Being in a loving, committed relationship is a joyful, exciting experience! It can feel as though the weight of the world is easier to carry with someone by your side. However, it is equally important to ensure that while there is a sense of companionship together, there is still also individuality. Many couples ...

When someone you love is struggling with depression, it can be heartbreaking to watch. You want to help, to fix it, to somehow lift the weight off their shoulders, but depression doesn’t work that way. You might notice them withdrawing, sleeping more, or losing interest in things they used to enjoy. Maybe they seem ...

Codependent enmeshment means relationship boundaries disappear, painfully merging partners’ identities and emotions. It’s a dynamic where you might feel deeply connected to your partner, but that connection comes at a hefty price. The cost is your own individuality and autonomy. This is an unhealthy fusion in any relationship. If you constantly feel responsible for ...

Teenagers have always faced challenges as they navigate identity, social pressures, and the emotional ups and downs of growing up. But today’s teens are carrying even more weight. Between academic demands, social media comparison, global uncertainty, and lingering post-pandemic stress, adolescence can feel heavier than ever before. As a parent or caregiver, it’s often ...

When you imagined bringing your baby into the world, you likely had hopes for how it would unfold. Maybe you pictured a calm delivery or counted on certain pain management options. But birth doesn’t always follow the script we create. Labor can shift quickly. Emergency cesareans happen, inductions become necessary, or complications force ...

The holidays are supposed to be “the most wonderful time of the year,” right? Except sometimes… they’re not. Between family gatherings, work parties, travel, cooking, budgeting, and the pressure to be endlessly cheerful, it’s no wonder so many people feel anxious or emotionally drained this time of year. If you’ve ever found yourself dreading ...

In today’s fast-paced and always-on work culture, stress is no longer the exception. It’s unfortunately become the norm. Long hours, tight deadlines, and the pressure to perform can all lead to burnout. If you’ve been feeling constantly overwhelmed, disconnected from your work, or simply running on empty, it’s important to know that you’re ...

Art therapy offers a way to explore emotions and experiences through creative expression rather than conversation alone. It can benefit individuals across all ages and backgrounds, whether they are struggling to find the right words or simply feeling stuck in traditional talk therapy. By using drawing, painting, sculpture, or other art forms, people ...

Receiving a bipolar disorder diagnosis can feel overwhelming. You might experience a mix of emotions. e.g., relief at finally having an explanation for your struggles, fear about what this means for your future, or uncertainty about how to move forward. It’s completely normal to feel this way. The truth is, a bipolar diagnosis isn’t ...

Anger often gets a bad reputation, especially for women who’ve been taught that expressing this emotion makes them difficult, aggressive, or unladylike. You might have learned to suppress your anger, apologize for it, or feel guilty when it surfaces. But anger isn’t your enemy. It’s actually a powerful messenger, alerting you to boundaries ...

If you’ve ever noticed your anxiety spike before your period, during pregnancy, or as you approach menopause, you’re not imagining things. The connection between hormones and anxiety in women is real, complex, and often misunderstood. Many women describe feeling like they’re on an emotional rollercoaster, wondering why their usual coping strategies suddenly stop working ...

Between managing work, family responsibilities, and the unpredictability of life, it can feel like we’re constantly on edge. When all that worry reaches a tipping point, you might experience what’s often called an “anxiety attack.” While “anxiety attack” isn’t a formal medical diagnosis, it describes a very real experience that many people face ...

You may have heard about EMDR therapy and wondered what those four letters actually mean. EMDR stands for eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, and while that might sound clinical, the therapy itself offers a surprisingly natural approach to healing. This therapy approach has helped countless people process difficult memories and reduce the emotional ...

The rapid shift to remote work transformed millions of living rooms into makeshift offices virtually overnight. While working from home offers undeniable flexibility, many people weren’t prepared for the emotional toll of losing daily in-person connections. The casual coffee break conversations and spontaneous collaborations disappeared, leaving many remote workers feeling unexpectedly alone. This isolation ...

Parenting a child with ADHD often involves a mix of pride, frustration, and worry. These children are often curious, energetic, and creative, but the same qualities that make them unique can also make daily routines feel unpredictable. Understanding ADHD and learning how to guide your child through structure and support can make family ...

When we think of trauma, we often focus on how it affects the mind. We’re often left with bad memories, negatively charged emotions, and lingering thoughts of the distressing event that trigger nightmares or flashbacks. But trauma doesn’t just live in the mind. The body actually holds just as much of our story as ...

If you’ve ever experienced trauma or deeply distressing memories, you may have heard of EMDR therapy, short for eye movement desensitization and reprocessing. It’s become one of the most well-known and evidence-based therapies for trauma, PTSD, anxiety, and even phobias. At first glance, EMDR can sound a little unusual: following a therapist’s finger or ...

Navigating a divorce is often considered to be one of life’s most emotionally overwhelming experiences. As you move through it, it can feel like your whole world is being turned upside down. This period marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of a new one, but one that you weren’t necessarily ...

Attachment forms the foundation of healthy child development. It’s the emotional bond between a child and their primary caregiver that shapes how they view relationships, manage emotions, and navigate the world. When children develop secure attachments, they tend to build healthy relationships, form stronger social connections, handle stress with greater resilience, and grow ...

From the outside, privilege can look like freedom. A stable home, financial comfort, education, and social connections are often seen as markers of success. But for many people living in these circumstances, the expectation to maintain that image of success becomes its own kind of burden. The pressure to always be capable, accomplished, ...

The holidays are meant to bring joy and connection, but for many couples, they arrive with a familiar sense of overwhelm. Even when both partners are capable and caring, the sheer number of obligations can create tension. You might feel like teammates running in different directions, each trying to keep things from falling apart. ...

Anger is a normal human emotion. It signals that something feels unfair, disrespectful, or unsafe. However, when anger becomes the default response, it can harm relationships, careers, health, and self-image. Many people believe anger appears out of nowhere, but it often builds from unaddressed stress, built-up resentment, unmet needs, or old emotional wounds. ...

When you’re navigating the dating world, you might notice patterns in how you connect with potential partners. Maybe you pull away when someone gets too close, or perhaps you worry constantly about whether they’re losing interest. These patterns often trace back to your attachment style. That’s the emotional blueprint you developed in early ...

Children experience emotions intensely but often lack the vocabulary to articulate what they’re feeling. A seven-year-old struggling with anxiety might not be able to say “I feel unsafe and uncertain,” but can draw a picture of themselves in a dark storm or build a fortress with toys during play therapy. Creative expression bridges this ...

The transition to menopause can feel like a whirlwind for your mind and body. Hormonal shifts and other changes often take a toll on your mental well-being, and studies have shown that women entering perimenopause are at a greater risk of developing depression. Even if you’ve never struggled with mental health issues before, these ...

Many of us carry emotional habits and relational dynamics that were passed down from our families, often without even realizing it. These inherited patterns can shape how we communicate, connect and handle conflict in our adult relationships. While some family influences are positive, others can lead to cycles of emotional disconnection, control, resentment ...

“Anxiety” and “stress” are often used interchangeably. You’ve probably even done it a few times before, even without realizing it. “I’m anxious about this ___ (insert situation relating to your life here).” “I’m stressed about everything I have to get done today.” These are both common, casual phrases that we toss around regularly without really knowing ...

Recovery from addiction stands among the most courageous journeys you can undertake. It demands honesty, commitment, and the willingness to rebuild not just your health, but your relationships as well. Yet something critical often goes unnoticed: relationships can profoundly shape your recovery journey, for better or worse. When relationships provide support and comfort, they ...

Complex trauma often develops in unsafe or unpredictable environments where protection and care are missing. Over time, these early experiences can shape how you perceive yourself and interact with others. Healing begins when you recognize these patterns and learn that with the right support, your past doesn’t have to control your present or ...

All humans struggle with insecurities, and romantic relationships have a way of exposing fears or doubts you may not have even known existed. Insecurities manifest differently for each person. For some, feeling insecure can lead to shyness, tentativeness, and people-pleasing behaviors. For others, vulnerability triggers a kind of peacocking where they act more ...

If you’ve experienced narcissistic abuse, you might struggle to explain what felt wrong in your relationship. You sensed that something was deeply missing, but couldn’t pinpoint specific harmful incidents. This confusion often stems from emotional neglect, one of the most invisible yet damaging patterns in troubled relationships. Emotional neglect occurs when a partner consistently ...

If you’re raising a teenager today, it can feel like you’re living in two worlds: one where you grew up without smartphones, and one where your teen’s life revolves around them. From social media and gaming to group chats and streaming, technology is woven into nearly every part of a teen’s day. While technology ...

Caregiving is one of the most meaningful yet demanding roles you can take on. Whether you’re supporting an aging parent, a partner with chronic illness, or a family member with disabilities, the daily responsibilities can gradually wear you down. Caregiving burnout isn’t a sign of weakness or lack of love. It’s a natural ...

Becoming a parent is often described as one of life’s most profound and transformative experiences. It brings a flood of new emotions, such as love, joy, wonder, and pride, to name a few. However, it also introduces negative emotions, such as uncertainty, fear, exhaustion, and an overwhelming sense of responsibility. The moment you ...

The digital age has transformed the way we communicate, learn, and socialize. For children and teens, social media is at the heart of it all. It’s deeply ingrained in their daily lives, shaping how they perceive themselves, connect with peers, and understand the world around them. While social media offers creative outlets and a ...

Grief touches everyone at some point in life, whether it is the loss of a loved one, a relationship, a job, or even a sense of identity. Even though grief is universal, the way we experience it is deeply personal. Some days you might feel okay; others, it hits you like a wave ...

Parenting a teenager comes with its share of challenges. Mood swings, independence, and big emotions are all part of growing up. But sometimes, those changes signal something deeper than typical adolescent behavior. Depression in teens is more common than many realize, yet it often goes unnoticed or misunderstood. Because teens don’t always express sadness ...

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are distinct mental health conditions that both can significantly impact how a person functions day to day. What many don’t realize is how often these two conditions overlap and how similar they can appear on the surface. Understanding the connection between ADHD and PTSD matters ...

Family conversations aren’t always easy, even when you’re close with your relatives. Misunderstandings, conflicting viewpoints, and strong emotions can create distance just when you’re trying to bridge it. Many people feel torn between two desires: keeping the peace and speaking honestly about what matters. You might wonder if it’s even possible to address real ...

If you’ve ever wondered whether your relationship has “too much” conflict, you’re not alone. Many couples assume that happy, long-term partners rarely argue. The truth is, conflict is a natural part of any relationship. Disagreements don’t mean your relationship is failing. In fact, they can signal a healthy, engaged partnership. Furthermore, sometimes arguments can ...

When people think of ADHD, they might imagine a hyperactive child who has trouble sitting still in class. But ADHD doesn’t disappear with age; it just looks different. In adults, ADHD often shows up as mental restlessness and chronic disorganization, or difficulty following through. You might start the day with motivation and a ...

Have you ever been told you’re too sensitive? Maybe you cry easily during movies, feel drained after social gatherings, or notice things others seem to miss entirely. If this sounds familiar, you might be what researchers call a highly sensitive person (HSP), and that’s not a flaw. It’s simply how your nervous system ...

Self-care isn’t just a trendy buzzword; it’s the foundation of emotional balance, physical well-being, and resilience in a world that never seems to slow down. But if you’ve ever tried to start a self-care routine, you’ve probably discovered how easy it is to slip back into old habits once life gets busy. Lasting self-care ...

In long-term relationships, it’s easy to assume that love is built through grand gestures like romantic getaways, surprise gifts, or a big “I’m sorry” after a fight. But the foundation of lasting love is actually built in the smallest, most ordinary moments. A hand on the shoulder while passing in the kitchen. A text ...

When your child has both attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and anxiety, everyday life can feel like navigating a complicated maze. One moment, they’re bouncing off the walls with energy, and the next, they’re paralyzed by worry. These two conditions often occur together, creating a unique set of challenges for both children and parents. ...

You’ve washed the onesies, assembled the crib, and packed your hospital bag three times. The nursery looks perfect, and your checklist is nearly complete. Yet even with everything ready, you might still feel a flutter of uncertainty, or a quiet voice asking, “Am I really ready for this?” No amount of gear can fully ...

Supporting someone who lives with anxiety can feel confusing at times. You may want to help, but not know what to say or do. Anxiety looks different for everyone, and what feels supportive to one person may feel overwhelming to another. Still, there are some clear and compassionate ways to show up for ...

Nothing feels lonelier than being in a partnership where your voice goes unnoticed. While we often hear that relationships are built on a foundation of communication, the reality is that feeling consistently unheard by your partner can create deep wounds and leave you questioning the connection you thought you had. When one person repeatedly ...

Living with a chronic illness isn’t just physically challenging. Many chronic illnesses take a significant toll on your mental health as well. You might be surprised to learn that struggling emotionally while managing a chronic condition is incredibly common, even when the illness doesn’t directly affect your brain. Understanding this connection is the ...

If you’re in a long-term relationship, it’s normal for your sex life to go through some slumps. Depending on what’s happening in your lives, you might not always be on the same page about how often you want to have sex or what you want in the bedroom. While sexual differences are a ...