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First, a caution: Those who know me know that I’m not a fan of diagnoses or any sort of mental health label. Like me, many contemporary psychologists argue that having symptoms that align closely with a DSM diagnosis does not automatically mean that you have it, that you are mentally ill, or even that the diagnosis itself truly exists. So yes, a psychiatrist or psychologist can diagnose you, but the broader debate about the validity and limitations of DSM labels is well-recog

Discover how different types of expats—career expats, relationship expats, adventure expats, and student expats—experience unique mental health challenges. Learn how the Balance Model explains expat stress, identity shifts, and emotional struggles during international relocation.

What quietly saps your energy might surprise you. You’re “Fine”… But Something Feels Off You wake up, get through work, handle responsibilities, and socialize. On the outside, everything seems normal. Yet by evening, you feel mentally drained , emotionally flat , or physically tired. You’re not anxious, depressed, or overwhelmed — just quietly exhausted. This subtle fatigue often signals that your mind, body, and daily habits are out of balance . Understanding the hidden drai

Living abroad can affect one's sense of identity and feelings of belonging. Relocating to a new country is an exciting adventure, but it also comes with real challenges. Expats, refugees, and immigrants must navigate unfamiliar social norms, language barriers, cultural differences, and isolation - all of which affect their mental well-being. Viewing these challenges through Berry’s Acculturation Model  can shed light on how living abroad may quietly undermine happiness and ov

What is Burnout? It seems that more and more people nowadays are experiencing burnout. But what exactly is it? In this article, I will outline what burnout is and where it comes from from a positive psychotherapy perspective. Burnout is a debilitating mental state often associated with work stress. The World Health Organization (WHO)  defines burnout as a syndrome resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed. However, burnout is not limited t

Being an expat is harder than it seems Living abroad can be a deeply enriching experience, offering exposure to new cultures, languages, and ways of life. However, many expats also encounter a less-discussed but significant challenge: expat loneliness . As an expat and psychologist for expats in Greece , I often see how this form of isolation can affect mental health and overall adjustment. Drawing on insights from The Psychology of Culture Shock (Ward et al., 2001), this art

Discover how hidden self-directed anger can contribute to depression. Learn how Positive Psychotherapy helps address repressed emotions, unrealistic expectations, and inner conflict for lasting recovery

Anxiety: A Normal Human Emotion Anxiety is a natural part of being human. It helps us stay alert, prepare for challenges, and respond to potential danger. In fact, occasional anxiety in everyday life—like before an exam, job interview, or a big decision—is completely normal. But when does anxiety stop being helpful and start becoming a problem? Understanding the difference between everyday anxiety and an anxiety disorder is essential for maintaining emotional health and knowi

An exploration through the lens of Positive Psychology and Positive Psychotherapy Relationships are central to our well-being. When they are healthy, they provide support, joy, and a sense of connection. But when a relationship becomes toxic, it can quietly erode our self-worth, increase stress levels, and even impact our physical and mental health. Recognizing the signs is the first step toward healing—and possibly, toward reclaiming your emotional space. What Is a Toxic Rel

Self-esteem is not static, it can be improved by using strategies backed by positive psychology. Self-esteem is the lens through which we view ourselves—our sense of self-worth and value. When our self-esteem is healthy, we’re better able to manage life’s challenges, maintain fulfilling relationships, and pursue our goals with confidence. However, for many people, self-esteem can fluctuate or remain chronically low, often shaped by past experiences, internalized beliefs, and

Is it normal to be anxious? Positive Psychotherapy says it is not only normal, but healthy. Anxiety is a natural reaction to situations we see as challenging or threatening. While many people today think of anxiety as something bad, it actually serves an important purpose. It’s a built-in response that helps us face and manage difficulties in life. In positive psychotherapy, we believe that all of our traits—even the uncomfortable ones—have a reason for being there. Anxiety i