hugging anxiety

let's make mental health healthy

  • why you might feel worse before you feel better on lexapro

    why you might feel worse before you feel better on lexapro

    starting lexapro can feel like stepping into a storm before you find the calm. if you’re reading this while struggling through those first few weeks of taking this medication, or if you’ve just increased your dose and feel like everything is falling apart, i want you to know that what you’re experiencing is not only normal but often a sign that the medication is beginning to work.

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  • what does a lexapro headache feel like? understanding this common side effect

    what does a lexapro headache feel like? understanding this common side effect

    lexapro (escitalopram) is a widely prescribed selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (ssri) used to treat depression and anxiety disorders. while effective for many people, it can cause various side effects, with headaches being among the most commonly reported. if you’re experiencing headaches while taking lexapro, understanding what to expect can help you manage this side effect and communicate effectively with your healthcare provider.

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  • starting lexapro: a guide to its side effects

    starting lexapro: a guide to its side effects

    if you’re thinking about starting lexapro (escitalopram), you might be wondering what it’s going to feel like. lexapro is a medication often prescribed for depression and anxiety, working by balancing serotonin in your brain to lift your mood and calm racing thoughts. it’s generally well-tolerated, but like any new med, it can come with some side effects as your body gets used to it. the good news is that most of these are temporary, and before long, you’re likely to feel a lot better. let’s walk through what you might experience and what to keep in mind, in a way that feels like a chat with a friend who’s been there.

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  • two months with lexapro

    two months with lexapro

    well, things have changed. while my first month was pretty smooth, around the sixth week i started to feel bad. the anxiety was intense, i didn’t enjoy any moment, and overall my mood was quite low.

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  • understanding HALT: a simple tool for managing mental health

    understanding HALT: a simple tool for managing mental health

    if you’ve ever found yourself spiraling into a funk—feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or just off—you’re not alone. sometimes, the root of our mental health struggles can be traced back to some surprisingly basic needs. that’s where HALT comes in—a super simple, yet powerful, way to check in with yourself and manage your mental well-being. it stands for Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired, and it’s like a little mental health compass to help you pause, reflect, and take care of yourself.

    so, let’s dive into what HALT is, how it works, and how it can help you navigate those tough moments with a little more kindness and clarity.

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  • how lexapro can impact your daily productivity

    how lexapro can impact your daily productivity

    it’s totally normal to wonder how something like lexapro might shape your everyday rhythm—especially when productivity feels like both a goal and a struggle. whether you’re navigating work, parenting, school, or just trying to get through your to-do list without feeling like you’re climbing a mountain in flip-flops, the thought naturally pops up: will this medication help me feel more like myself? more capable? more focused?

    let’s talk about it—honestly, gently, and without judgment.

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  • caffeine and anxiety: what you need to know before your next cup

    caffeine and anxiety: what you need to know before your next cup

    let’s be honest: for a lot of us, caffeine is practically a love language. it’s how we start the day, power through the afternoon, or even celebrate a little “me time” with a frothy latte or a square of dark chocolate. it’s everywhere—at home, in the office, at the gym. and it’s hard to blame anyone. after all, caffeine is known for making us feel more alert, focused, and just a little more ready to deal with… everything.

    but here’s the twist: if you’re someone who struggles with anxiety, caffeine might be quietly adding fuel to the fire.

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  • lexapro nightmares vs vivid dreams: what’s normal and what’s not?

    lexapro nightmares vs vivid dreams: what’s normal and what’s not?

    you know that feeling — you’re finally doing something good for your mental health. you’ve seen the doctor, started lexapro, and maybe for the first time in a while, there’s a little bit of hope in the mix. but then… the nights get weird. dreams get longer, louder, and sometimes downright terrifying. it’s jarring. you wake up wondering, wait — was that even real?

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  • lexapro and creativity: does it dull the spark or help it burn brighter?

    lexapro and creativity: does it dull the spark or help it burn brighter?

    creativity is a tricky thing. it’s not just about talent or technique — it’s often tangled up with how we feel. our highs, our lows, our quiet days and electric nights. so when something shifts that emotional rhythm, like starting a medication, it’s natural to ask… what now?

    if you’re on lexapro — or thinking about it — and wondering what it might do to your creativity, you’re not alone. and you’re not being dramatic or paranoid. it’s a real, honest question that deserves space and care.

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  • first month with lexapro

    first month with lexapro

    okay, it’s been about six weeks since i started my journey with lexapro, and overall, it’s going pretty well.

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