Lifestyle Blogger


One thing this year has taught me is that peace cannot be traded. I was with someone who never saw the good in me but constantly said bad words to me, especially after leaving Ukraine, and was so sad, losing a lot to the war. I was down, and my mental health was affected. I am not perfect, but this person saw themselves as perfect and always asked for change, never wanting to change or improve anything about themselves.

I consistently told this person they needed to change the way they looked at things. I adjusted, but they remained in the same place, desiring more changes and setting conditions. Despite having high self-esteem, I kept trying to figure out the problem. Eventually, I understood that in life, you have to accept that you are the problem and leave to escape a toxic space and save yourself.

When I accepted that I was the problem, I broke off and decided to stop communication with this person, the same person reached out and said we needed to find a way to fix things. I replied, "You said you needed peace, and I was a problem and never accepted that you could make a mistake. I want you to be at peace, especially with the fact that you made it clear to me that asking questions took away your peace. I won't stop asking questions, and I want your peace to be with you, so no thank you.

Every day we encounter different situations and behaviors; not every meeting needs closure. This includes friendships, relationships, and marriages. Sometimes the fact that you are not seen, valued, or heard is enough for you to leave and find closure when attempts to make things work prove unsuccessful. 

Sometimes you have to accept that you are the problem!



Dealing with mental health is something we all face, and it's essential to talk openly about it. Even though the pandemic brought more awareness, there are still myths and stereotypes around mental health that we need to challenge.

Did you know that over 58 million American adults, which is more than one in five, live with mental illnesses like anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder? Surprisingly, more women than men seek treatment for these challenges.

However, there's a lingering stigma around mental health, making it difficult for those dealing with these issues. Dr. Arthur Barsky from Brigham and Women's Hospital explains that this stigma can affect people's morale and recovery. Feeling labeled and isolated can worsen depression or anxiety, leading to problems like substance abuse or social withdrawal.

The good news is that science is helping break down these old beliefs. Advances like brain imaging show that certain mental disorders cause structural changes in the brain, reducing the stigma around mental health.

For those dealing with mental health challenges, here are some strategies to overcome stigma:

1. Embrace Treatment: Don't let labels stop you from seeking the help you need, whether it's therapy, medication, or both. There are effective treatments available.

2. Separate Yourself from Your Illness: Remember that your condition doesn't define you. Instead of saying "I'm bipolar," say "I have bipolar disorder."

3. Don't Take Comments Personally: People might say the wrong things, but it often says more about them than you. Consider their perspective rather than internalizing their words.

4. Share Your Story: If comfortable, share your experiences to correct misinformation and help others understand better. It might be challenging, but it can be incredibly beneficial.

Additionally, if you're considering therapy, here are some tips to get the most out of it:

1. Choose Your Therapist Wisely: Look for someone who specializes in your specific problem and with whom you feel comfortable.

2. Treat Therapy as Teamwork: It's a collaboration where you lead initially, but over time, your therapist provides guidance.

3. Be Vulnerable: Open up about your experiences and feelings, even if it's uncomfortable.

4. Take Prescribed Medications: If your therapist recommends medication, take it as prescribed. Ask about side effects and work with your clinician to make the best choice.

5. Define Success: Set goals with your therapist to create a framework for progress, understanding that therapy is a process, not a quick fix.

6. Be Patient: Effective therapy takes time, and it's okay if progress is gradual. Be patient with yourself throughout the journey.

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First, when we mention "one drink," we're referring to 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of hard liquor per day, distributed across the week, not binging on seven drinks in one night.

While recent studies might suggest otherwise, we align with the long-standing advice in the Harvard Health Letter, which is grounded in extensive research from distinguished nutrition scientists at Harvard and beyond. However, it's crucial to emphasize the term "generally" in your query. Nutritional practices, including alcohol consumption, may be beneficial for most but not all individuals, considering the diversity in age, gender, genes, and lifestyles.

Your genetic makeup and gender play pivotal roles in determining susceptibility to alcohol addiction, metabolic efficiency, and the impact on various organs. Moderate alcohol intake can positively alter body chemistry, lowering the risk of heart attacks and strokes. On the flip side, excessive consumption can harm organs like the heart, brain, and liver, and it poses severe risks to a developing fetus in pregnant women. Additionally, alcohol addiction significantly contributes to traffic accidents and violent crime. The recent study you referred to, heavily influenced by death rates in developing nations, underlines the global variations in alcohol-related health issues, particularly evident in higher tuberculosis-related deaths.

Analyzing the impact of alcohol on different diseases reveals a complex landscape. Over 100 studies indicate that women consuming one drink a day experience a lowered risk of heart attacks and the most common strokes compared to non-drinkers. However, these studies also highlight an increased risk of breast cancer associated with even a modest daily drink. It's crucial to weigh this trade-off, considering that heart attacks are a predominant cause of death in women, surpassing breast cancer by tenfold.

In conclusion, women who are pregnant or have a personal or family history of breast cancer, liver disease, or alcohol abuse should generally abstain from alcohol. For others, moderate consumption of one drink a day is generally considered healthy, acknowledging the intricate balance between potential benefits and risks.


We've all heard that loneliness and isolation can impact our health, but which one is worse? A recent Harvard study delved into this question, looking at nearly 14,000 people aged 50 or older over four years. The findings showed that both loneliness and isolation are linked to health problems, but each has its own impact.

Social isolation, which means living alone or not spending time with family and friends, was found to be a stronger predictor of physical decline and early death. On the other hand, loneliness was more connected to mental health issues like depression or feeling that life lacks meaning.

The study highlighted that both loneliness and isolation are significant and can feed into each other. The key takeaway is that staying connected to others is crucial in combating these feelings. If you ever feel lonely, whether or not it's because you're physically isolated, talking to your doctor might be a good idea. Remember, reaching out to others can make a big difference in how we feel.
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Great news! The FDA recently gave the green light to the first-ever pill designed to help moms struggling with postpartum depression. This condition affects around one in seven new mothers, making it tough for them to connect with their babies in the months following childbirth.

The new drug, called zuranolone (Zurzuvae), works quickly and was officially approved on August 4, 2023. What's even better? It's a short two-week course. Until now, the only other approved medication for postpartum depression was brexanolone (Zulresso), but it needed to be given through a hospital-based IV.

Postpartum depression shares symptoms with other types of depression, such as deep sadness, feeling tired all the time, losing interest in regular activities, and struggling with thinking and memory. In severe cases, women might even have thoughts of hurting themselves or their baby.

The introduction of this pill is not just a medical breakthrough; it's also expected to lessen the stigma around postpartum depression. By offering a more accessible treatment option, it aims to encourage more women to seek the help they need. This is a positive step forward for the well-being of new moms everywhere!

The Study is still being monitored.


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