Feelings & Emotions

Everyone knows what stress feels like—but understanding all of the potential effects and triggers can be difficult.  That’s why we’ve laid out some of the most important facts about stress, plain and simple. Take a closer look at what stress really is, from its biological basis to the most common…

A self-harm relapse occurs when someone engages in self-harming behavior after a period of approximately 3-4 weeks of abstaining. A self-harm relapse can happen via the same mechanism of self-harm or a different behavior. During a relapse period and the hours or days afterward, the individual may face additional temptation…

Anxiety and anger are common emotional states that many of us experience—sometimes daily. But when we’re unable to manage the intensity of these emotions, they might transform into chronic issues.  This means that it’s important to think through the causes of anxiety and anger, as well as how to prevent…

Most of us have experienced a stretch of time that we might call a “funk.” We may feel anxious, downtrodden, frustrated, or even just plain tired. Sometimes, we might not even know why—but for whatever reason, we’re off our game. Getting out of a funk may not seem easy, and…

Anxiety is a human response to stressful stimuli. In other words, it’s normal. Whether we’re late for work, have ruined our favorite shirt, or totally failed a first date, life certainly offers us a lot to be anxious about.  However, when anxiety stops becoming an intermittent experience and becomes more…

Grief is something most people would rather avoid. But inevitably, the emotional whirlwind of grief and bereavement is a process each of us goes through in our lifetime. Grief is about loss—a loss of any kind, whether it’s the death of a family member, pet, the end of a relationship,…

My brother shakes his head and sighs, “You’re too nice. It’s going to get you into trouble one day.” I’ve heard this one too many times. I know that I’m a people pleaser, but I’ve always struggled to see the flaw in that… until recently. After exhausting myself, taking on task…

“It’s coming down to nothing more than apathy…” A famous verse in The Fray’s hit song “Over My Head (Cable Car).” When this song came out I was just 10 years old — but still, I was hypnotized by the heartbreak-struggle of a song… even if I couldn’t yet understand…

“I’m going to take Monday off,” you tell your partner with confidence. “I’m overdue for a mental health day.” The next morning, you walk into the office and open your inbox to draft an email to your manager: Good morning! I’m writing to let you know that I’ll be taking…

It’s normal to contemplate the state of the world and life itself; for some, though, these questions stir up intense emotions like distress and despair that last for months or sometimes years.  While existential depression is not a formal diagnosis, it is sometimes used to describe these cases of depression…

When we lose someone or something that we care about, grief may be waiting afterward. The grieving process is a natural part of life—a reaction to death, divorce, breakups, terminal disease, and more. The things that we turn our heads from eventually find a way back into our lives; but…

Mental health advice on the Internet often boils down to a few general teachings about emotional regulation. We’re encouraged to learn coping skills and strategies for dealing with stress. We’re supposed to become more resilient in the face of adversity. We’re meant to manage our negative feelings in healthier ways….