When you hear “borderline personality disorder” (BPD), you might imagine intense emotions and outward expressions, often directed toward others. But there’s a quieter form of BPD that hides behind a mask, and it’s often misunderstood. Quiet BPD is like carrying an emotional storm inside, but..
Category: Mental Health
Why Is It Important to Understand Yourself? A Journey to Self-Awareness
What It Means to Truly Know Yourself Have you ever paused and asked yourself, Who am I, really? That question might seem simple, but finding the answer can take a lifetime. Understanding who you are—truly knowing yourself—is one of the most valuable things you can..
How To Manage Situational Anxiety: Practical Tips and Support
Defining Situational Anxiety and How It Differs from Anxiety Disorders You might have been told that anxiety is “bad” or something to get rid of, but let’s take a different approach. Anxiety, especially situational anxiety, is your body’s way of keeping you alert. Picture the..
Why is Life So Hard? Understanding Life’s Challenges and How to Cope
Life often feels incredibly hard, doesn’t it? I hear this so often from people navigating difficult times—feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or even stuck. Life’s challenges can sometimes feel relentless, and it can be tough to see a way forward. It’s okay to feel this way; it’s..
Bipolar Disorder and Thought Patterns: What You Should Understand
What Is Bipolar Disorder? Bipolar disorder isn’t just mood swings or “having a bad day.” It’s a mental health condition characterized by significant shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels that can impact daily life. There are two primary types of bipolar disorder: Bipolar I..
Heal Chaos and Overwhelm: Declutter Every Part of Your Life
An organized brain is a Mentally STRONG brain, and it almost sounds so easy. I’ve been on this self-development journey for over 20 years, and trust me, it’s not as straightforward as it seems. A staggering 50 to 70% of Americans report feeling overwhelmed or..
Harnessing Anxiety: A Personal Journey to Mental Strength
Hello, I’m Dr. Cristi Bundukamara, EdD PMHNP, and today, I want to share with you a perspective on anxiety that might differ from what you’ve commonly heard. Anxiety, a word often met with resistance and a desire to eliminate, holds a potential we seldom acknowledge—the..
Confronting Grief: A Journey of Pain and Purpose
The first time I truly encountered grief was as I stood on that riverbank, watching rescue workers search for my son underwater. I then lost both my son and daughter to a rare neurodegenerative condition within 6 years of each other; all three losses occurred..
Help! I Can’t Pay Attention!
Reflecting on my clinical practice and the evolving landscape of mental health, I’ve noticed an increasing trend that deeply concerns me: the self-diagnosis of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) among adults. This trend, largely propelled by marketing campaigns and online..
Good Enough: How to Overcome Negative Thoughts
Most of us carry a deep-seated belief of “I’m not good enough.” This core connection is more than just a fleeting negative thought; it is a fundamental belief about ourselves, often rooted in childhood experiences. Despite my 20 years of practicing the mentally strong method,..