What's included in this article? Table of Contents: What Is Mental Health? How Mental Health Issues Affect Work Performance Real-Life Examples Suggestions for Creating a Supportive Work Environment My Story: Mental health really affected how I showed up at work. When I felt anxious or overwhelmed, it was hard to focus, meet deadlines, or even engage with my coworkers like I normally would. Sometimes, these struggles weren’t obvious to others, but they really slowed me down and made even simple tasks feel harder than they should.  I learned that it was important to take my mental health seriously, just like I would my physical health. Taking small steps to address my mental well-being made a huge difference in how I performed at work and felt about my job. How Mental Health Impacts Your Work Performance Mental health is an essential part of our overall well-being, and it plays a major role in how we perform at work. It affects the way we think, feel, and act, and can inf...

  The Hidden Physical Effects of Anxiety: How Anxiety Impacts the Body Anxiety is often thought of as a mental or emotional experience, but its effects go far beyond just the mind.   Anxiety is often thought of as a mental or emotional experience, but its effects go far beyond just the mind. I’ve personally felt my heart race and my chest tighten in moments of stress, and it can be overwhelming to realize how much anxiety impacts my body. Sometimes, my stomach feels like it's in knots, and I find myself feeling nauseous or unable to eat. It’s frustrating when I can’t sleep because my mind won’t quiet down, and my body feels constantly on edge, as if I’m always bracing for something to happen. While anxiety can cause emotional distress, it also has a profound impact on our physical health.  These physical symptoms are more common than you might think, and they can show up in various ways, often without us even realizing they are connected to anxiety. Understanding ho...

  How Anxiety and Depression Affects Daily Life: My Story Living with depression and anxiety feels like being trapped in a constant tug-of-war between my mind and body.  Some days, the weight of everything is too much, and I can’t shake the feeling that I’m drowning in thoughts I can’t control. It’s like I’m always on edge, even when there’s nothing to be anxious about, and it’s hard to explain to others what it feels like. In the mornings, it’s a battle just to get out of bed. The thought of facing the day feels exhausting. I often feel like I’m walking through life in a fog, disconnected from everything around me. Simple tasks, like getting dressed or making breakfast, feel impossible. My body is physically drained, even if I’ve had a good night’s sleep. Anxiety kicks in with a million thoughts racing through my mind—what if I mess up? What if I’m not good enough? This constant cycle of worry and despair makes it hard to focus on anything. At work or with friends, I often st...

  The Anxiety Loop: Unraveling the Science Behind Anxiety and Your Brain Anxiety affects millions of people daily. In fact, studies show that over 40 million adults in the U.S. experience anxiety in some form . This pervasive condition can disrupt daily life, overwhelming even simple tasks. Anxiety is more than just feeling stressed; it includes a range of symptoms that can affect physical health, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life.  This article will explore the neurological processes and the science of anxiety, providing insights into causes and effective strategies for managing it. The Amygdala's Role in Anxiety The Amygdala's Fight-or-Flight Response The amygdala, an almond-shaped cluster of nuclei located deep within the temporal lobe, plays a crucial role in processing threats. When we perceive danger, the amygdala triggers the body’s fight-or-flight response. This response prepares us to either confront the threat or flee from it. Research indicates that ...

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...

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...