holidays

The holiday season is in full swing, and though it’s a time meant to be full of celebration, togetherness, and fulfillment, many people experience anything but. Whether it’s work stress, family tension, loneliness, or any number of other stressors, there’s often a lot on people’s minds, which can prevent one…

From office parties to kids in full costume attire, it’s obvious every year that Halloween is one of America’s most beloved holidays. This fall, the U.S. is predicted to spend a massive $10 billion on Halloween costumes, decorations, and candy. But why do we love Halloween so much? The answer…

When it comes to being a parent, many may feel the expectation to be bullet-proof, tireless, and a fearless leader of their household. But the reality is that parents are human—and will struggle like anyone else. And if pushed beyond their limits, parental burnout can occur. Parental burnout is a…

World Bipolar Day is celebrated on March 30th every year. This day, which focuses exclusively on bipolar disorder I and II, is non-coincidentally the birthday of the famous artist Vincent Van Gogh, who was posthumously diagnosed with bipolar disorder. World Bipolar Day aims to inform and destigmatize the general public…

It’s impossible to delegate an entire people’s history to one month—but it is possible to use February as a way to focus on the contributions and achievements of Black individuals and those of African descent. Black people in the US have left an undeniable impact on our country’s heritage, with…

Many people have ideas about what the holidays spent with your family “should” be like. You’d expect your family members to love each other and be thankful for the time they get to spend together. Sadly, the reality for some families is much more complex. The truth is that many…

I have a patient, Ben, who used to dread heading home for the holidays. Due to the constant criticism from his parents, he and his family found it extremely difficult to relax and enjoy themselves. As soon as Ben walked through the door of his parents’ home, he felt ill…

This time of year is exciting and special for many, as families come together to celebrate the holidays. However, it isn’t exciting for all. In fact, it can be a very difficult time for people in addiction recovery. Here are a few common issues for those in recovery during the…

Between shopping for gifts, preparing for lavish dinners, and having visiting relatives and friends, the holiday season creates more stress than we might realize. This can lead to feeling burned out, tired, cranky and it might even make us miss out on the joy that is supposed to accompany this…

During the holiday season, there’s a distinct emphasis on giving thanks for all that we’re fortunate enough to have. But in trying to make the season festive, we often put unnecessary stress on ourselves and each other. As a result, we might not feel as merry as we could. That’s…

Let’s face it, sometimes the holidays aren’t always a time for fun and celebration. They can be a time of increased depression because we are alone, or they can be filled with anxiety because we have to be around family or people we don’t always get along with. Regardless of…

You might find your friend’s Instagram posts about it being National Puppy Day or National Sibling Day a tad annoying—because it feels as if every single day is becoming a strange holiday. Well, you’re right! But is that such a bad thing? Celebrating is fun. Whether it’s putting up the…