advice
Advice and tips on managing mental health, maintaining a positive outlook and becoming your happiest self.
Breaking Free: My Journey Beyond Chronic Illness
Years of chronic illness were my constant companion. Beyond just diagnosis, chronic illness became more of a shadow that followed me around; whispering limitations, doubts and despair. Instead of just giving up jobs or plans; I had to give up who I once was as well. Today however, wellness is no longer just a dream but an established reality in my life.
By Robert Brownabout a year ago in Psyche
We Resign from More Than just Jobs. Top Story - June 2025.
There are many goodbyes and "I quits" when it comes to being chronically unwell; in my case through a multitude of different chronic illnesses caused by not two, but three tumours in my uterus. I cannot say that I have been gaslit by the healthcare and medical profession over the last nine months (could have delivered a baby in this time, but anyway); yet being unwell takes its toll on your psyche, and most of all, on your entire life. And the loss is more than just monetary. Doctors need to keep investigating to find the root cause; and that discovery on you the unwell patient can be physically, mentally, emotionally and financially exhausting.
By Justine Crowleyabout a year ago in Psyche
You’re Not Too Much — They Were Just Not Ready for Someone Like You
There comes a moment in life when you begin to question your intensity. (Am I too much?) (Do I feel too deeply?) (Should I care less, talk softer, shrink more?) You weren’t born too much. You were born real. Deep. Powerful. Honest. But the world doesn’t always know what to do with that — especially when it’s still hiding from its own depth. They called you dramatic when you were just expressive. They called you too sensitive when you were simply human. They told you to relax when all you wanted was to be heard. --- ### (1. Your Emotions Were Labeled As Weakness) You cried when something hurt. You laughed fully when it didn’t. You didn’t know how to feel halfway. You were all in — all heart, all soul, all honesty. And people didn’t know how to hold that. So instead of leaning in, they labeled you. (Too reactive), (too emotional), (too intense). But emotions aren’t flaws. They are signals, messages, survival tools. The people who haven’t learned to sit with their own emotions will always be uncomfortable around someone who has. --- ### (2. You Set Boundaries And Were Called Cold) You stopped explaining yourself. You stopped showing up for people who only remembered you when they needed something. You started saying “no.” And suddenly, you were labeled as distant, selfish, or even rude. But the truth is — you were never too much. You just stopped accepting too little. People who once benefited from your lack of boundaries will always struggle when you finally set them. Let them struggle. That’s not your burden anymore. --- ### (3. You Loved Too Deeply) You showed up fully. You didn’t half-love. You didn't play games. You were loyal, honest, invested. And it scared them. Not because you were wrong — but because they didn’t know what to do with something that real. So they left. Or worse — they stayed and mishandled your heart. Don’t blame yourself for their inability to hold your depth. --- ### (4. You Dreamed Bigger Than They Could Handle) You had vision. You had passion. You spoke of the future like it was already written. And people mocked it, avoided it, tried to shrink it. That’s what small minds do. When they don’t understand something, they fear it — and when they fear it, they try to kill it. Don’t let anyone kill your fire because they can’t match your light. --- ### (5. You Were Never Meant To Be Understood By Everyone) Your depth? Not for everyone. Your love? Too pure for some. Your energy? Too honest for people still hiding behind masks. And that’s okay. You weren’t meant to blend in. You were meant to awaken. To lead. To inspire. --- ### 🌱 (To the One Who Was Called “Too Much”) You weren’t too much. You were just too real in a world still pretending. You were kind when sarcasm was the trend. You were expressive when silence was expected. You were emotional in a time where numbness was glorified. And they didn’t know how to handle that. --- ### 💫 (Here’s What You Need To Remember) (. . .) Don’t dim your light. The right people won’t ask you to shrink. (. . .) Don’t apologize for your heart. It’s your superpower, not your flaw. (. . .) Don’t go quiet. Someone out there needs your truth to echo through their silence. (. . .) Don’t chase those who couldn’t value you. They weren’t your people — just a chapter. (. . .) Don’t forget: You are not too much. You are just rare. --- ### ✨ (Final Words) You are not too emotional. You are not too sensitive. You are not “a lot.” You are light in a world that often hides in shadows. You are warmth in a culture obsessed with coolness. You are truth in a generation afraid of honesty. And the ones who matter won’t ask you to be less. They’ll meet you where you are — and love you deeper for it. So keep shining. Keep feeling. Keep being you. Because you were never too much. You were simply... enough.
By SHADOW-WRITESabout a year ago in Psyche
Eid Hits Different When You’re Healing: The Quiet Emotions No One Talks About
Eid is often painted as a picture of joy — loud laughter, new clothes, delicious food, endless gatherings, and heartfelt hugs. And while that’s true for many, it’s not true for * everyone *. For those silently navigating grief, heartbreak, mental health struggles, or deep personal growth, Eid hits different. When you’re healing, celebrations don’t always feel like celebrations. They sometimes feel like reminders — of who’s no longer around, of the version of you that used to exist, of the emptiness you try so hard to hide. And that’s okay . This is a space for those whose Eid isn’t perfect. For the ones showing up quietly, softly, and tenderly — even when it hurts. --- **1. When the Noise Feels Too Loud** You used to love the noise — the crowded rooms, the echoing laughter, the playful chaos of family. But now, it overwhelms you. You crave peace over party. You step out just to breathe. You’re not antisocial. *(...)* You’re healing. --- **2. When the Table Feels a Little More Empty** Someone is missing. Maybe physically. Maybe emotionally. Maybe spiritually. But the absence is loud. You smile for the pictures. You serve the food. But there’s a part of you that wants to cry between servings. That’s grief. And it has a seat at the table too. --- **3. When You’re Faking the Festive Mood** Everyone’s dressed up. Everyone’s excited. You, too, wear your best — but not because you feel like it. You just don’t want anyone to ask what’s wrong. So you fake the energy. You nod, laugh, eat — and go back to feeling hollow once the door closes. *(. . .)* That’s not weakness. That’s survival. --- **4. When You’re Grateful, But Still Tired** You know you’re blessed. You say Alhamdulillah. You’re thankful for what you have — but you’re also tired of pretending everything is okay. Healing is exhausting. Smiling through it doesn’t make it less real. You’re allowed to be both grateful *and* quietly broken. --- **5. When Eid Makes You Reflect Instead of Celebrate** You start thinking more. About your past. About your future. About your growth. Eid feels more spiritual than social. You don’t want to party. You want to pray, journal, breathe — reconnect with your soul. *(. . .)* That’s growth. That’s maturity. That’s a silent win. --- ### 🌙 If This Is You, Here Are 5 Emotional Reminders: **1. You Don’t Have to Feel Joy Just Because It’s Eid** Your emotions don’t follow a calendar. And you don’t owe anyone a “happy” version of yourself today. **2. Celebrating in Your Own Way Is Still Valid** If Eid for you means quiet reflection, staying in, or crying it out — that’s still Eid. Your healing doesn’t cancel your faith. **3. You’re Not Behind in Life Just Because You’re Hurting** Growth looks different on everyone. Some bloom. Some rebuild. Some simply rest. And that’s enough. **4. You’re Allowed to Miss People and Still Move Forward** Missing them doesn’t mean you haven’t healed. It means you’re human. **5. You’re Stronger Than You Realize** Even showing up today — with pain in your chest and a smile on your face — is a kind of courage most people never understand. *(...)* You’re not weak. You’re evolving. --- ### 🌼 Final Words Eid may feel different this year. Less bright. Less full. Less joyful. But if you’re still breathing, still trying, still holding on to a sliver of hope — that *is* something worth honoring. You’re healing. And healing doesn’t always come with fireworks. Sometimes, it comes with quiet prayers behind closed doors, teary eyes during Takbir, and a soft “I’ll be okay” whispered to yourself. So to the one feeling off this Eid : You are not alone. * ( . . . ) * And even if your celebration looks different — it’s still valid, it’s still sacred, and it’s still yours .
By SHADOW-WRITESabout a year ago in Psyche
From Misunderstood to Supported: How Professional Assessments for Learning and Behavioural Concerns Are Changing Lives
For many children and teens, behaviours that appear defiant, disengaged, or disruptive may be signs of something far deeper. Beneath the surface, they may be grappling with learning difficulties, ADHD, anxiety, or developmental challenges that haven’t been recognised. What happens when the real issue goes undetected? Misunderstanding. Mislabelling. And in too many cases—missed opportunities for support.
By Rochelle Martinezabout a year ago in Psyche
Ketamine for Depression at Home: Is Telehealth Treatment Safe and Legal?
In recent years, the landscape of mental health treatment has undergone a quiet revolution. Among the most talked-about breakthroughs is the use of ketamine for depression, a method that, once confined to clinics and hospitals, is now being offered remotely, delivered right to patients’ homes.
By Richard Baileyabout a year ago in Psyche
What to Expect During Your First Ketamine Infusion for Depression
When depression becomes relentless and traditional medications fail to offer relief, ketamine therapy may present a new path forward. It’s not a miracle cure, but for many, it opens a door that had long felt sealed shut. If you're preparing for your first ketamine infusion, it's normal to feel uncertain—even anxious. Understanding what to expect can ease your mind and help you step into the experience with greater confidence.
By Richard Baileyabout a year ago in Psyche
10 Signs You're Winning in Life (Even If It Doesn’t Feel Like It)
We live in a world that constantly equates success with numbers — how much you earn, how many followers you have, how perfect your life looks online. But real success? Real progress? It’s often invisible to the outside world. The truth is, you might be doing *far better* than you think. You just don’t see it yet — because you’re busy comparing your quiet growth to someone else’s highlight reel. So take a moment to breathe. If these 10 signs sound like your current reality, you’re not losing — you’re actually *winning* in the most important ways. --- **1. You’ve Outgrown What Once Broke You** You’re not the same person you were a year ago. You’ve healed from things that once shattered you. The memories still sting, but they no longer control you. That’s not just survival. *(...)* That’s power. Winning doesn’t always look like a big comeback. Sometimes, it looks like no longer crying over the same thing. --- **2. You Choose Peace Over Proving a Point** You used to argue just to be heard. Now, you walk away from pointless battles. Not because you're weak, but because peace has become more important than pride. *(. . .)* Choosing peace over ego is emotional intelligence in motion. --- **3. You’re Learning to Say “No” Without Explaining** You protect your time. You set boundaries. You’re realizing that saying “no” to others is sometimes a “yes” to yourself — your rest, your values, your energy. You no longer apologize for prioritizing your well-being. That’s not selfish. *(...)* That’s self-respect. --- **4. You’re Comfortable With Silence** You don’t fear being alone anymore. You can sit in stillness without reaching for noise, drama, or distraction. You’ve made peace with your own company. That’s a quiet kind of strength most people never master. *(...)* Solitude is a superpower when it doesn’t feel like punishment. --- **5. You’re Healing Generational Patterns** You’ve started to break cycles — emotional neglect, people-pleasing, overworking, avoiding emotions. You’re doing the hard work your family never could. And yes, it’s exhausting. But it’s also revolutionary. *(. . .)* Healing yourself is healing your future children — and that’s bigger than you think. --- **6. You’re No Longer Addicted to Approval** You used to chase validation. Now, you know your worth without needing others to constantly confirm it. You post less to impress and live more to *express*. You’ve stopped performing. *(...)* That’s freedom. --- **7. You’re Still Trying — Even on the Hard Days** You don’t quit when it’s tough. You rest, cry, scream — but you keep going. You haven’t given up on yourself. Most people never talk about how *trying again* is a win in itself. *(. . .)* Every step forward, even when you're exhausted, is a victory. --- **8. You Have People Who Feel Like Home** Even if it’s just one person — someone who checks on you, laughs with you, reminds you who you are when you forget. That person is proof you’re loved, seen, and not alone. *(...)* Winning isn’t about having a crowd — it’s about having someone who truly shows up. --- **9. You Let Go of What You Can’t Control** You no longer obsess over things you can't fix. You’ve learned to release, to surrender. You focus on what you *can* do — and that’s where your peace comes from. Control used to consume you. Now, acceptance empowers you. *(. . .)* Letting go is a silent kind of strength. --- **10. You’re Becoming Someone You’re Proud Of** You're not perfect — but you’re more patient, kind, mindful, and authentic. You’re slowly becoming the version of you your younger self needed. And even if no one else sees it, *you* know how far you've come. *(...)* That’s real success. --- ### Final Thoughts You may not have the flashy job, the dream car, or the "perfect" body. But if you have inner peace, real friends, self-awareness, boundaries, and hope — you're winning. Don’t let society’s shallow definition of success steal your joy. Your silent victories count. So next time you feel behind in life, remember: the fact that you’re healing, choosing growth, showing up, and staying kind in a broken world? *(. . .)* That’s not just progress. That’s proof you’re already ahead.
By SHADOW-WRITESabout a year ago in Psyche
10 Signs of People You Should Never Let Go
In life, we often talk about who to walk away from — toxic people, fake friends, emotional vampires. But we don’t talk enough about who to keep close. The rare, gentle souls who bring out the best in you. The ones who stand by you without conditions. These people are not loud about their love — but their presence heals. Here are 10 signs of people you should never let go. Because finding someone real in a world full of masks is a kind of miracle. --- **1. They Celebrate You Without Competing With You** You tell them good news, and their eyes light up — not with envy, but with joy. They don’t try to one-up you. They don’t compare. They just clap for you like your win is theirs too. *(...)* Keep these people close. In a world obsessed with comparison, pure joy for someone else’s success is rare and precious. --- **2. They’re Honest — Without Being Harsh** They don’t sugarcoat, but they also don’t destroy. They tell you the truth with compassion. They call you out when you’re wrong, but never to belittle — only to help you grow. *(...)* Honesty with a soft heart is a rare combo. When you find it, hold on. --- **3. They Stay When It’s Hard** These are the people who don’t run when the mood shifts, or when you’re not your best self. They check on you when you go quiet. They stay through the storm, not just the sunshine. *(. . .)* Real love is proven in dark seasons. Those who stay through your mess deserve a seat in your peace. --- **4. They Respect Your Boundaries** They understand that “no” means “no.” They don’t guilt-trip you for needing space. They don’t push you past your comfort zone. They honor your pace and your healing. *(...)* Respect is deeper than affection. If they give you both — you’ve found someone rare. --- **5. They Listen — Truly Listen** They hear more than just your words. They catch the emotion in your silence. They remember the details you didn’t think anyone noticed. *(. . .)* Listening is an act of love. If someone really hears you — they’re showing you they care in the deepest way. --- **6. They Help You Evolve, Without Changing You** They encourage you to grow, to heal, to aim higher — but they never make you feel unworthy as you are. They see your potential without erasing your essence. *(...)* Growth should feel inspiring, not shaming. Keep those who fuel your becoming. --- **7. They Apologize and Mean It** They don’t gaslight. They don’t justify bad behavior. When they mess up, they own it. Their apology isn’t just words — it comes with changed behavior. *(...)* Accountability is maturity in motion. It builds trust brick by brick. --- **8. They Defend You Behind Your Back** You’ll never have to wonder if they stand up for you. They speak your name with respect, even when you're not in the room. *(. . .)* Loyalty isn’t just presence — it’s protection. That kind of faithfulness is sacred. --- **9. They Recharge You — Not Drain You** You don’t have to perform. You don’t feel exhausted after being around them. Your soul breathes easier in their presence. *(. . .)* Energy never lies. People who calm your chaos are rare medicine. --- **10. They Let You Be Fully You** No masks. No filters. Just you — messy, real, loud, quiet, broken, healing. They don’t just accept you — they *cherish* the real version of you. *(...)* That’s not just love. That’s freedom. --- ### Final Thoughts In a world where people leave as fast as they show up, treasure the ones who stay — who care, listen, support, and love without keeping score. The right people don’t just make life easier. They make life *deeper*. So if you have someone like this — call them. Hug them. Thank them. And never let them go.
By SHADOW-WRITESabout a year ago in Psyche
The Worst Thing in This World: Depression — And How to Break Free
There’s a kind of pain the world doesn’t understand. It doesn’t leave bruises. It doesn’t cry out in public. It doesn’t always look like sadness. Sometimes, it looks like silence. Like sleeping too much. Like staring at the ceiling at 3AM feeling nothing at all. That pain is called depression — and it’s the worst kind of suffering because it makes you believe the lie that you’re alone in it. But here’s the truth: you’re not. - - - - - ### Depression Is Not Just Sadness Sadness has a cause. It comes, and eventually, it goes. But depression? Depression is like fog inside your brain. You forget who you were before it arrived. You stop feeling joy in things that used to make you smile. Even getting out of bed becomes a victory. You look okay on the outside. You might still go to work, post online, or laugh at someone’s joke. But inside? It’s a daily battle to stay afloat. - - - - - ### The Lies Depression Tells You Depression has a voice — and it’s cruel. It whispers: - “You’re not good enough.” - “You’re a burden.” - “Nothing will ever get better.” And the worst part? You start to believe it. But those thoughts are symptoms — not truths. Depression lies. Every single time. - - - - - ### How to Break Free — Slowly, Gently, Relentlessly There’s no magic button. No perfect formula. But there *are* steps. Tiny ones. That lead to something real. - - - - - ** 1. Speak the Words: “I’m Not Okay”** The hardest part of healing is admitting you need help. But silence is depression’s best friend. Break the silence. Even if it’s just to one person. Even if it’s in a whisper. Talk to a friend. A therapist. A support group. A journal. Speak — and let someone hear you. - - - - - ** 2. Choose Progress Over Perfection** Don’t aim to be instantly “happy.” Just aim to **move**. - Open the window. - Drink a glass of water. - Take a walk, even for 5 minutes. - Take a shower even if it feels pointless. Small actions matter. They remind your brain you’re still in control — even when it doesn’t feel like it. - - - - - ** 3. Stop Romanticizing Isolation** Depression wants you alone. It wants you to pull away. But healing often begins in connection. Reach out, even when you don’t feel like it. Message someone. Sit in a room with people, even silently. Just let yourself be around *life* again. - - - - - ** 4. Write a Letter to Yourself From the Future** Imagine a version of you who survived this — because many do. What would they tell you now? Maybe this: > “I know it feels like the end. But it isn’t. I’m you — just a little further down the road. I still struggle sometimes. But I also laugh again. I feel things again. And you will too. Just hold on a little longer.” Write it. Reread it when things get dark. - - - - - ** 5. Understand That Healing Isn’t Linear** Some days you’ll feel okay. Others will knock the air out of you. That’s normal. That’s progress. You’re not failing — you’re learning to swim in deeper waters. - - - - - ### Final Thought: You Are Still Here — And That Is Enough If you’re reading this, it means you’ve survived 100% of your darkest days so far. That’s not weakness. That’s strength of a kind most people will never understand. Depression doesn’t define you. You are not your lowest moment. You are not your thoughts. You are not broken. You are human. Healing. Becoming. And that is more than enough. Keep going. Because somewhere in the future, there’s a version of you that’s proud you didn’t give up today.
By SHADOW-WRITESabout a year ago in Psyche
