Ellie Mental Health - Andover, MA

12/11/2025

About to graduate and feeling unsure about what's next? 🎓

You're not alone. The post-college transition can be full of pressure, uncertainty, and a whole lot of big feelings.

➡ Swipe through to see some of our therapists' tips.

12/09/2025

Ever feel like your brain is overheating? 😳 Try this:

1. Find a quiet place and make sure you have a pen or pencil and plenty of paper or a notebook.

2. Set a timer for five minutes.

3. Start writing down everything that comes to mind, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem. Write down thoughts, ideas, tasks, worries, plans, goals, reminders, or anything else that pops into your head.

4. Don't censor your thoughts or worry about organizing them at this stage. Write without pausing to analyze or judge what you're writing. The goal is to get everything out of your head and onto paper.

5. You can organize your thoughts into lists, bullet points, or short phrases if it helps you to structure your mind dump. However, don't spend too much time on formatting-focus on capturing your thoughts quickly.

6. Continue writing until your predetermined time limit is up. If you run out of things to write about, sit quietly and wait for more thoughts to come to mind.

This is called a "mind dump" exercise, and by following these steps, you can effectively declutter your mind and gain clarity and focus on the tasks and priorities that matter most to you.

12/09/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DXuQ2nVjf/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Today marks the 6th anniversary of Nate Kidd’s passing. Like many people, I was shattered by the death of Nate. I taught Nate in junior year College English and knew him for many years before that. I was neighbors with his grandparents when I first got married and I had the privilege of coaching Nate’s dad in junior high basketball. I admire Nate’s mom and dad greatly. John and Michele are caring, loving, goodhearted parents. Nate did not feel well. He was quarterback of Gloucester High’s football team and respected and admired by his peers and by his teachers. But he didn’t feel well. He was frequently sad or emotionless just hours after significant personal triumphs. People have a difficult time understanding mental illness. They misinterpret it as moodiness or sullenness. Well-meaning teachers may even urge struggling students to “snap out of it.” If only it was that easy. Mentally ill people often feel dead inside. They do not experience the joys that healthy people do. They feel “hollowed out.”
They are not seeking attention. Attention is the last thing they want. They are not “wallowing in their feelings” or being self-indulgent. I’ve heard people tell a depressed kid to “think of someone other than yourself once in a while.” Mentally ill people would like to think of someone else but they can’t for the same reason that someone who just burned their hand isn’t likely to think of someone else— all they can think about is finding immediate relief from their pain.
And, yes, mentally ill people often seek relief through street drugs. They are that desperate. Yet we judge them. Mental illness is just as painful as so-called physical illnesses like the flu. We don’t expect people suffering from the flu to go to work, pay attention to lectures about Shakespeare, or play dodge ball in gym class. But we do keep expecting mentally ill kids to do these things.
Nate was tortured by his brain chemistry. He knew how much his parents loved him. He knew his teammates and coaches respected him. He knew his friends cared about him. But when you are that seriously ill, all the king’s horses and all the king’s men can’t put you back together. Telling someone who is genuinely depressed to “cheer up” won’t heal them any more than telling someone with the flu to cheer up. Depression is an organic, cellular disease and has nothing to do with “needing a change of attitude.” When you are depressed you feel ashamed and very vulnerable and you realize the negative impact your illness is having on your loved ones. But there is nothing you can do because your mind is in so much pain. I spoke with Nate many times. He knew his parents were wonderful. He loved them and his brothers with every ounce of his heart. He adored his grandmom. But his mind tortured him relentlessly.
This beautiful soul is now safe in heaven. Let’s keep Nate in mind when we are dealing with a friend or loved one who is going through a difficult spell. Accept the challenge to keep your heart open patiently in Nate’s honor. Nate would like that and he’d appreciate seeing us being a little kinder to each other on his behalf.

12/07/2025

We had a ball (pun intended) bowling at the Ellie holiday party! 🎄🎉⭐️🐘

12/06/2025

Real talk-- Supporting someone when they're dealing with mental health challenge can be hard. It's not always knowing the right words or actions, but sometime's it's simply about being there.

Let's keep showing up, lending an ear, and offering love without judgment. Because in those moments of struggle, our support can make all the difference. 💕

Here are some tips from one of our therapists about how you can show up for your loved ones.

12/04/2025

Let’s bust some therapy myths. 🚫🧠
You don’t need to be “broken” to go. Crying isn’t mandatory. And no, your therapist isn’t judging you.
Swipe through as we debunk some of the most common (and misleading) therapy myths.

12/03/2025

The holidays are not always magical and stress free for everyone. Many times they are the exact opposite, bringing up memories and patterns of behavior you would rather not celebrate. You are not alone-this is very common. Find your calm in the chaos! https://youtu.be/i3ZibmAOahU?si=fB4oP_xutJw9BPgG

12/02/2025

Starting therapy or wanting to get more out of it? Asking the right questions can make a big difference. Whether you're new or a few sessions in, it's okay to speak up and advocate for what you need.

Swipe through for some helpful questions you can ask your therapist to feel more empowered in the process. 💬🛋️

12/02/2025

The holidays are not always magical and stress free for everyone. Many times they are the exact opposite, bringing up memories and patterns of behavior you would rather not celebrate. You are not alone-this is very common. Find your calm in the chaos!

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

11/28/2025

Review

11/25/2025

The holidays can bring joy... but also stress. 🎄

If you're feeling overwhelmed, you're not alone-and there are ways to protect your peace. Swipe through for simple coping skills to help you manage stress, set boundaries, and actually enjoy the season.

What's one coping skill that helps you get through the holidays?

11/21/2025

Men's health isn't just physical - it's mental, too. 💬
This Movember, we're reminding everyone that taking care of your mind is just as important as taking care of your body.

So here's your gentle nudge to rest, recharge, and check in - with yourself and the men you care about.

You deserve to experience leisure, joy, and rest. 🐘💙