More often than not, anxiety is an inward struggle. Thousands of people deal with anxiety and self-confidence issues on a daily basis, but the people around them may have no way of knowing the challenges they face. Because others are unaware of their struggles, people with anxiety may feel isolated, misunderstood, and possibly even judged. […]

Anxiety is one of the most crippling emotional disorders anyone can face. It manifests differently in every person it affects, making it challenging to identify. People who do not suffer from anxiety often have a hard time understanding how seriously it impacts those who are affected, and they may have trouble displaying appropriate empathy. In […]

When is the last time you allowed yourself to truly be yourself in front of another person? If you think about it, there are probably only a few instances in your life when you have really let your guard down and allowed yourself to simply, truly be yourself. There are likely only a very few […]

What does your dog mean to you? If you’re like most dog-owners, your dog is probably an integral part of your family with her own distinct personality traits. Maybe she refuses to go outside in the rain, or perhaps she barks incessantly at the squirrels she watches from the window. You are probably intimately acquainted […]

Losing a loved one is one of the most tragic occurrences anyone can experience. No matter the circumstances surrounding your loved one’s passing, learning how to cope with your grief and continue with your own life can seem like an insurmountable obstacle. In my work as a mental health counselor, I have worked with several […]

In the United States, it is culturally unacceptable (or at the very least, frowned upon) for men to cry. Men who outwardly display too much emotion, especially vulnerable emotions such as sadness or fear, are traditionally viewed as weak and unmasculine. However, the fact is that men are emotional beings too, and men who stuff […]

Summer is here, and kids, teenagers, and college students across the States are rejoicing over their much-needed break from school. Many of them have exciting plans for the summer, whether it’s traveling on a fun vacation or simply heading to the local swimming pool as frequently as possible. While this break from school is important […]

Many people consider happiness a destination, not a journey. According to this mindset, happiness is something we achieve after lots of hard work, rather than something we experience as we work towards our goals. Unfortunately, this mindset often leads to a surprising outcome: after we have finally accomplished that which was supposed to make us […]

How would you describe the strength and quality of your marriage? Many couples who have been married for several years admit that their relationship is no longer as “exciting” or “romantic” as it once was. This does not necessarily mean they are contemplating divorce, but it does mean that there is probably room for improvement […]

Have you ever had a day where you were inexplicably “down” or grumpy – a day where you didn’t want to do anything? If you’re like most people, your answer is probably “yes.” Now, let me ask you another question: have you ever had one of those days where even though didn’t want to do […]

For years, our culture has swept mental illness under the rug. People speak about it in hushed tones – if they speak about it all. Individuals who struggle with mental illness and their family members shamefully keep their secret, scared of the judgments they would face if word were to get out about their “condition.” […]

Last week, we delved into the inner workings of romantic relationships and discussed five tips for strengthening those dynamics. With Mother’s Day less than a week away, I thought it fitting to continue the conversation about relationship dynamics by addressing one of the most complex relationships in existence – those between mothers and daughters. Mother-daughter […]