Dear Upward, I’m really struggling with some heavy stuff right now. I’ve been dealing with depression and anxiety, and honestly, it’s hard to see if I'm worth anything at all. Some days, it feels like I'm just going through the motions without any joy. I'm reaching out because I want to know what I can do to work through this and start feeling good about myself again. What can I do to get back on track? --Depressed in Alabama
Oftentimes, menopause is treated as the punchline to a joke, a gag in a sitcom, or maybe just something no one talks about. These negative messages are very detrimental to many women. They can leave people feeling isolated, alone, and confused. But it does not have to be that way. So, what is menopause, what does it mean for our mental health, and what can we do about it?
While the person with OCD endures intense anxiety and emotional distress, their family members, partners, and close friends often struggle too. Feelings of guilt, helplessness, frustration, and emotional exhaustion are common on both sides. But understanding the way OCD works—and the ways it draws loved ones into its cycle—is the first step toward healing.
Individuals with autism and ADHD often navigate a complex relationship with focus. For some, this manifests as under-focusing, where maintaining attention on tasks can be a significant challenge. Others may experience over-focusing, where intense concentration on specific interests or tasks can lead to challenges in shifting attention or engaging in less preferred activities.