Everyday stressors

Amber H.

Sometimes we can’t pinpoint exactly why we are feeling down or overwhelmed, we just are. I understand that all to well because I experience this often. Because I have a history with depression and anxiety, I know how important it is to talk through our everyday stressors and get an outsiders perspective. I am here to listen and support you through this. I can reassure you that you aren’t alone in feeling overwhelmed and I can offer suggestions and techniques I’ve used to stay grounded in the moment.

Going through a breakup in college

Annalisa A.

Breaking up with someone in college hits differently. You’re juggling school, figuring out who you are, and trying to hold it all together while your heart feels like it’s falling apart. I’ve been through that (more than once) and I remember feeling like I had no one to really talk to. I didn’t want to burden my friends, and sometimes I even questioned whether what I was feeling was “that big of a deal.” But it was. That pain pushed me toward something more meaningful. I started volunteering for a crisis text line, and over time I’ve supported hundreds of people. Many of them were students just like me, trying to make sense of love, heartbreak, and everything in between. I listened as they cried over situations that felt impossible. I helped them find words for their feelings, breathe through the anxiety, and take small steps toward feeling whole again. Now, as I study behavioral health and counseling, I’m more certain than ever that breakups aren’t just about relationships ending, they’re about rediscovering who you are and what you deserve. I’m here to talk with anyone feeling stuck, confused, or heartbroken, because I know how healing it can be to have someone just listen and get it.

Balancing work and family, aka who ate my sanity

Kari K.

Running a business while raising kids (and dogs and chaos) taught me that balance is fiction - but rhythms save lives. I'll talk about scheduling sanity, making peace with trade-offs, and why the laundry pile does NOT determine your worth.

Parenting during mental health recovery and personal growth

Suzie K.

After I was diagnosed, the complexity and intensity of my emotions were overwhelming. I felt there was only one path forward for me to an unexplored territory with no end in sight. On top of working on becoming a healthier version of myself, I found that parenting at the same time has its unique challenges while feeling spread too thin. I had to reduce my stress levels and place firm personal boundaries to take basic care of myself, but I found it particularly difficult communicating my boundaries to my young daughter while supporting her needs at the same time. I felt stuck thinking I was a bad mom while also losing my sense of self. Through the years in therapy, learning and practicing new skills, overcoming my fears, and opening up to introspective mom friends, I finally saw the end of the tunnel. I was becoming a better version of myself that I did not think was possible. I feel more connected to my community and to myself. I wish I could tell you it was all smooth sailing – because it sure wasn’t. I still made it through and I know you can too with any challenges that you might be facing. If you need someone to talk to who might understand, I’m right here.