Starting Over

I finally left. I left a toxic work environment that had felt quite suffocating for over seven years. I had always talked about leaving, but never felt like it was the "right time." I don't know what made it finally feel "right", but I did it. I feel like I am starting over. My final … Continue reading Starting Over →

Breaking Down Common Stereotypes of Personality Disorders

My previous post addressed the need to call out unhealthy, misleading, and at times, entirely inaccurate, stereotypes of common mental disorders. For this post, I wanted to focus entirely on personality disorders; Specifically, Borderline Personality Disorder and Antisocial Personality Disorder. Let's jump right in! Mental Disorder: Borderline Personality Disorder Stereotype(s): Those with BPD are mean, … Continue reading Breaking Down Common Stereotypes of Personality Disorders →

Breaking Down Common Mental Disorder Stereotypes

Stereotyping mental disorders continues the overall stigma of mental illness. I just wanted to address some common stereotypes that I've seen put on clients from family, friends, co-workers, teachers, etc, that may be limiting a client's progress in therapy. Some of these stereotypes may seem extreme, while others a bit more tame, but nevertheless potentially … Continue reading Breaking Down Common Mental Disorder Stereotypes →

I Hated The Person I Used To Be

I hated the person I used to be. I find the word 'hate' to be a bit extreme in most cases, but in regard to this, it seemed fitting. Now, take note that I used past tense. I do not currently hate who I used to be, because I've accepted that the old me got … Continue reading I Hated The Person I Used To Be →

Anxiety Took Over One of The Happiest Days of My Life

You know those moments you think about as a kid and wonder what they'll be like? First kiss. First love. Engagement. I was one of those kids that dreamt up the grand plan of how I wanted to be proposed to. I wanted it to be in a public setting. I wanted it to be … Continue reading Anxiety Took Over One of The Happiest Days of My Life →

Mental Illness Has Been Winning

I feel I've been noticeably absent in many parts of my life recently. Half the time, I'm going through the motions and not feeling whole. Whenever my stress level increases or my schedule simply gets busier, that sense of dissociation tends to happen for me. But something has been different: I am crying at some … Continue reading Mental Illness Has Been Winning →

Experiencing a Full-Blown Anxiety Attack in Public

It has been a while since I've experienced an anxiety attack. I've utilized various coping skills, such as grounding, to regulate my emotions and anxiety, which has worked wonderfully... until this past week. I was catching up with an old co-worker about general life updates while in a cafe, and something just sort of snapped … Continue reading Experiencing a Full-Blown Anxiety Attack in Public →

Standing Up To Myself: Enough Is Enough

I've always been one to throw myself into work. I've spent most of my adult life working two jobs, which I've always felt was necessary to make ends meet or to further my career path. But at what point is it detrimental to your health, both physical and mental? We live in a society that … Continue reading Standing Up To Myself: Enough Is Enough →

I Wrote My Dad A Letter About Everything I Had Kept From Him

Years ago, I did not have a close relationship with my dad. Being raised by my mom and seeing my dad on a less-than-regular basis as I grew older, I didn't feel my dad actually knew who I was underneath it all. Due to some personal losses in my life, I ended up reaching out … Continue reading I Wrote My Dad A Letter About Everything I Had Kept From Him →

How to describe anxiety to those who don’t experience it

I've heard it time and time again: "anxiety is JUST excessive worrying." I found it difficult and frustrating to attempt to explain what was happening inside my mind to someone who had never experienced any resemblance of lingering anxiety. From a mental health professional standpoint, I do like to clarify to people that anxiety itself … Continue reading How to describe anxiety to those who don’t experience it →