Blogs
Binge eating disorder can be a formidable challenge during the tumultuous teenage years, but having supportive parents can make a world of difference. Here’s how I managed to overcome binge eating with the unwavering support of my family.
Have you ever been busy doing something when a disturbing thought suddenly occurred to you and left you shocked? Does this happen frequently enough that your thoughts scare you? Don't worry, you are not losing your mind. Instead, you are probably having intrusive thoughts.
Fireworks are very bad for my schizoaffective anxiety. I wanted to write about my struggle because this post will be published on the Fourth of July, a holiday known for its fireworks. So let me tell you about how fireworks trigger my schizoaffective anxiety.
When you experience social anxiety, it can be challenging to make friends. But this can also lead to difficulty in life because, as indicated by research, social connections are important for one’s overall well-being.1
I've loved sharing my life, stories, and insights with HealthyPlace, but my time here is now coming to an end. Although moving on in any aspect of life is difficult, I've found the hardest part of moving on is making the decision to let go, especially if you enjoy what you're doing.
As we celebrate Independence Day, I find myself reflecting on the concept of freedom, particularly the freedom to cultivate self-esteem. Self-esteem, a crucial aspect of our mental well-being, is often overlooked, especially by those of us who have lived experience with mental health issues. Yet, this day serves as a powerful reminder that we have the freedom to make choices that can positively impact our self-esteem and our overall mental health.
Being vulnerable does not come naturally to me (in fact, it downright scares me), but I am learning to confront this fear and explore the art of vulnerability in eating disorder recovery. As I grow in self-awareness, I have realized that I know how to be authentic, courageous, honest, and outspoken—but my most tender, vulnerable parts remain securely under wraps. While I believe it's incumbent on all of us to protect our hearts when necessary, I am tired of living with a self-imposed fortress built around my heart. Sure, there is an element of risk in dismantling these walls. I could re-expose myself to the rejection I fought so hard to overcome. Hesitations aside, though, I want to embrace the art of vulnerability in eating disorder recovery.
There is an intersection between men's mental health and addiction. June is Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month. Having walked the tough road of gambling addiction recovery, I feel it would be a great injustice not to address one of the most pressing issues—gambling addiction and its profound impact on men's mental health.
"I love when you laugh." It was a simple statement by my oldest daughter as we giggled while I cuddled her before bed. It hit me to the core. I hadn't laughed with her like that in a long time -- especially not at bedtime, the most stressful time of the day. At that moment I realized just how much my chronic anxiety had been impacting my sweet girl.
It's 2024, yet the very idea that it is good for men to talk about their feelings is frowned upon. Traditional notions of masculinity discourage emotional expression, with anger being the only "acceptable" emotion for men to express. As a daughter, partner, and friend, I have seen how these toxic social expectations cause men to struggle in silence. As a mental health advocate, I believe that changing this narrative is crucial for supporting men's mental health. Men need to talk about their feelings.