There is a highly treatable, common illness that is too often ignored by the most capable among us. Symptoms may include sadness, numbness, irritability, fatigue, low energy, dis-interest or difficulty engaging in activities or with other people, feeling like a...
When You Feel Powerless
Powerless. Helpless. Stuck. These are some of the very worst, most unpleasant ways to feel. Too often people experiencing these emotions are hesitant to get counseling, or even talk with friends, because they feel it will “do nothing.” This is based on the belief that...
The Benefits of Small Life Adventures
Before my week off, everyone asked, “What are you doing for your vacation?” I did have some things planned, but for me it’s mostly about what I’m not doing: the same old, same old. I like what I do in a normal week, but it gets stale. For me, vacation is a chance to...
Beyond Postpartum: The Surprising Benefits of Being a Mom
Writer and mother extraordinaire, Lynn Shattuck, recently wrote a great piece for her blog reflecting on her postpartum experience. It was hugely popular because it hit home for many women. It brought back some memories for me, too. It took me a few weeks to regroup...
The Surprising Reasons You Feel the Way You Do
This week has been all about why having a deep understanding of your emotional life is essential to your well-being and the health of your relationships. Today, I will concede that this can be difficult work. I've argued before that emotions are information,...
Emotions and the Binge- How I Learned to Sit With Discomfort
Note from Hannah: This is the latest installment from the New Perspectives Series. This post was contributed by Dawn Clancy (and do yourself a favor and check out her blog and radio show, Growing Up Chaotic). When I set out to write this article, I pictured myself...
Looking Way (Way) Back: An Evolutionary Perspective for Modern Mental Health
Note from Hannah: This the first in a series of guest posts with the goal of providing new perspectives to mental health, wellness, and being a human. This piece was bravely shared by our guest writer, David. My brain is broken, I thought to myself, as I sat in a...
Can People Really Change?
I'm always a little surprised when I'm asked, "Can people really change?" Yes, people can really change. And if you'll excuse the double negative, I'd say people can't not change. While I'm not an expert on too many things, my humble observation is that everything...
Surviving the Holidays Even When You Don’t Feel Festive
If life has been difficult, the holidays can be especially trying. For people who have been laid off of work, are struggling financially, dealing with a loss, or struggling with life changes, trying to find cheer during the holiday season is tough. The truth is that...