The Struggle

Others’ opinions can impact our lives, whether we want them to or not. However, the opinions we hold about ourselves can also cut deep – whether we’re conscious of them or not. Indeed, when questioning your sexuality, acceptance from others isn’t the only hurdle. Countless young people struggle with internalized homophobia, which can make self-acceptance feel just as unattainable.

Transnational or transracial adoptees are a marginalized group whose experiences reflect the complex relationship between family of origin, our social context, and how we perceive ourselves. 

Gender-based cultural norms like machismo can place a burden on mental health in Latinx families. Can these norms and their emotional consequences be overcome?

The veteran population continues to become more female, as more inclusive recruitment translates to more female service members in the first place. Every year, more than 30,000 women leave the military for any given reason; by 2043, they’re expected to make up about 17% of all veterans. And that will require a shift in how we approach female veterans’ mental health. In the face of numerous challenges, women service members often transition successfully to civilian life, securing high-ranking business or

How do you maintain mental health when it feels like you have to choose between two clashing, intersectional identities? 

A teen’s battle with trichotillomania, a hair-pulling disorder, reveals compelling truths about shame, mental health, masking emotions, and the pathway to recovery. 

Relationships are complex. No matter what, a strong one requires a lifetime of effort, integrating your life with your partner’s. However, those in LGBTQIA+ interracial relationships deal with additional layers of prejudice, misunderstanding, and internal conflict that their peers may not. Never fear, this basic guide is here to help you and your partner navigate the intersectional waters and celebrate your relationship every day! Because love wins, always. Double the difficulty: being in a queer interracial relationship Let’s start by

On October 31st of 2019 at 11:30PM, I sat at my desk, intently staring at my laptop screen. I scrolled slowly and carefully, scanning every sentence for mistakes. Half an hour later, I made my way to the final page. With a shaky, reluctant finger, I pressed ‘Submit’. That night, I sat back and sighed one of the deepest, most intensive sighs of relief I’ve sighed in my life. As I sat at my desk, basking in the respite of

On the surface, complex or relational trauma is easy to dismiss. “Yeah, it sucks to grow up with dysfunctional parents or exposed to verbal, emotional abuse. But you’re not in danger of dying. You’re not getting hit.” Unfortunately, the mainstream views relational or complex trauma as a fact of life, rather than as a concrete problem that leads to myriad mental health struggles. Many (groundlessly) believe that trauma can only come from physical violence, leaving complex or relational trauma victims

Immigrant parents often teach only what they’re taught. So how can their first generation children feel seen and supported in their mental health struggles?