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Shining the Light
Bright Light Counseling Center's Blog on all things Mental Health
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Is Social Media Fueling Depression? Unpacking the Connection
One of the biggest stressors social media creates is the constant pressure to be perfect. But like anything, moderation is key.
3 min read


Social Anxiety Explained: A Look at the Underlying Causes and Contributing Factors
Social anxiety disorder (SAD) involves a fear of being judged, criticized, or embarrassed in social situations.
3 min read


Tips for Managing Anxiety When You’re Dating Someone New
Getting back into the dating pool can be exciting and overwhelming, especially when you’re navigating it through apps or meeting someone new
3 min read


Living in a Non-Affirming Environment: Coping Strategies for LGBTQIA+ Individuals
For LGBTQIA+ individuals, dealing with rejection, isolation, or direct hostility from family, friends, or workplaces can be exhausting.
3 min read


How to Recognize 5 Common Anxiety Thought Traps
Anxiety often leads to spiraling thoughts that feel real and overwhelming, even though they aren’t always based on facts.
3 min read


What Is EMDR? A Deep Dive into Trauma Therapy and Its Benefits
EMDR is a therapy designed to help people process and heal from past trauma. It stimulates both brain hemispheres.
3 min read


How to Manage the Anxiety that Comes With Adulting
Adulting involves balancing multiple roles—worker, partner, friend, family member, and sometimes parent.
3 min read


Emotional Trauma: What to Know and How to Recover
Emotional trauma happens when you experience an event or series of events that overwhelm your ability to cope.
3 min read


7 Expert Tips for Setting and Achieving New Year's Resolutions
You can increase your chances of sticking with your resolution - and developing long term habits - with the right mindset and approach.
5 min read


5 Effective Strategies for Handling Seasonal Depression
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), is a type of depression that hits when the days get shorter and the weather gets colder.
3 min read


What Is an Anxiety Attack? Understanding Causes and What to Look For
In the case of an anxiety attack, there’s no real danger. Your brain is just overreacting to something, causing your body to go into panic.
3 min read


Separation Anxiety Explained: Causes, Symptoms, and How to Cope
Separation anxiety is the feeling of intense fear or distress when a person is separated from someone they are emotionally attached to
3 min read


Navigating Difficult Conversations During the Holiday Season
Family gatherings don’t have to be filled with tension. By preparing yourself you can navigate even the most challenging discussions.
5 min read


Recognizing Attachment Trauma in Adults: Key Signs to Look For
Adults with attachment trauma often question their self-worth, difficulty trusting others, or facing challenges in relationships.
3 min read


Navigating Grief After Divorce
After a divorce, your life changes significantly. Embrace this period as an opportunity to redefine your identity and values.
3 min read


5 Ways to Support Someone with OCD
Understanding how to support someone with OCD is a big step in encouraging your loved one.
3 min read


5 Lesser-Known OCD Symptoms
OCD is more than a preference for cleanliness or organization. It's experiencing intrusive thoughts and/or engaging in compulsive behaviors.
3 min read


How to Overcome Depression When Faced With Cultural Expectations
Family expectations or societal norms can shape how we view ourselves. When struggling with depression, these expectations may interfere.
3 min read


Rest Awareness Checklist: Are You Running on Empty?
This checklist helps you recognize when you're approaching energy bankruptcy and need to make immediate deposits in your wellness account.
4 min read


Deeper Than Shyness: Understanding Social Anxiety
When shyness becomes intense and causes people to avoid social interactions, it could be a sign of something more serious: social anxiety.
4 min read


El pulpo del TDAH: navegando por un mar de síntomas y comorbilidades
by: Kate Morales, M.Psy., LPA Quiero que imagines el TDAH (Trastorno por Déficit de Atención e Hiperactividad) como un pulpo cuyos...
11 min read


Important Things to Know About Depression
Depression is a complicated condition that affects each person differently.
3 min read


Beyond the Surface: Understanding the Subtle Symptoms of ADHD
ADHD: Inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity. Struggles with focus, organization, time management. Restlessness, interrupting, mood swings.
3 min read


Beyond the Clinical: A Look at Our Therapists In and Out of Session: Megan Bryk, LCSW
Meet Megan! A therapist in our Chicago, IL office. She provides therapy in person as well as online to residents of Illinois.
8 min read
Let's rediscover your Bright Light.
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