Blog
Can You Get Rid of Your Fears and Anxieties? How to Get Better at Managing Them
Anxiety is one of the most common mental health conditions across the world. But, it’s also very manageable. It’s important to note that anxiety doesn’t typically go away on its own. Many people think they can power their way through it, or ignore their fears and...
Stress vs. Anxiety: What’s the Difference?
Anxiety is one of the most common health conditions across the world. Everyone experiences stress. But, the two aren’t exactly the same. Understanding the differences between stress and anxiety, as well as where they intersect, can help you make more positive choices...
How to Stop Shame from Blocking Your Depression Recovery
Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions across the world. In recent years, stigmas surrounding it have started to fade and weaken. Unfortunately, they do still exist. Sometimes, they even exist within ourselves, when we’re the ones struggling. If...
5 Tips to Consider if Your Workplace Environment Has You Depressed
Do you dread going to work every day? Maybe you’re frustrated with your manager. You’re tired of dealing with the burden of unrealistic expectations. And you feel like no matter how hard you work, they can always find something wrong with your performance. Or perhaps...
How College Students Can Manage Anxiety as They Head Back To School
As fall approaches, many college students are getting ready to head back to school. And whether it’s your freshman year or your senior year, you’ve got a lot on your plate. You’re worried about balancing all of your coursework, you’re stressed about getting the...
How Our Brains Adapt to Depression and What It Means
Some people will dismiss the symptoms of depression by telling someone who is suffering from this condition that “It’s all in your head.” But people who struggle with depression are not making up their symptoms. Depression is a real condition, and the effects can be...
Manage Your Post-Pandemic Anxiety with These Helpful Tips
Did you find that your mental health was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic? Many people struggled with a variety of stressors throughout the pandemic. Essential workers had to risk exposure to the virus daily. Many parents had to learn how to support their children...
How Practicing Mindfulness Can Give Your Better Control Over Your Anxiety
Have you been trying to manage your anxiety without much success? While habit and lifestyle changes aren’t necessarily a cure for anxiety, certain practices can help. Practicing mindfulness can often alleviate symptoms of anxiety. Whether you want to meditate or try...
Why Couples Therapy Is Just as Effective During Happy Times as It Is During Crisis
If your relationship isn’t experiencing difficulties right now, you may wonder why in the world you’d go to couples therapy. After all, isn’t that only for the tough times? Chances are couples therapy isn’t even on your radar if things are going well. But before you...
PTSD and Its Physical Effects: What to Know
Whether you’re newly diagnosed with PTSD or have been living with it for some time, its physical effects can be confusing. People often assume that PTSD and other anxiety issues are “only in the head.” But PTSD and other anxiety disorders affect the entire person. The...
About Olja Haglund
I’m Olja Haglund, a licensed master social worker (LMSW) and certified advanced alcohol and drug counselor (CAADC) in Grand Rapids, MI. I partner with clients to achieve specific goals, make changes, and develop coping skills that make life easier to live authentically.