Managing stress and overwhelm when everything feels like too much

Adley H.

Life doesn’t wait for you to catch your breath, it barrels through like a freight train, throwing deadlines, people, and chaos at you all at once. I’ve been there, drowning in the noise and pressure, feeling like my brain and body were stuck on overload. Stress isn’t some polite visitor; it’s that relentless storm you can’t switch off. I’ve learned the hard way that trying to push through only burns you out faster. Managing overwhelm means slowing down enough to notice what’s really breaking you, giving yourself permission to say “no” or “not right now,” and finding fierce but gentle ways to survive the madness. No BS, no fake cheerleading, just real talk and space for your tired soul. Come, rest, weary traveller.

Finding your way out of toxic relationships

Amanda P.

Growing up, I always struggled with making and maintaining healthy connections, whether it was with friends, family, or romantic partners. I often felt isolated and lonely, which took a toll on my mental health and led to depression, anxiety, and toxic mindsets that shaped how I saw myself and others. Things began to shift when I started consistently attending therapy, especially Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). It taught me practical skills for emotional regulation, setting boundaries, and understanding my own worth. I also watched people close to me, like my sister, go through harmful relationships, and I became someone they leaned on for support. It wasn’t always easy, but helping others through their healing helped me heal, too. Today, I’m proud of the deep connections I’ve built and the life I’ve created. I know firsthand how overwhelming it can feel when you're stuck in unhealthy relationships, but I also know there’s a way out—and I’d love to help you find it.

Managing your stress

Ambika M.

I am no stranger to stress! My background in health psychology and experience with the therapeutic process can help you achieve your goals of managing and coping with stress, in addition to regulating emotions. The mission isn't to rid our lives of stress - which is impossible - but to develop a healthy relationship with life's challenges and ourselves, and feel comfortable facing unpleasant emotions.

Using creativity as a catalyst for change with art therapy and nature-based activities

Angelo F.

During my healing journey, there were moments when words just weren’t enough. I needed something deeper—something that could express what I couldn’t say, process what I couldn’t name, and bring beauty into the parts of me that still felt broken. That’s when creativity became my medicine. Through therapeutic art and connecting with nature, I found a way to transform pain into purpose. Singing, drawing, cooking healthy meals, writing, walking in nature—all of it became a sacred release, a return to my authentic self. I discovered that you don’t need to be an artist to heal through creativity—you just need to be willing to express yourself in new ways, even if you are an artist. These practices continue to support my emotional wellbeing, reduce anxiety, and help me stay grounded. I now guide others to reconnect with their inner child, tap into their intuitive voice, and use creativity as a bridge to deep transformation.

Creating peaceful systems for parenting a neurodivergent child

Ani K.

I have worked as a nanny and sleep trainer for over 20 years, caring for more than 80 children, many of whom were neurodivergent. I am neurodivergent myself and understand firsthand how much having the right systems at home can impact a child’s emotional wellbeing. I once supported a parent whose child struggled with intense emotional outbursts. Together, we created simple, respectful home routines that worked with the child's brain instead of against it. I also coached the parent on how to communicate in ways that made their child feel heard and safe. Over time, the tantrums decreased, and the bond between the parent and child became stronger. I never approach challenges with shame—I believe that emotional maturity, intentional boundaries, and understanding each brain’s unique needs are the keys to a peaceful home. I would love to help you build a nurturing environment where both you and your child can thrive.

Coming out later in life

Brianna F.

I grew up in a conservative Catholic community where exploring my identity wasn't an option. I married twice to men and lived much of my early adulthood according to expectations that never truly fit. It wasn't until later, through a lot of therapy and personal work, that I realized I was a lesbian. Coming out wasn't easy—it meant redefining my relationships, facing family expectations, and learning to live more authentically. I’m now happily married to a woman and raising our beautiful five-year-old daughter, with a lot of pride in the journey it took to get here. Therapy, supportive friendships, and staying committed to my mental health helped me embrace who I am. I've helped others find the courage to live authentically too, whether it’s young LGBTQ+ coworkers facing unsupportive environments or friends making life-changing decisions. I would be honored to be a listening ear for anyone navigating the complex and emotional path of coming out later in life.

Coping skills

Christine E.

Having a tool box of coping skills to manage the falls and low points in my life have been very important. I have quite a few and I am always looking to add more. Journaling, arts and crafts, meditation and prayer, and hanging out with my cats in my Zen Den are just a few of my coping skills that have helped me through some of the darkest and lowest points in my life.

Living with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and how Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) helped me find peace

Courtney H.

For a long time, I felt like my emotions ran the show and not in a good way. I’d go from feeling totally fine to totally overwhelmed in a split second, and I couldn’t figure out why I kept pushing people away when all I wanted was to feel close. When I was diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder, it finally gave me some answers, but also left me with even more questions. That’s when I found Dialectical Behavior Therapy, or DBT. It wasn’t easy. I had to really sit with myself and learn a whole new way of coping but it changed everything. I started to understand my triggers, learned how to pause before reacting, and figured out what it actually meant to take care of myself. A year after graduating from DBT, I’m now a certified peer support specialist, and I love being able to walk with others through the same storm I once felt stuck in. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, misunderstood, or just tired of trying to explain yourself, I get it. I’ve been there and there’s a way through it.

Raising a son alone and rebuilding after heartbreak

De A.

I became a single mom to my son when he was very young. His father wasn’t involved, so it was just me and him, figuring life out together. There were tough moments, like when he got in trouble at school for stealing, and I knew I had to step up even more — not with judgment, but with love, attention, and calm communication. Over time, I learned how important it was to be patient, to create a space where he felt supported even when he made mistakes. Meanwhile, my own relationship challenges left me feeling isolated and overwhelmed. I leaned heavily on prayer, therapy, and the support of a few close friends to keep going. Now that my son is grown and out on his own, I can look back and see how strong those years made both of us. I still believe in love and new beginnings — and I believe that no matter how hard things get, you can find peace, strength, and hope again.

Using fitness to support your mental health

Doreen Z.

I didn’t always see movement as a lifeline. For years, I lived with anxiety and depression, trying to push through and keep it all together, especially as a mom. I hid a lot behind a smile, but inside I was exhausted and overwhelmed. Things got so heavy at one point that I asked my family to help figure out what to do if I wasn’t here anymore. That moment scared me and it made me realize I needed help. I started therapy and, slowly, I also began moving my body in a different way: not for weight loss or performance, but to feel something good again. That shift changed everything. Movement gave me space to breathe, to process, to heal. It reminded me that I’m still here, and still capable of growing. Today, I’m a fitness professional and health coach, and I help others use movement not as punishment, but as a way to come home to themselves. I believe every body needs to move to thrive because movement connects us back to life.

Quitting alcohol, opioids, and heroin cold turkey to rebuild your life

Heather W.

In my late 20s, I found myself in a vicious cycle of addiction. My parents were both alcoholics, and I grew up thinking substance abuse was normal. By 2008, I was using anything I could get my hands on: alcohol, prescription opioids, heroin, benzodiazepines,; each one trying to numb the pain of depression and anxiety that had taken hold of me. It wasn’t just occasional; it was every day. I had lost control over my body, mind, and life. I could see it affecting my work, my relationships, and my health, but I didn’t know how to stop. In December 2009, after hitting rock bottom, I decided to quit everything. I didn't go to rehab or use medication. I chose to quit cold turkey on my own. The first few days were unbearable withdrawal from alcohol alone felt like a nightmare, with severe shakes, sweating, and hallucinations. But the opioid withdrawal was even worse: intense muscle aches, nausea, chills, and an overwhelming sense of despair. I also went through benzodiazepine withdrawal, which left me feeling like I was in a constant state of panic and anxiety. It felt like my body was betraying me. But I was determined. I moved 10 hours away to Nevada to escape the people and places that kept me stuck in my addiction. I had to start completely over. I immersed myself in routine cooking healthy meals, walking every day, and listening to music that grounded me. Slowly, I started to feel like myself again. It wasn’t easy, but every small victory kept me going. I’ve stayed sober ever since and have since become a certified peer supporter. I now help others who are in the same place I once was, offering the support I wish I had back then.

Surviving the NICU rollercoaster and parenting premature twins

Hillery D.

I became a mom at 21 when I gave birth to twin girls at just 27 weeks. Nothing prepares you for watching your babies fight for every breath in the NICU. We spent three long months there and every beep of a machine, every tiny setback or win, felt massive. When they finally came home, we brought oxygen monitors with us and a deep fear of doing something wrong. I didn’t feel like a “normal” new mom. I felt like a nurse, a worrier, and somehow still expected to hold it all together. When we brought them home, we were still juggling oxygen tubes and regular check-ups just in a much less structured or hygenic setting. Those early months tested everything: my patience, my relationship, and my mental health. Over time, things shifted. My twins got stronger, and so did I. Now they’re thriving teens, and I’ve had years to reflect on what that experience taught me. I’ve also supported other parents through their own NICU journeys: offering the kind of calm, nonjudgmental space I wish I’d had. If you’re in it, or coming out of it, I get how heavy it can feel and I’d be honored to sit in it with you.

Finding wisdom in the fire of anger

Jake A.

For a long time, I didn’t know what to do with my anger. I either buried it until I went numb or let it erupt in ways that caused harm mostly to the people I cared about and, often, to myself. I’ve felt the shame of being “too much,” and the loneliness that comes from not knowing how to express what’s really going on underneath it all. Anger used to feel like something I had to fix or silence. But over time, I’ve learned that anger isn’t the enemy, it’s a signal. It often shows up when something important has been ignored, crossed, or abandoned. Through therapy, body awareness, and some hard lessons in love, fatherhood, and life, I’ve learned to listen to anger instead of fear it. I’ve practiced feeling it without acting on it, giving it language without letting it run the show. What I’ve found is that there’s often grief, pain, and deep care underneath the rage and when I meet it with curiosity, it actually brings me closer to myself and to others. These days, I’m not perfect, but I’m more honest, more grounded, and less reactive. If your anger feels like too much or not enough, I’d love to sit with you in it. Not to fix it, but to help you hear what it’s really saying.

Redefining your identity after retirement

Janice W.

I grew up in Chicago, went to public schools, and worked my way through a state college. In my thirties, while working full-time in client services, I earned my law degree through night school because I’ve always believed that the desire to educate yourself is one of the healthiest things a person can have. Life brought many chapters—triplets, career shifts, marriage, divorce, and eventually, retirement. Through all of it, communication has been my biggest teacher. There was a time when I couldn’t control my emotions in tough conversations, especially with people I loved. I'd jump to conclusions, speak from frustration, and regret it later. Over time—and with the help of therapy, support from loved ones, and lots of self-work—I learned to slow things down. I started imagining the word “respect” across the forehead of the person I was talking to. I practiced deep listening and learned to pause before reacting. These tools helped me not only in my marriage and parenting but in deepening all of my relationships. I’ve coached friends through hard breakups, parenting stress, and tension with partners. Helping others navigate conflict with more compassion and clarity has become one of the most meaningful parts of my life. I’d love to talk with you if you’re struggling to stay grounded in emotionally intense moments—especially with the people who matter most.

Anger, turns out I wasn't just feisty

Kari K.

I used to shove my anger down until it exploded - or leaded out sideways in sarcasm and sass. I'll share how I learned to name anger, sit with it, and learn something instead of torching every one in site. Spoiler: breathing DOES help - but so does swearing into a pillow.

Quitting alcohol after years of on-and-off drinking

Louise H.

I started struggling with anorexia, OCD, depression, and anxiety as a teenager, which led me to outpatient and inpatient treatment before college. Drinking entered my life around 19 or 20 and, at first, it felt like it helped ease my eating issues and anxiety. I didn’t see myself as having a problem, even when I dropped out of college after two years. Through my twenties and thirties, alcohol became a crutch I would return to, especially when life got overwhelming. Being a stay-at-home mom in a place I didn’t love, feeling isolated and stuck, made things worse. By 2016, my drinking was out of control again and my mental health was spiraling. In 2019, after a move to Florida and a month of drinking alone, I looked at myself in the mirror and realized I was done. I got sober that May and have stayed sober ever since. Art, writing, and connecting with others in recovery have helped me heal. Today, I lead a large online sobriety support group and love helping others find their way to a better life too.

Navigating grief and rebuilding self-worth after losing a friend

MacKenzie C.

When I was in college, I lost a close friend to suicide during the height of the pandemic. The shock of it, combined with the loneliness of that time, hit me harder than I could have imagined. I was eventually diagnosed with major depression and felt completely stuck, questioning my own worth and purpose. Over the past five years, I’ve poured myself into healing, studying psychology, and creating self-regulation tools to move through sadness, anger, and guilt. I learned to honor my friend's memory without letting grief define me. I also worked to rebuild my confidence, leaving behind toxic relationships and embracing sobriety in 2021. Through all of this, I realized how powerful it is to have someone walk with you through healing. Now, as a life coach and mentor, I’m passionate about helping others find their footing again after loss.

How to feel less alone in your mental health journey

Mark R.

I’ve had a few seasons in life where I dealt with mild to moderate depression and persistent anxiety. Sometimes it was tied to external stress—other times, it just showed up without much warning. I’ve seen therapists and benefited from professional support, but what really helped in the long run was having people in my life who showed up with real-world perspective and steady encouragement. They weren’t trying to diagnose me or fix me, just offer connection, insight, and the reminder that I wasn’t alone. That experience taught me how powerful it is to be truly heard, without judgment or agenda. I’ve learned how to better manage the emotional waves that come with big life shifts—especially by focusing on what I can control and letting go of what I can’t.

Increasing resilience through movement and bodywork

Nancy K.

I've faced some very tough times over the past 20 years, but through it all, I've learned a lot about mental health. My most important discovery has been that exercise is an extremely effective tool for emotional well-being. Moving my body keeps me regulated and helps me bounce back when things get hard. I'm a fitness enthusiast and certified yoga and spin instructor, and my time at the gym, on the hiking trails, and in the yoga studio heals the trauma stored in my body. I truly hope to help you discover the rewards and restorative power of movement.

Staying calm when everything feels like it’s falling apart

Raemi L.

For 25 years, I’ve answered 911 calls and sometimes from people in absolute panic, sometimes from people on the edge of ending their lives. My job has always been to stay calm, no matter what’s happening on the other end of the line. Over time, I learned how to help others breathe again, how to bring someone back from chaos, even when they felt totally lost. But that skill didn’t just come from work. I grew up in a violent home, navigated a toxic relationship with my child’s father, and became a single parent working through trauma while raising a child. There were moments when I felt like I was the one calling for help, except no one picked up. I had to learn how to steady myself in the storm. Now, staying calm isn’t something I fake, it’s something I’ve earned. Whether you’re facing a parenting crisis, an emotional breakdown, or a moment where you just can’t breathe, I’m here to help you find your way back to steady ground.