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Emotional Eating: When Food Becomes Comfort

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It’s 11 p.m. You’ve had a long, exhausting day, and though you’re not really hungry, you find yourself standing in front of the fridge, spoon in hand, diving into a tub of ice cream. The first few bites feel magical the sweetness melting the day’s stress away. But soon after, that comfort fades and a quiet guilt settles in. Sound familiar? This moment captures what so many of us experience as emotional eating turning to food not for nourishment, but for comfort. Emotional eating happens when we use food to manage feelings instead of hunger. Stress, sadness, loneliness, or even boredom can spark cravings for something comforting. In those moments, food isn’t just food it becomes a way to soothe, distract, or feel momentarily in control. Biologically, it makes sense. When we’re stressed, our body releases cortisol, the “fight or flight” hormone, which increases appetite. Eating especially something sweet or carb-heavy triggers dopamine and serotonin, giving us a quick emotion...
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PCOS and Mental Health: The Hidden Connection We Need to Talk About

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Living with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) goes far beyond hormonal imbalance or physical symptoms. While many conversations around PCOS focus on irregular periods, acne, or fertility challenges, the emotional and psychological impact often goes unnoticed. For countless women, the condition silently shapes how they feel about themselves, their bodies, and their sense of control making it just as much a mental health journey as a physical one. PCOS is a hormonal disorder that affects women of reproductive age and is caused by elevated levels of androgens (male hormones). This hormonal imbalance can disrupt ovulation and lead to symptoms like weight gain, acne, hair loss, and irregular menstrual cycles. But beyond these visible signs, PCOS triggers a cascade of emotional effects that often remain invisible. Research shows that women with PCOS are more likely to experience anxiety, depression, mood swings, and body image concerns. These aren’t just emotional reactions they’r...
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The Chair Across From Me: A Therapist's Whisper to Another

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In the quiet corners of therapy rooms, where tears are shed and truths are spoken, there sits a special kind of person—the therapist. Often calm, reflective, and full of empathy, therapists are the emotional anchors for so many. But who anchors them? This blog is a tribute to the ones who listen for a living. It’s a letter, really—from one therapist to another. A moment to pause and remember: behind every reassuring nod and grounded breath, there’s a human being doing sacred, soul-stretching work. As therapists, we spend our days sitting across from people who are brave enough to share their inner worlds. We hold stories full of grief, rage, shame, love, confusion, and hope. We witness resilience in its rawest forms and silently offer safety in every session. But what we don’t often talk about is the emotional labor of being that safe space. The days when we walk out of the therapy room and feel heavy. The moments when someone’s story echoes too loudly in our own heart. The silent pres...
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Understanding Attachment Styles: How We Connect in Relationships

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Our earliest relationships shape the way we love, trust, and connect with others. This pattern of connection, known as an attachment style, is formed in childhood based on how our caregivers responded to our emotional needs. As we grow, these attachment styles often follow us into adulthood, influencing our romantic relationships, friendships, and even how we relate to ourselves. Attachment theory, developed by psychologist John Bowlby and expanded by Mary Ainsworth, identifies four primary styles: secure, anxious, avoidant, and disorganized. Each style reflects a different way of relating to intimacy, conflict, and emotional connection. 1. Secure Attachment People with a secure attachment style are comfortable with intimacy and independence. They trust easily, communicate openly, and manage conflict in healthy ways. This style usually develops from consistent, nurturing caregiving in childhood. Adults with secure attachment tend to have balanced relationships where both partners feel...
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The Good Lawyer: A Powerful Take on OCD, Justice, and The Good Doctor’s Legal Battle

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  The Good Doctor Season 6, Episode 16: 'The Good Lawyer' - A Powerful Legal Spin-off Introduction The Good Doctor has been a beacon of heartfelt storytelling, masterfully portraying the journey of Dr. Shaun Murphy (Freddie Highmore), a gifted surgeon with autism and savant syndrome. Season 6, Episode 16, titled The Good Lawyer, offers a refreshing twist by introducing a legal spin-off centered on a new, compelling character. This episode marks a significant crossover into the legal world while maintaining the emotional depth that fans adore. A Legal Drama with a Twist The episode introduces Joni DeGroot (Kennedy McMann), a young, brilliant lawyer living with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Joni is hired to defend Dr. Shaun Murphy in a malpractice case, bringing a fresh perspective to the series. Her meticulous attention to detail and unique way of processing information make her an intriguing parallel to Shaun, allowing for an engaging narrative filled with challenges, gr...
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Navigating Adolescence: A Psychologist’s Perspective on Netflix’s Adolescence

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  Adolescence is a time of change, confusion, and self-discovery. It’s when young people start to shape their identities, struggle with emotions, and search for a sense of belonging. Netflix’s Adolescence captures these experiences in a way that feels raw and real, shining a light on the silent battles many teenagers face. As a psychologist, I see this series as more than just entertainment—it’s a mirror reflecting the challenges of growing up in today’s digital world. The Double-Edged Sword of the Internet One of the most striking aspects of Adolescence is how it portrays the internet as both a place of connection and a source of harm. Online communities can be supportive, but they can also pull vulnerable teenagers into toxic spaces. The show highlights how certain online groups—like those promoting misogynistic or extremist views—target young boys who are searching for identity and validation. Teenagers are at an age where they are easily influenced, and the need to fit in can m...
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The Invisible Load Women Carry: The Weight of Unseen Responsibilities

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Imagine having 37 tabs open in your mind, five of them crashing, and amidst all that, you’re still trying to remember if you defrosted the chicken. That’s the reality of the mental load—the invisible, exhausting weight of managing life’s endless to-do list. It’s not just about completing tasks; it’s the ongoing responsibility of planning, anticipating, and ensuring everything runs smoothly. The mental load is an often-overlooked burden that disproportionately falls on women. It’s the silent, behind-the-scenes effort of tracking schedules, managing household needs, and being the emotional backbone of a family. Women are frequently the ones remembering doctor’s appointments, planning meals, organizing school events, and ensuring social engagements run smoothly. Even when others are physically involved, the responsibility of coordination and oversight often remains on their shoulders. Beyond logistics, women also carry the weight of emotional labor—being the ones to check in on family m...
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