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.
This story was shared with us by one of our readers. Growing up, she often felt overlooked and undervalued by her parents, who poured their time, money, and affection into her sibling instead. She learned to survive on her own, without the support most children expect from family.Years later, the tables turned.
In today’s world, more and more people work remotely, enjoying the freedom and balance it brings. But sometimes, not everyone sees eye to eye on what “working hard” really looks like when you’re not in the office. One of our readers recently shared a story with Bright Side about how a simple work request turned into an unforgettable lesson.
Family love is often painted as unconditional — but sometimes, it comes with strings attached. One reader shared a story that challenges what “sacrifice” really means when caring for family crosses into losing yourself.
Work should be a place where honesty is valued — but for one of our readers, telling the truth became a nightmare. When she finally asked for time off to care for her mental health, she expected understanding. Instead, her private struggle became the office’s newest rumor.
When a woman informed her boss she was expecting, he congratulated her and approved her paid maternity leave without hesitation. But what followed left her financially drained, emotionally betrayed, and fighting to reclaim her dignity. Her story is a powerful reminder that even supportive words can hide serious injustice.
A woman opened up about her sister’s difficult postpartum journey, and it quickly struck a chord. Her sister, 39, had just given birth to twins via C-section two weeks earlier. She was left exhausted, sore, and completely overwhelmed while learning how to care for two newborns.
Family drama and toxic sibling relationships can be complicated, especially when lies, manipulation, and guilt are involved. Many struggle with setting boundaries, protecting their mental health, and deciding whether to keep covering for a sibling’s mistakes.
We’ve all been there: asked to “be a team player,” only to realize it means taking on someone else’s workload without recognition. That’s exactly what happened to one of our readers. After years of strong results and zero promotion, her boss expected her to train a brand-new hire.
We’ve all fantasized about telling our boss exactly what we think when they try to guilt-trip us out of using our own vacation days. You know the drill — you request time off months ahead, get approval, then suddenly your personal plans become “inconvenient” for the company. They use phrases like “dedication” and “team player” to make you feel bad for wanting a life outside of work. One day, you realize you’re tired of apologizing for having boundaries, and that’s when things get interesting.
Family life isn’t always easy, especially when different habits and lifestyles collide. Everyday routines like cooking and eating can sometimes turn into sources of tension. Recently, a Bright Side reader shared her personal story about this very issue.
That moment when someone surprises us with kindness. Not friends. Not family. Just strangers who stepped in when it mattered most. These 12 moments show how one random act of kindness can hit harder than fate itself.
We’ve all heard it: “Be a team player, just help out.” But sometimes “helping out” really means doing someone else’s job for free. One of our readers found herself in exactly that spot — years of great results, no promotion, and suddenly her boss wanted her to train a brand-new hire... without so much as a thank-you, let alone extra pay. What happened when she pushed back left her stunned — and HR right in the middle.
They say love makes you blind—but taste buds never lie. One of our readers recently discovered that her mother-in-law wasn’t just “seasoning with love”... she was secretly slipping meat into her vegan meals. What started as a quiet dinner turned into a showdown of values, trust, and one unforgettable revenge that made sure it never happened again.
Family means showing up in both good times and bad, sure. But what happens when “helping out” crosses the line? That’s the situation Marie found herself in. She’s been babysitting her brother’s kids nonstop for what feels like forever, and finally decided she had to draw a line. The twist? Her simple “no” ended up flipping the whole family dynamic upside down.
Family relationships can be complicated, especially when roles shift suddenly. One day, the people who supported you are leaning on you instead, and you’re left questioning how much you can give without losing yourself. One of our readers, Emily (38, F), shared a story about her mother-in-law that explores loyalty, guilt, and the limits of caregiving.
He’s been happily married for 7 years, raising three amazing kids—at least, that’s what it looks like. Behind closed doors, his wife has forbidden him from getting close to his own children. What could drive a mother to such extremes?
An unexpected child can change your life and shake it to the core. Fear of rejection, fear of failure, and fear of the unknown creep into every decision. Family may not always offer comfort; sometimes, they bring the deepest cuts.One of our readers, Jessica (27, F) wrote to us to share how her world turned upside down.
Taking care of your mental health is essential, and daily word games offer a surprisingly powerful boost. Many psychologists recommend a daily puzzle as a tool for tangible memory improvement. If you’re already a fan of challenges like The New York Times crossword, you’re actively supporting your cognitive function. Just five minutes a day can lead to sharper cognition and a stronger memory.Try these 11 fun riddles from the team at Bright Side to get started!
Does your partner seem distant and you don’t know why? It’s not your fault: emotional detachment often stems from reasons that have nothing to do with you. Based on insights from psychologists and therapists, here are 12 real and common reasons why your partner may be pulling away, and tools on how to reconnect.
When a mother-in-law’s harsh words tear apart a family dinner, one woman’s response sets the tone for a life-changing moment. Here’s how a shocking comment from her MIL led to a dramatic confrontation, leaving a mark on their relationship forever.
For two decades, Jenna has been the unwavering pillar of her marriage. She’s been working like a horse and has bravely taken every single responsibility, just because her spouse is ill. But now, things are about to explode. Here’s her story.
Some adult children develop an alarming sense of entitlement to their parents’ assets long before inheritance becomes relevant. The idea that parents should sacrifice their security and stability to fund their children’s lifestyle choices has become disturbingly common in today’s world. When grown children view their parents’ homes as their personal piggy banks, family relationships can be destroyed by greed and manipulation. One mother’s shocking experience reveals just how far some adult children will go to get their hands on money they haven’t earned.
Sometimes, when people go through emotional pain or family conflict, the wounds don’t fully heal—they stay open and hard to recover from. That kind of hidden trauma can affect both mental health and relationships, making someone seem cold or distant, even when others need their help. Today’s story is about that: what looks like a selfish or thoughtless choice on the outside can actually hide a wound that’s still raw on the inside, a reminder of how healing takes time and compassion.
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.
