“Oh, there's no place like home for the holidays, 'cause no matter how far away you roam, if you want to be happy in a million ways, for the holidays - you can't beat home, sweet home.” - Carpenters If home doesn’t feel the way that it used to, does this classic line still hold some value and truth? Sometimes going home for the holidays is more stress-inducing than it is … [Read more...]
10 Ways I Hope to Change My Life in This New Decade
As 2020 sets in, I'm reflecting back on the last 10 years: graduation, first jobs, first boyfriends, the onset of my anxiety... so many things. Who would have thought someone could pack in so much life in just 10 years? I hope my next 10 will be filled with happiness, joy, health and adventure. Here are just some things I'm looking forward to in the new decade: Career … [Read more...]
Work Hard, Nap Hard: A Guide to Balancing Work and College Life
College. stress. These words seem to go hand in hand these days. For those of us who have jobs on top of being full time students, handling stress can become something like a third job. We go to class during the day, go to work at night, and when we get home we frantically scramble to finish our homework just to start everything over the next day, five days a week. The new … [Read more...]
3 Steps for Managing Your First Weeks Back to School
Ugh. September already? I have had ambivalent feelings toward this month for fifteen years! Dread of September and of school quickly replaces the dissatisfaction of spending yet another summer day doing nothing. June, July, and August often feel monotonous—you are finally meant to have all this time and yet it is nearly impossible to find a meaningful way to spend it. … [Read more...]
After College Blues: Turning a Time of Anxiety into Self-Exploration
It is a feeling of pride and joy when one goes up on stage and receive their college diploma. Our minds dream of the ideal future where a career will start right after obtaining that paper of certification that has caused sweat and tears for the last 4 years of higher education. However, that is a scenario that is too good to be true and in reality can cause the recent college … [Read more...]
Your Need-To-Know College Campus Mental Health Resources and Accommodations
I don’t think that there is a single person who doesn’t have at least a little difficulty when it comes to managing certain elements of college life. But when you’re also dealing with a mental health condition, some of the changes and challenges that college brings can feel even more overwhelming. It is important to know that many colleges have accommodations and resources … [Read more...]
9 Key Points When Finding a Therapist for Your College Kid
“Hey, do you know of any good therapists near campus?” That was the gist of an email I received from my friend Kate, whose child, a freshman, will be attending college with my daughter—on the other coast of the U.S. I wrote back: “You’re in luck, sugar!” attaching a file I’d put together two years ago, when we flew cross-country to deliver our daughter Grace to her new … [Read more...]
College Mental Health: Should I Transfer Closer to Home?
College life is a very big transition for many students. Especially those who are already dealing with other life problems, like a mental health disorder. Trying to learn how to live and navigate on your own can take awhile. For our whole lives, we have lived with our parent's support. Now, in an instant, we are out on our own away from home. We will come across some situations … [Read more...]
21st Birthday and Peer Pressure: My Story
My birthday is coming up soon. When I first realized it was so close I was shocked at how fast the past year went by and I started to think about what I was doing this time last year. After thinking for a couple of minutes I remembered exactly what I was doing. I was extremely frustrated and stressed out from trying to plan the perfect 21st birthday. Turning 21 should be … [Read more...]
Love, Me & My Mental Health: 4 Steps to Dating with a Mental Health Disorder
As a teen or young adult, a romantic relationship can become one of the most sacred things to you. These partnerships can often be a clear representation of what one desires in another individual, expose them to the feeling of unconditional love, or quite honestly turn out to be their biggest mistake. Since most relationships are ever-changing it can be difficult … [Read more...]
3 Steps to Managing the Transition to College
College life is a very big transition for many students. Especially those who are already dealing with other life problems, like a mental health disorder. Trying to learn how to live and navigate on your own can take awhile. For our whole lives, many of us have lived with our parents' support. Now, in an instant, we are out on our own, away from home. We will come across some … [Read more...]
Together, Let’s Clench Anxiety
The sole thing that surrounded my disheveled mind in high school were the bathroom stalls. Crouching in a puzzled state, the palms of my hands pooled with sweat, but for no particular reason at all. The room would spin while my hands tingled, my body attempting to frighten me with the possibility of fainting. My heartbeat grew abnormal; from a rapid pulse to palpitations, in a … [Read more...]
Soiling The Nest – What a Parent Can Expect When Your Teen Goes Off to College
Look Out – Bumpy Road Ahead Congrats to your high school grad! He/she might be ready to head off for college – immediately – even though it’s only June. The feelings begin before graduation, of course. Not only will your teen be ready to go, but you may also be really ready for him/her to leave. It’s commonly referred to as “soiling the nest” and – yes – it's a real … [Read more...]
5 Mid-Year Resolutions to Re-Implement for Self-Care in 2018
It feels like just yesterday we were counting down to the new 2018 year. I was ready to face the new year with a brand new set of resolutions, but this year, it was time to actually keep them. Half what through the year, I'm reminding myself how far I've come and encouraging myself to keep going. Looking after yourself shouldn’t feel like a chore. Self-care is important, but … [Read more...]
5 Foolproof Stress-Busting Activities for Finals Week
Stress is a powerful thing and something that often become extremely overwhelming if you let it get out of hand. Since coming to college, I believe that I have started to master some of the best options to try if you are having an especially difficult day or couple of days. Finals week is especially stressful for most. Here are a few options to reduce stress during finals week … [Read more...]