#but also you could just be depressed or need to deal with your burnout

[astrolook]

⚖️💘Saturn As Darakaraka - Till Death or Paperwork Do Us Part ⚖️💘

Note: These are just my personal observations and recurring patterns I've noticed over the years from married clients, relatives and friends. Take what resonates with you and leave the rest. Feel free to share in the comments if any of this hits home. This post is based on Vedic astrology.

Saturn as DK - Your soulmate comes with terms and conditions

When Saturn is your Darakaraka (the planet that represents your future spouse), you’re looking at a partner who is serious, deeply loyal, and built for the long haul. This is someone who doesn’t play games. They may be older than you by at least 7 years or more, or simply carry a mature, responsible energy regardless of their actual age.

Core Traits of a Saturn DK Spouse

Loyal, committed, and highly dependable

Not the most romantic, but incredibly devoted

Traditional and structured in their view of love

May struggle with burnout or depression due to overworking

Mature appearance, and may deal with greying hair or hair loss early (late 20s onward)

Often in stable, structured careers like corporate or government jobs

Rarely takes time off and may actually win "Employee of the Year"

Needs reminders to enjoy life outside of work

This person is the definition of "husband/wife material," even if they express love through duty more than emotion. With Saturn here, marriage may not come quickly, but once it does, it's meant to last.

With North Node (Rahu): Role reversals are possible. You may be the main earner, while your spouse steps back from their career to support you. In some cases, second marriage or unconventional relationship in some form.

With the Sun: Spouse is likely to be in a position of authority. People admire them and often seek their advice. You will learn a lot from them, though your relationship may have its share of power struggles or dramatic moments.

With the Moon: Despite their tough exterior, they’ll show a soft, emotional side with you. They may see you as nurturing and find comfort in your presence. Strong emotional attachment and protectiveness are common. You might remind them of their mother.

With Mercury: Friendly and community-minded, your spouse is the type to stand up for others and treat everyone fairly. They carry a “people’s leader” energy.

With Mercury Retrograde: More introverted. They keep opinions to themselves to avoid conflict or fit in. Likely to have a small, close-knit circle and may come across as people-pleasing at times. Fake smiles their way at times.

With Venus: Very nurturing and protective, they may treat you like someone precious and fragile. Expect a traditional and loyal partner who could also be overbearing at times, protective to the point of smothering. You're a cinnamon roll in their eyes and often on protection-mode.

With Mars: High-energy, restless, and physically driven. May suffer from stress-related health issues like migraines or nerve problems. Arguments can get heated. Earth or water signs in this combo help soften the edge.

With Jupiter: Old-fashioned and inexperienced in relationships. They may come from a different cultural background or live far from you or due to work.

Saturn DK in House Placements

1st House: Spouse is extremely protective and involved in your daily life like calling you frequently, dropping you off at work, and always checking in.

2nd House: Spouse builds wealth slowly over time. They start from humble beginnings and climb through sheer effort.

3rd House: Distance or disconnection may exist between your spouse and your siblings (or theirs).

4th House: One of your families may disapprove of the relationship, or you might feel unwelcome in their home environment.

5th House: Delays around having children. IVF or fertility struggles are possible. Patience and resilience will be required here.

6th House: Work-life balance is a major issue. Both of you might be overworked and emotionally exhausted, but Saturn here demands you stay committed through thick and thin.

7th House: A long-lasting, possibly age-gapped marriage. The connection grows stronger over time and can literally last a lifetime.

8th House: There may be financial risks or issues with joint assets, debts, or contracts. Be cautious with shared finances and legal agreements.

9th House: Spouse is likely a foreigner or very philosophical. They live by old-school values like hard work, humility, and endurance.

10th House: Both careers may progress slowly, but steadily. You might meet through work. Success comes with time and persistence.

11th House: Your spouse could be very different from your usual type. You may meet through mutual friends or professional networks. They will be your anchor when everything else feels uncertain.

12th House: A strong foreign connection or long-distance dynamic. There may be a long waiting period before you can be together as a family. Distance, visa issues, or life circumstances could cause delays. If you both eventually settle far from your birthplaces, Saturn brings stability and reduce bad effects of 12th house.

Wanna dive deeper into your chart's layers? ✨🔍 DM me for a full astrology reading, a 5 or 8-year marriage report, or a detailed synastry breakdown 🌙💬 Check out my pinned post for pricing and more info 💫💸

Let’s decode your cosmic chaos together ⭐💖

[evermourner]

how to deal with failure when all you know how to do is beat up yourself (as an adhder)

please read this if you are a chronic self-loather like myself.

i used to hate myself for everything i did; the way i talk and walk, my accomplishments, my daily activities, how i cannot keep up with my peers, all that jazz. and especially as a late-diagnosed adhder this gets worse overtime. i ended up getting into a 6-month burnout, failed 3 classes and have to extend one semester, and i had lost my identity as a person.

overall i was just a breathing, walking flesh with depressive thoughts every day.

but after many many months of rediscovering myself, i have come up with the conclusion that life gets easier when i don't fucking hate myself.

shocker, right? ik this is probably like a 'obviously' type of thing, but i think many ppl with adhd can confirm that this is one of the hardest pills to swallow.

but trust me, you don't need to feel bad!!! and i will tell you how to do it down below. pls read, i hope it helps.

(keep in mind im not a psychiatrist or a therapist btw i just wanna help fellow ppl with adhd)

reminder #1: adhd makes you more prone to making mistakes - beating yourself up for every failure is torture.

as people with adhd, we are more prone to making more mistakes and questionable decisions. we are just built that way. we can work on it, but that's our baseline.

self loathing encourages you to beat up your baseline. your default state. your non-productive mode.

beating yourself up for making a mistake is literally like beating up a cat for sleeping. humans are bound to make mistakes, and us with adhd are bound to make more. it's fine, let yourself breathe. im not saying we cannot do anything right or that our mistakes are permissible, but missing an alarm clock or forgetting things we want to say are not surprising. it's just embedded inside us, so either be miserable for the rest of your life or work on reframing your thoughts on failure in general.

reminder #2: you can learn how to be better even if you don't beat yourself up for it

these neurotypical adults who tell you that you should feel bad about failing are stupid. and whoever tell you that negative reinforcement is needed for you to get better are the dumbest motherfuckers ever.

you don't need to feel bad to ge better.

in fact, once you don't feel too bad about it, you can focus more on how to do better in the future instead of replaying the past over and over again.

literally after almost failing college, i only realized that i should not be hard on myself. literally. i remember deciding i should try being nice on myself and now boom! i feel better AND i actually have been working towards fixing my life more and more.

and you know whats the best part?? i can finally start enjoying my life again!!

reminder #3: not everything you do is a failure. seriously.

this is a thought pattern i keep seeing in every person with adhd.

"nothing i can do is right" WRONG!!!! you do some things wrong but you also do some things right!!!! quit discrediting yourself

now try acknowledging your failures:

cry about it first. let yourself sit in and feel your feelings first. you can continue after you finish crying about it

do some form of meditation that helps you clear out your mind. i suggest just 5 minutes or until you don't feel as heavy anymore

let yourself know that failing is an action and consequence, not a part of your identity. it is not you: you are someone who succeeds and fails sometimes. you can fail, but that does not mean everything you do will be a failure.

identify what kind of failure you're thinking about , why you feel so shitty about it, and what you should do for next time. it'd be good if you could write this down. here is an example from me:

failure: failing out of class

what happened: i failed bc i kept procrastinating and ended up sleeping in, so i could not submit on time

consequences of event: i had to retake the class, paid a significant amount of money, and now i cant graduate on time with my friends

why i feel shitty: i feel so left behind and stupid. i feel like this is such a stupid mistake that was easily avoidable.

and now i have so many thoughts in my mind right now, like "how can i be so stupid? how can i be so careless? this is such a stupid mistake."

now notice. if you also think like this, you are actively judging yourself. you are being so mean to yourself, and for what? would you ever told your friends they are so stupid and dumb for making careless mistakes? even if it's stupid, you wouldn't say it to their faces.

after identifying everything, confirm what actually happened, reframe your thoughts, and apologize to yourself:

"How can I be so careless?" -> It's not intentional, and I did try my best to work on it. It's not my fault my executive dysfunction took over the better part of me.

"How can I be so stupid?" -> Just because I cannot initiate tasks as well as the others, it doesn't mean i'm stupid. i am pretty good at other things, i cannot expect myself to be good at everything.

"This is such a stupid mistake." -> It is stupid, and that's... okay. It's fine. I accept it, I'll work on how to make it better in the future.

when you combat negative thoughts, make sure you combat them not only with facts but also with empathy and future action-focused thoughts.

the key is to focus on what you can do now, not what you should have done.

because focusing on the past is very very unhelpful.

now please focus on what you can do now:

Make small goals for the future.

What you should not say:

"I promise I will try harder to focus" -> Nope, you are relying on your ADHD symptom to not be ADHD anymore... which is impossible.

"I promise I won't forget next time" -> Same thing.

"I promise I will make a routine that I will stick to" -> This is too idealist, don't commit to anything for a long run, it's just setting yourself up for more failure.

What you should say instead:

"Next time, I will try to write it down so I won't forget next time" -> Tell yourself the clear steps on what you need to do. You cannot rely on your brain to just be better, come up with actions that can support you!

"Next time, I will set more alarms and ask a friend to remind me. In fact, I will do it now" -> Commit to things you can do immediately! The faster, the better so you won't lose this momentum. Stop thinking that your future self is 100% reliable. Always assume you need to do it as soon as possible to help yourself in the future.

"Next time, I will try out this routine and see if it works or not" -> Experiment with routines. Routines don't last long, so don't give youreelf empty promises. Instead, accept that your routine will chance every once in a while so you need to learn what works or not.

Apologize and forgive yourself

Say sorry to yourself.

It's normal to make mistakes, and it's unrealistic to think you won't make more.

Move on

Seriously. Don't sit on it too much.

Once you know what you need to do to not fail in the future and you have written it down... just let it go.

You don't need to feel bad to grow. You don't need to feel bad to be better.

You are allowed to feel good about yourself.

In fact, you should feel better about yourself now because you are showing your commitment to getting better by reading this long ass post.

Pat yourself in the back.

Failure has its consequences already, you don't need to punish yourself more. Please get something nice.

Failing is EXHAUSTING. Please give yourself a snack or some gaming time.

Allow yourself to breathe.

We are humans, we are not failures. We succeed and fail sometimes, not all the time.

Be nice to yourself, you have been through a lot.

[i-yap]

Disorders batboys s/o have( dick and jason ver)

Im a psychology student and i think everyone in this world has some symptoms if not full blown disorders. I also struggle with GAD and I have worked in 2 psychiatric hospitals so far in one I got a lot of readings+ 2 months , 8hrs on weekdays hospital shifts in 4 sectors. I don't mean to offend anyone but if you have a certain disorder it does determine a lot of your personality traits and therefore make you incompatible with certain types of people. this is just a " oh I think the batboys could take care or be compatible with someone with this disorder enough to not hamper their healing "

Anyways..(im so scared to post this)

Dick grayson- mood disorders (major depressive diroder. bipolar disorder, seasonal depression, burnout)

Dick is this silent mother hen sort of figure. he loves taking care of others, it fills him with altruistic feelings and helps him feel needed. Someone with a mood disorder needs someone they can go and be sad with without feeling judged. Dick understands that burnt out feeling really well. He understands how sometimes you just want to let your feelings go through you. He is warm sunshine personified, joyful calm and reliable. He likes taking care of you, the small quiet moments. He will find small personal ways to make your mood a little more bearable however he can without overwhelming you.

"he comes back from his crime fighting to find you in bed. he recognizes your mood instantly. slowly approaching you and gently kissing you awake .

"hey baby ", "youre back dickie" "mhm how long have you been in bed?" " I don't know" "I'm starting a bath, would you like to join me" "I don't really feel like moving" "ill carry you" ."

Jason todd- anxiety disorders ( generalized anxiety disorder(gad), phobia, panic attacks, separation anxiety disorder(sad))

gad- the fact that jason literally fights crime every night and is super impulsive/doesnt care about his safety, so seeing you almost ripping your head off from worry for him not only warms his heart ( he thinks you hate him and struggles to believe that YOU could give someone like him any attention but here you are) but also makes him take better care of himself for your sake. he hates seeing you worried but he loves calming you down. holding your hands tight, replecating meditation style breathing and mindfulness practices. kissing you overthinking head. hugging you when you stress cry, giving you massages.

Phobia- he understands triggers better than anyone else, he will be your big bad protector making sure to help you avoid the item that's causing you phobia. holding your hand and hiding you behind him if you have social anxiety, making sure to avoid triggering environments if you have agoraphobia, killing all snakes in the world if you have a phobia of them( he seriously suggests it but you stop him cuz it'll hurt the ecosystem)

Panic attacks- he has them too, either you have learned a way to deal with them and teach him or he has learned a way to deal with them and helps you . if he hasn't before meeting you, he has a new much stronger motivation to learn techniques or medication that can help deal with them for your sake and therefore also accelerate his healing

seperation anxiety-.. he has it too so like.( ik its more common in kids but adult sad is also a thing) both of you are clingy, its a win win for you two , fuck the rest of the world

again this is just my opinion okay? don't make mental health a taboo , if this post was about batboys x blind! y/n no one would have an issue. mental health is a condition and sometimes its out of our control, it depends on so many factors. Its nothing to be ashamed or scared of.

[aplaceinthedark]

chapter three: ONE TASTE of the LIFE

Summary: The Appalachian Mountains hide numerous monsters, and it's up to Taylor and the Bad Omens to prevent them from causing any harm.

Word Count: 2,945

CW: Supernatural themes, Star Wars spoilers, Hand Jobs (male receiving)

A/N: I am so sorry this took so long. For the past several months, I've been dealing with job issues and major burnout depression. Whereas that's still hanging around, I think I might be in a better place to write more. If you're still hanging on despite my hiatus, thank you very muchness.

This is RPF, and thus will contain real people, but names and events will be changed. If this bothers you too much, then please leave this temple without causing harm.

Divider by: @saradika-graphics

“Taylor? Are you listening to a word I said?”

I jumped, nearly knocking my water bottle over. “N-No. I’m sorry. What were you saying?” I asked sheepishly.

Rachel smiled sympathetically. “Still worried about the break-in?” she asked. I nodded, as I had told everyone that that was the reason why I was so jumpy.

I liked Rachel. Despite being almost twenty years older than me, she was sort of my only friend outside the circle of misfits and monsters I had embedded myself in. She also didn’t live in New Hope, thankfully. She was a transfer from a bigger town, since our library desperately needed one after one of our librarians “mysteriously disappeared” last August.

Said librarian’s assistant had also “mysteriously vanished” as well, leaving a job wide open for me to fill. I didn’t mind it, being Rachel’s assistant. I might have to do grunt work a lot of the time, but at least she helped instead of just dumping it all on me.

“Anyways, as I was saying, I’m pretty sure no one has gone through the donation bin this decade, if you want to make a dent in it.”

Sitting on my ass while I sort for the next two hours? “Don’t threaten me with a good time,” I said, earning a chuckle from her as I stood up and left the front desk.

There were several boxes. She wasn’t kidding. This was going to take longer than I thought. Setting my phone off to the side, I pressed play on one of my safe-for-work playlists and started humming along to some Chappell Roan.

It had been a few days since the incident with the pale creature that had come onto my porch. There had been no repeat occurrences at our place, but someone had said something about seeing a sick-looking coyote at the edge of their yard. I hadn’t mentioned that to Nick, since I wasn’t even sure that it was the same thing that I had seen. 

And Nick was… I couldn’t burden him with any more problems. Between his time at the new tattoo place, townspeople coming to him for remedies to their ailments, and not being able to sleep very well, he was exhausted. I had woken up to him passed out on his couch this morning, Lydia loafing on his back. If I could make him sleep for an entire day, I would do it in a heartbeat.

I pulled the next box towards me and dug through the dusty contents. I was sure now that most of these donations were just from older ladies dumping the contents of their attics off on us just to free up some space. Several of these books so far were the same cookbook in different states of decay. 

I was just about to ask Rachel for a mask since I was tired of sneezing out dust when my hand pulled out a book that was different from all the others. A quick flip through revealed it was a journal. Either their handwriting was terrible or it was written in a different language, because I couldn’t make heads or tails of what it was saying. But some of the drawings in it intrigued me, so I set it in the Keep Pile, with the intention to ask Rachel what to do with it. If someone donated it without knowing, they might want it back.

By the end of my shift, my back and lungs didn’t appreciate what work I had gotten done. “Being in your thirties must be rough,” Rachel laughed as I tried popping my back several times. “Maybe you could get that cute boyfriend of yours to help you out later tonight.”

I felt a brief flush rise to the surface of my skin as I thought about Nick’s skilled fingers. “Quit it,” I mumbled, earning a cackle from her that would normally get someone in a library in trouble.

“What’s that?” she asked, pointing to the journal in my hands.

“Oh, I found it in one of the boxes. It looks like somebody might’ve accidentally put it in the donation box. Should we ask if they want it back?” I said.

Rachel shook her head. “Sorry buttercup,” she said, using her nickname for me. “Those were anonymous, and who knows how long ago it was donated. There’s no way we’d be able to trace it back to its owner. Unless it has historic value, we’re supposed to throw it out.”

Something in my face must’ve changed her mind. “Well, if you don’t want to, I could conveniently look the other way when you leave,” she said. 

I was about to say that no, that it was fine, that I didn’t need another written book in my house when Nick was still combing through Granny’s hex books, but the words caught in my throat and I thanked her instead. Maybe if I could find its owner, that would be one good deed I’d done for this town, since they were still wary of me several months after I had moved in.

The library closed at seven, but I didn’t get to go to my car until half an hour later. Late April still meant that it was dark out when I left work, but the building was in the middle of New Hope, the forest a ways off. I dashed to my car through the rain, the water from the puddles splashing up as my feet crashed down in them. 

My fingers were wrapped around the car’s door handle when  a cold rush of air blew through my denim jacket, and the hair on the back of my neck stood up. I froze as the door automatically unlocked, the sound as loud as a gunshot despite the sound of the rain. Something in the reflection of the car window caught my eye.

Someone was behind me.

I slowly turned around, trying not to startle it. Meanwhile, my mind was racing in confusion and fear. Nothing came out of the woods. The town was safe.

The boys couldn’t help me if something were to happen to me out here.

So what was the shadowy figure doing in the middle of a parking lot?

It didn’t move as I stared at it. It was almost formless; I could just make out the thin, vaguely humanoid shape of it. Even if I wanted to say something, my throat had closed shut. The chill of the night increased, the wind picking up and sending some bits of trash skittering across the asphalt. But it didn’t disturb the shadow. 

I opened my mouth to say… something? Shout at it to scare it away? But another voice startled me into screaming. I whipped around. 

“Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, Taylor!” Rachel swore, hand on her heart. She was standing a few feet away under her umbrella. “What’re you still doing here? Are you okay?”

“Uhh… yeah. Just thought I saw something,” I said. I turned back around.

Other than us, the parking lot was empty.

The smell of food coming through a cracked window greeted me as I stepped onto the front porch. My knees felt weak at the thought of Nick cooking after the heart attack I had had. I took a moment to compose myself, exhaling as I turned the doorknob and stepped into our home.

It was indeed Nick cooking, as he stood in front of the stove. His long black hair was tied up in a bun, and he was wearing his thick-rimmed glasses. “Hiya,” he said, not even turning around. 

I dropped my backpack onto one of the chairs at the kitchen table, immediately walking over and hugging him from behind. “Woah, hey. Everything alright?” He asked. His hand moved down to cover both of mine.

I should tell him; I need to tell him. Instead, I nodded into the space between his shoulders. Even though a part of me knew that the creepiness of the town's legends were true, I still couldn't believe that something would come out of the woods and into the safeness of the streets.

So what I said instead was, “I missed you,” into his shirt. 

“Missed you more,” he said in return, despite seeing each other this morning. 

“What are you making?” I asked, peering over his shoulder. 

“Just some hamburger pasta. Thought it would be good for an easy night, since it's just the two of us until later tonight.”

“Really? Not even Folio?” I asked. 

Without looking up, Nick pointed over at the kitchen calendar with the spoon in his free hand. A little black circle was drawn on today's date and the next two days. The New Moons meant that Folio was stuck in his Grim form until the first sliver of the moon shined. Kind of like a werewolf but opposite. 

“It'll be done in a few. Go get comfortable and I'll put on a movie,” he said, his own way of shooing me out of the kitchen. As I parted with him, I saw that he hadn't done the same with Lydia, who was watching from the floor with her hungry eyes. 

As I changed into some lounge pants and an old sweater of Nick's, I tried to think of a way to bring up the encounter with the shadow person. There was no way that he wouldn't get upset about it, that was a fact. Maybe after we ate.

When I came back out into the front room, Nick had helped himself to making my plate and putting it on the coffee table. I sat down next to him, I pulled my plate onto my lap. He had pulled up Rise of Skywalker for us to watch.

“So who’s coming later?” I asked as he started the movie.

“Noah,” Nick mumbled. There was an undercurrent of something in his voice, so I guess Noah had transferred something to his mind that annoyed him. 

“That's fine,” I said, squeezing his thigh. 

After eating, I curled up into Nick, and he wrapped an arm around my shoulders. “We should dress up as Kylo and Rey for Halloween again,” he said.

“Your hair’s getting too long for you to be Kylo,” I said, poking the side of his head.

“Yeah, because Rey is totally a blonde.”

“It was last minute!”

We kept up the light commentary for most of the film. I was fine up until the part when Rey sacrificed herself to kill the Emperor. As Ben Solo sacrificed himself to resurrect her, I threaded my fingers through his. A moment passed, and then Nick squeezed my hand. 

When the credits rolled, I tried to get up to take our dishes back to the kitchen sink. Nick pulled me back down. “And where do you think you’re going?” he asked, pulling me onto his lap. He wrapped his arms around me.

“Was gonna do the dishes, since you made dinner,” I said.

He pulled my head gently to rest on his shoulder. “Just stay here. With me,” he said, quietly. He would do this if he thought I was about to have one of my moments. 

He started playing with my hair, making my eyes flutter shut. “Okay,” I said. 

He kissed my forehead, but as he was pulling away, I reached up to cup his face and direct him further down. His lips brushed mine before pressing down once, soft and tender, but then he tried pulling away again. “Are you su–”

“Nick,” I pleaded, his name coming out in a rush. If he had any resolve before, it came crumbling down within milliseconds.

He was still a bit hesitant, flicking his tongue against my lips. But I wasn’t made of glass, so I pushed his chest until his back was pressed onto the couch cushions. I crawled up him until I was straddling his hips, my knees pressing into the sides of his waist. The kiss never broke.

It didn’t take long for him to harden beneath me, and I couldn’t help the small, satisfactory grin that rose to my lips. I ran my hand down his chest, down his stomach to the waistband of his shorts. When I finally parted with Nick, his hand shot up to curl around the back of my head. “Bun–”

“Can I touch you?” I asked.

“Oh, fuck yes. Please,” he pleaded.

I lifted myself a little bit, just enough to give me some room to slip my hand underneath the waistband of his boxer-briefs. The angle might’ve been a little bit awkward, but it didn’t really matter when I wrapped my fingers around the considerable size of him.

“Fuck,” he groaned, throwing his head back against the pillows. The movement caused him to bare the pretty tan skin over his throat, and I practically descended upon it. The minute I mouthed over his pulse point, his hips rolled up, rutting into my hand. On the upstroke I rubbed my thumb over the tip, and he made my favorite sound of–

Click.

We both froze, my hand down his pants. I quickly raised my head and our eyes locked on each other at the sound of the door unlocking. As the front door opened, I quickly rose up to stand on my knees. Noah stopped dead in his tracks, confusion written on his face. 

“Am I interrupting something?” he asked.

“Yes,” I said immediately, Nick echoing my words from below me.

Noah’s eyes roamed over me for a second, and his face hardened. “Please, continue. I don’t want to interrupt you guys making out in–”

Nick sat up, crawling out from underneath me. If he stood up, Noah could easily see that we were doing more than making out. “When we agreed on later, I mean late.” 

“It’s after eleven. I think that’s late enough,” Noah said, striding across the kitchen to the fridge, where he took out a beer. 

As Nick straightened himself, I caught the look on his face that said he was communicating with Noah through the bond that he had with everyone. Was there something agreed upon that didn’t require me knowing about? 

My thought was all but confirmed when Nick put his hand on my waist. “You wanna go to bed, Bun?” he asked, looking up at me with big green eyes. In this lighting, they were dark as the evergreens outside.

“No, I’m not tired,” I said. I fixed him with a look that said that I wasn’t going to be kept in the dark. Again.

He sighed. “Hang on, I gotta get the hex book,” he said, standing up. He then walked to the spare bedroom.

I looked over at Noah, who was leaning back against the fridge. He perked an eyebrow. “How was work?” he asked before taking a sip of his beer.

I narrowed my eyes at him. “I was gonna tell him.”

“But you got distracted, didn’t you?”

“Fuck off, Bambi.”

“Oh, I’m about to do worse than that.”

I tilted my head. “What the fuck is that supposed to mean?”

Nick came back with a small, leatherbound notebook. He tossed it onto the kitchen table, as if it personally offended him. “We’ve been doing this all wrong,” he said. He practically collapsed into one of the chairs. 

“Doing what wrong? What is ‘this’?” I asked.

“There’s a reason why the Valley has been getting worse these past few years. More things showing up, resurfacing, growing bolder enough to where people can catch glimpses of them. Pale Things showing up shouldn’t be a surprise, really.” He was babbling, practically. But then he took in a deep breath and closed his eyes.

“Those sacrifices weren’t just for Vessels. They were also to keep the Woods from getting worse.”

Noah’s lips thinned. “I told you, I’m not killing any more innocent people.”

“Yeah, I know, and I think I found a way around that, but…” Nick trailed off. He then silently opened the hex book and flipped to a page he had marked. He then held it out towards me.

“Why me?” I asked.

“I’ve already seen it,” Noah said. 

I took the book and glanced at the pages. It wasn’t in any readable context: Granny wrote in some kind of “language” that had been passed down through her family as to keep their practice a secret from others. Nick had been slowly translating them over the past few months into his own notebooks.

“What is this?” I finally asked. 

“It's a… Fertility Ritual.” Nick swallowed thickly. “My ancestors would send someone into the forest so the Forest would be… sated.”

“A sacrifice. Like what happened with you guys.” I waved a hand over Noah. 

“No! Well… sort of,” Nick said. He bit his lip. 

“That was more the Black Stag's version. Though it wanted sacrifices so it could take a mortal form.” Noah folded his arms over his chest. “This is a… less bloody version.”

I skimmed over the page again, and it finally clicked. “When you say ‘fertility’, you mean… Noah's got to knock someone up?”

“No!” The two shouted at the same time. “God, fuck no,” Nick sighed. “But the baby making process is the main part.”

“He has to have sex with someone?” I asked incredulously. 

“Not just someone…” Nick lowered his voice to a mumble. “Someone with a… someone of the opposite sex.”

“Well how the fuck is he gonna do that?” I asked. “Everyone around here will recognize him, and then you got the antlers to deal with.”

The two were quiet suddenly. Nick put his head in his hands. “Bun…”

“What?”

“He's talking about you,” Noah put bluntly.

tysm for reading! If you enjoyed this, please reblog to share the word of the Revered Father. Next chapter coming soon.

Featured Creatures

@ladyveronikawrites @lilhobgobbler @deathblacksmoke @cookiesupplier @thatchickwiththecamera

@roley-poley-foley @hedonists @philomenie @shilohrosechicken @comforting-madness @sitkowski

@screamsinsilver @darksigns-exe @nojoyontheburn @baddestomens

[literaticat]

Publishing aunty please help. Need advice, not publishing related.

What do you do when you're just tired, feeling unfulfilled and want to run away from everything? :( 

That sounds like a classic case of Burnout to me, though it could be combined with something else -- like Depression, or even a medical problem.

(For example, at one point a couple years ago, I was absolutely exhausted for no discernable reason and burst into tears at the drop of a hat -- I chalked it up to "winter blues" and ignored it -- come to find out, eventually, I had severe anemia and my body was not absorbing iron at all and actually it was an autoimmune disorder and became a Whole Thing! Uh... oops!)

This article from the Cleveland Clinic gives a lot of advice about what to do about Burnout -- but the most salient points, I think:

Be gentle with yourself. Everyone goes through it sometimes. You aren't a failure, you're going to be OK, you just have to take care of yourself before you can properly take care of anyone or anything else. So with that resolved:

TELL YOUR SUPPORT SYSTEM HOW YOU ARE FEELING. Keeping this stuff undercover is not going to help. Being honest with your friends/family/partner or whoever your "people" are will lighten your mental load AND they will want to help and support you.

Figure out what your stressors are and tactics to deal with them. Part of this will be linked to the previous part, probably -- For example, if you are burdened by too much work -- DELEGATE or ASK FOR HELP! You've told your support system what's up with you -- now tell them what you need to move forward.

Set Boundaries. If you're the type of person that says yes to everything and then you feel overwhelmed -- remember that it's OK to say NO. It's a good thing, actually. You'll be more "on" for the things that are actually important if you are able to protect your own boundaries and aren't wasting energy on bullshit things. I can't stress enough how important this is (and it's something I am always working on, because it can be tough!) -- but my life CHANGED when I made certain rules for myself and stuck with them. For example, mine: No checking email after 7pm or on weekends. At all. I gotta tell you, my life suddenly got a lot better. (I have forgotten this one recently, and my life has gotten markedly worse -- so I gotta get back to that!)

Go to the doctor. Yes, going to the doctor sucks! But they can make sure your bloodwork is OK, you aren't Vitamin D or Iron deficient, rule out any problems (like, I dunno, severe anemia)... etc etc. Like, step one of Self Care is knowing what your Self is working with. (And if you think you might actually be capital-D Depressed or have anxiety, etc -- ask for a referral to a psychiatrist to see about getting some medicine. IT WORKS!)

Practice Self-Care. Yes, that means the boring stuff like "hydrate" and "make you are getting enough sleep" and "eat your veggies" and "meditate" and whatnot -- but also, you want to "run away from everything"? DO IT. Take a vacation -- or even a staycation -- or even a DAYcation -- where you are literally not doing ANYTHING for anyone else, no email, no nothing. Get a pedicure with extra massage, sit in sunlight with your favorite drink, read a book or just think about NOTHING -- you have no responsibilities except to yourself during this time. It's rejuvenating!

Get toxic feelings out of your system. Find a therapist, if you can afford to do so. (There may be free or inexpensive options if you are a student, or with some insurance, some therapists have a sliding scale for patients, etc) A therapist can give you at least somebody to talk things out with who doesn't know you and isn't judging you. If that's not for you -- journal? Do something artistic? Go to a rage room? Climb a mountain and scream a lot?

Now you are on the road to being healthy, physically and mentally, you hopefully have less stress and are getting your forty winks and all that good stuff -- and hopefully you'll be MUCH better soon.

Good luck!

[cherryblossomchronicles]

Bae Seok-Ryu and Song Hyeon-Jun

I am surprised by the turn writers took for their relationship. It’s such a copout to make him cheat on her after the cancer detection and make a villain out of him - an easy thing to do too.

But.

The writers chose to show us the nuanced version of how you can just drift apart, of how you can be unsuitable for each other without it being anyone’s fault.

Hyeon-Jun loved Seok-Ryu with everything he got - he supported her, put his life on hold, held her hands while she was dealing with this new curve the life threw at her. He never faltered in his care for her when she had surgery or was even going through the chemotherapy. In fact, he was her pillar of strength and someone who believed that she would overcome this hurdle of life as well and come out of the other side as a champion. He would have happily continued to support Seok-Ryu for as long as she wants but where it all fell apart was that he, alone, had to bear the burden of looking after her.

One of the first things I was taught as a psychologist was the importance of a proper support system. It was emphasized that I can never or rather should never put the burden of all my physical, emotional and social needs on one person. It is no one’s duty to carry that baggage for us. We all have a different person who fulfills the need for a different part of our personality. Maybe there is someone specific you go to have deep, existential level of conversation or someone else altogether when you want a good session of bitching about someone to just vent it all out. Someone to go on hike with, someone to take you down the nostalgia lane or even someone who’s hug could make you forget everything else in the world. All these someones are different people in our life.

What happened with Seok-Ryu and Hyeon-Jun was the lack of support system and the vacuum it created because of Seok-Ryu’s decision. I am not blaming her for not telling anyone else in the support system about her illness (that beast will be tackled later) but her decision of keeping the fact from everyone and his decision of respecting that was the point where the first crack came in their relationship. And even then, he held fast for her treatment for stomach cancer. What threw an unexpected curveball in the entire scenario was the depression Seok-Ryu had to deal with. When everything was finally making sense and going back to how it was, Seok-Ryu’s depression made them take four steps back.

“If you drag me down with you to the bottom, are you going to stop then?”

It is extremely emotionally and mentally exhausting to take care of someone who faces ailments such as cancer or depression. Having to do so without there being anyone else who could give you a break to sort out your own emotions is exhausting. Hyeon-Jun was just a victim of caretaker burnout. Yes, he shouldn’t have said those words to Seok-Ryu - they were the final nail in coffin of their relationship. But I can’t blame him for saying that even if had meant to (which he didn’t). He was trying his best to be understanding and supportive like a good partner should be but even the best trained caretaker would feel the resentment creeping in if they were the one and only support system of someone. And Hyeon-Jun?  He was just a normal human being trying and not being enough.

“You really tried your best. I know that better than anyone.”

As Seok-Ryu said, he was not at fault, but cancer did change her life. She will always worry about remission; she will always worry about her tomorrow and Hyeon-Jun was not equipped to handle that. She doesn’t fault him for it, but she also knows that they both can’t continue to live like that. He might still love her, she might have some lingering feeling for him, but love cannot be enough for them to last.

[third-time-charmed]

I actually came to your blog to send you another ask regarding your work and I saw your latest post so I am putting that on hold.

Instead I want to say that freezing is honestly really valid. Compliments and positivity can be hard to respond to especially when dealing with self worth issues. But I am very glad you got back into writing, not just because I personally thoroughly enjoy your writing but because I'm glad you get to enjoy it for yourself. And I'm glad that the community has taken to it so well, I hope it remains encouraging and not too pressuring to have people that love your work. Your writing should always be for your own enjoyment first and for others only if and when you choose to share it. And I for one- don't mind the yapping- I find it nice hearing the voice and impact you have. To me that will always be one of the positives of online spaces- getting to come together and hear each others' stories. Even if just small snippets

🥹 I really, really appreciate the encouragement! Fortunately so far I do not feel the least bit pressured. Just a little overwhelmed maybe lol. It's just more than I'm used to. Like I mentioned, my other fandom is also really big, but it's also really saturated with OCs. Which is a great thing, because it fosters a lot of open and welcoming behavior toward OCs and creativity in general by default (think a game with a character creator, basically everyone has one and it's prebuilt into the fandom itself). But just by nature, OCs in any fandom require just an extra touch of investment from both creator and audience, and on top of that the fraction of the fandom busy with their own creation is higher. That coupled with the move from twt to platforms with no algorithm (here and bsky both) meant that interaction kinda tanked, which also happened to correspond to a nasty depressive/self-doubt episode, and it just kinda spiraled into bad burnout that drove me to sort of give up for a bit.

I feel the need to clarify that I always have told the stories I want to tell. But I am also a chronic sharer, I like to share my thoughts and experiences with other people. And working with an OC meant that I sometimes felt that telling the stories I wanted to tell would require some extra legwork and telling of stories I still felt were important but were less motivating at that exact moment in order for everything to make sense. Only for a lot of that work, or what I found to be the more interesting work, to just fall flat and go unnoticed. So it got into this weird place of "well if nobody cares, then I just shouldn't post it" and then "well if I'm not posting it, why bother with the work of writing it down? It can just live in my head forever." (Generally I have a really bad habit of not wanting to take up more space than I'm due, and feeling like my worth is tied to what benefit I can offer to other people. I'm kinda of a mess lol.)

I used this analogy to explain to someone else why I was switching fandoms a while back, but it's like... with my depression, I was just too tired to cook my own meals. And nobody else was making the meals that I wanted/needed because I was the only one with the ingredients. So I found another table that was serving food that would fill me, where I could partake without any additional expectation of participation for a while. I genuinely spent several months just reading other ratiorine fic and doing basically nothing else. These two idiots were a literal lifeline keeping my sanity above water for so long. And then once I had been reasonably sated and had some of my mental and emotional energy back, I stopped lurking and started participating again. Leaving comments, posting on social media a little bit. And then I was finally in a place where I could start writing again, for the first time in six months.

And I dunno, like I guess I was just expecting similar treatment to what I had in my old fandom. Which is for people to just not really know who I am and therefore to not bother until I'd been around for a bit, had a few more fics posted as a portfolio of sorts, and had built up something of a reputation. I literally finished the first chapter of Golden Regrets, set it up on AO3, and then left it in drafts for 24 hours nervous about the crash of getting nothing in response, and I only posted it once I had made my peace with that being the likely outcome. Truly a "I wrote this for me and I am posting it for archival purposes and not expecting a single thing more than that."

And that was very much NOT the outcome I got, so I'm still just reeling a little bit from it lmao. It is... gratifying, validating, uplifting to see that not only is there an audience for my work, it is an enthusiastic audience and a much larger one than I ever anticipated. That people want to talk to me about the story, the characterization, my thought process, speculating about the plot, picking apart the nuance of my writing... Though I probably should have had better expectations considering that I'm writing for an fandom and a ship/characters that have investment prebuilt in rather than having to build that up for myself. It's just been a long time since I've been in a fandom space like that, and I have to recalibrate a little. I will always write for myself first and foremost, but I put in the work to polish and post because I want to share what's in my head and make a connection. And this is the first time in many years I have felt this significant a return on that act of reaching out. It makes me want to keep reaching out, in various different ways.

[thoughtsforsoob]

txt - how their help their academically burnt out s/o

a/n: welcome back! this one is extremely self indulgent bc yeah. also, this is for whoever is struggling in school rn or whoever has struggled in school in the past. I wish I could confidently tell you it gets better (I’m sure it will) but I don’t feel that way at the moment. So, without further ado, enjoy this writing! Requests are also open!

warnings: discussion of depression, burnout, etc… other than that, comfort all around. Lmk if I missed something :)

yeonjun

takes such good care of you during these times. he physically had to pry you off of your desk chair for you to even listen to him. "babe! listen to me and get up off that chair! you need a break this instant!" he immediately prepares a warm bath for the both of you to enjoy, you in the tub and him on the side, helping you wash your hair and keeping you company. After, he takes your towel out of the dryer and brings it so you can dry off and he helps you do skin care and anything else you have in your routine. the best way he knows how to help is with acts of service and not as many words.

soobin

he only finds out you’re burnt out during a midnight conversation. He’s asking about school and you casually mention how you feel burnt out and like you just wanna call it quits. he was stunned by how casual you spoke of wanting to leave school behind because he always listened attentively when you spoke about how much school meant to you and how much you wanted your degree. he immediately sits up and the tone switches to something more serious. “are you sure? let’s talk about this. i just want to make sure your making the decision that’s going to make you happy.”

beomgyu

he knows that this is not the time to act silly. his usually unserious personality does a 180 when he realizes the state you’re in. at your desk, sobbing into your hands, papers and notebooks scattered about the desk and your laptop open to your current assignment. he keeps calm and walks up to you, place a gentle hand on your back. “My dear? What’s the matter?” If you allow him to, he’ll hold you throughout your whole crying session. He just wants to comfort you and help you figure out where to go from your current position. he hates to see his s/o suffer this way.

taehyun

so understanding. I feel like he is the type that if he sees you with your hands all tangled up in your hair pulling at your roots, he would gently hold your wrists before you can pull anymore and kiss your hands. "come on, my love. let's take a break? talk this out? ill make you some milk tea (or whatever your favorite drink is :)." he understands the stress of having so much pressure on your shoulder so he just does what he would want you to do for him (which you always do!) he helps you figure out the best course of action to go about dealing with burn out. if you need a break from school next semester, he won't fight you because he knows you need it. Supports you no matter what.

heuning kai

the pout on this boy's face when he finds out is unreal. he always assures you you can go up to him at any time to ask for a hug and that's exactly what you did. your face was red and puffy from crying about your last assignment and how burnt out you felt. he shows his little pout and holds you as close as possible to his chest. "my love. wanna go cuddle for a while?" please agree because this is the best way he knows how to help you. he knows he'll probably ever understand what you're going through, so he tries his best to be as sympathetic as possible.

[alyjojo]

Thinking of You - June 🤞 2024 - Capricorn

Whole of their energy towards Capricorn: 10 Wands rev

This person does not have it together, and by it I mean anything. Finances, emotions, anxieties, they’re like a tornado 🌪️ of chaos. Or that’s how they perceive you. Finances especially, someone may not be working, or they’re receiving some kind of assistance. Workers comp, government checks, disability, Accident seems to tie-in with the heavy financial spread coming out. Someone has massive anxiety and some sort of attachment issues, codependency, trauma maybe that’s caused this. Or they’ve recently lost a job, maybe a job you share, possibly due to an injury. Or they caused this for you?

Feelings: 8 Pentacles rev

They see you as making zero effort towards them, you’ve cut them off, you’re avoiding them most likely. Or they’re just well aware they’re avoiding accountability or making the situation better. They want another chance but there’s no effort in that direction, so hard telling. I do see this person on the edge of burnout - with things other than you, and this is like just another thing weighing on them. Out of many, 10 Wands rev is so much pressure you can’t handle this anymore. It’s crushing them. They’re hoping, or were, that making up with you would be easier, but that’s work too and they’re up to their neck in *can’t function* so like…you’re on the list. If someone is lazy that’s being pointedout as something needing to be addressed.

Intentions: Queen of Pentacles rev

They’re taking their time even coming towards you. They want another chance that’s clear, Judgement and Temperance are both reconciliation, making things peaceful again, starting over in a brand new way. But where they are currently, or that’s you, doesn’t support that desire. Like they literally can’t. Or they’re terrified of being judged harshly by you based on what they can’t actually offer you. They can’t give you 10 Cups because they don’t have it to give right now, they can’t even give an Ace. If this was romantic, something happened to make you see this person in another light and they really want to change that. Or they expect you to get it together first. As it stands, they know it wouldn’t work.

Actions: Page of Wands rev

They’re not saying anything in June. They may type something up, ten pages full of passionate and heartfelt word vomit - that they later delete in favor of keeping it professional. Work is heavily involved in this connection, if you work together they are more mature than to just obsess at work. They’re giving you no indication whatsoever that feelings are even involved. Both of you could be focused on work, your financial situations, I’m not getting a super feely kind of person unless anxiety counts as feely - if so oh yeah. Major anxiety. “On edge” is the dominant mood. They’re willing to wait however long it takes to approach you correctly - kinda mirrors Sag’s message but flipped, could be dealing with one.

Messages:

Their side:

- Questionable past/morals

- Please give me another chance 🙏

Your side:

- Love at work

- Uncomfortable Tendencies 🥴

Oracles:

Accident 💥

Danger - Caution - Injury

Fright 😨

Depression - Phobia - Paranoid

Possible signs:

Heavy Sagittarius, Virgo, Taurus & Capricorn

If you’re dealing with: Queen of Swords

This Queen is friendly, open, accepting, and ready to speak her truth as well as to hear yours. Buuut if that “truth” ain’t matching what she already knows to be true, off with your head. She uses her head over her heart and logic in order to make decisions, but those decisions are also guided by what’s fair, she’s very protective of her peace. Could be dealing with a Libra or have it in your own chart. Ace of Pentacles underneath could be regarding money/work💰

Aries - your ex? You might work with them? Could be this person with that energy. If not, this person makes solid decisions same as you, you could feel like they balance you out

Taurus - no real feelings other than obsession/lust, and even that’s over with

Gemini - could have a breakup with them, they’re not happy and need to be free 🦅

Cancer - moving forward and being completely transparent, or maybe confessing some things

Leo - constantly busy every second of the day 😅

Virgo - doesn’t want things to end but would like to discuss how things may need to change

Libra - knows exactly how to manipulate you to get what they want, you know this and do nothing about it /ignore it

Scorpio - irritated & holding a grudge because of something you say or do

Sagittarius - possibly losing their shit and then turning around and apologizing for it

Capricorn - no movement but feels like they didn’t make that decision either, it’s forced

Aquarius - said what they said and have nothing else to say 🤷🏼‍♀️

Pisces - chalks this up to a failure & it’s done

[greatfruitboo22]

I'm going to rant because I don't feel like I have anyone I can talk to about anything, really. I don't have money for a therapist, and I don't want to be a burden. I have been struggling and honestly the urge to just disappear is so fucking strong. First my mental health is pure shit right now. My depression at an all time high. All I want to do is is sleep. I have no motivation to eat, or do anything honestly. I can't sleep through the night. The only peace I have, no people to bother me and no one to prove myself to. Then I sleep all day, avoiding my responsibilities and others. I know part of it is because of my ADHD and Autism. Which until recently, I didn't realize I had both. And when I talk about it, I just get push back from my mom saying, "You aren't autistic I would know if you were. Or It only works if you have an official diagnosis, "but that means that it could be used against me because it's on a document that others can see. And that scares me. There are still so many places and people who use that against you. I'm scared that while I'm re-learning how to function without masking and not pushing myself back into burnout that someone will use it against me. I have gone back to a dark place where I want to die because I have lost my footing, and because I don't know where I'm going, it feels like a never-ending pit. I feel nothing and everything all at once. I don't feel like I have support anymore. Since my burnout, I quit my job that I liked because I couldn't handle being a mask, and getting statements like your face needs to show more emotion. I'm sorry that in order for me to function, I can't make faces. I don't want to smile to appease someone. Because I left that job, I have no money, one of my accounts negative, and when I think I fix it, it just gets worse. I started a new job, got two weeks in, and missed an entire week because all I could do was sleep. Depression isn't a real illness, so why did I miss it right? Jobs don't allow for mental illness days. Only sick days. But I am sick. Mental illness is a sickness of the brain. My brain that tells me these people can hear you make calls, they are judging you. They make fun of you behind your back. People are hard for me. I want friends, and I want to be kind, but eye contact makes me anxious, talking makes me anxious, and keeping conversations makes me anxious. I get anxious getting out of bed each day. I get anxious about eating in front of people. It's overwhelming. I am also dysforic. I started using they/them pronouns about a year ago, and only like five people in my life made an actual effort to use them. I am non-binary and while I still prefer femme presenting, I don't feel like a female. My family won't use my pronouns. My dad was confused and didn't try. My mom gets mad when I correct her. So many times I say those aren't my pronouns I get back no one will use those for you, how do others know, you aren't correcting them, you are my daughter. My aunt barely accepts I'm bisexual. My sister tried for a little while but stopped when it got too hard for her. I just want to feel like me in my skin. I am dealing with weight gain due to PCOS, and I hate it. I feel like I can't lose any weight. I want to live somewhere without the rest of my family, but I cannot physically afford to live on my own. Everything is so expensive. It feels like all these things are just piling on, and I want it to stop. I want to feel some freedom. I feel so isolated in the place I am in right now. Everyone around me is growing up and moving on. I don't feel like I have friends anyone. I don't know who is there anymore. Not that I would ever say anything about how I feel. I just wish I could breathe.

[psychevitalitysblog]

Psychological Insecurities: Understanding, Healing, and Empowering the Mind

Psychological insecurities are quiet saboteurs that touches millions of people from all backgrounds. These internal battles, which are frequently based on past experiences, trauma or unconscious beliefs, can eat away at your self-esteem, destroy your relationships and block your personal and professional development. Here at Psyche Vitality we understand that psychological insecurities are complex and hidden, and so we provide a tailored, evidence based solution that can be approached with humanity, professionalism and clinical rigor.

What Are Mental Insecurities?

In psychological terms, insecurity refers to a profound sense of doubt - not only in oneself and one's own abilities, but also about one's relationship with others. These are fears that can emerge in many ways – as the fear of rejection, from feelings of impostor syndrome, from social anxiety or a need to be validated again and again. Unlike fleeting doubt which can come at a particular point of time they are deep rooted patterns woven into the fabric of the psyche often from past experiences in life inscribed over time through life, peer and internal convictions.

The sources of psychological insecurities could be traced back to early attachment problems, childhood trauma, neglect and emotional invalidation. What makes psychological insecurities so intricate, however, is that they tap into the collective unconscious (in the sense of Carl Jung), in other words, they are part of the larger pool of fears, insecurities and defense strategies that are not only shared by various cultures, but are also inherited.

The Role of Insecurities in Psychology

“Psychological insecurities can discretely and insidiously influence virtually every domain of people’s lives. And from second-guessing every decision you make to passing on opportunities for fear of failing or being critiqued, the burden of doubt often gets in the way of reaching the next level. Emotional pain Those who have emotional pain from deep set psychological insecurities often have a harder time trusting and believing what others are saying, have a more difficult time with relationships when getting out into the world and they have a much greater difficulty in just being themselves.

And within families, psychological insecurity can give rise to generations of fear, control or emotional Distance. In the workplace, they can show up as chronic perfectionism, people-pleasing and inability to set boundaries. Unchecked, these insecurities can result in feelings of anxiety, depression or burnout.

Here at Psyche Vitality, we believe that addressing your emotional insecurities is not about diagnosing someone as “damaged,” but about revealing the personal emotional landscape that feed your insecurities, and developing the inner resources to transform them.

Psyche Vigor's Customized Treatment of Psych Insecurities

Psyche Vitality is on a mission to provide every person with personalized, evidence-based mental health care. We know that psychological insecurities are not a one-dimensional problem. That's why we offer services led by experts to address the distinct needs of each and every client—individuals, families and professionals who face life’s most complex challenges.

We heal psychological insecurity by the following ways:

Base therapy sessions facilitated by experts, revealing root causes and resolving underlying patterns in individuals, utilizing tools of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and depth psychology.

Thorough evaluations of your emotional, behavioral, and cognitive challenges that may be fueling your insecurity and self-doubt.

Training’s features include self-worth, emotional resilience, and assertiveness training — all areas valuable to anyone dealing with psychological insecurities.

Shared research to remain on the cutting edge of mental health developments and to know our methods are founded on sound psychological science.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) expert witness services, reflecting our advocacy, ethical duty, and progressive approach to mental health care inclusion.

Our therapists and counselors are masters at facilitating a safe and free-space environment for you to process whatever is getting in the way of you enjoying being you, without judgment. For without this merciful bedrock, change is unlikely.

Psychological Insecurities and the Mass Unconscious

Psychological insecurities have also a collective unconscious dimension to them, common to the shared "co-revisionary," in heritage of beliefs, symbols, and archetypes. For example, the universal terror of not being “good enough” or the urge to fit into society would go beyond the individual. Such patterns could be shaped by cultural scripts, gendered performance expectations, religious teachings, or intergenerational trauma.

Psyche Vitality accesses the root of this kind of psychological insecurity, helping our clients to notice how they know which insecurities really belong to them—and which they’ve picked up unconsciously. Through differentiation and illumination, we assist those who are with us to “reclaim their power” and to remember their worth.

To the extent that the collective unconscious operates in psychological insecurities, the investment (getting involved) in self-healing is not just personally restorative but becomes empathetic and contributes to social well-being. As we come to the awareness that others share in our insecurities we can relate more genuinely and interact with more compassion and less criticism.

Developing Confidence and Resilience

Healing psychological scars is not going to happen overnight. It takes dedication, self-honesty and a good amount of support. At Psyche Vitality, we want to not only reduce psychological distress but also to develop resilience for the long term. This includes:

Assisting clients to establish attainable objectives that are consistent with who they really are.

There can be teaching of emotional regulation skills to cope with anxiety and fear that is related to insecurity.

Practicing self-compassion to mitigate harsh self-criticism and shame.

The ability to empower its clients to make choices and to meaningfully communicate with others.

We also understand the sometimes isolated mental health challenges of high-achievers— those in intense environments that prize productivity and perfection, where psychological vulnerabilities too easily try to disguise themselves as ambition and desire to succeed. Our services are designed to allow for our high functioning clients to deal with such challenges while also allowing them to continue functioning in their careers and sense of self.

Why Choose Psyche Vitality?

What differentiates Psyche Vitality is our holistic, person-centered approach. We don’t simply manage symptoms — we try to understand the whole person. From the very first session, our clients are treated as individuals based on clinical research, psychological perspective and with full respect for the unique experience of each person.

Whether you’re dealing with private insecurities, family difficulties, or complex mental health issues at work, Psyche Vitality provides the safe harboring necessary for healing and for becoming a new you.

Excellence is what our practice stands for—ethically accountable, culturally sensitive, empirically-based interventions that work to transform not just the surface level symptoms but the underlying psychological vulnerabilities from which they are derived.

Final Thoughts

And while fear is just a state of mind, psychological insecurities go beyond the occasional afraid thought — they are deeply-rooted mental habits that dictate how we perceive ourselves and interact with the world. But they are not permanent. With the right instruction, support and psychological skills you can put these insecurities behind you and start living a life that you feel more confident, authentic and connected with.

And, at Psyche Vitality , we are dedicated to helping you make that change. We provide more than therapy by providing the best quality, most affordable, accessible, and smart therapy available, so that no one, feels alone on this journey everyone deserves access to therapy that inspires them to be the best version of themselves.

[phoenixrisingcenter]

What Is Individual Therapy and How Can It Help You Heal?

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, anxious, or emotionally exhausted. Whether you’re dealing with stress, depression, trauma, or simply looking to better understand yourself, individual therapy offers a safe and confidential space to explore your thoughts and emotions.

At Phoenix Rising Behavioral Health Care Services, individual therapy is more than just a treatment — it’s a journey of self-discovery, growth, and healing. But what exactly is individual therapy, and how can it help you heal? Let’s take a closer look.

What is individual therapy?

Individual therapy, also known as one-on-one therapy or talk therapy, is a collaborative process between a licensed mental health professional and a client. In this private setting, clients can openly express their concerns, experiences, and emotions without fear of judgment.

Therapists use evidence-based techniques to help clients:

Understand their thoughts and behaviors

Develop coping strategies

Process past trauma

Improve relationships

Build emotional resilience

Unlike group therapy, individual sessions are tailored specifically to your needs, goals, and pace. It’s a personalized approach that focuses solely on you.

What issues can individual therapy address?

Individual therapy can support people through a wide range of challenges, including:

Anxiety and panic disorders

Depression and mood disorders

Grief and loss

Trauma and PTSD

Addiction recovery

Relationship or family conflict

Low self-esteem or identity issues

Chronic stress or burnout

It’s also helpful for people who may not have a specific diagnosis but want to improve their quality of life, gain clarity, or enhance personal growth.

How does individual therapy work?

The process typically begins with an initial assessment where your therapist gets to know you, your history, and your goals for therapy. From there, sessions usually last 45 to 60 minutes and occur weekly or biweekly.

Therapists may use a variety of approaches based on your needs, including:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps identify and reframe negative thought patterns.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Useful for emotion regulation and interpersonal effectiveness.

Psychodynamic Therapy: Explores how past experiences influence present behavior.

Trauma-Informed Therapy: Focuses on safety, empowerment, and healing from trauma.

At Phoenix Rising, therapists create a compassionate environment where clients feel seen, heard, and supported every step of the way.

What are the benefits of individual therapy?

The benefits of individual therapy are both immediate and long-term. Here are some of the most common outcomes:

1. Improved Emotional Health

Therapy helps you better understand your emotions and how to manage them. This can lead to reduced anxiety, improved mood, and greater overall well-being.

2. Stronger Coping Skills

You’ll learn tools to manage stress, navigate relationships, and handle life’s ups and downs more effectively.

3. Deeper Self-Awareness

Therapy encourages introspection. By uncovering patterns and beliefs that no longer serve you, you can make healthier choices.

4. Healing from Trauma

With the guidance of a trained professional, you can process past experiences safely, reducing their emotional hold over you.

5. Personal Empowerment

Therapy puts you in control of your healing journey. You set the goals, and your therapist helps you reach them at your own pace.

Is therapy right for me?

If you’re asking yourself this question, chances are it could be beneficial. You don’t need to be in crisis to seek therapy. Sometimes, just having a dedicated space to talk about what’s on your mind can bring clarity, peace, and direction.

Therapy is also not a sign of weakness — it’s a powerful step toward self-care and mental wellness.

Conclusion

Individual therapy is a transformative process that allows you to heal, grow, and reconnect with yourself. Whether you’re facing life’s biggest challenges or simply want to feel more balanced and fulfilled, one-on-one therapy offers the guidance and support you need.

At Phoenix Rising Behavioral Health Care Services, we’re here to walk beside you through every stage of your healing journey. Our licensed therapists provide compassionate, personalized care in a space where you can feel truly understood.

You don’t have to go through it alone — reach out today and take your first step toward healing.

[blogofmastermind]

"Diabetes & Mental Health: Why Your Mind Matters Too"

When most people think about diabetes, they think of blood sugar levels, insulin, and carbs. But what often gets left out of the conversation is mental health. The truth is, managing diabetes can take a toll on your emotional well-being. It’s a daily balancing act, and sometimes, it feels like your mind is working overtime to keep things in check.

Let’s talk about why your mental health matters just as much as your blood sugar, and how to make sure both are in sync.

1. The Emotional Rollercoaster of Diabetes

If you’re living with diabetes, you know the drill—highs and lows, and we’re not just talking about your blood sugar levels. Managing a chronic condition can bring up a range of emotions:

Frustration from feeling like diabetes controls your life.

Stress from constantly monitoring your blood sugar and counting carbs.

Guilt when your numbers don’t cooperate, even if you’ve done everything "right."

Anxiety over the future and potential complications.

It's perfectly normal to experience these feelings—diabetes isn’t just a physical condition, it affects your mental state too. The good news is, it’s okay to acknowledge these emotions, and you don’t have to go through them alone.

2. The Link Between Diabetes and Depression

People with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing depression, and it’s easy to see why. Diabetes can feel all-consuming, especially when you're juggling medications, lifestyle changes, and worrying about long-term complications.

Diabetes Distress: This term refers to the emotional burden that comes with managing diabetes. It's not just about the disease itself but the mental load of monitoring, adjusting, and maintaining control.

Depression: Studies show that those with diabetes are more likely to experience depression than those without. It’s thought that the constant demand of diabetes management, combined with fluctuations in blood sugar levels, can affect mood and energy levels.

If you’re feeling down or disconnected, it’s important to talk to a healthcare professional. You don’t have to "just deal with it."

3. The Anxiety of the Unknown

Diabetes is unpredictable, and it’s this lack of certainty that can lead to anxiety. Blood sugar levels may fluctuate for reasons beyond your control—stress, hormones, or even the weather can affect how your body reacts. For many, the fear of future complications can also be overwhelming.

Blood Sugar Fears: It’s common to feel anxious about what happens if your blood sugar goes too low or too high. You might worry about what could happen in an emergency, even if you’re doing everything right.

Fear of Complications: While it’s important to manage diabetes to prevent complications, fearing what could go wrong in the future isn’t productive or helpful.

Living in the Moment: Focus on managing the present, celebrate small wins, and give yourself credit for the work you’re already doing.

4. Diabetes Burnout: When You Just Can't Anymore

Diabetes burnout is real, and it happens when the constant management feels too overwhelming. You might be tired of counting carbs, taking medications, and monitoring your blood sugar.

Signs of Burnout: Feeling emotionally drained, giving up on healthy habits, or just mentally "checking out" from diabetes care are all signs of burnout.

What You Can Do:

Take breaks from constantly thinking about diabetes.

Set small, manageable goals for your health.

Talk to a therapist or counselor about your feelings.

Reach out to others who understand—diabetes support groups are a great way to share experiences.

Remember, it's okay to take a step back. Your health and well-being matter most.

5. Self-Care Isn’t Selfish: Take Care of Your Mind

When you’re focused on managing diabetes, it’s easy to neglect your mental health. But just like your body, your mind needs care and attention.

Relaxation Techniques: Meditation, deep breathing, and yoga can help reduce stress and improve your overall well-being. Apps like Headspace or Calm are great for beginners.

Social Support: Don’t isolate yourself. Surround yourself with people who understand and can offer support. Whether it’s family, friends, or a diabetes community, connection is key.

Prioritize Rest: Sleep plays a huge role in blood sugar regulation and mental clarity. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night to help reduce stress and improve your mood.

6. Seek Professional Help When Needed

It’s crucial to remember that mental health is just as important as physical health, and sometimes you need help managing both. Here’s how to get the support you deserve:

Therapy: Speaking with a mental health professional can help you process your emotions and develop strategies for coping with diabetes-related stress.

Support Groups: Online or in-person groups can provide a sense of community. You’ll find that others share similar challenges, and you can learn from their experiences.

Diabetes Educators: A diabetes educator can offer guidance on managing the disease, which may alleviate some of the stress and anxiety you feel.

7. The Power of Mindfulness and Gratitude

Sometimes, diabetes management can feel like a battle, but a mindset shift can make a big difference. Practicing mindfulness and focusing on gratitude can help you reframe your thoughts.

Mindfulness: Focus on the present moment rather than stressing about past mistakes or future complications. Mindful breathing, journaling, or even spending time outdoors can help calm your mind.

Gratitude: Take a moment each day to acknowledge what you’re grateful for. Whether it’s a healthy meal, a supportive friend, or a blood sugar reading in range, recognizing the positives can shift your focus.

Final Thoughts: You’re Not Alone

Managing diabetes is hard work, and your mental health deserves as much attention as your physical health. If you're struggling, it’s okay to ask for help and take a break from the constant demands. Remember that you’re doing your best, and there are resources out there to help you every step of the way.

How do you manage your mental health while living with diabetes? Share your tips in the comments and let’s keep the conversation going!

[ericvivianmatthews]

We stan having ur ex best friend of 5 years reach out and apologise for how your friendship ended, having a brief conversation saying you want to talk but have too much going on right now, and then at some point in the next month or so her blocking you on every platform without another word, I guess.

she contacted me right smack bang in the middle of the two weeks between two of the biggest events of the year and I was still processing one and dealing with the drama from that while getting ready for the next

And I came off that event and almost immediately had to throw myself into finding a new house

I kept thinking I should message her to let her know I'm not ignoring her on purpose I just wanted to deal with some shit that was going on irl so I could give the conversation the emotional energy it deserved

But I also kept expecting all the problems I was dealing with to be over, but they keep dragging on and getting more complex and suddenly two months have passed

And like, I'm coping, but fuck. I'm in such a big anxious/depressive slump and the thing that's usually my escape is the source of the problem. I'm at my wit's end and it's been two months since this bullshit drama started and things have only gotten worse.

That on top of trying to find a house...we were going to house inspections every other day for 5 weeks before we got a place. I was so fucking tired. I still am.

I tried messaging her a while ago but couldn't, I figured it was just Tumblr mobile being stupid. But nope.

It's just dug up so many more emotions I didn't need right now. It's all a self feeding cycle at this point. I'm pretty sure part of the reason I'm in the mess I am at the moment is because I was trying to teach myself to be vulnerable and trust people again after everything that happened with her. to trust people when they said they'd be there for me.

I'm so tired.

At least I'm coping. This time last year I was in a much worse state. I just hate it. It seems like this entire year has been problem after problem, anxiety after anxiety, and none of it has been my fault? Like genuinely? But it's so fucking hard to feel like there isn't something wrong with you when you're the common denominator.

But I've grown. I'm not letting other people tear me down - letting their projections and bullshit impact what I know is the honest truth about myself. I just wish I hadn't had to suffer through so much utter bullshit in quick succession over such an extended period of time to get here. I've been in nigh-constant burnout this entire year.

And it's not even that I'm taking on too much - it's that I keep getting absolute bullshit thrown my way. That I keep having to wait weeks at a time as an anxious mess for The Powers That Be to come through.

If you've read this whole thing, damn. I appreciate it. I kind of just need to scream into the void - writing down all my thoughts privately hasn't quite been cutting it.

I guess that's what it all comes back to. I miss having someone to talk to about everything. Before I was so scared that eventually, people will get sick of me and snap, just like she did. And I feel...guilty? For not trusting people who try to be there for me. And I end up isolating myself further.

How do I even conclude this? I thought I had then wrote a whole new paragraph.

I know I'll be okay. I just didn't need another thing to process right now.

[uxuepsikologia]

Signs You Need to Seek Help from a Mental Health Therapist

Everyone has mental health just as they do physical health but very few take care of it or even know when it is time to get help. If you get to points where you are struggling, stressed, or confused about what you feel, then you should see a Mental Health Therapist. Knowing what these signs are can go a long way in enhancing one’s health and the overall quality of their day-to-day living.

This article will explore the key signs that indicate you may need professional support and why working with a Mental Health Therapist could be the right decision for your mental and emotional health.

1. Persistent Feelings of Sadness or Hopelessness

Everyone gets depressed sometimes but if you are feeling sad or hopeless for weeks or months, that could be a sign of depression. It is now possible for a Mental Health Therapist to meet with you and discuss how these emotions came to be and how you can deal with them. Depression always slows one down and reduces his or her capacity to perform the tasks that are expected in the day, so it should not be ignored.

2. Excessive Worry or Anxiety

Anxiety is a part of everyone’s life at some point or the other, but when the anxiety reaches its peak, it becomes disabling. If your anxiety is making you jumpy, your mind is racing or you avoid situations out of irrational fear then it is probable anxiety is impacting on your life. A Mental Health Therapist is a person who can explain what leads to them, how one can learn how to deal with them, and how to do it properly.

3. Difficulty Sleeping or Changes in Sleep Patterns

Sleep is very essential to your psychological and emotional health. Lack of sleep, being awake often at night, and oversleeping, all are indicative of a deeper mental health problem. A psychologist can assist you in understanding if the causes of your sleeping disorders are due to anxiety, depression, or stress, and how to change bad habits.

4. Loss of Interest in Activities You Once Enjoyed

If you find that you are no longer as interested in doing things that used to interest you, hobbies, friends, and family, then your mental health may be at risk. Such disconnection usually points toward depression or other mood disorders. To help you get through this phase, if you seek assistance from a psychologist then he can assist in promoting the activities that Fascinate you, suggest you set achievable goals and slowly start to get interested in the pleasures of life again.

5. Struggles with Relationships

People’s interpersonal relationships can be synthesized with mental and emotional states. If you realize that you’re arguing often, pulling away from the ones close to you, or feeling as though you’re not being understood, it may be beneficial for you to consult a Mental Health Therapist. This therapy can assist you to learn how to talk, and how to control emotions besides the relationships of individuals with others.

6. Feeling Overwhelmed by Stress

Stress is inevitable seeing that the world we currently live in is full of so much pressure. If you are experiencing chronic burnout, have feelings that you can hardly cope with daily tasks, or are on the verge of burning out you can turn to a psychologist. Stress produces reactions like headaches, they cause stomach problems and people feel sleepy most of the time they are stressed. You can pick up effective stress-relieving techniques through therapy including muscle relaxation, time management skills, and mindfulness.

7. Unexplained Physical Symptoms

It is also quite common for people with mental disorders to have somatic complaints including chronic pain, gastrointestinal disturbances, headache, or fatigue. If you were ever diagnosed by a physician and there is nothing physically wrong with you it might be caused by a mental disorder. A Mental Health Therapist can assist you in finding the relationship between your feelings and other symptoms of your disorders and search for the optimal treatment plan.

8. Trouble Focusing or Making Decisions

They could be symptoms of mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder if you have difficulty focusing, poor decision-making, or disorganization. A psychologist can assist you in concerning what may be causing such challenges and teach you strategies on how to enhance your focus and choices made.

Conclusion

Recognizing when you need help is the first step toward improving your mental health. If you’ve identified with any of these signs, don’t hesitate to seek support from a Mental Health Therapist. Therapy can provide you with the tools and guidance needed to overcome challenges and lead a more fulfilling life. UXUE OLAZIREGI is here to support you on your journey toward emotional well-being and peace of mind.