mental health Archives

What Is Mindfulness (Really)? A Therapist’s Guide to Making It Work for Your Real Life

Have you ever caught yourself going through the motions, barely aware of what you’re doing? Maybe your body is in the grocery store, but your mind replays that awkward conversation from yesterday. That’s where mindfulness comes in—not as some abstract ideal, but as a practice of coming home to yourself, … Read the rest

Dear Inner Critic, You’re Canceled: A Guide to Self-Love

By Katherine Jewett, LMFT

Introduction

Ever notice that voice in your head that sounds suspiciously like Regina George from Mean Girls or maybe Professor Snape from Harry Potter? Meet your inner critic—the uninvited guest at your mental party who constantly whispers things like, “You’re going to embarrass yourself,” or … Read the rest

The Perfectionism Trap: How the Pressure to Be Perfect Fuels Anxiety and Depression

by Katherine Jewett, LMFT

Ever spent 20 minutes choosing a font for an email or rearranging the cups in your cabinet until they’re just right? 🙋 You’re not alone. Many of us proudly call ourselves “perfectionists,” often with a nervous laugh. We might even trot it out as … Read the rest

Love Under Pressure: How Couples Can Stand Strong Against Depression

Relationships are the bedrock of our lives, offering love, support, and connection. But what happens when one partner is struggling with depression? It can feel like a whirlwind of emotions—loneliness, fear, frustration, and helplessness. If you or your partner are going through something similar, know that you’re not alone. Many … Read the rest

Mental Health Effects of Emotional Abuse

Emotional abuse is not as easy to spot as physical abuse, but oftentimes its effects can be just as traumatic. Emotional abuse can involve a wide range of tactics, including gaslighting, shaming and manipulation. All of these are intended to leave the victim feeling confused, powerless and hopeless.

Typically people … Read the rest

When is it Time to Ask for Help?

Depression is a complex mental health issue that varies widely between individuals. This is why it can be difficult for some people to recognize what may be a situational discomfort that may pass on its own, and what may be more serious and require professional help.

The Difference Between Mild

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Beginner’s Guide to Focusing on Mental Health

These days, many people focus on their physical health. But few give much attention, if any, to their mental health.

What does mental health refer to? Mental health describes a person’s overall psychological health and well-being. It has much to do with the way you feel about yourself, your ability … Read the rest

Mental Health Effects of Excessive Screen Time

If we’re honest, most of us would admit we look at some form of digital screen more than we do the face of our friends and loved ones. From our phones to iPad, laptops and flatscreen TVs the size of an entire wall, screen time for most people is definitely … Read the rest

Signs you Need to Take a Mental Health Day

Do you ever get up in the morning and wonder if it would be okay for you to take a mental health day? If so, you’re definitely not alone. In fact, research from the American Psychological Association shows that today’s workforce is experiencing job burnout at alarming rates.

What are … Read the rest

Give the Gift of Mental Health: 5 Present Ideas

The holidays are just around the corner, and many of us are struggling to come up with gift ideas our friends and family will love. With so many people dealing with stress and anxiety these days over the recession, layoffs and threat of nuclear war, the best gift you can … Read the rest

How Your Self-Esteem Affects Your Mental Health

Having a low self-esteem is something many people of all ages deal with. While a low self-esteem is not considered a mental health condition itself, the way we think about ourselves directly impacts our mental health and overall well-being.

What is Self-Esteem?

Self-esteem refers to the way people feel about … Read the rest