Breaking Free: Why You Shouldn’t Make Decisions Out of Fear, Obligation, or Guilt Life is full of decisions—big and small. Whether it’s choosing a career path, ending a relationship, or simply saying “no” to a favor, every choice we make shapes the life we live. Yet, too often, we find ourselves making decisions driven by […]
Gratitude Lists: A Simple Practice with Powerful Results In a world that often feels overwhelming, taking a moment to focus on what’s going well can feel like a radical act. Gratitude lists—a simple practice of writing down things you’re thankful for—offer a powerful way to shift your mindset and cultivate a sense of peace and […]
Attachment theory, first developed by John Bowlby, focuses on the behaviours infants use to stay close to their caregivers and ensure their survival. Bowlby proposed that actions such as crying, clinging, and seeking proximity to a caregiver are evolutionary mechanisms that enhance an infant’s chances of survival by keeping them close to their primary caregiver. […]
Suicide is a complex and heart-wrenching topic that affects individuals, families, and communities. It’s one of the leading causes of death worldwide, yet there’s still a significant amount of stigma and misunderstanding surrounding it. In this blog, we’ll delve into the psychological aspects of suicide, aiming to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and offer insight into […]
**For a free gift this holiday season from us at Stark Wellness, scroll to the bottom of the email** The holidays SHOULD be a time for celebration, connection, and rest. But for many of us the holidays have turned into a stressful race to check off endless to-do lists. With the pressure of shopping, cooking, […]
“Not Good Enough” If you’ve ever felt the weight of “I’m not good enough,” you’re not alone. That phrase brings up an emotion that many people don’t have the word for: shame. Shame is an emotion we feel—it’s a story we tell ourselves, and it thrives on silence, judgment, and isolation. But here’s the thing: […]
The holiday season often stirs up complex emotions, especially for those who find it hard to align their experiences with the cheerful imagery of togetherness and joy. From a psychodynamic perspective, this time of year can bring long-buried feelings to the surface. The pressure to connect with family or meet societal expectations of holiday cheer […]
Curating Your Environment: How Your Space Shapes Your Mental Health Our surroundings play a profound role in shaping how we feel, think, and function. The spaces we inhabit—whether it’s our home, workplace, or even the digital spaces we frequent—can either uplift and inspire us or drain and overwhelm us. Curating your environment isn’t just about […]
The Art of Letting Go: Moving Forward With Intention and Grace Letting go. It sounds simple, yet it can be one of the most challenging acts in life. Whether it’s a relationship, a job, a dream, or even a version of yourself, the decision to release something that no longer serves you requires courage, clarity, […]
As we approach the festive holiday season, we understand that the joy and excitement of the holidays can sometimes bring along a challenge—sleep deprivation. The stress that comes with the hustle and bustle, coupled with changes in routine and increased social activities, can disrupt our sleep patterns and if you suffer from sleep issues […]
