When we think about mental health, we often focus on the mind and body. But for many people, a third dimension — spirituality — plays an important role in finding balance and meaning in life. Spirituality doesn’t have to mean organized religion, although it can. It can also mean a sense of connection to something greater than ourselves, whether that’s nature, humanity, creativity, or a guiding set of values.

For many of us, fall feels like a season of change. The air turns crisp, the leaves shift colors, and routines naturally adjust as summer fades. While we often think of January as the time to set new goals, autumn offers a quieter, gentler opportunity to pause and reflect.

Emotions are powerful. Sometimes they show up as a wave that knocks us off our feet; other times, they simmer just beneath the surface, quietly shaping our mood, energy, and relationships. When emotions feel overwhelming, it’s easy to get caught up in them or try to push them aside.

It can feel early to talk about fall when summer in North Carolina seems to last well into September. But, as autumn settles in, the days grow cooler, the light fades earlier, and the rhythm of life shifts. While fall brings its own beauty — crisp air, cozy sweaters, and the rich colors of changing leaves — it also ushers in challenges for mental health. For many, the shorter days and longer nights can bring fatigue, low mood, or increased stress.

Life has a way of testing us. Sometimes it’s a job loss or a health scare. Sometimes it’s the quiet grief of unmet expectations or the slow accumulation of everyday stress. And other times, it’s a major life upheaval that leaves us wondering how we’ll ever move forward.

In today’s fast-paced world, stress has become an almost constant companion. Whether it’s work pressure, family responsibilities, financial concerns, or just the general overload of modern life, it’s easy to find ourselves overwhelmed.

When people think about therapy, they often picture someone going through a major crisis—maybe grieving a loss, going through a divorce, or dealing with depression or anxiety so intense it’s hard to function. And yes, therapy can absolutely be a lifeline in those moments.

If you’ve never been to therapy before, you might be wondering what actually happens once you’re “in the room” (or on the video call). Do you lie on a couch and talk about your childhood? Will someone tell you what to do? What if you don’t know what to say?

Everyone gets angry. It’s a normal, human emotion that shows up when we feel hurt, threatened, or overwhelmed. But when anger gets ignored, bottled up, or unleashed without control, it can harm our relationships, our health, and how we see ourselves. The good news? With some practical strategies, you can learn to work with your anger—before it escalates, and even after it spills over.

Summer brings longer days, warmer weather, and often, a shift in routine. It’s the perfect time to pause, reassess, and find small but meaningful ways to support your mental health. Whether you're craving more rest, more connection, or more time outdoors, summer offers opportunities to nourish your well-being in simple, satisfying ways. Here are five ideas to help you maximize your mental health this summer:

Change is a natural part of life—but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. Whether you're moving to a new city, ending a relationship, starting a new job, or simply feeling like your life is shifting beneath your feet, transitions can stir up anxiety, grief, hope, and everything in between.

Change is a constant in life, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. Even when we’re moving toward something positive—like starting a new job, relocating, or beginning a new relationship—big transitions often bring up stress, uncertainty, and emotional overwhelm. When the change is less desired, such as the end of a relationship, the loss of a loved one, or a shift in identity or purpose, the process can feel even more daunting.

In recent years, online counseling has become an increasingly popular way for people to access mental health support. Whether you're navigating a major life change, dealing with stress, or simply looking for someone to talk to, online counseling offers a flexible and effective alternative to traditional in-person therapy. If you're considering taking this route, here are some key benefits that might make it the right fit for you.

When we think of grief, we often associate it with the death of a loved one. While that is certainly one of the most profound losses a person can experience, grief is not limited to death alone. The emotional and physical responses we connect to grief—sadness, anger, fatigue, difficulty concentrating—can emerge in response to any significant life transition or loss.

For many men, the idea of going to therapy can feel unfamiliar, even unnecessary. Cultural messages about toughness and self-reliance can make it difficult to reach out for support. But the truth is, seeking therapy is not a sign of weakness—it’s a way to strengthen yourself in ways that truly matter. Whether you’re dealing with stress, relationships, career pressures, or just a general sense of feeling stuck, therapy can help. Here’s why it’s worth considering:

Managing depression in a relationship can be an incredibly challenging experience, whether one or both people have it. However, couples can effectively navigate it together with the right amount of support and understanding. There's no one-size-fits-all process, but the following tips can allow you and your partner to support each other through the depression journey and strengthen your bond while still maintaining your mental health.   

Anxiety can feel overwhelming, but there are many strategies you can use at home to regain a sense of control and calm. While professional support is always an option, incorporating simple yet effective techniques into your daily routine can make a significant difference.

“Effective communication begins with listening.” It’s true! If you’re looking to improve your relationship with your spouse or a family member, therapists like me are probably going to tell you that one of the first things to practice is your active listening skills. 

Having a mental health diagnosis is not a life sentence. In our world today, there are too many stereotypes about mental illness, and most of them are negative to the point that they can inhibit daily life but can also be harmful. One of the most widespread and unspoken is the idea that having a mental health illness sticks with you forever. I do not know where this idea began, and quite frankly, I don't care. I'm in the business of helping people overcome adversity and lead a productive, empowering, and fulfilling life.