As we all know, living with IBD is incredibly unpredictable. While many of us develop strategies to cope with flares, there’s a layer of stress and fatigue that often goes unspoken and sometimes unmanaged. The mental load of living with a chronic illness is one of the hardest parts to navigate. This mental load is the ongoing, day-to-day strain of managing IBD. It’s always there in the background. Sometimes subtle, sometimes overwhelming and over time, it can shift from gener

Like many of you, I have Crohn’s disease. I’ve had it for 22 years and while I’ve certainly learned how to manage flare-ups, I still struggle with the periods in between. Don’t get me wrong—those “in between” periods are obviously easier—but what can come with remission is fear. How long will this last? Am I eating and doing the right things to prolong this good period? If I get another flare, will I need to change my meds? In addition to having Crohn’s, I’m also a psychother

Have you ever worried that your feelings, needs, or struggles might be too much for someone else? Maybe you've hesitated to ask for help because you didn't want to be a burden. Perhaps you've downplayed your emotions, kept your worries to yourself, or avoided talking about your chronic illness because you didn't want people to feel overwhelmed. If so, you're not alone. Many people carry a fear of being "too much" for others. They worry that if they share too much, need too mu

Many people want close, meaningful relationships while also feeling afraid to let others in. They want connection, but worry that if they open up too much, they’ll be judged, disappointed, or rejected. If this feels familiar, you’re not alone. The fear of rejection can make vulnerability feel risky. Even when someone seems kind or trustworthy, it can still feel hard to share your feelings, needs, or true self. Part of you may want closeness, while another part wants to stay g

Anxiety can feel like a heavy weight pressing down on your chest. It sneaks up when you least expect it, making everyday tasks feel overwhelming. But here’s the good news - you don’t have to face it alone. With the rise of online support, managing anxiety has become more accessible and flexible than ever before. I want to share some insights and practical tips that have helped me and many others find calm in the chaos through online resources. Why Online Anxiety Management Ti

Breaking up is never easy. It can shake how you see yourself and leave you feeling lost or unsure. That’s a very real part of the process. But it’s also true that confidence can be rebuilt—and often in a stronger, more grounded way than before. When a relationship ends, it’s common for self-doubt to creep in. Thoughts like “Who am I without this person?” or “Am I enough?” can feel overwhelming. But those thoughts aren’t facts—they’re part of the emotional aftermath. There are

Have you ever made a decision, only to question it almost immediately? I know I have and it can be debilitating. You might replay what you said, rethink your choice, or wonder if you missed something important. Even small decisions — sending a text, choosing a meeting place, sharing your opinion — can suddenly feel uncertain. If you struggle with anxiety, this kind of second-guessing can become a familiar pattern. And over time, it can leave you feeling less confident in your

One of the most common struggles I see is this feeling of being stuck between two questions: Do I need to accept this… or try to change it? Am I giving up if I accept things as they are? Or am I fighting something I can’t control? It’s confusing, because both acceptance and change are important. And sometimes it’s hard to know which one is actually helpful in the moment. The truth is, acceptance and change aren’t opposites. They often work together. But knowing when to lean i

Self-compassion is often misunderstood. For some, it sounds like letting yourself off the hook. Lowering standards. Being too soft. Even selfish. But in practice, most people struggle with the opposite problem. They are far harder on themselves than they would ever be with someone else. They push through exhaustion.They replay mistakes.They hold themselves to impossible standards.They minimize their own needs while showing up fully for everyone else. And then, when the idea o

We all have an inner voice. Sometimes it’s supportive and encouraging. Other times, it’s harsh, critical, and relentless. Negative self-talk can quietly shape how we see ourselves, how we approach challenges, and even how we treat others. The tricky part? Many of us don’t even realize it’s happening. The good news is that negative self-talk is a habit—and like any habit, it can be changed. Breaking the cycle doesn’t require perfection. It simply requires awareness, patience,

Gratitude is often talked about as a simple way to improve mood and feel better. And sometimes, it really does help. But there are also times when gratitude feels out of reach. When you’re overwhelmed, anxious, grieving, exhausted, or dealing with chronic stress or illness, being told to “just be grateful” can feel frustrating — or even invalidating. Instead of helping, it can leave you feeling guilty for not being positive enough. If gratitude feels impossible right now, the

Have you ever felt… Stuck in life, even though on the outside it “looks fine”? Frustrated with yourself for not being where you thought you’d be? Tired of always putting everyone else first, carrying everyone else’s emotional load? You’re not broken. You’ve just been surviving in a world that taught you to put yourself last. The truth is: it’s never too late to reclaim your voice, set healthy boundaries, and finally put yourself on the list. I help women who struggle with peo

Many people don’t realize they’re people-pleasers because, on the surface, it looks like kindness. You’re the one who helps out, says yes, keeps the peace, and makes sure everyone else is okay. But underneath, people-pleasing often comes from fear — fear of disappointing others, being judged, or causing conflict. And over time, constantly putting others first can take a real toll on your emotional well-being. What People-Pleasing Often Looks Like People-pleasing doesn’t alway

Have you ever left a conversation feeling fine, only to replay it later and wonder: Why did I say that?Did they think I was awkward?Should I have explained myself better? Many people do this, especially if they struggle with anxiety or self-doubt. We replay conversations because we want to feel accepted and avoid mistakes in the future. Our brain is trying to protect us socially — but instead of helping, it often leaves us feeling stressed and self-critical. The truth is, mos

Do any of these statements sound like you? You replay conversations over and over and chastise yourself for things you’ve said to people. Your brain always jumps to “worst case scenarios.” You second-guess your decisions all throughout the day. You are too stuck in your own head during social interactions to enjoy the conversations. You stay home and miss out on fun events because it’s easier than facing all the possible triggers. If you do motivate to go out and be social, y