Your brain on pause: understanding CNS depression and why it matters Ever been so relaxed that even breathing felt like work? That’s a tiny taste of what happens during central nervous system (CNS) depression – when your brain and spinal cord essentially slow waaaaay down. While this slowing can be therapeutic in small doses (hello,…
Depression isn’t just feeling sad—it’s when sadness takes over your entire life. And while “crippling depression” isn’t an official medical diagnosis, it’s a term many people use to describe depression so intense it makes getting out of bed feel like climbing Mount Everest. Depression this severe isn’t just “the blues”—it’s a serious condition that can…
Ever wondered why your partner suddenly goes cold, or why you feel like running away when things get too cozy? Yep, that’s attachment styles at work. Let me break down two of the most confusing ones – dismissive avoidant and fearful avoidant – that make relationships interesting (to put it mildly). These two styles are…
Ever catch yourself gnawing on pen caps during meetings or mindlessly chewing your fingernails while watching TV? If you have ADHD, this oral fixation thing might feel pretty familiar. That urge to have something in your mouth isn’t just a random habit – it’s actually your brain trying to get the sensory input it craves….
Ever feel like you’re on autopilot? Going through all the motions of life – working, socializing, even smiling at the right times – but inside you feel nothing? That’s functional freeze – a sneaky survival response where you look totally fine on the outside while your internal world has gone completely numb. It’s like your…
When your elderly mom starts consuming your life, it’s like watching a slow-motion tsunami roll in. You started with good intentions—helping Mom with a few doctor’s appointments, picking up groceries, maybe managing some paperwork. But somehow, you’ve become a full-time caregiver, on-call 24/7, with your own life fading into the background. If you’re nodding your…
You’ve probably noticed that some couples just naturally have one person who takes the lead. Maybe they decide where to eat most nights, or they’re the one who handles the finances. This is what we call dominance in a relationship, and it’s a lot more nuanced than it might first appear. Just to be clear,…
Ever looked at those red light panels at the gym and wondered what the heck they actually do? Or maybe you’ve seen those fancy LED masks on TikTok that make people look like they’re auditioning for the next horror movie? That’s red light therapy (RLT) – and it’s either the next big thing in health…
Suicide awareness ribbons are like the silent language we use to talk about one of the hardest topics – mental health and suicide prevention. While these little fabric symbols might seem simple, they carry powerful messages of hope, support, and remembrance. They’re not just decorations – they’re conversation starters in a world where we desperately…
The colors most closely linked to suicide prevention awareness are teal and purple combined. These aren’t just random pretty colors – they were specifically chosen to represent the complex emotions and healing journey that surrounds mental health struggles and suicide prevention. Unlike the green ribbon that represents general mental health awareness (symbolizing growth and balance),…
