We all know what it feels like to be tired. But there’s a different kind of exhaustion that sleep doesn’t fix. It’s the kind that shows up in your bones, your mood, your patience, and your ability to cope. That’s emotional fatigue, and it’s far more common than most people realize. Emotional fatigue isn’t laziness […]
Trust Across the Miles: Managing Insecurity in Long-Distance Relationships
Long-distance relationships can trigger insecurity in even the most confident partners. When you can’t see your partner daily or share the small moments that build a connection, doubts can creep in. You might find yourself wondering what they’re doing and who they’re with. You might begin to wonder if the distance is creating emotional space […]
Stress vs. Burnout: Knowing the Difference Before It’s Too Late
The difference between stress and burnout is one of the most important things you’ll learn about managing your mental health. Life is busy! You have school, sports, clubs, friends, and family responsibilities. Everyone deals with stress, and sometimes it can be motivating. However, if that feeling of being swamped lasts too long, it can turn […]
C-PTSD: Symptoms, Awareness, and Diagnosis
Most people recognize PTSD as post-traumatic stress disorder linked to a single traumatic event like an accident, assault, or natural disaster. However, fewer people have heard of C-PTSD, or complex post-traumatic stress disorder, which develops not from one isolated incident but from ongoing, repeated trauma. This often occurs during childhood or within long-term relational environments […]
New Year’s Resolutions That Reduce Stress
New Year’s resolutions often add stress rather than relieve it. We set ambitious goals that feel overwhelming within just a few weeks. The pressure to transform ourselves completely can backfire, creating anxiety instead of positive change. However, resolutions don’t have to increase your stress levels. By choosing intentions that specifically target stress reduction, you can […]
Body Image in the Digital Age: The Media’s Influence on Eating Disorders
Most people do not wake up feeling bad about their bodies. That feeling often arrives after the first scroll of the day. Social media feeds show tight waists, smooth skin, and edited perfection before breakfast. Even when people know those images are filtered or staged, the comparison still lands. The brain registers what it sees […]
Why Feeling Lonely During the Holidays Feels Like Grief
The holidays are supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year—gathering around tables, creating meaningful rituals, and celebrating with the people we love. But what happens when they feel like anything but? If you’re experiencing loneliness during this season, you’re not alone in feeling alone. And there’s a reason why that loneliness might […]
What an Anxiety Attack Feels Like
Understanding what an anxiety attack feels like can help you recognize the experience in yourself or someone close to you. Anxiety attacks are intense, sudden episodes of fear or discomfort that feel completely overwhelming. While individual experiences vary, they involve a common set of physical, emotional, and mental symptoms. Understanding your body’s response and knowing […]
Identifying Common Causes of Decreased Sexual Interest
A shift in sexual interest can feel confusing, discouraging, or even alarming. This is especially true if this shift affects your relationship or sense of identity. It’s a deeply personal experience and often surrounded by shame or silence. In reality, decreased sexual desire is incredibly common and almost always rooted in completely understandable factors. Identifying […]
How Can You Know Whether You’re Depressed?
Depression isn’t always obvious. It doesn’t always look like constant sadness, crying, or staying in bed. Sometimes it shows up as numbness, irritability, low motivation, or simply feeling off for longer than usual. Because depression can be subtle and personal, many people struggle to understand whether what they’re experiencing is a rough patch or something […]