RESOURCES
Written and curated by MandyThroughout my career, I have found that there are some tried and true resources that can be beneficial in my clients’ mental health journey. This space is home to those assets, as well as some other writings and learnings that I have discovered along the way.
Please feel free to use these resources and reach out if you have any questions. If you’d like to receive these blogs and other helpful tips in your inbox, subscribe to The Grounding Guide.
*These resources should not be used as a replacement for virtual or in-person therapy, and represent a compliment to mental health services.
Eldest Daughter Syndrome: How Birth Order Can Shape Behaviors and Relationships
If you’re the eldest daughter, you may carry more than just the weight of responsibility. While not an official diagnosis, "Eldest Daughter Syndrome" is a term used to describe the unique challenges and experiences often faced by the oldest daughter. The role you took on within your family dynamic can influence patterns of behavior that extend far beyond childhood. If you notice yourself struggling with anxiety, perfectionism, or people-pleasing as an adult, it could be rooted in your experience as the eldest. Often, these roles are internalized, leaving you feeling like you must always be “on”—the fixer, caretaker, or the one in control—which can also influence how you approach your relationships.
Why People-Pleasers and Perfectionists Often Feel Anxious
If you have people-pleasing or perfectionist tendencies, you may frequently experience anxiety. This often happens because both people-pleasers and perfectionists worry about being seen as inadequate. The fear of criticism or rejection drives them to stick to what feels safe, work harder, and ignore their own needs—all in an effort to prove their worth and keep others happy. Understanding the connection between anxiety, people-pleasing, and perfectionism is crucial to breaking free from these patterns and living a more authentic, fulfilling life.
Breaking the Cycle of Overthinking: What You Need to Know
Overthinking, or rumination, often creates problems that never existed. It typically stems from uncertainty and a desire to protect yourself from potential harm. In today's world, the overload of information and societal pressures can intensify one’s tendency to ruminate. Overthinking isn't just a passing worry or a moment of indecision; it's a persistent habit that drains your energy, affects your mental health, and traps you in a cycle of anxiety and doubt.
Understanding and Managing Health Anxiety
It’s normal and reasonable to have concerns about your health from time to time. Staying aware of your body’s changes can help you catch potential issues early, and occasional worries can even motivate you to take better care of yourself. However, when these concerns become excessive, they can lead to a pattern of persistent anxiety known as health anxiety. It not only causes emotional distress but can also manifest in physical symptoms that worsen your overall well-being. If you find yourself consumed by thoughts of potential illness, you may be dealing with health anxiety.
Control: A Hidden Form Of Anxiety
Being in control can feel comforting and is often seen as something positive. However, if the need to control things in your life is consuming you, it might be a sign that there’s something deeper going on. Some people who feel this way might hold high expectations for themselves and others or have difficulty coping with change or unpredictable scenarios. This is why it’s common for people who experience anxiety to engage in behaviors that attempt to gain control over their environment or thoughts. In this post, we’ll explore why you might feel the need to control, the problems it creates, and how to practice releasing control.
Is Your Daily Coffee Making You Feel Anxious?
For many of us, drinking coffee is something that brings us joy and helps us start our day. It not only tastes good, but it makes us feel energized and has many health benefits. If you’re anything like me, you might associate the act of drinking coffee with something positive. I’ve noticed that my mood tends to increase when I drink my favorite latte or try a new coffee shop. Although there are many benefits of drinking coffee, caffeine can have different side effects for everyone. If you deal with anxiety, it can be helpful to be aware and mindful of the impact coffee might be having on your symptoms.
How to Stop Being a People-Pleaser
Most of us want to make others happy. Although this is a positive quality to have, overextending yourself in relationships can take a toll on your mental health and lead to people-pleasing. These behaviors can stem from a strong desire to seek approval and validation from others, often at the expense of your own needs, values, and well-being. If you’re a people-pleaser, you might go to great lengths to make others happy, avoid conflict, and seek constant approval, even if it means sacrificing your own happiness. With practice, you can break free from the cycle of people-pleasing and reclaim your autonomy.
Managing Anxiety and Stress as a College Student
College students may experience anxiety and stress for various reasons, and it's important to recognize that each individual's experience is unique. If you’re in college, you might feel pressure to achieve success or meet expectations placed on you. Additionally, you’re probably confronted with newfound responsibilities and decisions that impact your future. Transitioning to college life is a big change and navigating it on your own is difficult to manage. Together, we’ll identify signs of anxiety and explore effective coping strategies to help you during these transformative years.
Productivity Anxiety and How to MANAGE it
Productivity anxiety is a common form of anxiety in which one feels stressed and/or overwhelmed with their output and like they’re never doing enough. There can also be feelings of shame or guilt for engaging in behaviors that are viewed as ‘unproductive’. Various factors can contribute to this including perfectionism, the hustle culture, and peer pressure. Productivity anxiety can lead to a never ending cycle and quickly result in burnout. If you can relate, here are some ways to identify productivity anxiety along with strategies to manage it.
Five Mindfulness Practices to Help Reduce Stress and Anxiety
Mindfulness is something that we can all practice and incorporate in our daily lives. When we practice mindfulness, we are creating space to bring awareness to the present moment through our thoughts, feelings and sensations without judgment. Practicing mindfulness can be a helpful strategy to utilize when faced with stress, anxiety and frustration. It can be challenging to start and starting small can feel more attainable.