Boundaries

What Are “Spoons”? Understanding the Spoon Theory in Mental Health

If you’ve ever heard someone say, “I’m out of spoons today,” and wondered what on earth they meant, you’re not alone. It’s not about forgetting to do the dishes—it’s a shorthand that’s taken root in disability and mental health communities to describe something many of us struggle to explain: limited energy. The Spoon Theory, coined […]

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Acceptance, Anxiety, Boundaries, Challenges, College/Students, Compassion, Coping Skills, Couples, Family, Friends, Mental Health, Relationships, Stress
How to Tell If You’re Stuck in the Doomscrolling Spiral (And What It’s Doing to Your Brain)

How to Tell If You’re Stuck in the Doomscrolling Spiral (And What It’s Doing to Your Brain)

You know how it starts. You’re just going to check one thing. A quick peek at the news, maybe see what’s trending, scroll a little before bed. Ten minutes, tops. Suddenly it’s 1:12 a.m., your phone’s at 6%, and you’re convinced the world might actually be ending. Welcome to doomscrolling—your brain’s least fun way to

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Boundaries, How To, Social Media
The Real Difference Between Requests and Boundaries in Relationships

The Real Difference Between Requests and Boundaries in Relationships

“Can you not do that?” “I need you to stop.” “That makes me uncomfortable.” These all sound like boundaries, but they are not always actual boundaries. In therapy and in everyday life, we talk about boundaries a lot. One of the biggest points of confusion is the difference between a request and a boundary. Both

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Boundaries, Couples, Family, Friends, Relationships
When Love Turns Toxic: The Bait-and-Switch of an Emotionally Abusive Partner

When Love Turns Toxic: The Bait-and-Switch of an Emotionally Abusive Partner

Picture this: You meet someone who seems perfect. They’re charming, attentive, and say all the right things. Maybe they shower you with compliments, text you good morning and good night, and make you feel like the center of their universe. It feels like a whirlwind romance—the kind you see in movies. But then, slowly, something

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Attachment, Boundaries, College/Students, Couples, Emotions, Fear, Gaslighting, Relationships, Trauma
Understanding Why You Accept Poor Treatment and How to Break the Cycle

Understanding Why You Accept Poor Treatment and How to Break the Cycle

Ever find yourself replaying moments in your head where you accepted something that didn’t feel right? Maybe it was a dismissive comment, an unkind action, or even being taken for granted. It’s frustrating to think about, but understanding why we tolerate poor treatment is the first step toward changing the narrative. There are plenty of

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Attachment, Boundaries, How To, Personal Development
How to Stop Parenting Your Parents: Setting Healthy Boundaries with Aging Loved Ones

How to Stop Parenting Your Parents: Setting Healthy Boundaries with Aging Loved Ones

It can be a tricky dynamic: as our parents age, we might notice them needing more support, advice, or even care. Maybe they call you for help navigating technology or managing their finances, or perhaps they seem to rely on you for emotional reassurance more than you expected. It’s natural to want to help the

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Boundaries, Family, How To, Parenting
Mastering Social Media Boundaries for Better Mental Health

Mastering Social Media Boundaries for Better Mental Health

Social media has become a central part of our daily lives. It’s where we connect with friends, share milestones, and keep up with the latest trends. But it’s also a place where boundaries—those invisible lines that protect our time, energy, and emotional well-being—can blur faster than a disappearing Snapchat message. Setting boundaries on social media

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Boundaries, Mental Health, Social Media
Understanding the Key Factors That Contribute to Burnout

Understanding the Key Factors That Contribute to Burnout

Burnout has become a buzzword in recent years, but for good reason. It’s more than just being tired—it’s a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress. Recognizing the factors that increase your risk of burnout can be the first step in protecting your well-being and creating balance in your life. Let’s

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Boundaries, Perfectionism, Professional/Work, Stress
Effective Boundary Phrases to Protect Your Peace Today

Effective Boundary Phrases to Protect Your Peace Today

Setting boundaries can feel awkward at first, especially if you’re someone who tends to avoid conflict or prioritize others’ needs over your own. But healthy boundaries are essential for maintaining your mental well-being and building relationships that feel supportive rather than draining. The good news? You don’t need a scriptwriter or hours of preparation to

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Boundaries, Communication
5 Practical Ways to Combat Burnout and Reclaim Your Energy

5 Practical Ways to Combat Burnout and Reclaim Your Energy

Burnout is like a slow leak in your tire—by the time you realize something’s wrong, you’re already running on empty. It can sneak up on anyone, especially in today’s fast-paced world where we’re constantly juggling work, family, social obligations, and that never-ending list of things to do. If you’ve been feeling drained, unmotivated, or emotionally

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Boundaries, Connection, Family, Friends, Relationships, Therapy
How to Stop Overextending Yourself: A Guide to Setting Healthy Boundaries

How to Stop Overextending Yourself: A Guide to Setting Healthy Boundaries

Does your schedule feel like a puzzle with no edges? One commitment overlaps the next, and suddenly, you’re wondering how you agreed to bake cookies for the school fundraiser, stay late at work, and help a friend move—all in the same weekend. If this sounds familiar, you might be overextending yourself, a habit that can

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Boundaries, Guides
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