Getting news of a big diagnosis, whether it’s cancer, a chronic illness, or even a mental health condition, is hard enough on its own. I’ve watched and experienced the unexpected ways friends sometimes react. Suddenly, someone who checked in all the time is nowhere to be found, or group chats go silent. When people vanish … Read more
Small talk gets a bad reputation. Most people see it as fluff or an awkward social ritual filling time until the real conversation starts. I used to think that way too, but after digging into how small talk really works, I found it’s surprisingly good for mental health. There’s a lot more going on when … Read more
Emotional numbness after narcissistic abuse is something that can feel really confusing and even a little bit scary. If you’ve ever found yourself feeling “checked out,” struggling to connect with your feelings, or even feeling completely flat after dealing with a narcissist, you’re definitely not alone. This experience is more common than you might think, … Read more
Sharing personal stories goes way beyond just putting words out into the world. Telling my story has opened up doors to new relationships, personal growth, and even professional change. Most people expect sharing their story to feel a bit vulnerable (it does), but there’s a whole stack of upsides, too. Here, I’m walking you through … Read more
If you’ve ever found yourself stuck in patterns that don’t work for you, such as over-checking your phone, worrying endlessly, or seeking approval from others, there’s usually something deeper going on under the surface. How secure we feel in our relationships can drive why we sometimes slip into cycles we can’t seem to break. Many … Read more
If you’ve scrolled through TikTok lately, you’ve probably noticed a surge of bite-sized therapy advice from creators claiming to know what’s best for your mental health. This wave of content is known as “TherapyTok.” The hashtag has racked up billions of views, and it seems like everyone, from licensed therapists to everyday users, has something … Read more
Dopamine and serotonin are two brain chemicals I hear about a lot when it comes to mental well-being, motivation, happiness, and especially recovery from drugs or alcohol. Both play a big part when someone is working through sobriety, but their roles, effects, and even the way they change during recovery, are pretty different. I’m breaking … Read more
Crying easily can be one of those things that make everyday life feel a bit confusing, or even embarrassing, at times. If you find your eyes welling up at emotional movies, during stress at work, or while hearing certain songs, know that you’re not alone. Many people ask themselves if something might be wrong because … Read more
Grief and depression are two experiences that can feel pretty overwhelming, sometimes even showing up with similar emotions or symptoms. Knowing the differences between them helps people find the right support and respond better to what they’re actually going through. Here, I’ll walk you through what makes grief distinct from depression, why these differences matter, … Read more
If you’ve ever felt torn between a heart-racing impulse and a calm, rational plan when making decisions, you’re far from alone. This ongoing tug-of-war between lust and logic influences nearly every aspect of our lives, from romantic relationships to everyday choices like spending or prioritizing tasks. Both forces play a significant role in shaping our … Read more