Monica Drake

While many women do fall in love with their unborn babies as soon as they see the two pink lines appear on their pregnancy tests, for others, it doesn’t happen quite that way. That’s OK; it doesn’t mean anything is wrong with you!

Six months ago, I found out I was pregnant with my first child — only two months into the “honeymoon stage” of marriage. To be honest, even at 35 years old, I was not prepared at all! 

I've found that when I'm feeling depressed or particularly anxious, I will revert to that old childhood habit of watching movies and shows I've already seen. And, when I'm feeling like this, sometimes watching something new will actually make me feel worse. 

I’ve noticed something about my anxiety over the years – that almost every year it feels like my anxiety heightens around mid-March/early-April. Each year, it comes as a surprise to me. Learn more about springtime seasonal mood changes.

Mental health advocate and contributing writer Monica Drake shares why she decided not to drink this St. Patrick's Day — and her plans to celebrate the Irish holiday without the alcohol.

Mental health advocate and contributor Monica Drake shares her experience with the let-down effect after planning and celebrating her wedding, and how she dealt with the feelings of listlessness after the big day.

Contributor and mental health advocate Monica Drake writes about how she is managing the holiday season while grieving a recent loss in her family.

Mental health advocate and contributor Monica Drake shares how she learned the difference between impulsive and intrusive thoughts -- and how they affect her mental health.

Contributor Monica Drake shares what you can do if the holidays aren’t feeling so joyful right now.

Contributor and mental health advocate Monica Drake writes about one of the biggest triggers for her anxiety -- change -- as she prepared to get married.

Contributor and mental health advocate Monica Drake writes about what Suicide Prevention Month means to her and why.

Since the unknown is one of the biggest triggers for my anxiety, it’s no wonder that dating had such an effect on me.

Contributor and mental health advocate Monica Drake shares how her pets have helped her mental health.

Contributor and mental health advocate Monica Drake shares her experience with panic attacks, and talks about the strategies that help her manage them.

Contributor and mental health advocate Monica Drake shares how her anxiety has affected her feelings on having a family in the future.

Contributor and mental health advocate Monica Drake shares how starting an exercise routine has helped her manage her anxiety.

Contributor and mental health advocate Monica Drake shares how she managed her feelings when life felt pointless — and how she got help.

Writer and mental health advocate Monica Drake offers a reminder for American Heart Month that taking care of your mental health is good for your heart.

Monica Drake shares how reading books from diverse perspectives has helped her as an adult — and imagines how they could have helped her when she was younger.

Contributor Monica Drake dispels the myth that entering the new year has to mean changing yourself — and offers advice on how to increase self-confidence.

Contributor Monica Drake writes about how scary movies — along with mental health treatment — have helped counteract her anxiety.

Contributor Monica Drake writes about how crisis lifelines can help someone experiencing suicidal thoughts.

Contributor Monica Drake writes about why it's so important to check in your child's mental health — and to get them help if they need it.

Contributor Monica Drake shares a personal story from a friend who came out as gay; and how the legalization of gay marriage affected his outlook.

Monica Drake, writer and mental health advocate, shares her mental health journey. “You are not alone in this. Millions of others, including me, are with you.”