Sunshine & Sanity: Navigating Mental Health in the Summer

Sunshine & Sanity: Navigating Mental Health in the Summer

As the days grow longer and the sun shines brighter, many of us feel a natural lift in our mood. Summer brings with it vacations, beach days, and barbecues—but it can also present unique mental health challenges. Whether you’re soaking up the sun or struggling...
Behavior Is a Language: Listening to What Actions Are Saying

Behavior Is a Language: Listening to What Actions Are Saying

Imagine this: a student slams their book shut, arms crossed, eyes full of frustration. A toddler screams in the grocery store aisle. A coworker goes quiet in meetings and stops replying to messages. What do all these actions have in common? They’re speaking. Not with...
Political Anxiety

Political Anxiety

In the modern age, political anxiety has emerged as a significant emotional and psychological concern for many individuals. As political events unfold—often in real-time across social media platforms, news outlets, and public discourse—many people are feeling an...
Connectedness of Winter

Connectedness of Winter

Snow is a dirty word my dad would note in his older age.  Long are the days where homemade donuts and building snowmen sound appealing to him.  These days he is building a fire, enjoying hot cocoa and putzing around the house.  That said, winter does offer us some...
When Joy Feels Distant

When Joy Feels Distant

Christmas, a season characterized by joy and celebration, can paradoxically exacerbate mental health issues for many individuals. The expectations surrounding the holiday season, including social gatherings, gift-giving, and family interactions, often create...
The Death of The Dining Room Table

The Death of The Dining Room Table

The American dream-a walk in closet.  The dining room has become a disposable section of the home that served some more important function at some stage of our development. Many of them sit gathering dust, patiently awaiting the next Thanksgiving.  Many of them...
The Nerves In Starting Therapy

The Nerves In Starting Therapy

Going to therapy can feel like stepping into a new world, one that’s both intimidating and freeing. I remember my first session vividly; I sat nervously in an uncomfortable chair, feeling exposed with sweaty hands. As people passed by the UNO counseling center, I...
Food Snob

Food Snob

Some say I’m a food snob.  I don’t disagree, though I think it is worth breaking down the definition.  Do I like hole in the wall, local spots? Totally!  Do I love fine dining?  Yes, of course.  Do I like the wild mix and matchups a funky little spot like Night Owl...
An Arsenal Of Coping Skills

An Arsenal Of Coping Skills

When your therapist tells you, you should have an arsenal of coping skills-it turns out they really mean it. As most people know, I am a runner. Running has been my longest and healthiest relationship-I hit my 23 year mark this summer. I use it to remain physically...
Hard Seasons

Hard Seasons

Grief is a powerful and universal human emotion that can have a profound impact on an individual’s mental and emotional well-being. It is important to recognize that grief is a natural response to loss, whether it be the death of a loved one, the end of a...