Can communication skills be learned? Starting the Year by Improving Communication

Many people begin the year wanting to “feel better,”
but without examining how they communicate in their relationships.

Communication is a central pillar of mental health.
Unresolved tension, misunderstandings, and emotional defensiveness create chronic stress.

Does emotional validation spoil children?
No. Research shows it supports emotional development.The start of the year can also be emotionally demanding for children and adolescents.
Changes in routine, academic expectations, and emotional carryover from the previous year can affect their regulation.

Real Personal Growth: Three Mental Health Questions to Start the Year

Personal growth is often confused with self-demand.
But real growth starts with self-awareness, not self-criticism.

Society taught men to be strong by staying silent.
But silence comes with a psychological cost: depression, irritability, addiction, and emotional disconnection.

Supporting someone with obesity isn't about diets or advice — it’s about emotional safety.
Weight struggles are deeply connected to stress, shame, sleep, trauma, and mental health.

What Is Emotional Fatigue?

Emotional fatigue is a prolonged state of mental overload caused by stress, caretaking, excessive responsibility, or long periods of emotional suppression.

Adolescence is a stage full of emotional and identity changes. Many parents feel frustrated because their teenagers seem to shut down or answer only with one-word responses.
The challenge isn’t to force conversations, but rather to create safe spaces where dialogue can flow naturally.

This exercise helps improve communication, reinforce the positive aspects of the relationship, and create a weekly space for mutual recognition.

Every May, the world comes together to recognize Mental Health Awareness Month, a powerful reminder of the importance of caring for our minds, emotions, and relationships. But there’s still a common misconception: that therapy is only for moments of crisis, diagnosis, or breakdown.