Blog and guides
Articles and guides written by professionals. Health content is reviewed by a clinician before publication.
Articles and guides written by professionals. Health content is reviewed by a clinician before publication.
A clear, evidence-based guide to the reasons people see a therapist, counselor, psychologist or psychiatrist: what each problem is, how to recognize it, how it's treated and when to get help. Pick a category or browse the full A–Z list.
Anxiety is the body's natural alarm system: a mix of worry, tension and physical arousal that prepares you to face a threat. It becomes a problem when it is intense, lasts for weeks or shows up without real danger, and starts to limit your work, sleep or relationships. Anxiety is one of the most treatable mental health concerns, and therapy helps most people feel better.
Overthinking is getting stuck in repetitive thoughts about the past, the future or a problem without reaching a useful conclusion. It includes rumination (replaying what went wrong) and worry (rehearsing what could go wrong). Overthinking is not a diagnosis in itself, but it is closely linked to anxiety and depression, and it responds well to specific therapy skills.
High functioning depression describes people who live with depressive symptoms while still meeting their daily responsibilities: going to work, caring for family and appearing fine to others. It is not a formal diagnosis, but it often overlaps with persistent depressive disorder or major depression. Because the signs are hidden, it can go untreated for years, even though therapy can help.
Self harm, also called self-injury or non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), means deliberately hurting your own body, often to cope with overwhelming emotions. It is a sign of deep distress, not attention-seeking. Self harm can be treated, and with the right support many people find safer ways to cope and stop.
Workplace bullying is repeated, unreasonable behavior at work that humiliates, intimidates or undermines a person. It can come from a manager, coworkers or a group (sometimes called mobbing). Bullying at work can seriously affect mental and physical health, but there are steps you can take to protect yourself, and therapy can help you recover.
Trauma responses are the automatic ways the body and mind react to danger: fight, flight, freeze and fawn. They are survival reactions, not choices or character flaws. After a traumatic experience, these responses can keep firing even when you are safe, but therapy can help your nervous system recalibrate.
Relationship OCD (ROCD) is a form of obsessive-compulsive disorder in which unwanted, persistent doubts focus on a romantic relationship or partner. People ask themselves over and over, "Do I love my partner?" or "Is this the right person?" and feel driven to check, compare or seek reassurance. ROCD is treatable, especially with exposure and response prevention.
Fear of flying, also called aviophobia or flight anxiety, is an intense fear of traveling by plane. For some people it means nervous moments during takeoff; for others it means avoiding flights altogether, even when it costs them work or family time. It is one of the most treatable phobias, and many afraid flyers learn to fly with far less distress.
Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder in which a person has repeated episodes of binge eating followed by behaviors to compensate, such as vomiting, misusing laxatives, fasting or exercising excessively. It is often hidden, because people with bulimia may have an average weight. Bulimia is serious, but it is treatable and many people recover fully.
Alcoholism is the common name for alcohol use disorder (AUD), a medical condition in which a person has difficulty controlling their drinking despite negative effects on their health, relationships or responsibilities. It ranges from mild to severe. AUD is treatable, and many people reduce their drinking or stop with the right support.
How to quit vaping or smoking comes down to breaking a nicotine addiction that is both physical and habitual. Nicotine changes how the brain responds to stress and reward, which is why stopping can feel hard. The good news is that combining a clear quit plan, behavioral support and medical treatment greatly improves your chances of quitting for good.
Pet loss is the grief people feel when an animal companion dies or is lost. Because pets are part of daily routines and offer unconditional affection, losing a pet can hurt as much as losing a close person. Pet loss grief is a normal, valid response, and support is available if it feels overwhelming.