“Stories shape how we perceive and understand ourselves, others and the world. The stories portrayed by the media through TV shows and movies are vital in validating those with mental illnesses while educating others who may not experience these challenges. It is also important for information to be represented carefully to avoid adding to the mental health stigma that already presently exists.”

The word “boundaries” is often a buzzword in therapy. We talk about them in relation to friendships, relationships, at work, with families and even within ourselves. But for many people, boundaries feel disrespectful and rude while also stirring up feelings of anxiety, overwhelm and guilt. Setting healthy boundaries do not cause isolation and they do not push people away. Rather, they support you in feeling more connected to the people around you. They help us show up in our relationships in a more authentic, respectful way. If  you find yourself struggling with setting boundaries, therapy can be a powerful place to explore your old patterns, practice new skills and help you feel more aligned with your wants and needs.

Feeling self-conscious from time to time is a natural part of life. However, when self-awareness turns into excessive self-judgment and constant comparison, it can quickly become harmful. One of the most common pathways to developing a negative self-image is through social media. These platforms provide constant access to thousands of curated images of other people.By intentionally reducing exposure to content that promotes body dissatisfaction and by setting healthy boundaries around screen time, we can take meaningful steps toward protecting our mental health and improving our body image.

“Naming emotions is a way to understand our inner worlds better. When we identify what we’re feeling, we create space between our emotions and our reactions. The space where choice lives is where regulation begins. It’s how we begin to understand patterns, honor our experiences, and reconnect with parts of ourselves that may have previously been dismissed or silenced.”

“When people think of therapy, oftentimes the typical ideas they get come from TV. The images that come to mind often involve laying on a couch, revealing all of their deepest darkest secrets while the therapist scribbles a bunch of notes on a notepad. While that may be entertaining for television, this often creates a negative perception of what therapy actually looks like.”

“You’re having to work long hours, take care of responsibilities while trying to maintain a social life, however it feels like as much as you try to juggle these parts of your life, you still feel disconnected from some of the more pleasurable activities you could be doing with your time. Feeling like you are missing out on events can feel heavy when it hits and it is a very real, emotional experience for many people, especially in times and seasons that are focused on connecting with others.”

“With the hustle and bustle of daily life, it can be difficult to find the time to slow down and take a moment for you.  However, taking the time for these moments (no matter how brief they are), can have a profound positive effect on your mental health.  One way in which to optimize these small breaks and improve your mental well-being is to spend time with nature.”

“Within hustle culture, we are taught that we need to be the “best” at self-care, while also excelling in our work life, social life, and home life. These self-care messages are cloaked in the pressures of never being good enough in the hopes that someone can sell us something to “help” us be better. To avoid burnout and this inherent disconnection from ourselves, it is important to set boundaries and redefine what we determine to be success and satisfaction in our lives. “

When life feels chaotic, it can be difficult to pause and take a moment for yourself. But what if in just a few minutes a day, you were able to recenter your thoughts, manage your stress and process your emotions? This is just some of the many benefits of using journaling as a tool for your mental health. 

In addition to lifestyle changes and self-care activities, therapy can play a vital role in managing burnout. Therapy can help you identify the root causes of burnout while also creating a safe space for you to begin processing feelings that may be contributing to burnout.

Having to cope with minority stress can feel overwhelming and unjust. By understanding the factors that contributes to this stress, it can help to take more action in caring for your mental health and may buffer some of the negative impacts that can come from this stress.