Beyond Cramps and Cravings: Understanding the Difference Between Premenstrual Syndrome and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder

Throughout history, the medical field has had a complicated and often contradictory relationship with reproductive mental health. While accounts of symptoms related to the menstrual cycle date back to ancient times, their existence was often met with irrational skepticism. Mood fluctuations were frequently attributed to a wandering uterus or the toxic and healing properties of…

10 Things You Need To Know About Infertility During Infertility Awareness Week

1. Infertility is defined as not being able to get pregnant after one year of unprotected sex for heterosexual couples. With this said, many physicians recommend that women over the age of 35 seek specialized fertility care after six months of unprotected sex in heterosexual partnerships. 2. Infertility is not uncommon. In the U.S., one…

Navigating Dating Apps and Modern Dating Part 2: Attachment Styles & Ways They Impact Dating Satisfaction

In Part 1 of this series, I discussed some common experiences related to frustrations with modern dating, and specifically, dating apps. I shared some tips to navigating modern dating including how to: Get clear about your intentions Determine your needs Practice mindfulness In this article, I will be discussing potential roadblocks that might contribute to lack of…

Navigating the Transition to Parenthood as a Team and How The Bringing Baby Home Workshop Can Help

The transition to parenthood is one that comes with profound shifts in identity, roles, and relationships. These shifts inevitably impact parents as individuals and as partners. Renowned psychotherapist and relationship expert, Esther Perel, states that “having a baby is a psychological revelation that changes our relation to almost everything and everyone” (Perel, 2006). These words…

Self-Care During the Postpartum Period: Strategies to Minimize the Risk of Postpartum Mood and Anxiety Disorders

The postpartum period is filled with many physical, psychological, and emotional changes. Matrescence is a term that aptly captures this experience. It is defined as the physical, social, hormonal, and identity shifts associated with becoming a mother and is a distinct stage of life (Sacks, 2017). In reflecting on matrescence, Ignacz (2018) states, “Life will…

Honoring Your Limits: Setting Value-Aligned Boundaries with Family During the Holidays

The holiday season is a time of mixed emotions for many people. While some of us revel in the joy and togetherness of our beloved customs, reconnecting with loved ones, and savoring delicious meals, we may also feel nostalgia, grief, or struggle to navigate complicated family dynamics and expectations. In such situations, it’s essential to…

Cycle Syncing: Increasing Emotional Well Being During Your Menstrual Cycle

In school, we are taught what a period is. For many people, the education on the menstrual cycle stopped there. This education gap has caused not only an information deficiency for those who menstruate, it has also perpetuated a stigma that women are “just overly emotional” during certain points in their cycle. This has left…

Tending to Your Emotional Bonfire

Difficult and intense emotions can certainly feel like a bonfire raging in our mind and body. Painful emotions like anger, shame, or fear can seem like they will consume us or be impossible to control. It can be difficult to know what to do when these emotions come up, and they can make us feel…

Expanding Your Window of Tolerance: Understanding the Optimal State for Emotional Well-being and Healthy Relationships

Have you ever experienced a day when a seemingly minor inconvenience suddenly morphs into an unbearable burden? Perhaps you have been consumed by an intense rage that caused you to take out your frustration on a loved one inadvertently. Alternatively, you may have felt emotionally numb and disconnected during a crisis. If any of these…

Care Coordination: The Benefits of Collaborative Healthcare

What Is Care Coordination? Care coordination is the sharing and exchanging of information about your health and mental health among your healthcare providers to ensure that you receive the most effective treatment possible while minimizing any unnecessary costs, delays, or misunderstandings in the process. During care coordination, members of your healthcare team work collaboratively towards…