A cancer diagnosis unquestionably changes everything—it can turn your world upside down, bringing uncertainty, fear, and an overwhelming mix of emotions. Beyond the physical toll, it can also coincide with financial stress, emotional exhaustion, and difficult decisions that affect every part of your life. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, please know you’re not alone. What you’re going through is incredibly challenging,...[ read more ]
The relationship between chronic pain and grief is undoubtedly complicated, with symptoms of one experience potentially exacerbating symptoms of the other. While grief is part of the collective human experience, the complexity of pain can make it challenging to engage in healthy coping skills or take care of yourself during this time. If you're struggling with grief, chronic pain, or...[ read more ]
More than just the winter blues, many people find that shorter days and colder weather bring challenges to their mental health. If you're grieving- or have symptoms of depression- the winter may be the hardest time of the year. Taking care of yourself may feel extra challenging, but the good news is that even the smallest strategies may help improve...[ read more ]
It's no secret that the holiday season is riddled with intense expectations and pressure. There are so many societal messages about how we should enjoy the most "wonderful time of the year." But if your current life circumstances fall outside of these optimal parameters, you may feel overwhelmed, depressed, or lonely. This year, whether you're spending the holidays alone due...[ read more ]
Setting healthy boundaries can be challenging in any interpersonal dynamic. But in-laws often create added complexities, particularly if you don't necessarily share the same values or don't have the closest relationship. At the same time, avoiding boundaries may result in tension, resentment, and problems with your partner. Regardless of your individual circumstances, here are some guidelines that may help. Share...[ read more ]
Because conflict can feel so dysregulating and uncomfortable, many people try to avoid it altogether. This makes sense. Why make things harder than they need to be? But in an effort to keep peace, you may actually perpetuate more anxiety, tension, and disruption. Furthermore, you might be triggering the very disagreements you hope to avoid. Learning how to manage conflict...[ read more ]
Most people know that practicing gratitude has many profound physical and emotional benefits. However, tapping into your appreciation during a depressive episode can feel like trying to enjoy the sun during a rainstorm. The heaviness of depression and anxiety often makes it challenging to connect with the positive aspects of life, even when you can logically recognize their worth. Gratitude...[ read more ]
Coping with a colleague's death can be logistically and emotionally difficult. While other types of losses, such as the death of a spouse, friend, or family member, are often talked openly about, the complex experience of losing a coworker isn't always as readily named. That said, the average full-time employee works just about 37 hours per week- there's a good...[ read more ]
All emotions are valid during grief. In a society that often misunderstands grief and loss, this can't be emphasized enough. As you move through various feelings, both crying and not crying are valid responses. That said, it can sometimes feel unnerving to not be able to cry during a particularly tenuous time. Maybe you resonate with feeling sad or scared,...[ read more ]
There's no doubt that retirement represents an incredibly significant life transition. Although you can take steps to emotionally prepare for this time, the change can still feel quite jarring. While many retirees first feel excited about the prospects of newfound freedom and relaxation, lacking structure can sometimes coincide with retirement anxiety, despair, or apathy. In some cases, this can lead...[ read more ]