Mental Health and Recovery – chocolate and politics

Identity Death

While not a formal diagnostic term, identity death draws on psychological theories of identity disruption and transition (Erikson, 1959; Breakwell, 1986), often describing the internal collapse of a once-stable self-concept in response to significant life changes. Has anyone ever asked you what the meaning of life is? It’s one of those questions we tend toContinue reading “Identity Death”

Healing Through Words

During the lowest points of my life, when I was afraid to ask for help and pitied those who pitied me, my only refuge was found in words and the spaces between them. When no one seemed to understand me, I turned to writing to make sense of my emotions, convincing myself that feelings wereContinue reading “Healing Through Words”

HI, I’M DISCIPLINED, NICE TO MEET YOU.

Once upon a time, I took pride in the discipline and willpower I meticulously constructed. I felt proud that I could rise at 5 a.m. to work out before school. I drank black coffee and ate hard-boiled eggs, watching with disregard as others enjoyed pumpkin spice lattes in the fall and buttery scrambled eggs onContinue reading “HI, I’M DISCIPLINED, NICE TO MEET YOU.”

THE ONES WHO NEED SAVING

In the midst of a pitch-black night, illuminated only by the neon lights of club signs and car headlights, an individual lay unconscious on the ground, covered in vomit. The bystander effect, as defined, relates to the influence of others’ presence on an individual’s willingness to assist someone in need. It essentially involves the beliefContinue reading “THE ONES WHO NEED SAVING”

SAY YES NOW, FIGURE IT OUT LATER

In my lifetime, I have said no to a lot of things. “No, I can’t dance at this party if no one else is going to”. “No, I shouldn’t order the burger since they are ordering the salad”. “No, I don’t mind taking on that extra responsibility“. It was always a resounding no… when speakingContinue reading “SAY YES NOW, FIGURE IT OUT LATER”

ALONE VS LONELY

I never understood what people meant when they said that are “different kinds of lonely”. A time ago, I was the loneliest I had ever been. Not only did I not have anybody, I directly had people telling me did not want me and diminishing my worth to something I knew it was not. InContinue reading “ALONE VS LONELY”

YOU DEFINE YOU

I am someone who experiences high highs and low lows. There are days when I smile at every stranger I see, walk with my head held high, and sing embarrassing songs with the car windows down and zero care about anyone who may be watching me. Then there are other days. The ones where myContinue reading “YOU DEFINE YOU”

MANAGING STRESS AND FINDING WORK-LIFE BALANCE

I remember my freshman year like it was just yesterday. I was the girl who was always a step ahead — turning assignments in long before the deadline, doing work the day it was assigned, and never quite understanding why everyone found the IB program so unmanageable. Fast forward to today when I am studyingContinue reading “MANAGING STRESS AND FINDING WORK-LIFE BALANCE”

A DIFFERENT KIND OF SUMMER

Today was my first official day of summer. Normally, summer is an exciting time for all the opportunities it brings with it. However, this year, summer feels a bit different. I am excited about summer but not necessarily because I get to spend all my time with friends or go out every day. I amContinue reading “A DIFFERENT KIND OF SUMMER”

THE MOST IMPORTANT RELATIONSHIP YOU HAVE

My relationships are one of the most important aspects of my life. Each relationship I have is different, bringing a new perspective and sense of joy into my life. At the same time though, relationships can take a lot of work. There are always disagreements and sources of tension which leave a pit of despairContinue reading “THE MOST IMPORTANT RELATIONSHIP YOU HAVE”