How mental and emotional illnesses affect social health

When we talk about mental illness, we often focus on the internal symptoms – the depression, anxiety, or disordered thoughts. But some of the most devastating impacts happen in the space between people. Mental and emotional illnesses don’t just affect how you feel – they transform how you connect with others. This social dimension of…

Examples of internal barriers to seeking help for mental health

Ever had that moment where you know something’s wrong, but your brain keeps saying “Nah, we’re good”? 🧠 That’s what we call an internal barrier to seeking mental health help. While external barriers like cost and transportation get plenty of attention, it’s often the invisible walls we build inside our own minds that keep us from reaching…

Long-term health effects highly associated with anorexia nervosa

Most people think of anorexia as extreme weight loss and fear of getting fat. But this dangerous eating disorder silently attacks nearly every organ system in your body, causing damage that can persist long after recovery. While the focus often stays on the visible symptoms, the long-term health consequences of anorexia are what truly make…

8 examples of how mental and emotional health can affect behavior

Ever wonder why you bailed on plans last minute? Or snapped at someone you love for no good reason? Or why you can’t seem to focus on that important project? Your mental and emotional health are constantly pulling strings behind the scenes of your behavior – often without you even realizing it. While we like…

3 things you could do if you were asked to become an advocate of health and wellness

Someone just tapped you to be a “health advocate” at work or in your community, and now you’re wondering how to make an impact without becoming that person everyone avoids in the break room. Let’s be real – most health advocacy efforts fail because they come across as preachy, unrealistic, or just plain annoying. Nobody…

When should you talk to a mental health professional about unwelcome thoughts or emotions?

Most of us walk around with occasional dark thoughts or emotional storms brewing inside our heads. That’s just part of being human. But how do you know when those inner struggles have crossed the line from “normal bad day” territory into “I should probably talk to a professional” land? Let’s get real about when it’s…

The biggest signs that someone might be dealing with a mental health challenge

We’ve all seen the dramatic portrayals of mental health struggles in movies – someone sobbing uncontrollably, having angry outbursts, or staring vacantly out rainy windows. But in real life? The biggest red flag that someone’s mental health is crumbling isn’t nearly as cinematic. It’s actually something so basic that it often gets completely overlooked. The…