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Help Me! I’m Home for the Holidays!
Holiday seasons, while filled with joy and communal festivity, can also be stressful due to toxic family environments and financial pressures. Techniques to manage these stressors include setting time limits with difficult family members, limiting substance use, and pausing before responding to uncomfortable situations. Regarding financial stress, boundaries can be set with gift exchanges, setting… Read more
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Burning Desires: Navigating the Flames of Relationships
The metaphor of fire is used to describe four types of relationships: a healthy, comforting fireplace; a passionate yet controlled bonfire; a destructive, uncontrollable wildfire; and a hidden, unresolved root fire. Tips for managing these relationships are provided, including maintaining boundaries, couples counseling, and knowing when to end a relationship. Mental health services and resources… Read more
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An Open Love Letter to Gen Z: Recognizing the Power and Strength in Your Generation
A millennial social worker praises Generation Z for their passion, determination and ability to confront societal issues of climate change, gun violence, and political tension, which previous generations largely ignored. Despite facing criticism from older generations, the author encourages Generation Z to remain strong, asserting their refusal to adhere to the status quo demonstrates strength… Read more
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Pawsitive Vibes: The Importance of Emotional Service Animals
Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) provide therapeutic benefits to individuals struggling with mental health issues, including reducing loneliness, anxiety, and depression symptoms. While not recognized as service animals, ESAs hold unique benefits and protections under the Fair Housing Act. It’s important to note that airlines have different policies regarding ESAs, and ESA ownership requires ample resources… Read more
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You Don’t Know How to Breathe
The post discusses the importance of correct breathing techniques for maintaining emotional stability, arguing that deep, diaphragmatic breathing can induce calm and reduce anxiety. The text suggests that culturally ingrained posture and shallow chest-breathing can trigger a ‘fight or flight’ response, leading to feel nervous. It recommends daily belly-breathing exercises for better control over emotions.… Read more
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The One Where We Lost A Friend
Matthew Perry, famous for his role in Friends and his advocacy work in addiction, recently passed away. Addiction impacts a huge number of lives in the U.S., with various risk factors contributing to substance abuse disorder. Research argues addiction is a misguided effort of the mind to protect from harm. Compassion and support, in conjunction… Read more
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