I've loved sharing my life, stories, and insights with HealthyPlace, but my time here is now coming to an end. Although moving on in any aspect of life is difficult, I've found the hardest part of moving on is making the decision to let go, especially if you enjoy what you're doing.

As we celebrate Independence Day, I find myself reflecting on the concept of freedom, particularly the freedom to cultivate self-esteem. Self-esteem, a crucial aspect of our mental well-being, is often overlooked, especially by those of us who have lived experience with mental health issues. Yet, this day serves as a powerful reminder that we have the freedom to make choices that can positively impact our self-esteem and our overall mental health. 

Being vulnerable does not come naturally to me (in fact, it downright scares me), but I am learning to confront this fear and explore the art of vulnerability in eating disorder recovery. As I grow in self-awareness, I have realized that I know how to be authentic, courageous, honest, and outspoken—but my most tender, vulnerable parts remain securely under wraps. While I believe it's incumbent on all of us to protect our hearts when necessary, I am tired of living with a self-imposed fortress built around my heart. Sure, there is an element of risk in dismantling these walls. I could re-expose myself to the rejection I fought so hard to overcome. Hesitations aside, though, I want to embrace the art of vulnerability in eating disorder recovery.

There is an intersection between men's mental health and addiction. June is Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month. Having walked the tough road of gambling addiction recovery, I feel it would be a great injustice not to address one of the most pressing issues—gambling addiction and its profound impact on men's mental health.

"I love when you laugh." It was a simple statement by my oldest daughter as we giggled while I cuddled her before bed. It hit me to the core. I hadn't laughed with her like that in a long time -- especially not at bedtime, the most stressful time of the day. At that moment I realized just how much my chronic anxiety had been impacting my sweet girl. 

It's 2024, yet the very idea that it is good for men to talk about their feelings is frowned upon. Traditional notions of masculinity discourage emotional expression, with anger being the only "acceptable" emotion for men to express. As a daughter, partner, and friend, I have seen how these toxic social expectations cause men to struggle in silence. As a mental health advocate, I believe that changing this narrative is crucial for supporting men's mental health. Men need to talk about their feelings.

Have you considered there are benefits to anxiety? Anxiety plays a huge role in my life. My anxiety often surfaces as chronic stress and concerns about my professional life and career. While it has held me back in many instances, I can appreciate some of the ways in which anxiety benefits me.

Something I struggle with in my close relationships is splitting in borderline personality disorder (BPD). The closer I get to someone, the harder it hits when I feel disappointed or slighted by them. Whether this slight is real or imagined, I can't seem to keep my passive-aggressive thoughts and comments to myself. The borderline splitting episode takes over, and suddenly, everything is black or white, with no shades of gray in sight.

Binge eating became a coping mechanism during my breakup. Recognizing this destructive pattern and taking steps to manage it was crucial for my wellbeing. Here's how I managed my binge eating during my breakup.

Back in college, I believed that finding my purpose in life would bring me mental peace. After graduating as an information technology engineer, I took some time to figure out that my first love, writing, was my purpose. I thought that I had finally figured out my pathway to peace. Little did I know how wrong I was. Here's what I wish I knew about purpose and peace in my 20s.