A 2019 interdisciplinary research study looked at baking as a potential form of art therapy and measured its impacts on stress and anxiety in adults. Anxiety was measured via the State Trait Anxiety Inventory, and the study showed that self-reported anxiety levels substantially reduced after baking. Baking allows a person to connect with both creativity... Continue Reading →
Providing gender-affirming care is so important to the transgender community. This may include a different journey for each person, but any health-care professional must be engaged in the work to make true allyship possible. Being an ally to the transgender community involves being a consistent, trusted, and accountable presence to the trans clients we serve,... Continue Reading →
As mental health care becomes more accepted and accessible, discussions about topics such as abuse, mental illness, or anger management seem to increase as well. This is a good sign culturally, as it shows stigma is breaking down. However, we need to be clear on some terminology used in everyday life. Otherwise, we may label... Continue Reading →
According to the CDC, six in ten adults in the U.S. have a chronic illness. Chronic illnesses are conditions that require ongoing medical attention or limit activities of daily living. Examples may include cancer, diabetes, Crohn’s disease, and lupus. A chronic diagnosis may create fear and uncertainty, as chronic illnesses are not curable. A person... Continue Reading →
Thanksgiving is traditionally a day to eat delicious comfort food, watch football, and spend time with family. However, sometimes this day produces uncomfortable feelings or situations. Perhaps you have a complicated relationship with food, or perhaps your extended family makes you feel angry. Maybe you are hosting and want to make sure everything is perfect,... Continue Reading →
Religious beliefs, in some way or another, have touched most of our lives, whether we are deeply involved in a religious institution or have simply referred to God during the pledge of allegiance. Spirituality and religious practices can be big parts of our lives and mostly offer a safe, secure place to land when we... Continue Reading →
Have you ever felt mixed emotions about leaving a situation or a person? If so, you are not alone; it makes sense to feel this way because human beings are complex and nuanced. Although we may not always have the emotional bandwidth to facilitate all emotions at once, we can experience them. Because of the... Continue Reading →
Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI), while concerning, is a commonly misunderstood behavior. While it does involve intentional harm to oneself, it does not necessarily mean the act was meant to be life-ending. It can be difficult for some to understand why someone would intentionally want to cause pain to themselves. But once we can empathize how deeply... Continue Reading →
The most known definition of ambivalence is having concurrent and contradictory attitudes or feelings toward an object, person, or action. People may have both positive and negative feelings, which cause them to feel stuck or confused. Many people may view themselves as someone who “sees all sides” of situations. There is nothing inherently negative about... Continue Reading →
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