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When the holidays end, life doesn’t always return to “normal” right away. Decorations come down, schedules resume, and the busyness fades—but emotionally, many people are left feeling drained, unmotivated, anxious, or disconnected. This post-holiday season can be a powerful moment of clarity. It’s a time when feelings that were pushed aside during celebrations finally surface. At BrightSpire Health, we believe this transition offers an opportunity—not to push harder—but to pa

The start of a new year often brings a sense of possibility. Calendars reset. Routines feel open to change. Many people feel pressure to improve, fix, or reinvent themselves—but mental health care invites a different approach. At BrightSpire Health, we believe the new year doesn’t require becoming someone new. Instead, it offers an opportunity to care more intentionally for who you already are. Choosing mental health in the new year is not about perfection—it’s about presence

The holiday season is often described as joyful, cozy, and full of celebration—but for many people in addiction recovery, this time of year brings a unique set of challenges. Family pressures, disrupted routines, emotional triggers, and social gatherings centered around alcohol or overindulgence can make the season feel more overwhelming than uplifting. If you’re in recovery—whether newly sober or years into your journey—here are some supportive, practical ways to protect you

The holiday season is often filled with traditions—some cherished, some inherited, and some that feel heavy with expectation. While traditions can bring connection and meaning, they can also contribute to stress, emotional exhaustion, or feelings of loss when they no longer align with our current season of life. At BrightSpire Health, we believe mental health is strengthened through intentional choices that honor who you are and what you need. Creating healthy holiday traditi

The holiday season is often painted as a time of joy, generosity, and togetherness. But for many people, it also comes with a complicated mix of pressure—financial expectations, full calendars, family dynamics, emotional triggers, and the weight of trying to create a “perfect” holiday experience. If you find yourself overwhelmed this time of year, you’re not alone. One of the most powerful tools you can use to protect your mental and emotional health is setting healthy bounda

Anxiety can show up in so many ways—racing thoughts, sleepless nights, tightness in your chest, or that persistent sense of feeling "on edge.” For some, it feels like a low discomfort in the background; for others, it can be completely overwhelming. At BrightSpire Health , we understand that anxiety isn’t a personal failure—it’s a signal that something inside you needs care and attention. Healing begins when you give yourself permission to pause, breathe, and choose you. Unde

When the Holidays Aren’t Always “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year” As the holiday season approaches, messages of joy, gratitude, and togetherness fill our feeds and conversations. But for many people, this time of year can bring something very different — increased stress, loneliness, grief, or anxiety. At BrightSpire Health, we understand that the holidays can stir up complex emotions, and we want you to know: it’s okay to not feel okay this season. Photo by Nicole Michal

A Quiet Place for the Mind to Breathe In the Pacific Northwest, we’re surrounded by natural beauty that invites us to slow down and breathe deeply. The mist rising through evergreens, the rhythm of ocean waves, and the quiet trails winding through moss-covered forests all offer a sense of calm that words can’t quite capture. At BrightSpire Health , we’ve seen how reconnecting with nature can play an important role in emotional healing. Whether it’s a walk along the Oregon coa

Recognizing the Signs of an Eating Disorder Early intervention can make a powerful difference. Common signs of eating disorders include: Consistent talk about dieting, calories, or body image Skipping meals or rigid food “rules” Guilt or shame after eating Noticeable weight fluctuations Withdrawal from social events involving food Fatigue, mood swings, or loss of concentration If you recognize yourself—or someone you love—in these patterns, you’re not alone. Recovery is possi

Group therapy brings people with shared goals together—guided by a licensed therapist—to learn skills, practice in real time, and feel less alone. For many concerns, it can be just as impactful as individual therapy, with the added benefit of community. What group therapy is A small group (typically 6–10 people) meets weekly for 60–90 minutes with a trained therapist. Sessions follow a clear structure—check-ins, a focused topic or skill, guided discussion, and takeaways—so yo

Finding the right therapist is one of the most important choices you’ll make for your mental health—the fit between you and your clinician is what drives progress. Still, the search can feel intimidating: endless directories, not getting a call/email returned, unfamiliar credentials, and the worry of picking “wrong.” This article breaks the process into clear, doable steps to help you define what you need, narrow the field, and walk into your first session with confidence. Th

ADHD is real and common across genders, but it often shows up differently in women than in men. Those differences can delay recognition and support, especially for girls and adult women. Why It Looks Different ADHD can look different because some signs are more visible than others. Hyperactivity and impulsivity draw attention; quiet distractibility does not. That means the “louder” version is identified sooner while the “quieter” version is easily overlooked. Social expectati

Take the First Step with Confidence Starting therapy is a big step toward caring for your mental and emotional health. It’s normal to feel a little nervous about your first session, but knowing what to expect can help you feel more at ease. Photo by Alex Green When you arrive at BrightSpire Health, you’ll be welcomed into a calm, supportive environment. Your therapist will spend the first session getting to know you—your background, what brings you in, and what goals you have