Blog
This blog shares articles on anxiety, life transitions, trauma, burnout, and stress, written by Louisville psychologist Dr. Katie DeShields. These posts are meant to offer clarity, context, and reassurance for people who want to better understand what they’re experiencing.
When Your Parent’s Approval Became Your Survival: Growing Up With a Narcissistic Parent and Anxiety
You're in a meeting at work. You've done good work. Solid project, on time, thoughtful execution. But instead of feeling accomplished, you're scanning your boss's face for disapproval. Did you miss something? Are they disappointed? Your chest tightens. Later, a friend...
Why You Struggle With Change: Your Childhood Blueprint
You've probably noticed that some people roll with life changes while others spiral. Some need every detail planned before moving forward; others jump without looking. These aren't personality quirks. They're patterns that were learned early, reinforced over time, and...
Burned Out and Wired: Understanding the Anxiety-Burnout Cycle
You fall into bed exhausted, but your mind won't stop. You replay conversations, mentally review tomorrow's to-do list, or lie awake thinking about everything you didn't get done. Your body is drained, but your brain refuses to quiet down. Or maybe you finally take a...
Why You Can’t Stop Replaying Conversations (And What It’s Really About)
You said something in a conversation earlier today (maybe hours ago, maybe just minutes) and now you can't stop thinking about it. You replay the exact words you used. The tone of your voice. The look on their face when you said it. Did it come out wrong? Did you...
The Grief in “Good” Transitions: Why You Might Feel Sad, Lost, or Guilty During Changes You Actually Wanted
You finally got the job offer you've been working toward for years. The salary is better, the title is impressive, your family is proud. You should be celebrating. Instead, you're sitting in your current office on your last day, feeling unexpectedly hollow. Maybe even...
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