Tips for Dealing With Seasonal Depression
When winter settles in and the sun starts disappearing before most people have even finished work, many people in Chicago notice a real and predictable drop in mood, energy, and motivation. That is not a character flaw, a lack of willpower, or you being “dramatic about the weather.” It is often seasonal affective disorder —…
The Link Between Stress and Autoimmune Disease: What Your Nervous System Is Trying to Tell You
Stress isn’t just “in your head”—it’s also in your bloodstream, your immune system, and your daily functioning. In recent years, science has drawn a bold line connecting chronic stress to the onset and progression of autoimmune diseases. This article explores how the nervous system, especially the vagus nerve, influences immune regulation, how stress disturbs this…
Love Bombing: What You Should Know
Ah, yes, love bombing, a term that sounds like a steamy R&B single but is actually a toxic relationship tactic that can leave you more emotionally scrambled than an egg on an Avondale brunch plate. Let’s break it down in plain terms, because you deserve better than dating someone who confuses affection with psychological warfare….
Irritability: How Emotional Dysregulation Feels and Affects Behavior
You’re standing in line at the coffee shop. The person in front of you is taking forever to order—adding syrups, asking questions, changing their mind. Your jaw tightens. Your heart speeds up. You imagine yelling “Just pick a latte!” even though you don’t. And maybe—if you’re having a rough week—you go home and snap at…
The Intersection of Love and Mind: How Modern Dating Affects Mental Health
Dating has always been tricky, but today’s landscape is a minefield of swipes, ghosting, and endless uncertainty—all of which can take a serious toll on mental health. As a Chicago therapist in private practice, I’ve seen firsthand how the complexities of dating today contribute to stress, anxiety, and even emotional burnout. The way we connect…