Press & Media

What is aromantic sexuality? Humantold’s Kristjana McCarthy dives into the details about this little-discussed LGBTQIA+ identity and the raw power behind self-acceptance.

Although it’s not widely known, the A in LGBTQIA+ includes many more identities than just asexuality. The letter also stands for aromantic, which is similar to asexuality, but not the same. Aromantic is the term for people who experience little to no romantic attraction. Like other sexualities and gender identities, aromantic people may fluctuate on the spectrum. But what’s important is owning who you are. 

Kristjana McCarthy (LMHC) explains the importance of understanding and claiming your identity. "Finding an identity that describes your experience is a powerful moment for any LGBTQ identifying person," she says. "It can be a revolutionary experience of self-acceptance and love to find an identity and make it your own. Claiming an identity allows access to a community of like-minded individuals. This community attempts to create an environment of acceptance and belongingness, which are essential protective factors against the development of mental health conditions."

Read more about what it means to be on the aromantic spectrum on Hello Giggles. 

To normalize talking about mental health, new forms of therapy are emerging for those unable to communicate their emotions using words. In this article, Humantold’s Christina Jeffrey discusses how art therapy works and who could benefit from it. 

If you ever struggle to communicate your emotions with words alone, traditional therapy may be particularly challenging for you. But a new therapy type called art therapy could help bridge the gap. 

Christina Jeffrey (LMHC) explains, “We respond to art emotionally, viscerally, and spiritually; we don’t always allow ourselves that freedom when in direct conversation or even in [a] traditional therapy setting.” When deciding the creative outlet that’s right for you, she says, “it will most often depend on the client’s age and their interests. Some clients are more drawn to music as a form of expression, while others may gravitate more towards the visual arts like painting or photography, and others prefer writing, sculpture, or even cooking and baking.”

Find out if art therapy may be right for you on CELEB Magazine. 

What’s the difference between a panic attack and an anxiety attack? Humantold’s Julia LaFauci lays out everything you need to know in this PureWow article.

You’ve probably heard the terms ‘panic attack’ and ‘anxiety attack’ used interchangeably—but they are not the same. 

Julia LaFauci (LCSW) clarifies the main differences between the two. “Panic attacks,” she says, “are not considered a stand-alone mental health disorder by the DSM-5, but are often seen in the presence of other anxiety disorders like generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder or specific phobias.” They can also happen to anyone, suddenly. “Both can cause shortness of breath and an increase in heart rate,” she says. But ‘anxiety attack’ is not a clinical term. She goes on to explain that the main difference between the two is that anxiety doesn’t show up suddenly, as the word ‘attack’ implies.

Explore the distinctions more in-depth on PureWow.

A new abortion law in Texas bans the procedure after six weeks of pregnancy or detecting a heartbeat. Humantold’s Christina Jeffrey explains the ramifications of forcing women to remain pregnant and what this means for their mental health. 

Texas has a new law regarding abortion, which bans the procedure if a heartbeat is detected or after six weeks of pregnancy. This effort to restrict abortion significantly affects low-income and marginalized women in the state—and it can lead to considerable mental health ramifications like higher anxiety and lower self-esteem.    

Christina Jeffrey (LMHC) says, “​​We are not designed to do life in isolation…Fear of retribution will cause many women to withdraw from community and internalize their pain and fear in silence." Often, the withdrawal leads to loneliness and isolation, resulting in insomnia, anxiety, depression, lower immune function, and substance misuse or abuse. Reaching out for help is crucial.

Get all the details on USA Today.