When You Grow, Not Everyone Applauds: Why Family and Friends May Struggle with Your Positive Changes

You’d think that making positive changes like eating better, setting boundaries, moving your body, or managing stress would be something everyone around you celebrates. But sometimes, instead of support, you’re met with resistance, jokes, subtle criticism, or even distance.

As a health psychologist, I’ve seen this reaction more times than I can count, and it often surprises people who are genuinely trying to improve their well-being. If you’ve felt misunderstood or unsupported in your growth, you’re not alone, and it’s not a sign that you’re doing anything wrong.

Health, Personal DevelopmentKelly Forys DonahueOctober 13, 2025self-care, growth, Behavior Change

Want Long-Term Success using GLP-1s for Weight Loss? Update Your Identity

Over the past few years, GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound have transformed how many people manage weight and blood sugar. But while these medications can powerfully impact appetite and metabolism, they aren’t magic pills. Some people see profound, lasting results and others don’t. Why the difference?

HealthKelly Forys DonahueAugust 5, 2025health, weight loss

Community Connects us to Health

In an age of hyper-connectivity, it's surprising how many of us still feel isolated. We may have hundreds of digital “friends,” but fewer real-life connections we can call on when we’re in need and to celebrate the good times. As a health psychologist, I see a growing trend: people struggling with stress, fatigue, anxiety, and burnout—and while nutrition, sleep, and exercise matter deeply, one essential piece of the health puzzle is often missing: community.

Health, Self-CareKelly Forys DonahueJuly 22, 2025community, social, health

Health Is Wealth: The Psychological Link Between Well-Being and Financial Prosperity

When we hear the word "wealth," most of us immediately think of money—stocks, savings, real estate, or a high-paying job. But as a health psychologist, I’ve come to understand a deeper truth that often gets overlooked: your health is your first and most essential form of wealth.

Health, Goals, Personal DevelopmentKelly Forys DonahueMay 6, 2025health, wealth

Breaking Free from the Cycle of Health Anxiety

Most of us can relate to being concerned about our health from time to time. The problem arises when this worry about health becomes chronic and interferes with life. Health anxiety, sometimes called illness anxiety disorder, occurs when concerns about one’s health become overwhelming, persistent, and distressing. For those living with health anxiety, everyday bodily sensations can feel like alarming signs of serious illness, creating a cycle of fear, worry, and compulsive behaviors.

Love Yourself First: The Key to Healthy, Fulfilling Relationships

In my years as a health psychologist, I’ve seen a common pattern among individuals struggling in their relationships—whether romantic, familial, or platonic. They give endlessly, care deeply, and yet feel exhausted, unappreciated, or disconnected. When we explore further, a missing piece often emerges: self-love.

Health, Personal Development, Self-CareKelly Forys DonahueFebruary 11, 2025love, self-care, boundaries

Top Lifestyle Strategies to Prevent and Treat Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

As the days get shorter and colder, many people experience a drop in mood and energy, commonly known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). SAD is more than just the “winter blues”; it’s a form of depression that affects a significant number of people each year. Fortunately, there are lifestyle strategies that can help mitigate the symptoms of SAD, keeping your mind and body in balance through these darker months. Here are some of the most effective strategies:

Self-Care, HealthKelly Forys DonahueNovember 25, 2024SAD, seasonal affective disorder

Ozempic...To Take Or Not, That Is The Question

Ozempic…to take or not to take, that is the question. Semaglutide (marketed as Ozempic) and tirzepatide (marketed at Mounjaro and Zepbound) are peptides similar to glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and GIP receptors. These peptide can be purchased in their pharmaceutical form (with the names above) or as compounded peptides with more ability to adjust dosage. These peptides can be used for blood glucose management, obesity management, and many other conditions. But, it’s hard to sort through the information swirling around about these peptides/medications,

Health, Self-CareKelly Forys DonahueJuly 30, 2024weight, ozempic, peptides, weight loss

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