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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 […]

How to Move Forward When You Feel Stuck

By: Niyatee Sukumaran, Ph.D. | January 23, 2026

Emotional Agility for 2026 If you’ve ever entered a new year thinking, “I should feel motivated right now,” only to find yourself feeling stuck, tired, or unsure where to begin, you’re not alone. Many of us interpret stuckness as a sign that we’re failing, not trying hard enough, or falling behind. But what if […]

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 […]

Understanding and Supporting Immigrant Mental Health

By: Niyatee Sukumaran, Ph.D. | July 18, 2025

Why It Matters and How to Help Behind every immigration statistic is a human story – often filled with courage, sacrifice, and silent struggle. While the headlines focus on policy debates and border numbers, the emotional reality of immigration is far more complex. According to the American Immigration Council, about 14.3% of the U.S. […]

Transcending Borders: Why Immigrant Mental Health Matters

By: Niyatee Sukumaran, Ph.D. | May 23, 2025

Immigration is more than a political issue – for those who leave their homes behind, it is a deeply personal journey marked by a profound emotional weight. While the topic is often discussed in terms of laws, borders, and statistics, it’s rarely viewed through the lens of mental health. For millions of immigrants, crossing into […]

How To Support Survivors of Natural Disasters

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

Natural disasters like earthquakes, wildfires, floods, hurricanes and tornados can profoundly affect the mental health of both individuals and entire communities. One such example is the Palisades Fire in Los Angeles. As I continue to watch the news, I realize the immense loss and destruction experienced by so many. If you have friends and family […]

Balancing Motherhood This Holiday Season

By: Niyatee Sukumaran, Ph.D. | November 15, 2024

The holidays are a time when traditions, family gatherings, and festivities take center stage, and for many mothers, this means taking on the responsibility of organizing the celebrations. The role of the mother as the “heart” of holiday traditions is deeply ingrained in many societies, particularly in cultures where familial ties and communal gatherings are […]

Anxiety, Family, Holidays, Stress

Understanding, and Overcoming Perfectionism

By: Niyatee Sukumaran, Ph.D. | July 26, 2024

Some of us wear the label “perfectionist” as a badge of honor. It can be considered a positive quality, showing that we are and pay close attention to detail. What isn’t as well understood is that perfectionism can do more harm than good. It can damage our self-esteem and confidence, put a strain on our […]

Coping With Perfectionism Using RAIN

By: Niyatee Sukumaran, Ph.D. | June 21, 2024

As a psychologist, I’ve talked with many clients who are trapped in an endless cycle of not feeling “good enough” because they set excessively high standards for themselves. Although there is absolutely nothing wrong with striving for excellence, the tendency to aim for flawlessness negatively impacts a person’s life. This tendency is referred to as […]