Upstream Blog
Learnings, teachings, and practical strategies for anyone navigating everyday challenges and working toward finding more joy.
Why Can't I Focus? Anxiety, ADHD, and the Overwhelmed College Student
Struggling to focus in college or graduate school? Learn how ADHD, anxiety, overwhelm, and burnout can affect attention and procrastination, and how therapy can help. Upstream Mental Health offers identity-affirming therapy in Boston and Massachusetts.
Is Everyone Else Doing Better Than Me? Comparison, Anxiety, and Academic Self-Worth
Feel like everyone else is doing better than you in college, graduate school, or your career? Learn how comparison, anxiety, and academic self-worth can become intertwined and how therapy can help.
What if it all works out? Why we assume often the worst case scenario.
Why does anxiety make us assume the worst? Learn how curiosity, psychological flexibility, and therapy can help create space for possibilities beyond catastrophic thinking. Upstream Mental Health offers identity-affirming anxiety therapy in Massachusetts.
The Cost of Being “High-Achieving” in Systems That Weren’t Built for You
Being “high-achieving” might have gotten you here, but it doesn’t have to be the only way you know how to live. Society often rewards achievement, but there can be a cost. Read our blog to learn more about the complexities and hidden stressors of being “high-achieving” and how to get support.
“Who Am I Outside of What’s Expected of Me?” Navigating Identity, Expectations, & Social Justice
Society often places expectations on who we should be and what’s expected of us. But, the more we notice systems and our environment, the more flexibility we have. When our awareness increases, so does our complexity. If you’re going through a life transition or identity development, check out this post.
Why Relationships Can Feel So Hard, Even When You Care About People
Relationships are one of the most complex parts of being human, so it makes sense that they don’t always feel easy! Read our blog post to learn about why relationships can ebb and flow, and what can help.
The Subtle Ways Burnout Gets Rewarded (and Why That Makes It Hard to Change)
Burnout can affect us in subtle and not-so-subtle ways. For many high-achieving folks, burnout seems like a natural part of the cycle, but it doesn’t have to be that way! Learn how to break out of the burnout cycle and separate your worth from your productivity.
Why Suppressing Your Emotions Doesn’t Work
Suppressing emotions often doesn’t work the way we hope it will - learn about the “beach ball” metaphor and alternative skills to help handle difficult emotions.
Why Summer Is Actually the Best Time to Start Therapy
Despite having a reputation for the happiest, most easeful time of the year, summer can be one of the best times to start therapy - learn why.
Why “Touching Grass” Just Might Be Onto Something, According to Science
Learn why “touching grass” might actually be just what your body and brain need to manage stress, anxiety, and burnout.
Perfectionism Is Exhausting—Here’s How to Loosen Its Grip
See why perfectionism is more than just about standards. Many things can contribute to perfectionism - learn what they are and how to manage them here.
Why You Feel So Tired All the Time (Even When You’re Doing Everything “Right”)
Exhaustion and fatigue are not something you have to suffer through! Learn about how sleep is not the only factor that contributes to exhaustion, particularly as a student, young adult, or professional.
How to Know If You’re Burnt Out & What to Do About It
Feeling burnt out from your job, role, or responsibilities? Learn the signs of burnout and what actually helps.
ADHD and “Why Can’t I Just Do It?”
ADHD can be challenging, but it also comes with strengths! Learn how to navigate common stuck points with ADHD through these tips.
What is Culturally Responsive Therapy—and Why It Matters More Than Ever
Looking for culturally responsive therapy in Massachusetts? Learn how culturally informed therapy can support racial identity, trauma, and mental health for BIPOC individuals and folks across a range of identities.
Why Do I Feel Overwhelmed All the Time as a Young Adult?
Feeling overwhelmed all the time as a young adult? Learn why it happens and how therapy in Massachusetts can help you manage stress, anxiety, and burnout.
Am I Overthinking…Or Am I Responding to A Lot?
Struggling with overthinking? Learn how therapy for overthinking in Massachusetts can help you manage anxiety, reduce mental loops, and feel more grounded.
The Power of Gratitude: Simple Daily Practices to Support Your Well-Being
A warm, grounded guide to practicing gratitude. Learn simple, realistic ways to boost emotional well-being and reduce stress from Boston-based Upstream Mental Health.
Do I Need Therapy or Am I Just Overthinking? Signs It’s Time to Reach Out
Overthinking can feel like second nature, especially for students and professionals juggling high expectations, uncertainty, and mental load. But what if that spiral of indecision, constant replaying of conversations, or emotional fatigue isn’t “just how you are”?
How to Slow Down Time: Increasing Novelty and Creativity in Your Life
For the last few years, I’ve been quietly fascinated by how time feels like it speeds up as we get older. Not in the cliché way people say it at birthdays—but in a deeper, almost existential way.