So much of our lives revolve around the 7 days we call a week. "The week in review" "The post of the week" "weekly/bi-weekly pay" "Finals week" We cram a lot of tasks into 7 days, and most of those are crammed into the 5 days that we await the weekend. This can put a lot of strain on us as we try to prioritize the things weed need and balance them against … [Read more...]
Self-Care: What I Learned About My Closest Friend’s Routine
Self-care. What is it? Why is it needed? How do I show myself self-care? Merriam-webster.com defines self-care as “love as self.” To get a relatable answer to these questions, I decided to interview my close friend Michelle. Before beginning the interview, I was not sure if she knew what self-care entailed and was intrigued to discover her responses! How would you describe … [Read more...]
My Struggle with Depression, Anxiety, Substance Abuse and Family Alcoholism.
I am a self-proclaimed, and semi-medically diagnosed, martyr and self-destructive masochist with a true medical diagnosis of depression and anxiety. I have spent the longest portion of my life within a destructive mindset and unwarranted ideas of being unworthy or undeserving of goodness. Now I realize that even as I write this these problems still persist. The difference is … [Read more...]
5 Ugly Lies About Ana (a.k.a. Anorexia)
Those having dealt with an eating disorder probably already know who Ana is. For those that don’t know it yet, Ana is short for anorexia. Ana is a name of the deadly illness that consumes all your body and soul and leaves you disinterested in everything else, except of Ana. Now when you have an eating disorder Ana may seem as the best friend one can have, it’s always here (in … [Read more...]
Halloween + Social Anxiety Disorder: Poems to Get You Through The Day
Ever tried to explain your social phobia to someone else, but couldn't find the right words? Ever been on the other end, desperately trying to understand how this person you're trying to connect with actually feels? It is a double-edgede sword: one can feel lonely, but at the same time, too trapped to go out and be with others. Halloween is a time that many think of fun and … [Read more...]
Step-By-Step: 10 Qualities to Have in a Relationship
Relationships. We all have them. We all want them. We all need them. Are your relationships, whether business, personal, social, etc. the best they can be? If not, check out these top ten qualities to have in a relationship: Communication In any relationship, communication is key. You have to talk to and get to know each other. That is the basis of any relationship, … [Read more...]
Four Ways to Effectively Help a Child Struggling with Mental Health Issues
If you're a parent with a teen with anxiety, depression, or any other mental health issue, you're probably overwhelmed. You might be frustrated, sad and helpless. These are all completely normal and reasonable feelings as you try your best to help your child manage their mental health. But... I have a good news: these conditions are treatable and you can play a role in making a … [Read more...]
3 Ways You Are Stronger Than You Think
Someone today will need to hear this. Is that you? Overcoming challenging emotional feelings and persistent negative thoughts is hard. But it's not impossible. You are capable of empathy and compassion. Your ability to help another human in need despite all that may be happening in your own life is a testament to your ability to relate to and empathize with others. The … [Read more...]
Lost My Mittens and Myself: Growing Apart from Toxic People and Developing My Real Self
When I was younger, one of my best friends buried my favorite pair of mittens deep in the snow on the hill behind my house. She pretended that it was just a joke, but at the end of the day she never told me where she hid them, and despite my begging and frantic digging, I couldn't find them. I suppose now, that the secrecy she held even in that moment, was a fantastic … [Read more...]
Back to School Anticipation Anxiety and How to Deal
Going back to school after three months of summer is one of the most anxiety-provoking times of the year for me personally. Back in high school, I remember feeling a mix of emotions about going back to school: part of me was excited to start exercising my brain again and begin learning new, exciting things every day while the other part of me was incredibly anxious to see … [Read more...]
How To Reduce Your Teen’s Anxiety
High school can be a very stressful time for you and your teenager. During my teenage years, I was disrespectful to my parents, distant, and blamed them for things that were going on in my life that they had no control over. Teenage hormones, college applications, relationships and simply stress from high school seem to all make for a high level of stress. My parents always did … [Read more...]
Should I See A Therapist?
Some of you reading this have gone to therapy and have seen the benefits it can provide. Others reading this might be dealing with a mental health issue but haven’t tried going to therapy and this post is for you. I've been there I get it because I have been in your place. There is a stigma of going to a therapist and having a mental health issue. Another reason it took me … [Read more...]
What I’ve Learned from Anxiety and Depression
My journey to mental health has been a long and harrowing experience, and strangely enough, sometimes rewarding. My fight with anxiety started before I could really even comprehend that I had anxiety. My dad worked in Manhattan as a computer technician, and I would worry about him at work almost every day, calling him on the hour. Then 9/11 happened; not being able to reach … [Read more...]
GETTING THROUGH HIGH SCHOOL – I want you to stay strong.
I am sure I’m not alone in saying this but I had a horrible time in high school. I was bullied, struggled with my own mental health issues and had no friends. High school was a miserable time for me and I’m guessing some of you reading who are in high school, are thinking the same thing. Just like me, I’m also guessing that people keep telling you, “its only high school, you … [Read more...]
The Secret to Confronting An Issue to Make Actual Change
Ever have a situation where you've been wronged, hurt or irritated? Someone did something to you that bothered you so much. But, you felt powerless to confront them, because you "know how they always react" when you have some negative feedback for them. Or, perhaps you are so overcome with social anxiety, you feel sharing your feelings will lead to not only your relationship … [Read more...]