I’m in my era of nerding out on craft writing books. The books feel like imaginary cheerleaders on the sidelines of my writing life. I secretly hope they will reveal the secret to good writing but joke’s on me! There are no secrets or shortcuts. As I read Elissa Altman’s book, Permission: The New Memoirist […]
A recent study from Sentio University found that nearly half of people experiencing mental health challenges are turning to AI chatbots, such as ChatGPT, for support. AI can be helpful for structured interventions like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), psychoeducation, and self-regulation strategies. Apps that guide breathing exercises, track moods, or even offer scripted relationship advice can provide useful tools […]
Why Do Relationships Trigger Me So Much? (And What It Actually Means) If you’ve ever found yourself thinking: 💠 Why do I get so overwhelmed in relationships? 💠 Why do small things feel like a big deal? 💠 Why do I either shut down or spiral? You’re not dramatic.You’re not “too much.” And you’re definitely not broken. — A lot […]
When Trauma Doesn’t Look Like Trauma: Signs of Complex PTSD (CPTSD) A lot of people think trauma has to look dramatic to count.Like one big, obvious, life-altering moment.Something everyone would immediately agree was traumatic. And yes—those experiences absolutely exist. But a lot of trauma doesn’t look like that at all. Sometimes it looks like what you had […]
What Are Emotional Flashbacks? (And Why Do They Feel So Intense?) You know that moment where something small happens— and suddenly it doesn’t feel real small anymore? Yeah. That. — If you read my last two posts and felt called out a little? Well then, this is the post that explains why your reactions feel so intense […]
She looked at me like I’d suggested she try flapping her arms and flying home. I’d floated the idea of being a little kinder to herself — nothing dramatic — and her response was immediate. Almost allergic. “That feels fake.” Then, quieter: “I don’t think I can do that.” I’ve had this conversation more times […]
If you’re a woman who feels constantly overwhelmed, distracted, or “behind” – despite trying hard to stay organized – you’re not alone. Many women with ADHD go years without a diagnosis, often being misunderstood or misdiagnosed along the way. The truth is, ADHD in women can look very different than the stereotypical hyperactive presentation, and […]
As a man, does asking for help feel foreign or ‘wrong’ somehow? It may be that many traditionally male tenets may be useful or adaptative in certain environments. However, at least some of them might come at a significant cost in other areas. A relatively recent study shows that at least for some men, believing […]
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If you have ever sat in a church pew feeling like your world was falling apart, only to have a well-meaning friend tell you to “just pray about it,” you know the unique sting of spiritual bypassing. You may have walked away feeling not only the original weight of your anxiety or grief but […]
