In today's fast-paced world, anxiety has become an increasingly common issue, affecting millions of individuals worldwide. The ADAA reports that over 30% of US adults met criteria for an anxiety or depressive disorder in 2023. That doesn’t count all of the people who won’t seek help.
Read MoreI’ve been in the entrepreneurial space for over a decade now, and I’ve noticed a pattern. But before I begin, I want to note that the information I have gathered here is from newsletters and social media posts publicly available (and I try not to spend too much time on social media!). I do not know these people personally and as always, there is more to the story than what is posted or shared publicly. So with that caveat…
Read MoreLiving with a chronic condition like ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is not just a physical challenge; it also poses significant psychological and emotional hurdles. AS is a form of inflammatory arthritis with an autoimmune component that primarily affects the spine, leading to inflammation, pain, and stiffness. In some cases, the spine can fuse, causing significant stiffness and restrictions in mobility and daily functioning.
Read MoreThe holiday season, with its festive cheer and gatherings, often leaves us with cherished memories and a sense of joy. However, as the decorations come down and routine sets in, many people find themselves grappling with what is commonly known as the post-holiday blues. This phenomenon is characterized by a dip in mood, energy, and motivation after the holiday festivities come to an end.
Read MoreMany of us have had direct feedback or subtle feedback from doctors that the chronic pain we’ve experienced is “all in your head.” We are left feeling shame and helplessness. So, is it true? Is chronic pain “all in your head”? YES and NO. Chronic pain is a complex condition that can have a significant impact on physical and mental health. The pain in your body is real AND you process pain in your brain. So it is in your head, but that’s not the whole story.
Read MoreAnxiety is a normal human emotion, but excess anxiety can disrupt everyday life.
Not all anxiety is the same both in how it presents (i.e., the symptoms people have) and the factors that contribute to it. When someone comes to a professional with an issue, they are looking for a solution. When it comes to many health issues, there is not one single fix. Saying that you have depression, anxiety, fatigue, or pain really tells us nothing about the solution because the causal and contributing factors are complex and overlapping.
Read MoreYou ask your health care provider a question about your health.
They answer, “It depends.”
Is it time to find a new provider or thank this one for their honesty?
The answer…”It depends.”
Read MoreEmotional eating most often occurs to escape a negative feeling OR to create a less negative or more positive feeling. And it works. Which is why we continue to do it.
We can “emotional eat” to avoid feeling angst. “Emotional eating” distracts us from the angst that arises in a pause. During a pause like the COVID-19 situation, we may remember that our life is meant to be lived more fully, more freely than we are living it. However, when we feel that uncomfortable angst bubbling to the surface, instead of asking the angst why it has appeared, we focus on “controlling” the eating. That seems less scary.
