Childhood is often perceived as a time of innocence and carefree joy. Unfortunately, this perception doesn't always align with reality, and for many people, childhood is marked by difficult circumstances that leave a lasting impact.

The word “gatekeeping” seems to be thrown around a lot these days. By definition, gatekeeping is the activity of controlling, and usually limiting, general access to something.

In the realm of mental health diagnosis and treatment, a troubling reality often goes unaddressed: the pervasive influence of racial bias. While psychiatry and psychotherapy are dedicated to understanding and treating mental illness, the intersection of racial bias and misdiagnosis has become a concerning issue that demands our attention.

The stereotypical association of eating disorders and thin, young, affluent white girls has long been recognized. But if one struggles with disordered eating habits and identifies outside of those categories, the associated journey can feel utterly isolating - which is astounding, alarming, and heart-wrenching

Understanding more about the process of grief helped me find healthier ways to cope. If you're experiencing grief, here are some ways to navigate the storm and find a path toward healing:

Knowing the questionable origin story of the five love languages, the underlying sentiment that partners often have different ways of receiving and experiencing love and may benefit from learning one another’s love language remains a pure and seemingly simple truth.

These attachment styles lay the foundation for how we approach intimate relationships as adults, impacting our ability to develop trust and connection with intimate partners. Understanding your attachment style can play a huge role in developing self-awareness and building healthier relationships.

SAD usually occurs during the fall and winter when daylight decreases and improves with the onset of spring. However, a portion of those who experience SAD feel the effects in the spring and summer.

Intergenerational trauma is a complex phenomenon that can cast a long shadow over the lives of individuals and families. Recognizing the symptoms and understanding their roots is essential to healing and breaking the cycle.

People-pleasing behavior is not an act of benevolence. It stems from a deep-rooted need for external validation and longing to feel secure. People pleasers are often operating from a place of low self-esteem, fear of rejection, or fear of failure.

In our society, communication extends far beyond the words we speak. Nonverbal cues can play a significant role in shaping our interactions and relationships.

BIPOC individuals experience mental health disparities due to various factors, including historical trauma, intergenerational trauma, and ongoing systemic racism. These factors may contribute to higher rates of anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health conditions within these communities.

Racial gaslighting takes a significant toll on individuals and communities, perpetuating the cycle of oppression. This harmful behavior can negatively affect marginalized individuals’ physical and mental health, causing them to question their sense of identity, safety, and self-worth.

People may use the term “gaslight” in various ways, causing confusion as to what it truly means. Here’s a bit of context into what is considered gaslighting and how to tell if someone is gaslighting you:

Breakups…we’ve all been there at some point! Relationships can end for several reasons, but even when breaking up feels like the right thing to do, it can still be an incredibly painful experience. When a relationship ends, you may feel profound disappointment, stress, and grief because it represents the loss, not just of the partnership, but also of the dreams and commitments you shared

Developing self-love is no easy feat, especially in a society that profits off our insecurities. Unfortunately, many of us struggle with self-loathing and negative self-talk, often stemming from capitalism, oppression, societal pressures, and unrealistic beauty standards.

Setting boundaries as a way of maintaining mental health has become more normalized in the US. Despite the rise in popularity of the word “boundaries,” many people don’t know what setting boundaries looks like or how to talk about it with others.

Self-care is the process of intentionally engaging in strategies that promote healthy functioning and enhance well-being. It involves the pursuit of activities that promote mental, emotional, and physical health.

For most people, experiencing occasional anxiety is a normal part of life—we all go through periods that can be more stressful or overwhelming than usual. Although anxiety is a normal response to stress, it can become overwhelming when it interferes with daily life.

Today, the term is used more broadly to describe designated areas or communities where individuals can feel secure and protected from discrimination, harassment, and other forms of harm.