A reflection on the importance of connecting with our interests, finding community and belonging, and embracing storytelling and creative expression along with a review of sensory-friendly strategies to help folks navigate Comic-Con this year.

Do you ever feel guilty when you finally take a break? Many of us have learned to associate our worth with our productivity, making rest feel uncomfortable instead of restorative. This article explores where beliefs and values about rest, productivity, and laziness come from, why guilt shows up when we rest, and how you can begin redefining rest and productivity according to your own values.

What is queer joy and why is it important for mental health? A reflection on embracing authenticity, connection, self-acceptance, and community, even in the face of stress and adversity. This post explores the importance of queer joy and ways to cultivate joy individually and within community.

A sensory kit can be a meaningful way to support yourself during sensory overwhelm, shutdowns, meltdowns, or emotional overload. This post explores how Neurodivergent people can better understand their sensory needs and create personalized tools for comfort, regulation, and self-accommodation.

Intrusive self-critical thoughts can feel painful, overwhelming, and hard to untangle. This post explores how therapy can help process thoughts like “I’m a bad person” through curiosity, values, existential exploration, and narrative meaning-making.

May Gray and June Gloom are familiar parts of life in San Diego. Seasonal changes can affect mood, energy, sleep, motivation, and overall well-being, especially when changes in sunlight, temperature, routine, or sensory input start to add up. A validation of seasonal changes on our lived experiences and an exploration of practical ways to support yourself through the months of gray.