Summer is finally here, and many of us are getting ready for some much needed rest and relaxation. We know that taking vacation time helps us feel refreshed and energized; that’s why schools and offices have weekends and scheduled holiday time. Just as sleep helps us recharge after a day of activity, time off of… read more
Could I Benefit From Sex Therapy? ft. Alina McClerklin, LICSW
Sex is a natural part of life—as are the occasional sexual health concerns. According to Dr. Derek Polonsky of Harvard Medical School, between 35 and 50 percent of all humans will experience a long-term sexual issue (anything from difficulty reaching orgasm, to post-traumatic anxiety, to mismatched sex drives between partners) at some point in their… read more
The Psychological Impact of Sexual Objectification
Have you heard of the “Headless Women of Hollywood?” No, it’s not the name of a low-budget horror film—it’s a twitter account started by comedian Marcia Belsky, which calls attention to the Hollywood trend of featuring women’s headless bodies in their advertising materials. The goal of the project, Belsky states, “is to show how female sexuality is fragmented and sold to us in parts, so that our bodies become interchangeable for men and marketed without our pleasure in mind.”
In other words, Belsky is shining a light on the ways in which the (typically cisgendered) female body is objectified and used as a tool to sell films. While there are many types of objectification, her project looks specifically at sexual objectification, which occurs when people (often, but not always, women) are portrayed “solely as de-personalised objects of desire instead of as individuals with complex personalities and desires/plans of their own.”
What is bisexual erasure?
Isn’t it frustrating when you know for certain that something is true, yet the person you’re talking to refuses to believe you? Maybe they’re questioning a theory that you spent years developing in graduate school, or maybe they’re just misremembering the plot of your favorite book. Either way, their patronizing attitude and refusal to recognize… read more
How to Use Art to Boost Your Mood
Boosting Your Mood With Creativity While negative moods are a natural part of life, we’d all enjoy a little boost from time to time. Chances are, as someone visiting a mental health blog, you’re familiar with some of the more common ways we can regulate our emotional wellbeing: therapy, exercise, socialization, and even medications (when… read more
How to Save the World (Without Burning Out)
The Stress of Saving the World There’s a reason superheroes are so popular—deep down, we all want to save the world. Some of us want to make the planet a better place by advocating for endangered species, while others focus on voting reform or improving public schools. Yet no matter which worthy cause we support,… read more
4 Ways to Cope With Memories of Loss
Coping with the loss of a loved one is never straightforward or easy, and one particular challenge is knowing how to cope with our memories of the person who has passed. Memories, mementos, and anniversaries can, at times, be lovely reminders of the person we’ve lost; but at other times, dealing with them can be… read more
Am I Living With PTSD?
What is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)? Many people have heard the term “PTSD” in public discourse, particularly regarding issues of sexual assault and military combat, but aren’t totally clear on what it is or how it works in the brain. While our knowledge of trauma is constantly growing, here’s a basic overview of what clinicians and… read more
3 Steps to Creating A Safe, Soothing Haven
It can be hard to find a balance in life. Our work, finances, relationships, and personal health can all change in an instant, jolting us into confusion even when we’re feeling our most grounded. On top of those major stressors, every day we’re forced to navigate dozens of smaller, unexpected roadblocks, like bad weather… read more
Is the Best Work Environment…Your Home?
As a member of the working world, you’ve undoubtedly grown familiar with the debate: which is better, going into the office or working from home? Those of us who enjoy wearing pajama pants all day have a clear preference for the latter, while those of us who value frequent socialization may choose the more communal… read more
