Rafael Achacoso

If you've ever found yourself lying in bed, endlessly thumbing through a flood of bad news, you’re not alone. You’re also likely engaging in a behavior known as doomscrolling—the act of compulsively scrolling through negative news stories, social media posts, or distressing updates. While it may feel like you’re simply staying informed, this habit can wreak havoc on your sleep and emotional well-being. What’s worse: the damage often goes unnoticed, forming a quiet but powerful feedback loop that gradually erodes your mental and physical health. According to Rafael Achacoso , MSN, PMHNP-BC , a Washington, D.C.–based psychiatric nurse practitioner who works extensively with young professionals and the LGBTQ+ community, doomscrolling is often overlooked in discussions about anxiety and depression. “People don’t always connect their digital habits with how they feel emotionally,” he says. “But screen behaviors, especially before bed, can be a major contributor to mental fatigue and em...

Introduction For much of her life, Maya believed she was simply "too sensitive." Her friends joked that she cried at every movie, overthought every conversation, and always seemed overwhelmed by things others brushed off. She wore this identity like an ill-fitting coat—never quite comfortable but never questioned either. It wasn’t until her late 20s, during a particularly intense work burnout, that she began therapy and discovered something that reframed her entire life: she wasn’t “just sensitive.” She was living with undiagnosed anxiety. Maya’s story isn’t rare. Many individuals internalize emotional experiences, quirks, or struggles as part of their personality, unaware that these patterns may be rooted in underlying mental health conditions. The line between “personality” and “mental health” is often blurry, especially when symptoms are normalized in families or cultures, or masked as emotional traits. I’ve worked with countless individuals like Maya who walk into my of...

In our fast- paced, always- connected world, setting boundaries can feel like a radical act. For numerous — especially youthful professionals and members of the LGBTQ community — the idea of saying “ no ” or asking for space can bring on swells of guilt, anxiety, or fear of rejection. But the verity is, boundaries are n't only healthy they're essential. I Rafael , as a psychiatric specializing in ADHD, anxiety, and depression, I see every day how a lack of boundaries leads to collapse, resentment, and deteriorating internal health. In this post, I want to guide you through understanding what boundaries are, why they count, and how you can set them without guilt or fear. What Are Boundaries, Really? Boundaries are the limits we set to cover our emotional, physical, and internal well- being. They define what’s okay for us and what isn’t. suppose of them as particular property lines — clear labels that tell others where you end and they begin. Boundaries can be: Emotional-  “I’m n...