Understanding the Depths of Depression I felt like I was in a glass case—able to see out, but certain that no one could see in. My body ached, and my depression had taken me to new lows. The more I tried to hide my pain from myself and others, the worse it became. I knew that people around me sensed something was off. Yet, without acknowledging it, we all pretended everything was fine. At one point, I found myself begging for help. I asked to be hospitalized because the pain

The sadness began to dominate, the phobias started to prevail, and a sense of helplessness in my environment set in. Usually people with anxiety disorders hide it well, although in their minds they think everyone can tell. The fear of everyone looking at them when near other people is overwhelming. Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the U.S., affecting 40 million adults in the United States age 18 and older (18% of U.S. population). Anxiety disorders dev

Self-expression is having a moment — but are we really being authentic, or just performing it? Let’s talk about showing up as ourselves (and laugh about the heavy stuff while we’re at it). Self-expression has become my new small obsession. Maybe it’s midlife. Maybe it’s the slow realization that I’ve spent years editing myself — for work, for relationships, for comfort zones that weren’t even mine. We talk a lot about authenticity these days — it’s basically the glitter of

Self-Help is probably one of the most solicited topics across all mediums. Amongst all the recommendations I've received - here are 10 books that stuck with me and I actually would recommend to someone else feeling lost or unable to move forward from their current chapter. Just remember - self-help books are not a "how-to", they are suggestions to help you find your own path. The 20-Something Guide to Getting it Together by Mary Traina Wellth - How I Built A Life, Not a Resu

Thirty. Flirty. And Thriving.... I wish. We all know the mantra from 13 going on 30. But what they don't mention is that as your 30th birthday approaches you are actually thinking: "Thirty, Hurty & Crying". Its about this time that it hits you that this is life, you are NEVER going to figure it out, no-one ever has. While no-one seems to have figured out the secret to life, we have found many ways to work on self-care and self-growth so that we may actually enjoy this planet

Women want to feel pretty, sexy, and self-confident. It’s part of who we are—a desire to feel comfortable in our own skin and connected to the power that comes from feeling good  about ourselves. But life has a funny way of chipping away at that confidence. The stress, expectations, body changes, and comparisons can all blur our self-worth. Before we know it, that inner sparkle feels dimmed, and we start wondering where the confident version of ourselves went. So, we look for

Broken by Jenney Lawson on Audible . As I started back into my gym routine, I decided to bring a friend — not a real, sweaty workout partner (those people scare me), but Jenny Lawson’s Broken (in the Best Possible Way)  on Audible. There I was, pedaling away on a stationary bike, sweating like a champ, while laughing at the absurd, raw, and painfully relatable moments of Jenny’s life. If anyone was watching, they probably thought I was losing it — grinning one minute, sniff

Be Yourself When the sadness starts to take over, the phobias start to win. Feelings of being powerless in my surroundings begin to take over. The walls grow thicker in my head, and the heaviness makes me feel weak. Usually, people with anxiety disorders hide it well — though in their minds, they think everyone can tell. Social anxiety  is a very self-centered condition. Your mind tells you that everyone is looking at you and judging you. This is where you lose yourself — whe