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Have you ever found yourself imagining crying—perhaps even longing to cry—during moments when, on the surface, everything feels fine? Maybe you’re content or even happy, yet a quiet undercurrent of pain lingers, just beneath your awareness. If this resonates with you, you’re not alone. Many of us carry emotional wounds that seem to persist no… Read more: The Echo Of Inner Pain: Why We Imagine Crying Even When We’re Happy

Have you ever felt like the walls around you were closing in? Like the space you call home, meant to be your sanctuary, has turned into a cage? For many, this isn’t just a passing thought—it’s an all-consuming reality. Whether it’s the weight of trauma, the haze of emotional overwhelm, or the long days of… Read more: Breaking Free: Understanding the Emotional ‘Cage’ of Trauma and How to Escape for the Better

Do you ever feel like the day’s already over before it even begins? Just getting through basic tasks—waking up, taking care of hygiene, meals, and then, of course, more substantial responsibilities like work, school, or projects—can feel like a marathon when there’s so little time. Finding time to unwind, making room for passions, or simply… Read more: Overwhelmed by Everyday Tasks? You’re Not Alone: A Guide for Trauma Survivors

Have you ever felt sad, angry, or anxious and immediately started drafting a long list of reasons to explain why? Many of us, especially those who have been invalidated by those we trusted, find ourselves doing just that—defending our feelings instead of just allowing them to exist. For some, this self-defense habit can trace back… Read more: You Don’t Have to Justify Your Feelings: Breaking Free from Self-Defense

It’s an all-too-familiar experience for many trauma survivors—you wake up one day, look in the mirror, and barely recognize yourself. The activities you used to love now feel far away, and anything that once brought you joy has been replaced by a sense of numbness. Life begins to feel like mere survival, not living. But… Read more: Rediscovering Yourself After Trauma: Rebuilding Identity and Reclaiming Joy

Do you ever catch yourself being your own worst critic, even when you’ve done nothing wrong? Maybe after a social interaction, you’re replaying the conversation in your head, convinced you didn’t say enough, or wondering why you couldn’t keep it going longer. Meanwhile, you’re ignoring the fact that you took a huge step just by… Read more: Is Your Inner Critic Holding You Back? How Childhood Admonishment Fuels Negative Self-Talk and Stunts Growth

It’s tough to admit, but most people won’t play a significant role in your life. Many might pass through, bringing entertainment, conversation, or even company, but very few will be the deep, lasting connections we long for. If you’ve been someone who’s always felt open, optimistic, and eager for meaningful relationships, it’s easy to feel… Read more: Guarding Your Heart: Building Meaningful Connections Without Losing Yourself

Have you ever wondered why certain acts in a relationship that should feel loving leave you feeling uneasy or even degraded? Why does it sometimes seem like cruelty and affection exist on the same spectrum? When you’ve experienced intimate trauma, the line between love and cruelty can become blurred, and knowing the difference is crucial… Read more: Healing from Trauma: How to Distinguish Between Cruelty and Loving Intimacy in Relationships

There’s a lot of stigma around mental health disorders. The media often sensationalizes violent acts by labeling the perpetrators as “mentally ill” or “traumatized.” This portrayal is not only misleading but deeply harmful. In reality, people with mental illnesses are far more likely to be victims of violence than perpetrators. They often possess greater empathy… Read more: Empowered Healing: Debunking Myths About Mental Illness, Trauma and Justice

Have you ever found yourself inexplicably upset over something as simple as a slow internet connection or having to send an email to fix a billing mistake? Maybe you put off opening your mail because you dread seeing something stressful, or you avoid errands because even minor obstacles feel too much to bear. You’re not… Read more: Why Small Inconveniences Feel So Overwhelming (And What We Can Do About It)

Introduction: Have you ever been called an “old soul,” not because of your taste in music or movies, but because you’ve been worrying about adult problems since you were a kid? You’re not alone. Many of us who feel like we’ve lived a thousand lives by 25 have one thing in common: we were forced… Read more: Old Soul or Burnt Out? Navigating the Pressures of Growing Up Too Soon

Do you ever feel like, no matter what you do, trouble keeps finding you? It’s as if you’re minding your own business, trying to avoid drama, but somehow, toxic people or situations seem to gravitate toward you anyway. If this sounds all too familiar, you’re not alone—and more importantly, it’s not your fault. In many… Read more: The Unseen Pull: How Trauma and Empathy Can Attract Toxicity—And How to Stop It

Have you ever felt like people around you saw your worth but refused to give you anything in return? They rely on you, use your talents, your time, your kindness—and then when you need even the smallest support, they vanish. It’s a strange and painful kind of rejection, one that can leave you feeling depleted… Read more: Reclaiming Your Gold: How to Overcome the Trauma of Being Used and Dismissed

Do you ever feel like trouble is drawn to you, even when you’ve done nothing to invite it? For so many of us, especially those who face systemic oppression, it can feel like the weight of the world is pressing down, constantly reminding us of all the ways we’re expected to fail. Society tells us,… Read more: Resisting the Pull: How Boundaries and Empowerment Counter Systemic Oppression

Boundary setting is one of the most empowering tools you can use to navigate life with confidence and comfort. It’s how you create space for yourself to thrive in any situation, making sure your needs are met and your energy is protected. By setting boundaries, you decide what you are willing and unwilling to contribute,… Read more: The Power of Boundary Setting: Why It’s Essential for Your Well-Being

Have you ever felt like love was just out of reach? Like your past trauma made it impossible to find someone who could truly understand and support you? You’re not alone. When we’ve been hurt, trusting again can feel impossible—but love, real love, has the power to heal those wounds. In their song “Trust,” Keyshia… Read more: Down for You: The Healing Power of Trust in Love

Ever had a therapy session where it seemed like the therapist didn’t understand you? Maybe you’ve been dealing with mental health challenges for a while and have tried various therapies, only to hear the same advice repeatedly: Improve your boundaries or Just think positively. Many individuals experiencing mental health issues often feel that their care… Read more: The Impact of Environment on Mental Health

Life after trauma can feel like an endless loop, especially when you escape one toxic situation only to find yourself in another. It’s a unique struggle—where you’ve done nothing to invite trouble, and yet, it finds you again. Even more disheartening is when the people or systems meant to support you—therapists, doctors, social workers, clergy… Read more: Overcoming Hopelessness After Trauma: Focusing on What’s in Your Control

Do you remember the unshakable optimism you had as a child? The belief that magic was real and the world was full of endless possibilities? As children, many of us embraced this sense of wonder naturally, even when life wasn’t perfect. I, too, felt that optimism despite a difficult home life, believing that somehow, everything… Read more: Reigniting Childhood Optimism: A Path to Overcoming Trauma

Do you love Forrest Gump? Many of us connect deeply with the characters in that movie, especially when it comes to healing from trauma. Or maybe you’ve felt the weight of childhood trauma in your own life—experiencing anxiety, low self-esteem, or feeling disconnected from others. If that resonates with you, you’re not alone. In Forrest… Read more: Healing from Childhood Trauma: What Forrest Gump Teaches Us About Self-Belief and Unlearning Toxic Patterns

Have you ever felt like even the simplest of tasks—answering a phone call, stepping outside, or checking an email—carries an unbearable emotional weight? As if the world around you is a labyrinth of reminders, each one stirring painful memories you’d rather forget? When day-to-day life feels like a minefield of negative associations, it’s no wonder… Read more: Navigating the Weight of Painful Memories in Everyday Life

In their book, The Wait, Devon Franklin and Meagan Good explain how letting relationships develop naturally, without forcing intimacy, allows people to build the foundational trust, respect, and mutual understanding that lead to stronger connections.

We all crave that special group of people—the ones who get us, who uplift us, and make life feel richer. Yet, for those of us who have struggled with isolation, depression, or trauma, the wait for those deep, soul-nourishing connections can feel painfully long. You interact with people, live your life, hoping that somewhere along… Read more: Waiting for My Tribe: Finding Joy and Meaning While Longing for Deep Connections

Ever felt like every social interaction is make-or-break? Like, “Maybe this time, I’ll finally find someone who understands me”? If you’ve faced rejection or trauma, it’s easy for that thought to sneak in—turning casual conversations into high-stakes moments. Suddenly, small talk feels like the gateway to ending your loneliness, and if it doesn’t lead to… Read more: Breaking the Isolation Loop: How to Find Connection Without Losing Yourself

Introduction: Do You Ever Feel Rejected Before a Conversation Even Begins? Imagine this: you’re about to enter a room full of people, but before you’ve even said a word, a voice in your head whispers, “They won’t like you.” Sound familiar? For many people who’ve experienced trauma, this feeling of rejection shows up long before… Read more: Breaking the Cycle of Rejection and Social Anxiety: A Journey to Self-Compassion

Trauma changes the way we think. After going through something painful, it’s not uncommon for discouraging thoughts to become automatic, replaying in your mind like a broken record. These thoughts often resurface in moments of stress or even minor inconvenience, and they can feel overwhelming. But here’s the good news—you can regain control. It may… Read more: Breaking Free from Repetitive Negative Thoughts After Trauma

Introduction We’ve all been told that self-care is essential for keeping ourselves grounded and healthy—a time to reconnect and recharge. But what happens when those soothing rituals start feeling like just another chore on your to-do list? For many of us, especially if we’re managing stress or healing from trauma, self-care can shift from something… Read more: When Self-Care Feels Like a Chore: Overcoming Self-Care Fatigue

Hey there, mental health enthusiasts and curious minds alike! Let’s dive into the labyrinth of the American mental health care system—a realm steeped in a complex history of oppression, bias, and inequalities. Buckle up as we unravel the layers of its past and glimpse into its current state. Imagine this: a time when the mental… Read more: Unveiling the Shadowed History of Mental Health Care in the U.S.: A Journey from Oppression to Empowerment

When you’re on a journey to heal, it can become crystal clear that some people in your life are standing in the way. Certain individuals have toxic qualities they refuse to change. Maybe you’ve endured physical or emotional abuse in your family or romantic relationships. Maybe you’re exhausted from the constant verbal abuse of a… Read more: Healing by Letting Go: Reclaiming Your Power

In a world filled with diverse voices and perspectives, the art of assertive communication stands as a beacon of empowerment, particularly for individuals navigating life through the lens of neurodiversity, or any form marginalization. It’s not just about speaking up; it’s about mastering the delicate balance between expressing oneself confidently while respecting others. If you’ve… Read more: Speak Up! The Power of Assertive Communication

In our fast-paced world, we often overlook the fundamental aspect of mental health care: self-care. The World Health Organization acknowledges self-care as the cornerstone of mental health well-being. It’s more than just a buzzword; it’s a lifeline that’s crucial for everyone, especially for marginalized communities facing systemic challenges. When it comes to mental health, self-care… Read more: Embracing Self-Care: Your Essential Mental Health Toolkit

Hey there! Let’s dive into something crucial: understanding your rights and navigating discomfort during therapy. I’ve journeyed through the mental health care system myself, and I get it—the prevalence of malpractice isn’t cool, and it’s time we shed some light on this issue! Therapists often forget to share info about our rights or how to… Read more: Demystifying Complaint Grounds: A Confidence Boost in Therapy Rights

Human beings are inherently social creatures, yearning for connections that resonate deeply within their souls. As the timeless sayings go, “True love comes once in a lifetime,” and “A man who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord.” These phrases reflect the genuine rarity and profound impact of authentic… Read more: The Profound Significance of Genuine Connections: Overcoming Challenges and Forging Authentic Relationships

Hey there, fellow travelers on the winding road to mental wellness! Let’s chat about something exciting today: informal community care. You might wonder, “Why is this such a big deal?” Well, the World Health Organization (WHO) thinks it’s a game-changer—and for some pretty remarkable reasons. But before we dive in, grab a cozy seat and… Read more: Embracing Informal Community Care: Nurturing Mental Wellness Beyond Power Structures

Hey there, fellow mental health champions! Picture a world where seeking support for your mental well-being is met with respect, understanding, and fairness for all. Unfortunately, it’s not always the case, especially for People of Color like us. I’ve been down that road; I’ve witnessed my family face mistreatment within the mental health care system… Read more: Empowering Mental Health Rights: A Guide for Individuals Seeking Support

One of the most important practices for mental wellness is introspection—when we take the time to examine our thoughts and behaviors. This simple, yet powerful, practice helps us recognize patterns, identify triggers, and gain insight into our unique desires, goals, and limitations. Introspection is a vital form of self-care, empowering us to better understand ourselves… Read more: The Power of Introspection: A Key to Mental Wellness and Self-Care

Hello and welcome to Glory in Growth! My name is Shauna, and I’m thrilled to have you here. I started this blog to share my passion for mental health care, personal growth, and advocacy. As someone who has witnessed firsthand the profound issues within the mental health care system, I believe in the power of… Read more: Welcome to Glory in Growth!