We’ve all been there. You agree to work late even though you’re running on fumes. You offer emotional support when your own tank is empty. You give someone yet another chance even after they’ve crossed a line. It might look like kindness on the outside, but inside it feels heavy, draining, and a little like […]
How to Recognize (and Stop) Violating Your Own Boundaries Read More »
Boundaries, How To, Personal Development
Growing up queer, most of us learn early on that fitting in doesn’t always mean belonging. You might find yourself constantly scanning the room, wondering if this is a space where you can be fully you — or if you need to hold parts of yourself back. And then there’s the other side of it:
Where Queer Young Adults Go to Be Understood (and Actually Have Fun Doing It) Read More »
Uncategorized
Self-awareness is one of those qualities that everyone assumes they have—until reality proves otherwise. It’s the ability to recognize your emotions, understand how your actions affect others, and adjust your behavior accordingly. But for some people, self-awareness is more of a blind spot than a skill. A lack of self-awareness can show up in small,
7 Signs Someone Lacks Self-Awareness (And Why It Matters for Mental Health) Read More »
Challenges, Communication, Relationships
Depression isn’t just feeling sad. It’s a deep, consuming fog that makes everything—getting out of bed, responding to a text, even brushing your teeth—feel like an impossible task. The world moves on, but you feel stuck. Maybe you’ve been told to “just push through,” or “think positive,” but those words land like bricks, heavy and
When Depression Feels Overwhelming: Understanding the Weight and Finding Relief Read More »
Coping Skills, Depression, Therapy
Most of us have spent time looking for red flags in relationships, friendships, jobs, or even in ourselves. But what about green flags? The moments that show you’re growing, healing, and becoming the version of yourself you’ve been working toward? Sometimes, progress isn’t about big milestones—it’s in the small, everyday choices you make. Here are
10 Green Flags in Yourself That Show You’re Growing and Healing Read More »
Celebrate, Goals, Healing
Have you ever found yourself reacting way more strongly than the situation called for—like crying after a mildly annoying email or snapping at someone because they asked a question? Or maybe you’ve had moments when you felt nothing at all, just flat and checked out, even when something big was happening. These aren’t just mood
Understanding the Window of Tolerance: Why You Feel “Too Much” or “Totally Numb” Read More »
Challenges, Emotions, Mental Health
We’ve all been there: your therapist or favorite Instagram self-help guru tells you to “just replace those negative thoughts!” So, you try swapping out “I’m terrible at this” for something like, “I’m amazing and totally unstoppable!” But for some reason, it feels fake, forced, or just plain ineffective. Here’s the truth: simply swapping negative thoughts
Why Replacing Negative Thoughts Isn’t Working (And What to Try Instead) Read More »
Congitive Defusion, Mental Health, Mindfulness, Tips
Have you ever caught yourself saying, “I didn’t mean it like that!” or “I was just trying to help!” after someone reacted negatively to something you said or did? Maybe you’ve felt hurt when someone didn’t take your advice, or frustrated when a friend didn’t pick up on what you were hinting at. If so,
Are You Being Manipulative Without Realizing It? Here’s How to Tell Read More »
Gaslighting, How To, Relationships
Panic attacks are often imagined as loud, overwhelming experiences—hyperventilating, trembling hands, gasping for breath. But what happens when panic doesn’t look like panic? Silent panic attacks, sometimes called “internal” panic attacks, are just as real and distressing as their more visible counterparts, but they tend to fly under the radar. What Is a Silent Panic
Silent Panic Attacks: What They Are and How to Manage Them Read More »
Anxiety, Emotions, How To
Ever wondered what goes on behind the closed doors of a therapy session? If you’ve been in therapy before, you’ve probably noticed certain phrases that seem to pop up again and again. It’s not because therapists have a secret script (though that would make our jobs easier). These statements are often rooted in research, psychology,
Inside the Therapy Room: Things Your Therapist Probably Says (And Why They Matter) Read More »
Mental Health, Therapists, Therapy, Tips
Imagine this: you’re talking to someone, sharing a story, and they suddenly look away, fidget with their phone, or offer a one-word response. It might feel dismissive or even rude. But for someone living with anxiety, these behaviors aren’t about disinterest or bad manners—they’re often a protective mechanism or a symptom of their inner struggle.
Understanding the Hidden Behaviors of Anxiety That Might Seem Rude Read More »
Anxiety, Relationships, Stress
Life often feels like an endless cycle: wake up, work, eat, sleep, repeat. The daily grind, with its unrelenting pace and demands, can leave us feeling stuck, depleted, and disconnected from the things that truly bring us joy. Escaping this hamster wheel doesn’t necessarily mean quitting your job or moving to a remote island (although
Breaking Free from the Daily Grind: A Guide to Reclaiming Your Peace and Joy Read More »
Guides, Personal Development, Wellness
Closure is one of those concepts we hear about all the time—often in the context of relationships, loss, or life’s messy transitions. The idea sounds comforting, almost like a magic trick: tie up the loose ends, process the experience, and voilà, you’re free to move on. But let’s be real—closure is rarely that simple, and
The Truth About Closure: Why It’s More Complex Than You Think Read More »
Attachment, Challenges, College/Students, Couples, Family, Grief, Parenting, Relationships
If you’ve ever felt a pang of anxiety when you can’t find your phone or caught yourself endlessly scrolling late at night, you’re not alone. Our relationship with cell phones is complicated—it’s like carrying the world in your pocket, but sometimes that pocket feels unbearably heavy. The way we interact with our devices can have
Are Your Cell Phone Habits Fueling Anxiety? Here’s What to Know Read More »
Anxiety, Coping Skills, Social Media
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
When Love Turns Toxic: The Bait-and-Switch of an Emotionally Abusive Partner Read More »
Attachment, Boundaries, College/Students, Couples, Emotions, Fear, Gaslighting, Relationships, Trauma