Visual Journaling for Mental Health: Creativity as a Coping Tool
Visual journaling blends art, memory, and reflection into a low‑pressure therapeutic practice. By arranging photos, tickets, colors, and other tactile items, users shift focus from racing thoughts to sensory engagement, which calms the nervous system. The method supports emotional processing without relying on words, reinforcing identity and self‑compassion. While not a therapy substitute, it serves as a complementary tool for anxiety reduction and mindfulness.
Supporting Neurodivergent Children During Summer Break
The article highlights how the abrupt loss of school routines and therapeutic support during summer can increase anxiety and meltdowns for neurodivergent children. It recommends maintaining loose daily structure, visual schedules, consistent sleep and meals, and sensory-friendly breaks. The piece...
What to Do or Say If Someone Is Struggling
The article outlines two evidence‑based frameworks—Mental Health First Aid’s ALGEE model and the QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) protocol—for non‑professionals to intervene when someone shows signs of emotional distress or suicide risk. It explains each step, from approaching the person and...
Mother’s Day and Anxiety: When the Celebration Feels Heavy
Mother’s Day, often portrayed as a joyful celebration, can trigger intense anxiety for many mothers. The article explains how societal expectations, social‑media perfection, and disrupted routines amplify stress, leading to irritability, guilt, and a need for control. It advises mothers...
Celebrating Autistic Joy
During Autism Acceptance Month, author Taylor Viehman highlights "autistic joy"—a powerful, full‑body excitement often tied to special interests. The piece describes how this intense emotion can be stifled by social pressure, leading to masking and mental‑health strain. By sharing personal...
Why You Can’t “Just Stop” BFRBs (And What Actually Helps)
Body‑focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs) such as skin picking and hair pulling are often misunderstood as simple habits that can be stopped by willpower. Dr. Laura Chackes explains that these actions serve regulatory functions, and attempts to suppress them without addressing...
Your Needs Matter: Advocating for Yourself
The article emphasizes self‑advocacy through the use of “I” statements to set clear, respectful boundaries at work and in personal relationships. It explains how framing concerns from a personal perspective reduces defensiveness and encourages constructive dialogue. Readers are guided to...
Introduction to Mindfulness: A Practical Path to Calm, Clarity, and Connection
Elizabeth Ernest introduces a four‑week Introduction to Mindfulness course launching March 23. The program offers guided instruction, body‑scan and breathing exercises, and strategies for handling emotions. It targets newcomers, caregivers, and mental‑health professionals seeking practical, daily‑life tools. The course promises a...