Medens Health

How Are You Coping? A Look at Healthy vs. Unhealthy Coping Strategies

We all have our ways of getting through hard moments, but not all coping strategies are created equal. Some help us regulate our emotions and bounce back stronger. Others might offer quick relief but end up making things worse in the long run. And most of us, without realizing it, use a mix of both.

Erin Kerns Vazquez

April 10, 2025

Self Care Deep Dive

Effective self-care isn’t just an occasional treat—it’s a daily practice. It’s about how you take care of your body, your emotional health, your relationships, your sense of purpose, and your boundaries at work or school. And the truth is, we often let our self-care slip when life gets overwhelming… which is when we need it most.

Erin Kerns Vazquez

April 3, 2025

When Do Triggers Cross the Line? Understanding Personal Responsibility in Healing

Emotional triggers are a natural part of being human. When we experience something that reminds us of past pain or trauma, it can activate an intense emotional reaction—sometimes one that feels overwhelming. But what happens when our response to triggers starts to shift from managing our own reactions to expecting others to change their behavior to avoid triggering us?

Erin Kerns Vazquez

March 6, 2025

What to Do When You’re Being Invalidated

Have you ever opened up about something important to you, only to hear “You’re too sensitive,” “That’s not a big deal,” or “You’re overreacting”? If so, you’ve experienced invalidation—when someone dismisses, minimizes, or rejects your feelings instead of acknowledging them.

Erin Kerns Vazquez

February 27, 2025

Living on the Outside: When Someone Cuts You Out of Their Life

Few things are as painful and confusing as realizing someone you care about has cut you out of their life. Whether it’s a friend, family member, or romantic partner, being shut out with little or no explanation can leave you feeling lost, hurt, and searching for answers.

Erin Kerns Vazquez

February 20, 2025

Intuition vs. Anxiety: How to Know the Difference

Both intuition and anxiety can send strong emotional signals, and if you have a history of overthinking or past trauma, it can be even harder to know which one to trust. If you’ve ever wondered whether to trust your gut or challenge your thoughts, this guide is for you.

Erin Kerns Vazquez

February 13, 2025

How to Break Free From Guilt and Shame

Have you ever replayed a mistake over and over in your mind, feeling like you can’t move past it? Or maybe you’ve caught yourself thinking, “I’m such a failure” after something goes wrong. These feelings are familiar to many people, and they fall into two distinct categories—guilt and shame. Many people carry these heavy emotions long after the moment has passed, leading to anxiety, depression, and self-doubt.

Erin Kerns Vazquez

January 30, 2025

Giving Change a Chance

Whether it’s finding a new job, leaving a toxic relationship, or even switching up your daily routine, the thought of change can feel overwhelming—or even impossible. Here’s a comforting truth: you’re not alone. Humans are wired to resist change.

Erin Kerns Vazquez

January 9, 2025