you feel overwhelmed and what actually helps by Alisa Hrustic on Jun 21, 2025 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…
Disorders, Mental Health Topics, Narcissism, Personality Narcissistic tendencies vs. narcissistic personality disorder (NPD): What’s the difference? by Hannah DeWitt on Jun 20, 2025 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…
Mental Health Topics, Relationships Open relationships: Rules, boundaries, and how to make them work by Hannah DeWitt on Jun 16, 2025 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,…
Disorders, Mental Health Topics What is hyperfixation? Symptoms, causes, and how to manage it by Alexandra Cromer, LPC on Jun 13, 2025 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…
Depression, Mental Health Topics Why am I so sad after a vacation? How to deal with post-vacation depression by Laura Harris, LCMHC on Jun 12, 2025 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…
Mental Health Topics, Relationships 76 questions to bring you closer to your partner—from dating to marriage by Aviva Patz on Jun 12, 2025 You may think you know your partner, and you probably do know the basics. You know their favorite restaurant, shoe size, and how they take their coffee. You know where they work, that they never carry a balance on their credit card, have two best friends from college, and love…
Mental Health Topics, Narcissism, Power & Control How do narcissists control you? Recognizing manipulation tactics and protecting yourself by Hannah DeWitt on Jun 10, 2025 Narcissists often lack empathy but crave attention and admiration from those around them. They use a mix of subtle and overt tactics to keep others under their influence. They may dominate conversations, manipulate loved ones, or even resort to deception for personal gain. While it’s natural to want to avoid…