Not every mental health trick comes from a self-help book. Some of the most unexpected habits have helped people feel calmer, lighter, and more in control. These 12 strange rituals might sound bizarre at first, but for the people who use them, they genuinely work.
We all have quirks, habits, and ways of thinking that make us who we are. Maybe you’ve always been the “overthinker” in your friend group or the one who struggles with motivation. It’s easy to chalk these things up to personality, but what if they’re actually signs of an underlying mental health issue?
Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas have been through some real-life rollercoaster moments in their marriage. Imagine dealing with your husband’s cancer diagnosis while also battling your own mental health issues. However, they haven’t hidden these struggles away in some Hollywood closet, they’ve thrown it out there for the world to see. Love isn’t just about the glitzy red carpet moments — it’s about supporting each other through the really tough stuff.
Many celebrities started their careers at a young age, but that also came with mental issues that they had to face. This can be caused by them growing up and losing their adorable charm, which endeared them to many people. And Daniel Radcliffe is no exception.
Anxiety might be a normal part of life, however, those who struggle with it have a mental health issue that can negatively impact the quality of their days. Fortunately, in recent years, many people, particularly celebrities, have normalized this issue. Ryan Reynolds has been upfront about his difficulties on numerous occasions, but he is not alone — other well-known celebrities have also grown candid and revealed their experiences with panic attacks and severe anxiety.
It’s never easy to speak up about mental health problems. And there are several reasons for this. Some people don’t want to receive a diagnosis of anxiety or depression due to the stigma surrounding these problems. Others can’t admit that they feel down or are just unable to cope with it because of their friends’ or families’ attitude. And there’s another group of people that just doesn’t believe that there is anybody who can help them. But some celebrities were brave enough to open up, and they found tons of support from other people.
Let’s be honest — weekdays can feel like a chaotic blur. Between meetings, emails, commutes, and chores, it’s easy to let our romantic relationships fall into “autopilot.” But psychologists reveal the happiest couples don’t wait for weekends or special occasions to nurture their bond — they sprinkle love and happiness into their Monday through Friday.We at Bright Side looked into what separates the happiest couples from the rest, and it turns out, they share some surprisingly simple weekday habits.Here are 5 little things they do that make a big difference in both mental health and the well-being of their relationship.
Family drama, fertility struggles, and in-law conflicts are common but tough to handle. Setting boundaries and managing pressure from relatives can protect your mental health and keep your relationship strong.
Weddings are supposed to be one of the happiest days of our lives. A day filled with love, support, and unforgettable memories. But sometimes, family dynamics don’t match the fairytale. Not everyone in the room may be cheering for you.That’s exactly what happened to our reader: a newlywed who was left speechless when her mother-in-law interrupted her vows and created a scene no one would ever forget.
Sometimes life forces a choice: accept what’s been taken or fight for the legacy that’s rightfully yours. When a family decides that worth is measured in grandchildren, promises can vanish overnight. An inheritance once assured is suddenly handed to someone else, not because of merit, but because of tradition. But legacies aren’t always defined by bloodlines—and sometimes the best revenge is building one on your own terms.
Parenting a newborn is supposed to be a joyful, if challenging journey, but sometimes things take a darker turn. One Bright Side reader wrote to us about how his wife, a new mother, literally abandoned their newborn, creating a near-tragic dilemma.
Emotional manipulation can be hard to spot, especially when it’s subtle. From guilt-tripping to gaslighting, these manipulative behaviors can slip into relationships without you even realizing it. In this article, we’ll highlight 5 red flags that can help you recognize toxic behaviors and protect your peace of mind.
Tammy Slaton from 1000-Lb. Sisters used to weigh 725 pounds. Now, after losing over 500 pounds and going through skin removal surgery, she’s showing off her new body in a swimsuit, and fans are shocked. The before-and-after pics are unreal. Here’s a closer look at her weight loss journey and how she made such a massive transformation happen.
The workplace is a stage, and sometimes, your colleagues are the unexpected villains. We’ve all encountered that one person who turns a normal day into an unforgettable scene of chaos and drama. This collection of 13 mind-boggling stories dives into the deepest pits of professional etiquette, uncovering shocking betrayals, unbelievable antics, and passive-aggressive wars. Prepare to meet the office antagonists who will leave you wondering: How did they not get fired?
One of our readers sent us this story, and it left our whole team stunned. Sometimes, we help people out of kindness — never expecting payback, just hoping they’ll get back on their feet. But what happens when that kindness gets twisted into blame?
Families often lean on each other during hectic or challenging times, and grandparents are usually the first ones everyone turns to. In the beginning, it feels like a loving way to help. But little by little, the boundaries can fade.What starts as the occasional babysitting favor can quietly become a full-time job with no pay and no clear agreement. That’s exactly what happened to one woman, and everything shifted the moment she finally said, “I’m done.”
Families are a natural source of support during major life changes, but even the best intentions can lead to unexpected difficulties. What starts as a thoughtful gesture can gradually transform into a heavy burden, particularly when personal boundaries aren’t established. One reader found herself constantly giving more than she was comfortable with, while getting little in return. As the imbalance grew, she reached her limit and made a choice that left her loved ones stunned.
There are moments in life when someone shows you exactly who they are. All you need to do is decide what kind of person you’re going to be in response. This Reddit user, Traditional-Yak2096, acted on instinct and told the whole story to the Reddit community.
When you become a parent, you expect your parents to support you the most. But sometimes, these expectations bite the dust, and your parents turn into your biggest critics. One of our Bright Side readers, Gemma, shared her disturbing experience, when her own mother, publicly shamed her and drove her to make some hard decisions.
Parents love their kids, there’s no doubt about that. But what happens when that love corrupts into control, and then changes into fury when the child tries to break free and be independent? A young Bright Side reader, Sarah, faced a similar situation and reached out to us for guidance.
One of our readers recently shared a moment that left her stunned, hurt, and questioning why something as natural as feeding her baby could spark such quiet hostility.
Life as a couple often follows a rhythm: shared routines, evening conversations, spontaneous plans, and restful nights. But when a baby arrives, that rhythm shifts entirely. The once-familiar cadence of daily life is replaced with cries at midnight, feedings at dawn, and a new, all-consuming sense of responsibility. For many couples, this change is beautiful but also deeply jarring. It takes time to get used to this new reality and find the new balance.
We often extend grace to our families, offering help when they’re in need. Supporting loved ones rarely feels like a burden, until the dynamic shifts and financial help turns into exploitation. One Bright Side reader, Jillian, reached out to share her story and ask for our perspective on her troubling situation.
Given that it is human to err, clearly, we as parents tend to make plenty of mistakes. However, feeling excessive guilt over mishaps and not being able to move forward from there can be a cause for concern, just like this father, who wrote to us anonymously, wondering how to get things back on an even footing. Here’s his letter to us, which is a cry for help.
Family relationships can be some of the most meaningful, and the most complicated. One of our readers wrote in about a painful situation that unfolded after the birth of her daughter. What should’ve been a joyful time turned into a wake-up call when her sister crossed a serious line. Now, she’s sharing her story about boundaries, betrayal, and choosing what’s best for your child, even when it’s not easy.
We recently received a letter from one of our readers, who shared a story that struck a nerve with many of our team. It’s about the quiet resentment that can build between siblings—especially when parenting becomes a measuring stick for worth, sacrifice, and who deserves support. Her story raises an uncomfortable but timely question: when does family obligation cross the line into emotional manipulation?
We recently received a letter from one of our readers, Riley (32), who opened up about something that honestly left our jaws on the floor — and not in a good way. Riley works in a seemingly modern corporate office, where she’s been crushing it professionally for five years straight. But the moment she revealed that she’s childfree by choice — and sterilized — her workplace turned from mildly annoying to full-on “Mean Girls: Fertility Edition.”What followed was a bizarre cascade of judgmental whispers, office side-eyes, and “concerned” coworkers who apparently think a woman without kids is either broken, cold, or in need of saving. Spoiler: she’s none of those things.Riley wrote to us because the vibe at work has gotten downright toxic — all because she dared to say, out loud, that motherhood isn’t on her bucket list. And now, she wants to know: is she crazy, or is society still this weird about women who don’t want babies?Read her story below and tell us in the comments — is Riley being treated unfairly, or is the world still stuck in a 1950s baby fever dream?
Many people are happy to help family, but sometimes that generosity gets taken for granted. What starts as a kind gesture can turn into a situation where you feel used and unappreciated. It can be especially painful when those closest to you gossip or act unfairly behind your back. This story is a reminder that even with family, it’s okay to say no.
Adoption can be a beautiful act of love — but when it’s unexpected, emotionally charged, and comes during a life-changing moment like pregnancy, it can turn into a source of deep conflict. Balancing grief, loyalty, and the needs of a growing family isn’t easy, especially when partners have different views on what “family” should look like. One of our readers recently wrote to us about a heartbreaking decision she faced when her husband asked her to adopt his orphaned sister.
A woman wrote to Bright Side with a story that hit us right in the heart. After years of being treated like an outsider by her wealthy mother-in-law (excluded from weddings, cropped out of family photos, and never truly welcomed), she finally reached her breaking point. So when her son’s birthday rolled around, she made a bold decision, and the fallout was immediate.
When families go through major life transitions like divorce, it’s common for loved ones to step in and offer support. But sometimes, helping comes with unexpected challenges that leave us questioning boundaries, trust, and personal safety.
When your partner’s mom fakes a terminal illness, turns your home into a gothic horror show, and hijacks your life one guilt trip at a time — there’s a fine line between compassion and being emotionally blackmailed.This is a story about weaponized fragility, where one woman’s unconfirmed “cancer” diagnosis becomes a wrecking ball for her son’s relationship, her potential daughter-in-law’s mental health, and everyone’s basic human boundaries. And the worst part? The boyfriend’s playing along.From creepy midnight bedroom invasions to ER theatrics, 16-hour chore marathons, and twisted emotional tests like “If I were dying, would you quit your job?” — this saga has it all. But now the woman is finally saying no. She’s choosing sanity over sacrifice. And he says she’s being selfish. So, is she heartless — or finally waking up? Click to read the full chaos. You won’t believe how deep the manipulation goes.
When aging parents lose everything, adult children often feel the pressure to sacrifice it all. One woman wrote to us after refusing to let her parents move in, sparking guilt, family backlash, and a deep internal struggle. Now, she’s torn between loyalty and self-preservation.
Family isn’t just about who raised you. It’s about how they treated you. While some families offer unconditional love and support, others operate on control, silence, or emotional distance. When money or success enters the picture, old wounds often resurface, making matters even worse. After getting kicked out at 18, family ties weren’t the plan, but surviving was. That became the story. After an unexpected windfall, the same people who shut the door came knocking again. But how should this story end?
Having an unplanned child can turn your entire world upside down. It brings unexpected joy, but also complex emotions, strained relationships, and difficult decisions. Family reactions can range from quiet disappointment to outright anger, adding another layer of pain during an already vulnerable time. This is a deeply personal journey—one filled with both heartbreak and unexpected strength.
We recently heard from a reader who wanted to share her story — one that many burned-out professionals will recognize all too well. On the surface, she landed her dream job: one full of feel-good slogans, “people-first” promises. But behind the branding was a different reality.
