The transition to college marks a significant developmental milestone. For most young adults, it represents independence, opportunity, and growth. However, for those with a history of eating disorders, this period is also a time of heightened risk. Clinical experience and research both underscore that times of major transition—including starting college—are associated with a high risk of relapse in individuals recovering from an eating disorder.

Night Eating Syndrome (NES) is a complex eating disorder that bridges disordered eating, sleep disturbance, and mood dysregulation. First described in the 1950s, NES is characterized by a delayed pattern of food intake, with individuals consuming a significant portion of their daily calories in the evening or during nighttime awakenings. Although once considered rare, recent studies show NES may affect up to 1.5% of the general population and as much as 8-14% of individuals with obesity.

In a world saturated with diet culture, food rules, and body image pressures, raising children who feel confident in their bodies and have a healthy relationship with food is both more challenging—and more important—than ever. As a parent or caregiver, your influence on your child’s eating habits and self-perception is powerful. The good news? You don’t need to be perfect. You just need a few core strategies, some awareness of common pitfalls, and a willingness to model the kind of relationship with food you hope your child will one day embody.

Teens and young adults who reduced their social media use by 50% for just a few weeks saw significant improvement in how they felt about both their weight and their overall appearance compared with peers who maintained consistent levels of social media use, according to research published by the American Psychological Association.

This short quiz will help you assess where your self-worth currently stands and identify areas for growth. Answer each question honestly, choosing the option that best reflects your typical thoughts and behaviors.

Self-worth is the inherent sense of value and dignity that a person holds about themselves, independent of external achievements or appearance. It is the deep understanding that one is worthy of love, respect, and belonging simply by being human, rather than being contingent on success, approval, or physical attributes.

In recent years, gratitude has moved beyond a sentimental notion reserved for Thanksgiving dinner and has become a scientifically validated practice for enhancing mental and physical health. From improving mood to supporting longevity, research underscores the transformative power of cultivating gratitude in our daily lives.

Adolescents’ brains are still developing, particularly in areas related to impulse control, decision-making, and emotional regulation. Social media platforms are designed to be addictive, leveraging algorithms that reward frequent use and emotional engagement. This blog post offers tips and tricks to parents to navigate how to support their teen’s social media use and mental health.

Navigating the holidays with a loved one recovering from an eating disorder can be challenging, but with thoughtful planning and support, this season can also be a time for meaningful connection. Here are ways to support your loved one as they work through recovery and experience the holidays with you.

The reintroduction of exercise in recovery requires careful, structured planning, emphasizing a focus on both physical safety and mental well-being. In this post, we’ll discuss the risks associated with exercise during recovery, when it’s appropriate to begin reintroducing movement, and how a step-by-step process can best support sustainable recovery.

Depression can feel like a heavy cloud that never lifts, leaving you isolated and overwhelmed. But here's the good news: recovery is possible, and small steps can lead to big changes. Whether you're struggling to get out of bed, find joy in the things you used to love, or simply make it through the day, you're not alone—and there are real, practical strategies that can help. In this post, we'll explore 10 powerful ways to support yourself on the path to healing, reminding you that even in the darkest moments, hope is always within reach.

September is National Suicide Prevention Month, a time to recognize the importance of mental health care and the power of connection. Suicide can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background, and it’s often the result of untreated or poorly managed mental health struggles. This month, we emphasize the significance of reaching out—to friends, family, or professionals—if you or someone you know is struggling.

Self-esteem plays a crucial role in adolescent development, influencing emotional well-being, academic success, social interactions, and long-term mental health. This post explores practical ways teens can build self-esteem and offers guidance for parents to support their journey.

Pretty privilege can be harmful regardless of where you are on the spectrum of attractiveness. It speaks to the importance of fostering a culture that values diversity and inclusivity of all people.

Experiences associated with the Asian American diaspora and acculturative stress uniquely impact Asian American women, particularly in terms of body image and eating habits. 

We as humans feel the need to assess our own characteristics and abilities, which we do by comparing ourselves to others. When we perceive an unfavorable difference between ourselves and others, we become motivated to adjust ourselves to minimize this difference. Social comparison can have an impact on our self-esteem, identities, and mental health.

In today's fast-paced world, prioritizing mental wellness has never been more crucial. Often, we focus on our mental health only when we're already feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or down. However, mental wellness isn't just about crisis management—it's about cultivating a daily practice that lifts our spirits, strengthens our resilience, and enriches our overall quality of life.

Body image dissatisfaction hasn’t always been a hallmark of the American population. Sure, our work is cut out for us to create a paradigm shift towards healthy body image, but it’s not an impossible feat. Understanding the impact of negative body image, the contributing factors, and effective strategies for prevention and treatment can help parents raise confident and resilient children.

Embracing Wellness: The Health at Every Size® Revolution — Cypress Wellness Collective