About mental illness and addiction
Spotting Narcissistic Enablers in Recovery Finding your way through recovery is challenging enough without extra hurdles. One of the trickiest obstacles I’ve come across, both personally and in stories from others in recovery circles, is the presence of narcissistic enablers. These folks can make your healing process a lot more complicated, so spotting them is … Read more
Feeling stuck between choices happens to everyone at some point, but for some, decision paralysis can run so deep that it starts affecting everything, including how they cope with stress. One thing I’ve noticed is that this freeze in decision-making can sometimes make people reach for substances like alcohol, drugs, or even prescription meds as … Read more
Feeling shy in social situations is something most people have experienced. But social anxiety is a different thing, often showing up more intensely and affecting daily life in bigger ways. When it comes to mental health relapses, such as those with depression, anxiety disorders, or even addictions, shyness and social anxiety can play a part, … Read more
Understanding female covert narcissism can be a real challenge because the signs often fly under the radar. While the term “narcissism” might bring to mind someone loud, arrogant, or clearly self-absorbed, covert narcissism operates differently, with layers of subtlety. Female covert narcissism specifically tends to get overlooked, partly because cultural expectations often paint women as … Read more
If you’ve ever felt lightheaded, shaky, or anxious and thought it was withdrawal from something like caffeine or alcohol, low blood sugar might actually be the real culprit. Hypoglycemia—just the technical name for low blood sugar—brings on a bunch of symptoms that can seriously look and feel like withdrawal. I’ve run into this situation more … Read more
Stress shows up in our lives in so many ways. For many of us, it seems to love leaving a mark right on our skin. Handling stress-related breakouts isn’t just annoying—it can chip away at your confidence and sometimes signal that old habits are making a comeback, especially if you have worked hard to keep … Read more
Before we realize what’s happening, a narcissistic relationship can gradually erode our confidence, identity, and sense of self. Many people find themselves putting another person’s needs, opinions, and approval ahead of their own until they no longer recognize their own values, emotions, or goals. This pattern, known as self-abandonment, often develops slowly through manipulation, criticism, … Read more
Exercise is widely recognized for boosting physical health, increasing energy, improving mood, and creating a sense of accomplishment. However, for some individuals, suddenly stopping or significantly reducing regular exercise can trigger unexpected physical and emotional symptoms that resemble withdrawal. These reactions may include irritability, anxiety, restlessness, low mood, fatigue, and strong urges to return to … Read more
Bipolar disorder and addiction often cross paths, making treatment really challenging. Myths and misunderstandings about bipolar disorder can seriously impact people getting the help they need for addiction. These myths shape attitudes among families, friends, and even some healthcare providers, adding confusion or hesitation to seeking support. I’m breaking down common beliefs that get in … Read more
Feeling stuck in a toxic relationship isn’t just hard on your mind. It can mess with your body in some surprising ways, too. One thing I’ve noticed, both in research and from chatting with friends, is this weird connection between tough emotional patterns and food cravings. If you’ve ever found yourself reaching for chocolate or … Read more