Nida Temaj Nida Temaj

Women’s Pain: Living with Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory disease in which tissue similar to the endometrium (the lining of the uterus) grows outside the uterus, commonly on the ovaries, pelvic nerves, bowel or bladder (Zondervan et al., 2020). Because this tissue still responds to hormonal cycles, it swells and bleeds each month in places where bleeding cannot be physiologically resolved.

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Tuğçe Özdemir Tuğçe Özdemir

The Paradox of Choice: Decision Fatigue and Mental Health

We live in an era where choice is celebrated as the ultimate freedom. From hundreds of TV channels to customizable everything like phones, cars, even coffee orders. Society tells us more options equal better lives. But psychologist Barry Schwartz challenged this in his 2004 book, The Paradox of Choice: Why More Is Less, arguing that an overabundance of choices can actually increase anxiety and dissatisfaction (Schwartz, 2004). In his TED Talk, Schwartz explains how too many options force us to become "maximizers," always hunting for the absolute best, which leads to regret and what-if scenarios rather than contentment (Schwartz, 2006).

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Laura Andrea Torres Martínez Laura Andrea Torres Martínez

Burnout Culture and the Fear of Rest

Have you had weeks and weeks where you’re juggling work, projects, hobbies, social life, exercise, healthy eating, and sleep all while trying not to lose your mind? Sometimes, cloning yourself seems more viable than letting go of tasks to have a balanced life.

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Rashko Angelinov Rashko Angelinov

We Need To Talk: Why Men Struggle to Talk ABout Emotions

Whatever the cause for men’s difficulty in expressing emotions, it is the way that we are socialized which sits at the root (Nordin et al., 2024). Social norms, passed on decade after decade, have shaped the fear and shame associated with being vulnerable, crying and opening up about how we feel (Wagner & Reifegerste, 2024). The problem is, if we refuse to share how we feel with others, we can barely expect them to know if we are truly doing well. Men cannot call for support if we do not communicate. Eventually, this lack of disclosure and the resulting disconnection can leave us stuck by ourselves, isolated from our friends, family and partners, which is place closely linked to loneliness and even increased suicide risk (Bennett et al., 2024).

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Tuğçe Özdemir Tuğçe Özdemir

The Quiet Power of Community: Mental Health, Migration & Belonging

Many immigrants find themselves in unexpected mental states as a result of the significant differences between the culture of their home country and the culture of the host country. This difficulty is particularly evident in migrations between the Middle East and Europe. In social psychology, these significant differences are referred to as collectivist culture vs. individualist culture. After the initial culture shock caused by this difference, some people may be left with a lingering feeling. A feeling of not belonging.

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Laura Andrea Torres Martínez Laura Andrea Torres Martínez

Men, Emotions and the Silence Between

Let’s talk about Gender Roles and Mental Health: A few years ago, the brother of a close friend of mine committed suicide. He wasn’t even 30. The news was devastating. But what’s even more shocking? The numbers: In 2021, there were around 746,000 suicide deaths worldwide. 519,000 were men, compared to 227,000 women (Weaver, 2025). In other words, 7 out of every 10 people who die by suicide are men. 

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Tuğçe Özdemir Tuğçe Özdemir

Stress Isn’t Silent: April’s Call to Open Up

April rolls around every year as Stress Awareness Month and it’s like a big, friendly nudge to open up, talk about it and remind each other that we’re in this together. So, let’s dig into why this matters, what’s fueling all this stress, how it sneaks into every corner of our lives and most importantly how we can push back, one small step at a time.

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Tuğçe Özdemir Tuğçe Özdemir

Autism Unraveled: The Conversation Continues Beyond April 2

Launched by the United Nations in 2007, it’s one of just seven health-focused days they spotlight (UN, 2024). It’s about rights, inclusion, and turning awareness into action. You might have noticed the “Light It Up Blue” campaign, landmarks glowing blue to say, “We see you” (Autism Speaks, 2025). This year’s theme, “Advancing Neurodiversity and the UN Sustainable Development Goals,” links autism to broader goals (UN, 2025) like education, employment and dignity for all. It’s not just talk; it’s about making space for autistic individuals to flourish.

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Tuğçe Özdemir Tuğçe Özdemir

No More Whispers: Self-Harm Awareness Month

Studies say that 15-20% of teens have self-harmed at some point. That could mean 4 or 5 out of a classroom full of 25 kids. (Ma et al., 2023). For that we have Self-Harm Awareness Month to talk about why it’s important to have this conversation, what’s behind it and what can we do to make a difference.

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Tuğçe Özdemir Tuğçe Özdemir

Politics & Psyche

The modern political climate is more than just a governance issue, it is a mental health crisis. No matter which country they’re a citizen of, people worldwide are experiencing heightened levels of anxiety, stress, and emotional exhaustion due to the relentless cycle of political instability, misinformation, and systemic failures. Regardless of age, socioeconomic status, or ideology, people feel the weight of a system that seems increasingly indifferent to their well-being.

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Tuğçe Özdemir Tuğçe Özdemir

The Paradox of FoMO

What is fear of missing out? I always associated that term with the bubbling feeling inside my chest when I started feeling that everyone BUT me was out there having the time of their lives. In the middle of the night, scrolling through Instagram, the feelings of being “the only one left out” creeps in my mind and my body. “Fear of missing out” or in other terms FOMO is a relatively new term that was first introduced in 2004. It is used to describe a phenomenon related to social networking sites usage.

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Tuğçe Özdemir Tuğçe Özdemir

Surviving the Holiday Comparison Trap

We all see those picture-perfect holiday moments on social media—the sparkling lights, the perfect meals, the beaming families. It’s easy to feel like you should be doing more, that your holiday should look like that too. But here’s the truth: chasing perfection is exhausting and—to be honest—unnecessary. When I think about it, does anyone actually remember the teeny tiny details of a perfectly set table, or do they remember the laughter and connection? Imperfection is part of what makes the moments we have memorable. Sometimes, the burnt cookies or the slightly crooked tree end up being the most cherished stories

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Nida Temaj & Tuğçe Özdemir Nida Temaj & Tuğçe Özdemir

HEALING Words: A Conversation with A Poet

At FRANK BERLIN, we’re all about creating spaces where honest conversations about mental health can thrive. Sharing stories is such a powerful way to connect and break down stigmas. That’s why we’re excited to share this interview with Elena Solonnikov, a poet and writer with a knack for turning her thoughts and experiences into something deeply relatable and meaningful.

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Breaking Comfort: Certainty of Uncertainty

Uncertainty can feel overwhelming, leaving us questioning the future and doubting ourselves. A study by the American Psychological Association reveals that uncertainty triggers stress responses in the brain similar to physical threats, making us crave control and stability. But life doesn’t come with a manual, and often, our plans are subject to forces beyond our control.

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Tuğçe Özdemir Tuğçe Özdemir

Why Does Winter Feel So Heavy? A Dive into Seasonal Depression

Winter follows and for some of us, the change of seasons triggers a type of depression called seasonal affective disorder (SAD). According to Hopkins Medicine website, “It is thought that shorter days and less daylight may set off a chemical change in the brain leading to symptoms of depression.” SAD may be a hindrance in our daily lives and alters the way we think and feel.

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Tuğçe Özdemir Tuğçe Özdemir

Pages of Peace: Therapeutic Writing

Throughout our lives we go through different changes and emotions, consequently, some of these situations cause us to overthink. It’s as if our minds are overflowing with noise and these thoughts look for a way out, a way to spill over. We may end up desperately looking for peace of mind. There are many solutions for this common problem but for many people, the solution is: writing.

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Dear friend.

Do you have a story you’d like to share with us? Whether it’s about mental health, personal experiences, inspiring turning points or simply your life journey? No rush, no pressure – we want to hear from you.

Your experiences could inspire others, spark meaningful conversations or simply remind someone they’re not alone.

Love, FRANK BERLIN