Darkness to Dialogue: Living Well With Mental Illness

Summary Sometimes, healing looks like an emotional shutdown, and it can feel like a sign of strength. But that numbness may be a detour, not a sign you’re doing better. In this post, you’ll learn how to tell whether you’re truly building resilience or just shutting your feelings off, and why it matters. Quick Insight Strength in recovery is about being emotionally present and processing what comes up. Numbness, although it may feel protective, is an emotional disconnection that can hinder true healing. My Story: When Feeling Nothing Seemed Like Something I remember the moment clearly: I thought I was "strong" because I didn’t cry at that old trigger, couldn't remember why it used to hurt me so much. Later, I realized I wasn’t strong; I was numb. I’d shut down to survive, and that numbness felt like peace…until it didn’t. Over time, I learned the real sign of strength wasn’t not crying, it was feeling and surviving the tears. I began noticing when I was processing emotions...

Monthly Goal Jar: Track Wins and Boost Mental Health Why Tracking Goals Helps Your Mental Health Writing down goals increases accountability and focus Tracking progress reinforces a sense of achievement Celebrating small wins improves motivation and emotional well-being How to Create a Monthly Goal Jar Choose a jar, box, or container for your monthly goals Write each goal on a separate slip of paper, big or small Place slips in the jar and complete them throughout the month At the month’s end, review the jar to visualize your growth and celebrate accomplishments Benefits of the Monthly Goal Jar Encourages consistent progress toward personal goals Builds confidence and reinforces positive habits Turns abstract intentions into tangible achievements Explore More Mental Health is a Daily Practice Research Support Studies show that writing down goals and tracking progress improves focus, motivation, and mental well-being : American Psychological A...

🧠 Mental Health Fact of the Week How Music Boosts Mental Health and Emotional Wellness Why Music Affects Mood Listening to music that matches your emotions can help you process difficult feelings Uplifting or energizing music reduces stress and increases positive emotions Music activates brain regions linked to reward, motivation, and emotional regulation How to Use Music for Mental Health Choose music that resonates with your current mood to process emotions Add uplifting tracks to lift energy and improve outlook Create playlists for relaxation, focus, or emotional reflection Benefits for Your Mental Health Reduces stress and anxiety Enhances mood and emotional resilience Supports mindfulness and self-reflection Explore More Unlock the Power of Music Research Support For science-backed evidence on music and emotional wellness, check: Frontiers in Psychology – Music and Emotion FAQ Q: Can music really improve mental health? A: Yes. Research shows music...

Monthly Mental Health Spotlight August/September 2025 Edition Written By: Aaron Smith Curated By: Caralyn Dreyer Finding Home: Aaron’s Story Every so often, I come across a story that reminds me why I do what I do. Aaron Smith’s journey is one of those stories. His path through questioning faith, exploring altered states, falling into addiction, and finding peace through yoga nidra is not just compelling; it’s a reminder that mental health recovery can take many forms. I’m honored to share his story here. Summary Aaron Smith’s mental health recovery journey began with a teenage mystical experience, took a detour into addiction, and ultimately found grounding in yoga nidra. His story is raw, inspiring, and full of insights for anyone seeking healing. Key Insights Aaron Smith overcame anxiety, depression, and addiction through yoga nidra, a meditative practice he describes as both instantly rewarding and deeply transformative. It became the key to his mental, emotional, and spiritual hea...

What Happens When Emotional Openness Becomes Cool, And What It Means for Mental Health Recovery Estimated Read Time: 8 minutes Summary: “Therapy Bro Summer” may have started as a social trend, but it’s encouraging deeper conversations about stigma, masculinity, and recovery. This post explores what the trend means for those living with mental illness, especially when therapy is more than a season; it’s a survival strategy. As someone who is living this journey, I want to ensure that the conversations I share are not only heartfelt but also relevant to what’s happening in the mental health community today. One of the ways I develop topics for my blog is by researching current mental health trends, paying attention to what’s gaining attention in the community, and emerging research. This approach helps me connect timely conversations with deeper insights about recovery and healing, making the content both relevant and meaningful. For Many, Therapy Wasn’t a Trend, It Was Survival When I ...