“My eating disorder had become my best friend, my soulmate: to have and to hold, for better or for worse, in sickness and in health, till death do us part.” The words floated from my mouth, coating the room in the potency of my hardships. It was the first time I publicly spoke about my recovery. All of the emotions I wrestled, all of the thoughts I braved, and all of the pain I … [Read more...]
Love and Depression
There are a lot of people who tell us that in order to love someone else, we have to love ourselves first. But self-loathing can be a huge aspect of depression, not to mention all the other aspects that can make life difficult for us, let alone a relationship. Depression can manifest itself in so many ways though, not just self-loathing, but even still it can adversely affect … [Read more...]
AiT Exclusive Interview: On-Demand Video Therapy with LARKR
As we head into the new year, I’m particularly excited about how advanced mental health technology and innovation continue to advance and how the entire eco-system is becoming more accustomed to using such innovations and technology. Today, I’m pleased to welcome the LARKR team to an exclusive AiT interview! Join us as we cover the latest in offer access to quality mental … [Read more...]
Finding a Light in the Darkness: You Already Have All the Magic You Need Inside
Magic is an integral part of every child’s life; whether it is Tinkerbell’s pixie dust or the manifold of colors in a sunset, magic can be found anywhere. For me, the most magical place in the world was the world of wizard’s- the world of Harry Potter. Harry and his friends always supported one another and continued on their journey in the midst of fear; these characters … [Read more...]
Me Telling You
When I was little it would come to me like a mysterious invisible monster. Usually when I was dozing off to sleep, alone with my thoughts in quiet, the thumping got louder and louder. The monster drew closer. It was closing in on me, and when I felt that it would in fact become lifelike - that I could reach out and touch it, or worse yet, it could touch me - there were only … [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...]
A Parent’s Perspective: Supporting Your Teen
As an AiT Contributor and as someone who was been through a fair share of mental health issues since childhood, I am very aware that this was not just something that I was going through alone. My parents and other family members were also often brought along for the ride. Because of this, my parents have learned quite a bit about the mental health field and how they can best … [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...]
Renewed Hope: One Young Woman’s Story of Severe Eating Disorder, Depression and OCD and then Recovery
It all began when I was about 8 years old. I had always been a bit of an anxious child, but it had never been a serious issue. However, it seemed like one day I was suddenly slapped across the face with unbearable anxiety. My childhood up to that point had been pretty average: I had supportive and loving parents, friends and had managed to stay out of trouble for the most part. … [Read more...]
How To Tell If You Have An Eating Disorder
I've had friends with eating disorders. When I was in high school, I remember I had a friend who was going through some issues at home and after being made fun of in school, she developed a serious eating disorder. I did not realize that she was dealing with an eating disorder because I always saw her eating food and I was unaware of the signs of bulimia. I finally realized … [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...]
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...]