Since February includes Valentine’s Day, it seems like a good time to remind ourselves about the qualities of healthy and unhealthy relationships. However, did you also know that February is also host to a number of other relationship-oriented holidays? Yes, in addition to Valentine’s Day, this month also includes International Friendship Month, National Weddings Month, […]
The other day, Academy-award-winning actress and philanthropist Viola Davis shared an image by @haleydrewthis on Instagram. In the image, an anthropomorphized scribble with legs, arms, and wide eyes is labeled “my anxiety.” In the adjacent picture, it is the same scribble but with Christmas lights, labeled “my anxiety in December.” The picture is adorable but, […]
The holidays can be a particularly difficult time for those in recovery, particularly students who may be returning to homes, friends, or family where their commitment to sobriety may not be known, understood, or welcomed. Whether making their own creative concoctions to avoid conversations they may not be prepared for or are safe, or to […]
In the early years of mental health practice, the focus of the research was on the minority of mentally unwell people. The goal was to study these people, how they were suffering, and how we could work to make them better. However, toward the end of the 1900s, some psychologists began to consider what we […]
The holidays carry a lot of pressure and expectation, no matter what age you are. But, due to common developmental stages and changes, going home for the holidays can be tricky for a college student. While breaks from school are a welcome respite in a warm, restorative environment for some, we know that is not […]
The holidays can be an emotionally charged experience for many people. However, for college students and staff, there is an added layer of difference because we take such an extended break from our normal routine. While most people take a few days to a week from their day-to-day routine during the holidays, colleges often close […]
Many people go through self-compassion questions or exercises at the end of a calendar year. And, even if it’s not that formal, most of us at least spend some time considering what has happened January through December in our work, personal lives, and the world at large. Many times, these types of evaluations ask questions […]
Feelings of loneliness and the experience of isolation is not a new phenomenon during the holidays. Even in previous years when you may have been surrounded by people at a gathering, it is possible to feel alone in a crowd. Loneliness and isolation are as much an internal experience as an external one. But, the […]
Many people identify certain emotions as “good” emotions and others as “bad” emotions. In reality, all emotions are simply information, helping you to understand how you are processing a situation. We categorize emotions this way is because some are more pleasant to feel. Happiness, contentment, and peace are more pleasant, while sadness, anger, and frustration […]
For some students, going home for the holidays is a positive experience. For others, life at home is a challenge. But, this year? There are likely some challenges facing you that are different from any you’ve ever known. Holiday traditions, the job you may have usually worked, the extended family you would usually see – […]