We live in an age where elections are inextricably linked to a sense of impending doom. The deep polarity of American politics, with the heightened “us vs them” mentality, has exacerbated voter anxiety around this upcoming election. In May 2024, the APA reported that 73% of Americans were particularly anxious about this election (American Adults…
Self Care
How to Talk to Your Kids About Halloween Candy: An Anti-Diet Culture, Food-Neutral Approach
Halloween is one of the most exciting times of the year for kids — costumes, trick-or-treating, and the thrill of filling up their bags with candy. But for many parents, the idea of dealing with all that candy can bring up concerns about sugar, overindulgence, and how to manage it all. In a culture so…
Using Anti-Diet Language to Neutralize Body Image and Foster a Positive Relationship with Food
The language we use surrounding food, bodies, and health has a profound impact on how we view ourselves and others. Words shape our perceptions, influence behaviors, and play a significant role in how we relate to our bodies. In the context of diet culture, certain words reinforce harmful ideas about body size, food choices, and…
Lost in Translation: A Guide to Navigating Mental Health Content on Social Media
Social media has revolutionized the way we interact and connect, enabling us to overcome barriers to education, activism, and community-building. However, it also drives hyper-consumption and can create a platform for harassment and misinformation. Recently, therapy has become a hot topic on social media. For instance, the hashtag #TherapyTok on TikTok has garnered 1.7 billion…
Demystifying Psychotherapy: Unlocking the Full Potential of your Psychotherapy Experience
Psychotherapy can help us achieve our goals, whether that be personal growth, self-discovery, or improving our mental well-being. Whatever your reason for seeking therapy, getting the most out of your psychotherapy sessions requires active engagement and commitment. My colleague, Kate Ernstrom, wrote a previous article about how to get the most out of therapy which…
Self-Care During the Postpartum Period: Strategies to Minimize the Risk of Postpartum Mood and Anxiety Disorders
The postpartum period is filled with many physical, psychological, and emotional changes. Matrescence is a term that aptly captures this experience. It is defined as the physical, social, hormonal, and identity shifts associated with becoming a mother and is a distinct stage of life (Sacks, 2017). In reflecting on matrescence, Ignacz (2018) states, “Life will…
Honoring Your Limits: Setting Value-Aligned Boundaries with Family During the Holidays
The holiday season is a time of mixed emotions for many people. While some of us revel in the joy and togetherness of our beloved customs, reconnecting with loved ones, and savoring delicious meals, we may also feel nostalgia, grief, or struggle to navigate complicated family dynamics and expectations. In such situations, it’s essential to…
Tending to Your Emotional Bonfire
Difficult and intense emotions can certainly feel like a bonfire raging in our mind and body. Painful emotions like anger, shame, or fear can seem like they will consume us or be impossible to control. It can be difficult to know what to do when these emotions come up, and they can make us feel…
Preventive Measures for Seasonal Depression
What is seasonal depression (seasonal affective disorder)? As the end of January arrives, we find ourselves in the doldrums of winter. The winter blues are a common experience for many people living in certain climates, and the lack of sunlight, limited time outside, and potential disdain for cold weather create the perfect winter storm that…
Seasonal Depression – Is it more than just the winter blues?
For some, the change in season from fall to winter is a welcome one––the air is crisp, the snow is beautiful, winter sports season begins, the world quiets. Others experience a shift in their mood, perhaps feeling sadder or more tired or more withdrawn than usual. And for some, the intensity and severity of the…
