Anger is one of the most misunderstood emotions. Many people are taught to either suppress it (“don’t get angry”) or express it explosively (yelling, arguing, shutting down). But neither approach is actually healthy—or sustainable.
Many people carry what’s known as the mental load: the invisible, ongoing effort of planning, organizing, remembering, and anticipating everything that keeps life running. While it often goes unnoticed, this type of labor has real psychological effects—including stress, burnout, and relationship strain.
In my work as a therapist, I often hear clients describe feeling “run down,” constantly fatigued, or getting sick more often during stressful periods of life. What many don’t realize is this: Stress doesn’t just affect your mood—it directly impacts your immune system.
You may have heard the term “empath” used to describe someone who feels things deeply—but what does it actually mean? An empath is someone who is highly attuned to the emotions of others, often experiencing those emotions almost as if they were their own. It is not a formal psychological diagnosis, instead, it’s a popular term used to describe people with heightened empathy and emotional sensitivity.