As a Therapist, one of the most common struggles I see in families is not a lack of love, but misunderstood intentions.

Parents often come into therapy saying,“I just want to protect my child.”

Teenagers come in saying,“I just want to be understood.”

The goal is the same.The emotional language is different.

Have you ever caught yourself thinking, “I’m tired of being nice”?

Not because you want to be rude.Not because you’ve suddenly become selfish.But because you’re exhausted—emotionally, mentally, and sometimes physically—from constantly adjusting to others.

If this resonates with you, you’re not alone.

Many people silently struggle with the pressure to be agreeable, understanding, and pleasant, even when they’re hurting inside. This blog will help you understand why this happens and offer practical steps to reclaim your emotional energy, grounded in psychological insights and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).

Many people ask, “What’s the difference between being selfish and loving myself? Aren’t they both about choosing myself?”It’s a genuine question—especially for those who grew up prioritizing others, suppressing their needs, or equating sacrifice with love.

But the truth is this:Selfishness and self-love are not the same—and confusing them can deeply affect our relationships and emotional well-being.

The Christmas season is often called “the most wonderful time of the year.” But for many Filipino families, it can also become the most stressful. Between reunions, gift-giving, travel, and financial pressures, the joy of the season can easily be replaced with anxiety and exhaustion.

As a mental health counselor and family therapist, I’ve often heard this phrase from clients:

“I love Christmas, but sometimes, I just want it to be over.”

Why does something meant to bring happiness and connection end up draining us instead? Let’s explore the psychology behind this holiday tension — and how we can bring back the true joy of the season.

From a mental health perspective, small gestures activate feelings of calm and connection in the brain. They release oxytocin — the “love hormone” — which strengthens trust and emotional intimacy.

When we focus on showing love in small ways, we’re telling our partners and families:

“I see you. You matter.”

It’s not about perfection; it’s about presence. You don’t have to plan a big surprise to make someone feel special. Sometimes, the way you listen, smile, or remember their favorite snack says more than any grand gesture could.

In marriage, it’s easy to spot what’s missing. The undone chores. The tone of voice. The things your spouse forgot again. But here’s a gentle truth — constant criticism can dry up intimacy faster than silence ever could.

So many couples drift apart not because they stopped loving each other, but because they stopped appreciating each other. We get used to the good and only react to the bad. But love grows where acknowledgment lives.

Sometimes, we wait for something big to happen before we say thank you. We think gratitude is reserved for milestones — a promotion, a dream vacation, or a major answered prayer. But in truth, joy grows when we start noticing the little things — like someone washing the dishes, sending a kind text, or making you coffee in the morning.

When we pause to be grateful, our hearts shift. Gratitude softens frustration, lightens our emotional load, and opens space for love to flow again. Studies show that expressing gratitude increases serotonin and dopamine — the “happy” hormones that help us feel calm, connected, and content. In short, gratitude heals not only relationships but also our minds.

Let’s be honest — money affects almost every part of our lives. Whether you’re a mom trying to stretch the grocery budget, a student worried about tuition, or a professional balancing bills and deadlines, financial stress is something we all face.

But have you ever noticed how financial problems can change your mood, your sleep, even your patience with your family? That’s because money stress doesn’t stay in your wallet — it travels to your brain and body.

In a world that never stops — deadlines, responsibilities, and expectations coming from all sides — it’s easy to forget what “rest” really feels like. We tell ourselves, “I’ll slow down when things get better,” but somehow, that day never comes.

What if healing doesn’t always require a grand plan or a long vacation?What if sometimes, it begins with something as simple as painting, journaling, gardening, or baking?

As a mental health counselor, I’ve seen how hobbies can play a crucial role in restoring emotional balance. They are not just “extra activities” — they are gentle bridges toward healing.

We often hear about anxiety, mental health, and social media. But behind these headlines are deeper, quieter pressures that Gen Z faces every day—pressures that often go unnoticed.

Whether you are a parent, guardian, teacher, or part of Gen Z yourself, understanding these hidden struggles can create stronger bridges of support and empathy. Let’s take a closer look.

Have you ever walked into a room full of laughter, conversations, and activity, yet felt completely alone? Many of us—whether as mothers, professionals, or even students—have experienced this quiet ache. Loneliness in a crowded room is not uncommon, and it reveals something deeper than simply being “around people.”

Have you ever asked yourself, “Why am I anxious when everything seems fine?” You’re not alone. Many mothers, students, and young professionals share this experience. Anxiety can show up even when life is relatively calm. But why does this happen—and what can we do about it?

Rest. Such a simple word, pero bakit parang ang hirap gawin without feeling guilty? For many young professionals and moms, resting feels like a luxury—something you have to earn only after you’ve ticked off everything on your endless to-do list.

But here’s the truth: rest is not laziness. Rest is part of survival, healing, and even productivity.

In Filipino culture, it’s common to hear questions like “Kailan ka mag-aasawa?” or “Bakit single ka pa?” As if being single is something that needs fixing. The pressure is real, especially in family gatherings where marriage and relationships are seen as markers of success.

But here’s the truth: being single is not a weakness or a waiting room. It’s a season of strength and preparation.

On August 6, 2025, USA TODAY published an article by Amaris Encinas titled “It’s not you, it’s me. ChatGPT doesn’t want to be your therapist or friend.” The piece highlighted OpenAI’s intentional stance: ChatGPT is not designed to serve as a mental health provider or to substitute for genuine human connection. Instead, it is a tool—one that can help with information, guidance, or even light emotional support, but never as a replacement for therapy or friendship.

This raises an important question: What does this mean for people who rely on chatbots for emotional connection, especially in cultures where mental health stigma remains strong, such as in the Philippines?

In this episode, we dive into the viral statement of actress Liza Soberano: “Mind your f**ing business.” At first, it may sound harsh and rebellious, pero when you look deeper, it’s a raw expression of the pressure, judgment, and expectations she constantly faces.

As a parent and a Christian, I share my reflections on how her words echo a deeper cry for space — the right to live her own story. We’ll talk about what it means to respect boundaries, both for ourselves and our children, and why the Bible reminds us in 1 Thessalonians 4:11 to “make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your hands.”

Join me as we explore how Liza’s bold words open up a bigger conversation on mental health, family, and faith — and why sometimes, “minding your own business” is exactly what love looks like.

In today’s digital age, self-esteem is no longer shaped solely by mirrors or magazines—it’s shaped by screens. And perhaps nowhere is this more evident than on TikTok.

What used to be a fun platform for dance videos and silly trends has evolved into a powerful force shaping how young people see themselves. While it can be a space for creativity and connection, it can also distort our perceptions of beauty, self-worth, and identity—especially for adolescents.

As a therapist working with teens and families, I see firsthand how TikTok impacts mental health. This blog is a reflection of those experiences and offers insight into how we can respond—with wisdom, compassion, and hope.

In many Filipino households, academic excellence is seen as the golden ticket to a better future. From the time we’re little, we’re told:

“Mag-aral kang mabuti, yan lang ang puhunan mo sa buhay.”“Top 1 ka ulit ha — para kay mama at papa.”“Walang cellphone pag mababa ang grades.”

Sound familiar?

These words come from a place of love. Our parents, many of whom had fewer opportunities, believe that education is the way up and out. But in the process, school pressure and academic anxiety have become an emotional burden for many Filipino students.

Let’s talk about that — and more importantly, let’s talk about why your grades don’t define your worth.

Talking to your parents about mental health can feel intimidating—especially when you grew up in a traditional Filipino household.

Many teens today are becoming more aware of their mental well-being. But just because you understand what anxiety or depression is doesn’t mean your parents do. In fact, in many Filipino families, the topic of mental health is rarely discussed or even misunderstood.

So how do you begin that conversation?

Let’s walk through this together—with practical tips and examples you can use right away.

These days, almost all of us are on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, or Twitter — sometimes all at once. For parents, we stay online to keep track of the kids. For wives, it’s a way to find inspiration or relax. For young professionals, it’s often part of work and networking.

But sometimes, without realizing it, our mental health starts to take the hit. Sound familiar? Let’s talk about whether social media is really helping us — or harming us — and how we can use it more mindfully.