Dissolving Stigma with Ethical AI: Integrating Social Determinants into Mental Health Care.
Ana sits in her car outside a clinic, rehearsing what to say if the receptionist asks why she needs therapy. It isn’t the panic attacks that keep her frozen,, it’s the fear of being judged. That hesitation is common. Stigma, both public and self-directed, drives people to delay care, downplay their pain, or quit treatment early. Studies link higher perceived stigma to worse depression outcomes, lower adherence to antipsychotic medication, and greater suicide risk (Corrigan et al., 2014). Inside clinics, “diagnostic overshadowing” means physical symptoms get written off as part of a mental-health label, postponing life-saving medical care (Jones et al., 2008). Stigma acts like a slow poison, narrowing options and deepening distress.
But still, like air, I’ll rise by Maya Angelou
You may write me down in history
With your bitter, twisted lies,
You may trod me in the very dirt
But still, like dust, I’ll rise.
….
High-Functioning Autism: More Than Just Quirks
Let’s talk about something that’s often misunderstood, sometimes dismissed, and yet deeply impactful: high-functioning autism (HFA). You’ve probably heard about autism as a spectrum, but when we say “high-functioning,” what does that really mean? And more importantly, how does it show up in real life—beyond the textbook definitions?
Meet Your Inner Critic – Your (Misguided) Bodyguard
We all know that nagging little voice in our head that loves to point out our flaws. You drop a coffee mug, and immediately, “Nice one, klutz!” echoes in your mind. Spill a bit of water on your presentation notes, and it sneers, “You can’t do anything right, can you?” This running commentary of self-doubt and criticism—often called the inner critic—has a real talent for making us feel about two inches tall. But what if this pesky voice isn’t actually your enemy at all? What if, paradoxically, your inner critic is trying to protect you in its own clumsy way? In this post, we’ll explore how to reframe that inner naysayer as a well-meaning (if misguided) bodyguard shaped by evolution. We’ll dive into the neuroscience of self-criticism and self-compassion and learn how befriending the critic can help us retrain our brains for a healthier, happier internal dialogue. Along the way, we’ll sprinkle in a bit of humor, relatable stories, and solid research—from psychologists and neuroscientists like Kristin Neff, Brené Brown, and Aaron Beck—to back it all up. So, grab a cup of tea and prepare to give your inner critic a compassionate makeover.
Why Do We Keep Fighting? Understanding the Vulnerability Cycle in Relationships
Do you ever feel like you and your partner have the same argument over and over and over and over? It might start with something small – chores, money, a text message – but it always ends in the same frustration and hurt feelings. You’re left wondering, “Why do we keep fighting about the same things?” If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone.
Repeated conflicts with a loved one can be demoralizing and exhausting. In fact, research by Drs Julie and John Gottman found that roughly 69% of relationship conflicts are about recurring issues that couples don’t fully solve [1]. If it feels like you’re stuck in a loop of the same fight, it’s not because you’re failing – it may be because you and your partner have fallen into what therapists call a vulnerability cycle [2]
Self-Compassion in a World of Perfectionism
In a society that often prioritizes productivity and perfection, practicing self-compassion is an act of courage. Without it, we risk becoming overwhelmed by external demands and our own high expectations.
Growing Up with Emotionally Immature Parents
In this post, I unpack the effects of having emotionally immature parents on adult children. You'll find an exploration of the emotional challenges faced, the resilience found in coping mechanisms, and the lasting impact on personal growth. I'll also provide a few tips and strategies for handling these unique relationships and thoughtfully considering the delicate choice between maintaining or parting ways with such parents. Above all, I highlight the nurturing role of therapy and the beautiful journey towards personal growth and healing.