Reframing What New Beginnings Look Like With the new year on the horizon, I feel excitement and worry. It offers a fresh start, an opportunity to set new goals, explore new experiences, and leave behind the past year's difficulties. However, the uncertainty of what lies ahead creates some anxiety. This feeling makes it hard to think clearly and turns the future into a daunting unknown, even when it holds great potential. The end of this year feels more frightening for me. I worry about being happy and excited for what’s to come. I've grown so accustomed to survival mode, finding comfort in unhealed habits and negative views on life. It’s strange, but I often prefer those feelings over joy or hope. It's one of the ways the mind can trick us. Under Pressure: Setting Future Goals Also, the pressure to set goals and reach new milestones can be overwhelming. I often worry about living up to my standards and fear disappointing others again. The idea of a fresh start can feel daun...

Imagine conquering your anxiety by understanding a simple psychological theory—it's possible. Learning More About My Anxiety and Unlocking Insights for Better Mental Health      Earlier this year, I made the decision to publicly share my story of overcoming trauma and my experiences with living with depression and anxiety. This was a significant step for me, as I have struggled with anxiety for most of my life, particularly when it comes to public speaking. For as long as I can remember, speaking in front of others has been incredibly challenging.       My anxiety manifests physically—my voice shakes, my palms and armpits become sweaty, and my hands tremble uncontrollably. I also often find myself short of breath during these moments. Despite these overwhelming symptoms, I wanted to share my journey but I wanted to understand how I could begin to overcome my anxiety.      I am a researcher at heart and by trade, and I like to know why th...

How I Am Navigating Routines and Social Interactions with Mental Health Challenges. "Living with depression and anxiety as an adult feels like constantly navigating through a storm in my mind, each day bringing a mix of calm and chaos." Some days, the symptoms are a subtle presence, lingering quietly in the background, while other days, it’s a heavy weight that makes even the simplest tasks feel overwhelming.  Mental illness affects millions around the world. In fact, one in five adults experiences mental illness at some point in their lives. This statistic highlights a reality that often remains hidden behind closed doors. By understanding the day-to-day experiences of those living with mental illness we can create spaces of compassion and support.  Not everything is black and white and it is important to remember that each person's experience varies widely. That is why it is my goal to start shedding light on these struggles to help others understand and have more em...

  Family Should Support You and Not Hurt You Toxic family dynamics can be incredibly damaging, often going unnoticed until the effects become too overwhelming to ignore. These relationships are characterized by patterns of unhealthy behavior, where love and support are replaced with negativity, manipulation, or emotional harm. As the holiday season approaches, we're often reminded of the joy that comes with spending time with family. It’s meant to be a time of celebration, connection, and warmth. But for some, the reality is far different. Instead of festive cheer, the holidays bring feelings of tension, resentment, and emotional strain, as toxic family dynamics take center stage.  Effects of Toxic Family on Mental Health Growing up in a toxic family environment can have profound and long-lasting mental effects on an individual. The individual may struggle with trust issues, often finding it difficult to form healthy relationships in adulthood.  This environment can als...