We’re told self-preservation is an instant, automatic act of protecting ourselves when we’re in danger. But in real life, most of the danger we face isn’t a tiger in the woods or a car swerving into our lane. It’s a slow and quiet erosion of..
Category: Mentally STRONG
Is Therapy Worth It? 10 Questions to Ask Before Giving It a Shot
Let’s be honest: therapy has been trending for a while now, but that doesn’t mean it’s the right move for you. Maybe you’re tired of advice that feels like a catchy slogan, or maybe you’ve tried therapy before and felt like it missed the mark…
31 Daily Affirmations for Women Who Are Over the BS
Let’s first skip the toxic positivity, how’s that? There’s something deeply patronizing about most affirmation lists. Like, “I am a radiant goddess of light”? Okay, cool. But what about when I haven’t washed my hair in four days and I’m rage-texting my group chat because..
How to Comfort Someone Who Lost a Loved One: What to Say and Do
There’s nothing more human than wanting to help someone you love when they’re in pain. But if that pain is grief of losing someone they love… the usual things will not work. You’ll find yourself aching at their loss, wanting desperately to help, and having..
How to Break a Trauma Bond: Stages, Signs, and Steps to Heal
Trauma bonds often arise from cycles of abuse intertwined with brief moments of affection or kindness, creating a confusing and powerful attachment. Breaking trauma bonds and healing is a challenging journey, but with the right guidance and tools, you can move forward and regain control..
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..
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..
Overcoming Barriers to Mental Strength
As we step into the realm of a new beginning, the conversation often steers towards achieving personal and professional success. However, it’s crucial to recognize that the most significant barriers we face are not the external challenges but the ones that lie within. My journey..
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,..
More Than Willpower: How to Embrace Behavioral Change
Behavioral change is a complex process that goes beyond sheer willpower and motivation. It involves a deep understanding of our neurobiological makeup and the patience to nurture new behaviors while phasing out old ones. The Power of Negative Thoughts We often set goals and then..
Confronting Trauma: A Journey of Healing
As a mental health professional, I often emphasize the importance of confronting past traumas. Recently, I embarked on a deeply personal and transformative journey with my childhood friend, Angie, to her childhood home in Puerto Rico, a place steeped in her traumatic memories. Facing the..
Gratitude in Grief: How Can You Find It?
Losing a loved one is an unimaginable pain, a journey that I intimately understand. My powerful story is marked by the loss of my three children over 17 years. Despite my overwhelming grief, I want to share three profound strategies that have helped me find..
Panic Disorder: Understanding Triggers and Managing Symptoms
Panic disorder is characterized by frequent panic attacks, often accompanied by physical symptoms that can be distressing. Understanding what triggers these episodes and how to manage them can significantly improve one’s quality of life. This blog will explore the difference between anxiety and panic, discuss..
Emotional Wealth: 3 Tools to Manage Your Energy Wisely
In our fast-paced lives, we often forget that emotions require energy and time. Just as we manage our finances to achieve financial goals, it’s crucial to manage our emotional budget to reach a state of well-being and self-actualization. While there’s no shortage of advice from..