The Wellness Diary
Insights, advice, new research, tips and tricks, and new resources to help you with your mental health journey.
The Dark Psychology of Flying Monkeys and Why They Follow the Narcissistic Friend Who Is Bullying Others
Ever wondered why people blindly support a narcissist, even when they’re clearly bullying others? These enablers, known as “flying monkeys,” play a shocking role in emotional abuse. Discover the dark psychology behind their loyalty, how narcissists manipulate social groups, and what you can do to protect yourself from this toxic dynamic.
Can Rescuing or Fostering a Dog Help With My Mental Health? 12 Powerful Insights From Animals
Discover how rescuing or fostering a dog can improve your mental health—boosting mood, building resilience, and teaching powerful life lessons about love, responsibility, and connection.
Why Depression Makes It Hard to Accept Help | Mental Health Insight
Accepting help when you're battling depression can feel like an impossible task—even when you desperately want relief. From internalized shame and negative self-talk to deep-seated fears of vulnerability or rejection, there are many reasons why support feels so hard to receive. In this post, we explore the psychological, emotional, and social dynamics that block connection during depression and offer compassionate strategies for opening up to help—one small step at a time.
Why Is It So Hard to Make Friends in Los Angeles?
Struggling to form meaningful friendships in Los Angeles? You’re not alone. This blog explores why LA culture can feel isolating, how ego and industry-driven motivations play a role, and practical steps you can take to build a supportive community and choose strong, reliable friendships.
Unlock Emotional Intimacy: How Vulnerability Builds Stronger Relationships
In a world that celebrates independence and emotional control, vulnerability is often misunderstood. Yet, it’s one of the most powerful tools for building lasting emotional intimacy in a relationship. Whether you’re navigating the pressures of leadership, struggling with depression, or simply longing for deeper connection, allowing yourself to be emotionally open with your partner can transform how you relate and heal. This article explores how vulnerability strengthens trust, fosters authentic communication, and supports mental wellness—especially for high-achievers and those feeling isolated.
How Racial Bias in Mental Health Care Impacts BIPOC Professionals and Treatment Access
Racial bias in the medical system doesn’t just affect physical health—it deeply impacts how mental health is diagnosed, treated, and experienced, especially for BIPOC professionals. From misdiagnosis and inadequate care to cultural misunderstandings and systemic barriers, many individuals are left feeling unseen and unsupported. This article explores how racial bias shapes access to care, worsens symptoms of depression and burnout, and what changes are needed to build a truly equitable mental health system.
Overcoming Parental Guilt: Work-Life Balance Strategies for High-Achieving Parents
Parental guilt can feel like an ever-present shadow for working parents, especially those in high-pressure careers. The constant pull between professional ambition and family presence often leads to self-doubt, emotional fatigue, and burnout. This blog explores the roots of that guilt, how it impacts mental health, and what real balance can look like. Whether you’re a CEO or simply trying to be everything to everyone, this guide offers compassionate strategies to help you reconnect with your values, protect your energy, and parent with confidence—not perfection.
How to Cope with Powerlessness During Global Humanitarian Crises
In a world flooded with crisis and tragedy, it’s easy to feel helpless, especially when you care deeply. This blog explores how global humanitarian crises affect our mental and emotional health, and how to reclaim your sense of agency without turning away. Whether you're a leader, a caregiver, or simply someone trying to make sense of it all, discover grounding tools, boundary-setting strategies, and purposeful ways to stay engaged while protecting your well-being. In this blog, we explore the psychological toll of global crises, how it intersects with leadership and mental health, and offer strategies to reclaim agency, protect emotional wellbeing, and take meaningful action.
How to Reconnect When You Feel Alone
Even the most driven, successful leaders can feel profoundly alone—often at the height of their achievements. If you're a CEO, therapist, or high performer quietly struggling with disconnection or emotional burnout, you're not alone. This article explores why high achievers are especially vulnerable to loneliness and depression, and offers clear, compassionate strategies to help you reconnect with yourself, build meaningful relationships, and seek support without sacrificing your sense of purpose.
Breaking the Habit of Reassurance-Seeking: Build Self-Trust and Beat CEO Burnout
Reassurance-seeking can quietly take over your decision-making—especially when you're under pressure to perform. For CEOs, professionals, and anyone navigating anxiety or depression, it can feel safer to outsource confidence than to trust your own judgment. But that cycle only deepens self-doubt. In this post, we explore how to break free from the habit of seeking constant validation and start building lasting self-trust—one decision at a time.
7 Unique Ways to Improve Your Mental Health
Tired of the same old mental health advice? Ditch the routine and explore seven surprising, science-backed strategies to boost your well-being—from nature walks to musical self-discovery. These unconventional tips bring joy, purpose, and peace into your daily life without feeling like another chore on your list.
Understanding Diverse Perspectives in Therapy | Mental Health for Leaders
In a world shaped by complex identities and lived experiences, therapy must evolve to meet people where they are. Understanding diverse perspectives in therapy means recognizing how race, gender, culture, sexuality, and socioeconomic background shape not only the challenges clients face but also the way they heal. Whether you’re navigating your own mental health or leading a team, inclusive care is no longer optional—it’s essential. This post explores why cultural competence matters, how it impacts depression treatment, and what both therapists and CEOs can do to make mental health care more effective and equitable.
How to Manage Emotional Flashbacks | Tools for CEOs and Mental Health Support
Emotional flashbacks can feel like emotional time travel—one moment you're fine, and the next, you're consumed by shame, fear, or panic without any clear reason. For CEOs, therapists, and high-functioning individuals, these episodes often go unnoticed or mislabeled as burnout or anxiety. But understanding emotional flashbacks is key to healing. In this blog, we explore what emotional flashbacks really are, how they affect our work and relationships, and the tools you can use—right now and long term—to stay grounded, regulated, and in control.
How to Support Your Child During a Crisis: Mental Health Tips for Parents & Leaders
When a child is in crisis, the most powerful tool a parent has isn’t a perfect solution—it’s presence. In this blog, we explore how to support your child through emotional upheaval with empathy, structure, and resilience. Whether you're a CEO juggling leadership or a parent navigating everyday demands, you'll find evidence-based, practical strategies to help your child feel safe, seen, and supported during life's most challenging moments.
How to Balance Talking and Listening in Relationships | Improve Communication & Connection
In relationships—whether personal or professional—communication is everything. But what happens when one person always speaks and the other never feels heard? Or when silence becomes a substitute for connection? This post unpacks how to balance talking and listening in relationships, offering therapist-backed strategies to help you communicate with clarity, empathy, and intention. Whether you’re navigating intimacy, leadership, or mental health challenges like depression and anxiety, learning this balance can change how you show up—for others and for yourself.
Coping with Eco-Distress: Mental Health Strategies for Leaders Amid Climate Anxiety
As climate change intensifies, many professionals and leaders are experiencing a growing sense of eco-distress—an emotional response marked by anxiety, grief, and overwhelm tied to environmental crises. If you've felt a quiet panic while reading climate headlines or a sense of helplessness in your role as a decision-maker, you're not alone. This blog explores the unique impact of eco-distress on CEOs and high-functioning individuals, the link to depression, and actionable ways to cope. Learn how to protect your mental health while leading with purpose in an uncertain world.
10 Ways to Spot a Female Sociopath as a Friend: Red Flags You Shouldn't Ignore
Think you might be dealing with a female sociopath? This in-depth guide reveals 10 key warning signs that your seemingly perfect friend could be hiding a dark personality disorder. Protect your mental health with these essential insights.
How to Ease Constant Overthinking: Expert Strategies to Calm Anxiety
Overthinking can feel like your brain is stuck on repeat—replaying conversations, worrying about outcomes, and trying to predict every possible scenario. While it may seem like you're just being thorough, this mental looping often stems from anxiety and can lead to burnout, indecision, and emotional exhaustion. In this blog, we explore why overthinking happens, how it ties to anxiety and depression, and most importantly, how you can begin to quiet your mind and reclaim a sense of peace, clarity, and control.
Why Do People Pull Away From Me Even Though I Didn’t Do Anything Other Than Be Nice?
Feeling confused when people pull away despite your kindness? You're not alone. Learn the psychological reasons behind emotional distancing, how to protect your peace, and ways to build healthier connections.
The Overlooked Link Between Chronic Pain and Depression: What You Need to Know
Chronic pain and depression are more connected than most people realize. When the body hurts persistently, it can wear down the mind, leading to sadness, hopelessness, and emotional exhaustion. At the same time, depression can make physical pain feel more intense and harder to manage. This blog explores the science behind the pain-depression cycle, how it affects daily life, and the hope that lies in integrative treatment. Whether you're navigating this experience yourself or supporting a loved one, understanding this connection is the first step toward healing.