Even if you are not a parent of a teenager, you are probably familiar with the stereotype of the sullen, angsty teenager. Adolescence is a period of development that is often characterized by mood swings, angry outbursts, and a confusing mix of physical maturity and emotional underdevelopment. But what exactly is teenage angst, and what causes it? How do you deal with angst, either as a teen or a parent of one? And when do you know when a teen’s behavior is normal angst and when it is cause for concern?

In our new blog series, we interview people about their personal mental health struggles, self-discovery, and healing. We hope that in their collective wisdom, you will discover something that resonates with you. People like A Tru Lady serve as brave reminders that we are more alike than different and that every one of us has a story of empowerment to share. — Written by Lindsay Schwartz — Fact-checked by Dr. Christian F.

Every day, we are exposed to hundreds of photo-shopped and airbrushed images. In a culture that places a high value on appearance, it’s easy to feel like we don’t measure up. Most of us are self-conscious about at least one body part. For many people, it’s their skin. Luckily, there is the new skin positivity movement. — Written by Lindsay Schwartz — Fact-checked by Dr. Christian F Much like body positivity, skin positivity is about accepting your skin just as it is, instead of trying to “fix” it with myriad products or procedures. Because your happiness shouldn’t hinge on impossible-to-achieve beauty standards!

Anxiety is typically considered a negative emotion. After all, nothing feels positive about a pit in your stomach or your heart beating out of your chest. But what if you could harness anxiety for greater motivation, self-awareness, and productivity? Research shows that some anxiety is adaptive, and by changing your relationship with anxiety, you are less likely to suffer its negative effects. — Written by Lindsay Schwartz, Fact-checked by Dr. Christian F

In a world in which we are constantly bombarded by idealized images on social media and advertisements, it is easy to feel inadequate. We are often our own worst critics, ruthlessly judging our perceived flaws or berating ourselves for the slightest mistake. If you are wondering, “Why am I so hard on myself,” it may comfort you to know that many people struggle with self-criticism. — People often have the misconception that they can bully themselves into doing better. But just as a bullied child is unlikely to thrive, being hard on yourself leads to less motivation and greater anxiety and depression. If you are looking to silence your inner-critic, here are some things to consider.

Independence is generally considered a positive characteristic. But like any personality trait, independence falls on a spectrum. — Written by Lindsay Schwartz — Fact-checked by Dr. Christian F Some people do very few things for themselves, and some are hyper-independent, priding themselves on needing no one. As with many things, the optimum lies in the middle. Some self-sufficiency is important, but human beings are interdependent by nature. Everyone…

Empathy, defined as the ability to understand and share the feelings of others, allows us to connect with and provide comfort to one another. With the exception of psychopaths, all humans are capable of empathy. But like most traits, empathy occurs on a spectrum, with some people being more empathic than others. — People with high levels of empathy are called empaths. There are many triggers for empaths, but by learning what to avoid and how to practice self-care, empaths can protect themselves from emotional burnout.

There is an iconic scene in the 1988 movie Beaches in which Hillary, who is dying from viral cardiomyopathy, searches frantically for a photo of her mother’s hands. “I can’t remember her hands!” Hillary says to her best friend, CC. CC helps Hillary find the photo, then comforts her by saying, “I know everything there is to know about you, and my memory is long.” As CC walks away, Hillary whispers, “I’m counting on it.”