Mental Health
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Body Image, Confidence, and Summer: A Conversation We Need to Keep Having
If you’ve ever felt like summer is more about having the “right” body than actually enjoying yourself, you’re not alone. This article unpacks the unrealistic expectations tied to the idea of a summer body and shares a personal perspective on body image, confidence, and why you don’t need to change yourself to make the most…
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Post-Accomplishment Depression: You Got What You Wanted—So Why Aren’t You Happy?
So you finally did it, you achieved your goal! Congratulations! Whatever it was, you made it. You should be over the moon, right? So why do you still feel… empty?Why are you lying awake at night wondering why it doesn’t feel the way you thought it would? You’re not broken. You’re not ungrateful. You’re just…
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Emotional Sobriety: How Recovery Goes Deeper Than Abstinence
When you think of addiction recovery, you probably think of abstaining from substances—drugs, alcohol, maybe even things like food, gambling, or shopping. But here’s the truth that no one tells you: The real battle doesn’t end with the substance. It’s not just about staying clean. It’s about what comes after, when you’ve cleaned up the…
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Privilege Doesn’t Erase Your Hardships—And It Doesn’t Define Your Future
We all start from different places in life, but that doesn’t mean we’re bound by them. Privilege, hardship, and personal growth aren’t mutually exclusive—yet in today’s world, it’s easy to dismiss someone’s success as the result of privilege while overlooking the struggles that shaped them. In this article, I dive into the complexities of privilege,…
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How to Heal from Food Insecurity: Rebuilding Your Relationship With Food
Healing from food insecurity doesn’t happen automatically when you have enough food now—it’s a process of unlearning the survival habits that linger long after scarcity is gone. If you still struggle with portion control, anxiety around food waste, or feeling the need to stockpile, you’re not alone. Let’s explore how to rewire those habits and…
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The Victim Mindset Will Destroy You: From Victim to Survivor
Break free from the victim mindset that’s holding you back. Learn how to transform your pain into power, rewrite your story, and thrive as a survivor. Discover actionable steps to heal, grow, and reclaim your life. “That’s not fair!” was my motto for the first 20-ish years of my life. And my life wasn’t fair.…
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When You’re the Problem: On Accountability and Self-Reflection
Explore how accountability and self-reflection can lead to personal growth, stronger connections, and greater self-confidence. Uncover practical steps and methods to face your fears and transform your life. I’ll admit it proudly: I’m a Swiftie. Unless you’re living under a rock, you’ve probably heard the anthem of accountability and self-reflection: Anti-Hero. Of course, this song…
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I Refuse to Live in Fear: Choosing Courage and Compassion in a Divided World
In a world filled with fear and division, I refuse to live in fear. This article explores how we can rise above fear, embrace critical thinking, and engage with others respectfully, fostering empathy and understanding in a polarized society. When I started Wisterian Woman, I swore I wouldn’t get political. I still won’t, at least…
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What Actually Helped My Anxiety
Learn how to help anxiety with a holistic approach from personal experience. Discover the power of medication, trauma work, yoga, and healthy habits in managing racing thoughts and creating a calmer, more balanced mind. Explore personal insights on the journey to mental well-being and the importance of a supportive environment in this comprehensive guide to…
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Under the Mask: The Reality of Being ‘High-Functioning’
“High functioning” just means you’re really great at hiding when you’re struggling. Let’s talk more in-depth about what that means, how to cope, and fighting the stigma. on the surface… I had straight A’s in second grade when my dad was deported. Fourth grade, too, when he died. I graduated high school two months after…