Blog for Better Living

How Chronic Stress Affects the Nervous System and What Helps

By: Niyatee Sukumaran, Ph.D. | May 29, 2026

In my work as a psychologist, I often work with people who are carrying more than they realize. Not just visible responsibilities like work deadlines, caregiving, relationships, and the endless demands of daily life, but also the invisible weight of constant mental and emotional activation. Many people tell me they feel “on edge” and exhausted […]

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Anxiety, Personal Improvement, Sleep/Relaxation, Stress

Is Medication Right for Me? A Therapist Weighs In

By: Ashley Malooly, Ph.D. | February 6, 2026

As a psychologist, I’m a strong believer in the power of evidence-based therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), to improve mood and anxiety. At the same time, many clients I work with wonder about the role medication might play in managing their symptoms. While prescribing medication (and giving medical advice) isn’t my role as a […]

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Anxiety, Depression, Personal Improvement, Sleep/Relaxation, Therapy

How to Care for Yourself When You’re Part of the Sandwich Generation

By: Niyatee Sukumaran, Ph.D. | October 24, 2025

In your 20s, life often feels full of adventure and discovery. By your 30s, 40s, and 50s, however, the rhythm shifts. Life becomes busier, more demanding, and sometimes overwhelming. Many adults in this stage find themselves simultaneously raising children while also caring for aging parents. This is the reality of the “Sandwich Generation.” Supporting multiple […]

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Anxiety, Depression, Family, Parenting, Personal Improvement, Relationships, Sleep/Relaxation, Stress

“Who Am I Now?”

By: Shanni Tal, Psy.D. | August 15, 2025

Understanding the Emotional Identity Shift of New Motherhood   Becoming a mother is one of the most profound and life altering transitions a person can go through – yet so few talk about how deeply it reshapes our sense of self. And while there’s a lot of focus on the baby – feeding, sleeping schedules, […]

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Depression, Perinatal, Sleep/Relaxation, Stress

Healthy Coping Skills for Dealing with Challenging Times

By: Rochelle Perper, Ph.D. | August 1, 2025

Lately, it seems like we’re all carrying a bit more than usual – and it can feel heavy. If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably found yourself feeling overwhelmed, and at times, it can feel helpless. Or, you may be navigating a life transition or change, grieving the loss of a loved one, managing relationship […]

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Anxiety, Depression, Grief, Personal Improvement, Relationships, Sleep/Relaxation, Stress, Trauma

When the Usual Sleep Tricks Don’t Work

By: Kristen Lipari, Ph.D. | June 27, 2025

Real Help for Insomnia   We’ve all had a sleepless night or two—maybe after a stressful day, too much screen time, or that ill-advised late cup of coffee. It’s easy to say, “I had such bad insomnia last night.” But clinical insomnia goes far beyond the occasional restless night. It’s a diagnosable condition that affects […]

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Anxiety, Personal Improvement, Sleep/Relaxation, Stress

Burnout: Causes, Symptoms, and How to Overcome It

By: Jen McWaters, Psy.D. | May 16, 2025

You’re tired – but not just physically. You feel drained, detached, and like you’re running on fumes. In today’s fast-paced, always “on” world, this state of exhaustion has a name: burnout. Whether it’s feeling overwhelmed at work, stressed with personal responsibilities, burdened with the mental load of caregiving, or struggling to find a balance in […]

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Anxiety, Depression, Personal Improvement, Relationships, Sleep/Relaxation, Stress

The Impact of Menopause on Mental Health

By: Jen McWaters, Psy.D. | February 21, 2025

Menopause, a natural phase in a woman’s life, brings about significant hormonal changes that can profoundly impact mental health. Symptoms associated with menopause can begin as early as the mid-40s (sometimes earlier) during a phase known as perimenopause. Perimenopause is the transitional period leading up to menopause, characterized by fluctuating hormone levels that can cause […]

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Anxiety, Depression, Personal Improvement, Sleep/Relaxation

Non-Psychological Factors Contributing to Anxiety: It’s Not All in Your Head

By: Jen McWaters, Psy.D. | October 25, 2024

Anxiety is commonly associated with psychological triggers like stress, trauma, or major life changes. However, many people experience anxiety that arises from underlying physical and environmental factors that frequently go unnoticed. The body and mind are closely interconnected, and disturbances in physical health can appear as emotional and cognitive symptoms. If you are struggling with […]

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Anxiety, Sleep/Relaxation, Stress, Trauma