Friendship is paramount for your mental health, but not all friendships are created equally. While a healthy friend lifts your spirits and helps you enjoy life, a toxic friend often does the exact opposite. Spending time with them often feels frustrating, unproductive, or downright exhausting. 16 Signs of Toxic Friends Maybe you sense that a certain friend isn't good for...[ read more ]
Do you frequently ruminate over mistakes? Does your shame keep you guarded and embarrassed? Does it seem like everyone else has a better or easier life than you? If you resonate with those struggles, you're certainly not alone. Many of us are our own worst enemies, and we live in a society that conditions us to question, doubt, and even...[ read more ]
You have probably heard about the virtues of mindfulness. Maybe you've even taken steps to practice meditation or acknowledge gratitude more often. But mindfulness doesn't need to be this formal, time-consuming process. Instead, simply prioritizing being more present in everyday life can make a significant difference in how you feel. Best of all? Mindfulness tends to compound itself. That means...[ read more ]
Transitioning into menopause, a time known as perimenopause, can be confusing and tumultuous. Most people have heard about the classic symptoms of hot flashes and mood swings. But perimenopause can start at least ten years before menopause, and the stage lasts, on average, four years. And while there are more discussions about menopause, most people don't really understand what happens...[ read more ]
Do you feel like you're missing out on something significant? Does it seem like everyone else is having a better time than you are? Do you scroll through social media and feel jealous of other people's seemingly perfect lives? You're not alone. But these existential concerns may indicate the presence of fear of missing out (FOMO) in midlife. And even...[ read more ]
Losing a pet can be just as devastating and painful as any other loss. Every kind of grief comes with its own unique difficulties. However, many people find it hard to fully process losing an animal. They often feel pressured to remind themselves of the good times and move on quickly. Even loved ones who want to be supportive may...[ read more ]
Dating is always complicated, but the idea of dating after divorce may seem downright overwhelming or discouraging. When is too soon to meet new people? What will you tell your children? How do you know if you've genuinely moved on from your ex? And what does the actual healing process entail? Of course, every situation is different, and the answers...[ read more ]
Getting older has its benefits, but it can also be challenging. By middle age, you're likely juggling numerous responsibilities at the same time. What mattered to you a decade ago may no longer carry the same relevance today. Likewise, fears about the future may have you feeling stressed. Research shows that self-esteem steadily increases as people age. However, it typically...[ read more ]
We all know that children grow up quickly. It may have seemed like you were just rocking your crying newborn, chasing after your wild toddler, or playing Tooth Fairy for your young child. But now, you're on the cusp of high school. It might be time to start thinking about driving lessons, college prep, and launching into adulthood. Preparing for...[ read more ]
Around 50-60% of all people experience trauma at some point during their lives. Trauma can significantly disrupt your life and affect your emotional well-being. In addition, it's a precursor for numerous mental health issues like substance use, depression, anxiety, and PTSD. That said, people process trauma differently. Where some may experience their emotions intensely, others might feel numb to them....[ read more ]