Uncharted Territory

by Karsten Friske Social anxiety and depression are clinical words that have gradually become part of the societal vernacular, but despite their close connection in pop culture, the connection between the two is rarely visited.  Defining Terms First, let’s start with some definitions courtesy of the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) used […]

Mindfulness-based strategies have demonstrated effectiveness in coping with negative emotions
associated with self-injurious behavior. By definition, mindfulness is a therapeutic technique
achieved by focusing one’s awareness on the present moment, while acknowledging and
accepting one’s feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations.

Embracing the Spring: A Journey Out of Seasonal Affective Disorder As the days lengthen and the air warms, the transition to spring brings a sense of renewal and hope for many. Yet, for those affected by Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), this change can be bittersweet. SAD is a type of depression that occurs at a […]

Higher education is more than just acquiring knowledge; it’s a time of self-discovery. Students are not only shaping their academic minds but also laying the foundation for their future careers. Amid the choices and uncertainties, college counseling emerges as a necessity. It helps to help us understand our internal feelings, dreams, and desires and fosters […]

Blake Wingo It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of meeting someone new and diving headfirst into a romantic connection. However, taking the time to ensure you’re in a good place mentally, emotionally, and spiritually can set the foundation for a healthier and more fulfilling relationship in the long run. It is important […]

by Mary Laughlin Most parents desire to raise healthy children across all areas of wellbeing. It’s common to see parents give their children experiences that will help them succeed physically, socially, and academically – hopefully helping them build confidence and skill along the way. And while this may be true, opportunities to intentionally build resilience […]

by Jason Collins I recently read an article from USA Today on the growth of what the author referred to as “gray divorce.” In other words, divorce in couples who are in their 50s and beyond. Since 1990, the divorce rate among American couples over 55 has doubled. For couples 65 or older, the rate […]

by: Karsten Friske The recent strikes of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA) and the Writers Guild of America (WGA) shook the entertainment industry to its core. In the same way, creatives involved in these industries were also shaken by the sudden loss of their livelihoods and regular work patterns. Now that the strike has now […]

by Katie Huggins Nurturing Yourself: A Vital Practice in a Neglectful World In a world that often feels chaotic and neglectful, it’s essential to prioritize self-nurturing practices. Amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life, it’s easy to overlook our own needs, focusing instead on responsibilities, deadlines, and the demands of others. However, neglecting ourselves […]

By Katie Huggins The Power of Courage: Asking for Help In a world that often celebrates self-sufficiency and independence, it can be challenging to admit when we need assistance. We’re conditioned to believe that asking for help is a sign of weakness, that it implies incompetence or inability to handle our own affairs. However, in […]

Our level of motivation is closely tied to our mental health, especially for those struggling with depression or anxiety. Seemingly endless winter days can make it especially challenging.  Routines, on the other hand, can create energy and the positive reward (dopamine!) that are brains are often searching for when we are feeling unmotivated. One completed […]

by Mary Laughlin Our level of motivation is closely tied to our mental health, especially for those struggling with depression or anxiety. Seemingly endless winter days can make it especially challenging.  Routines, on the other hand, can create energy and the positive reward (dopamine!) that are brains are often searching for when we are feeling […]

by Katie Huggins As a young, single professional, it’s easy to fall into the trap of routine and familiarity, especially when loneliness creeps in. However, growth and fulfillment often lie just beyond the boundaries of our comfort zones. Here are some tips to help you break free from the confines of familiarity and embrace new […]

by Jason Collins I recently read an article from USA Today on the growth of what the author referred to as “gray divorce.” In other words, divorce in couples who are in their 50s and beyond. Since 1990, the divorce rate among American couples over 55 has doubled. For couples 65 or older, the rate […]

by Mary Laughlin An hour had passed since all five of us piled in the car to drive through my husband’s hometown. Country roads that were once a visual feast began to feel nauseating and the irritability I was actively trying to suppress was slowly creeping to the surface. Just when I thought I might […]

Mental health encompasses the emotional, psychological, and social well-being of an individual, influencing how they think, feel, and behave. Mental health treatment involves a delicate balance of proactive measures to prevent issues from arising and corrective actions to address existing challenges, fostering resilience and growth. Unfortunately, mental health is often regarded as a “luxury problem” […]

by: Karsten Friske The recent strikes of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA) and the Writers Guild of America (WGA) shook the entertainment industry to its core. In the same way, creatives involved in these industries were also shaken by the sudden loss of their livelihoods and regular work patterns. Now that the strike has now […]

An hour had passed since all five of us piled in the car to drive through my husband’s hometown. Country roads that were once a visual feast began to feel nauseating and the irritability I was actively trying to suppress was slowly creeping to the surface. Just when I thought I might bubble over, my […]

Anxiety Blog Post #4 By Jason Collins Here we are at the end of our series of anxiety hacks. Make sure to go back and review those if you need to. So far we’ve learned to capture our anxious thoughts, to name them and frame them, and we’ve replaced those thoughts by going to our […]

Anxiety Blog Post #3 by Jason Collins So far in this series of anxiety hacks we’ve discovered two steps in our process. First, we capture the anxious thought. Next, we name it and frame it. (check out the previous blogs if you need to catch up). Now, let’s move on to step three… Anxiety Hack […]