It’s hardly breaking news that your menstrual cycle can affect your mood. For example, you may find yourself fluctuating between irritation, anxiety, and depression. Recent research, however, has explored a related link to trauma. Women with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) are reporting variations in their PTSD symptoms throughout their … [Read more...]
People Can’t Accept & Respect Your Decision to Remain Childless? How to Respond
Almost half of women under 44 have never had children. Yet, we still live in a society that equates womanhood with motherhood. Mature men are supposed to be fathers. Tell someone you have decided to remain childless? Well, then you can practically guarantee a condescending or even disrespectful reaction. It may be unintentionally disrespectful, … [Read more...]
6 Ways Exercise Helps When Anxiety Has You Wired & Wound Up
On some level, many of us understand that exercise benefits our mental well-being. Not surprisingly, however, this can be lost in the shuffle of busy schedules and myriad obligations. Amidst the endless parade of fitness crazes and trends, too, not enough focus is given to exercise benefits beyond toned biceps and bottoms. Overall, physical … [Read more...]
Help! I’m a New Mom Struggling to Connect with My Newborn
Contrary to pop culture and TV commercials, not all moms immediately bond with their newborns. At least one in five women will take a little longer — and there is nothing “wrong” with that. It's important to recognize that bonding is an emotional attachment. Like all emotional attachments, each mother-child bond is unique and is a process, short or … [Read more...]
Menopause & Depression: How to Mentally Manage Shifting Hormones
How are menopause and depression linked? We’ll sketch out some of the details below. But, rest assured, there are plenty of nuances involved. Sure, hormone levels play a big role. But so does mindset. For example, thoughts and attitudes can counter the hormonal shifts. Depression is a condition that directly impacts a person’s thoughts and … [Read more...]
NIGHTBIRDE
“You can’t wait until life isn’t hard anymore before you decide to be happy.” Powerful quote, right? If you are a fan of the “America’s Got Talent” TV show, you may have seen an Audrey Hepburn look-a-like called Nightbirde. She took the stage and mesmerized the audience and judges with her original song entitled “It’s Okay.” Her actual name is … [Read more...]
Lots of UnVaxxed Loved Ones? How to Graciously Get Out of Gatherings
The holiday season often comes with loads of invitations to attend social gatherings. It also means there will be some gatherings you’d prefer to skip. Why? The reasons are many, yet, this year, you may prefer to say “no” to events based on Covid vaccination status. At best, the evidence is mixed and evolving as to how risky dining, parties, … [Read more...]
How to Make Time For the Money Talk Before You Move In Together
More than two-thirds of people in relationships say money is a stressful topic. This can result in important conversations being avoided. After all, is there a seemingly less compatible combination than finances and love or intimacy or romance? However, more and more couples are opting to move in together rather than marry these days. In other … [Read more...]
Withdrawn & Eating Meals Their Room? What To Do About Your Teen
You never think it will be your child. But suddenly, you watch as your teen begins to withdraw. They spend more and more time alone in their room. Well, not fully alone. They always have their devices with them. Soon enough, they don’t even want to eat meals together. You want to respect their choices but what if those choices seem … [Read more...]
How Early Adulthood Depression Can Impact Your Cognitive Health As You Age
At least one in five Americans will struggle with diagnosable depression at some point in their lifetime. On its own, this is a bad enough statistic to ponder. But what if you pair it with another stat that points to depression’s long-term impact? Those who experience depression during young adulthood are 59 percent more likely to develop dementia … [Read more...]