Dennis Schulz

When people talk about healing, they often paint a peaceful picture: meditation, warm baths, journaling under the sun. And yes, those moments exist. But they’re only one side of the story. What most people don’t talk about is that healing often looks like crying at 2 a.m. for reasons you can’t fully explain. It looks like confronting truths about yourself you spent years running from. It looks like letting go of people you still love. Healing can be brutal before it’s beautiful. For me, healing meant facing a version of myself I didn’t want to meet. I had to unpack habits I thought were just “who I am” and trace them back to pain I never addressed. I had to stop blaming everyone else and start asking harder questions: Why do I react like this? Why do I chase people who treat me like I’m hard to love? Those weren’t easy answers. Sometimes, healing felt more like breaking than rebuilding. There were days I felt like I was going backward, not forward. Days I was exhausted just...

There’s something quietly heavy about being the “strong one.” The one who always has the answers. The one people go to when life falls apart. The one who listens, comforts, gives. And while it feels good to be that person—useful, dependable—it’s also incredibly isolating. Because after a while, you realize no one ever really asks how you’re doing. I used to wear my strength like armor. I thought showing emotion or admitting I was overwhelmed would make people see me as weak. So I held it in. I smiled through stress, laughed through anxiety, and pushed through exhaustion. People praised me for being “resilient,” for handling so much without ever breaking. But deep down, I was tired. Not physically tired, but soul-tired. I wanted someone to see through the mask and say, “You don’t have to hold everything together all the time.” What hurt the most wasn’t just the silence—it was the realization that people had gotten so used to me being okay, they stopped checking. And maybe th...

For a long time, I lived with an underlying sense of inadequacy. It wasn’t something I always voiced out loud, but it was there, lurking beneath the surface. I looked at others and saw people who seemed to have it all together: friends with thriving careers, relationships that appeared perfect, and seemingly endless energy. Meanwhile, I was constantly fighting the nagging feeling that I wasn’t doing enough, that I wasn’t enough. This fear of not being enough didn’t just affect how I saw myself—it shaped how I approached every part of my life. I put too much pressure on myself to be perfect, to live up to standards I had set in my mind. Whether it was at work, in my friendships, or even in my personal growth, the thought was always there: What if I fall short? What if I’m not good enough? This fear had its roots in my childhood, growing up with high expectations that I thought were normal. It was about constantly being told to strive for more and never feeling like I was qui...

Every year, World Health Day reminds us to stop and reflect on how we’re doing — not just physically, but mentally too. And this year, something about the UAE's approach to mental health really caught my attention. Dubai just launched an ambitious new Mental Wealth Framework, backed by AED 105 million, and it's not just lip service. It’s part of the wider Dubai Social Agenda 33 — a vision to make the city one of the top places in the world to live and work. This new framework includes early detection of mental health struggles, improved access to care, and support systems for kids in schools. It’s a full-on push for mental wellbeing as a pillar of urban life. In Germany, we’ve made strides in mental health — but we also know how much further we need to go. Our systems are evolving, but we still deal with long wait times, stigma, and uneven access across regions. When I see countries like the UAE treating mental health as essential public infrastructure, it makes me ...

Growing up without a father is something that leaves a quiet, invisible space in your life—one that doesn’t always make itself obvious until you’re older. As a kid, you learn to cope, to normalize it. You watch your friends with their dads at football games or graduation ceremonies, and you pretend it doesn’t sting. You act like you’re fine. But as you get older, you begin to realize that the absence wasn’t just physical—it shaped how you carry your emotions, how you connect with people, how you handle hard days. I’ve been in crowded rooms, at family functions, with friends who genuinely care about me—and still felt alone. That’s the strange thing about loneliness. It doesn’t always mean you’re isolated. Sometimes it just means you don’t feel understood. When you grow up without someone to teach you how to navigate life, especially a father figure, you carry that silence with you. There are things I wish I could’ve asked, guidance I wish I had, but there was no one to turn ...

It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle of daily life. We’re told that being busy means being productive, and that constantly working hard is the way to achieve our dreams. For the longest time, I believed that if I just pushed through, I’d eventually reach a point where I could relax and enjoy the fruits of my labor. But after hitting burnout one too many times, I’ve come to realize that taking breaks isn’t just acceptable—it’s crucial. The first time I allowed myself a real break, I felt like I was doing something wrong. My mind was racing with everything I “should” have been doing, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was wasting time. But as the hours passed, I noticed something unexpected: my mind started to clear, my mood improved, and I felt a renewed sense of energy. That simple act of stepping away reminded me that sometimes, the best way to be productive is to rest. Breaks have taught me the value of quality over quantity. When I’m constantly on the go, I find...

When life feels overwhelming, I’ve found that the simplest solutions often work best. For me, that solution turned out to be something as simple as a daily walk. It started when I was feeling stuck in a routine that left little time to clear my head, especially after long days of work or endless to-do lists. One evening, I decided to take a short walk around my neighborhood to decompress. I had no idea then that it would turn into a habit that keeps me grounded and refreshed every single day. At first, the walks were just that—a way to get out, stretch my legs, and breathe some fresh air. But after a few days, I noticed that I felt calmer and more focused after each walk. The change of scenery, the simple rhythm of walking, and the quiet moments away from screens became a ritual I started to look forward to. My daily walk became my time to let go of stress, put things into perspective, and mentally recharge. One of the surprising things I discovered is how much a walk can boost creativ...

For most of my life, I struggled with setting boundaries. I was the go-to person for favors, the one who would drop everything to help others, even when it meant pushing my own needs aside. I thought saying “yes” to everyone made me a good friend, a good colleague, and a reliable person. But over time, I started feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, and even a bit resentful. I didn’t realize that constantly overextending myself was taking a toll on my well-being until I hit a breaking point. That’s when I decided it was time to learn the art of setting boundaries—and it changed everything. Setting boundaries didn’t come naturally. At first, saying “no” felt uncomfortable and guilt-ridden. I worried that people would see me as selfish or uncaring. But as I began to practice, I noticed a shift. Setting boundaries wasn’t about rejecting others; it was about respecting myself. I realized that by always putting others first, I had unintentionally neglected my own needs and priorities....

There was a time when I felt tethered to my phone. Notifications, texts, social media updates—they all demanded my attention, and I willingly gave it, day in and day out. It wasn’t just about being entertained or staying connected. I had developed a habit of constantly checking my phone, whether it was during work, at dinner with friends, or even while watching a movie. It didn’t matter what I was doing—there was always a need to know what was happening in the digital world. Over time, though, I started to notice the toll this was taking on my mental health. I felt constantly distracted. My focus was scattered, and even simple tasks felt overwhelming. On top of that, the endless stream of social media updates left me feeling inadequate. I’d scroll through highlight reels of other people's lives and wonder why I wasn’t doing more. It was exhausting, but I didn’t realize just how much this constant connectivity was draining me until I hit a wall. I found myself feeling ir...

For the longest time, I was one of those people who jumped out of bed, rushed through breakfast (if I even had time for it), and sped out the door, mentally preparing myself for the day ahead. Mornings were a blur of activity, and I wore my busyness like a badge of honor. But that constant rush was also exhausting. I didn't realize how much I was missing by speeding through the beginning of my day until I started experimenting with slower, more intentional mornings. It all began when I started working remotely and had a bit more flexibility with my schedule. I no longer had to fight traffic or rush to catch the train, so I decided to slow things down. At first, it was just a small adjustment—waking up fifteen minutes earlier to sip my coffee without distractions. I wasn’t trying to achieve anything during that time, just allowing myself a few moments of stillness. That simple change was a game-changer. I noticed I felt less stressed and more centered by the time I sat d...

In our hyper-connected society, it’s easy to feel like we’re constantly on. Our phones ping with notifications, social media beckons us to scroll endlessly, and work emails can follow us into our personal time. For a long time, I found myself getting swept up in this digital whirlwind, feeling more overwhelmed than connected. But after some reflection, I realized that finding balance in this digital age was essential for my well-being. My journey towards balance began when I noticed the impact of constant connectivity on my mental health. I’d often find myself mindlessly scrolling through social media late at night, losing hours that could’ve been spent on sleep, reading, or connecting with loved ones. It was during one of these late-night sessions that I stumbled upon an article about digital detoxes. Intrigued, I decided to give it a shot. I started by setting aside specific times to check my phone and social media, rather than allowing them to interrupt my day. To my sur...

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Between work, social obligations, and the constant flow of information, our minds can become cluttered with thoughts and emotions. I’ve always been someone who tends to overthink, which often leads to anxiety and confusion. A few years ago, I stumbled upon journaling as a way to manage my thoughts, and it turned out to be a game changer for my mental clarity. At first, I was hesitant. I thought journaling was just for people who wanted to write novels or document their lives. But I decided to give it a try anyway. I started small—just a few minutes each day to jot down my thoughts, feelings, or even just a stream of consciousness. What surprised me was how liberating it felt to put my thoughts on paper. It was like taking a mental load off my shoulders. Suddenly, the chaos in my mind started to settle, and I could see my thoughts more clearly. Over time, I began to notice patterns in my writing. Certain themes emerged that hel...

Life gets busy, and before we know it, the things we once loved doing fall by the wayside. That’s exactly what happened to me. Growing up, I used to spend hours painting, sketching, and just losing myself in creativity. It was my escape, my way of expressing myself when words weren’t enough. But as the responsibilities of adult life piled up—work, bills, relationships—I gradually stopped making time for it. It wasn’t a conscious decision; it just happened, and before I knew it, years had passed without me picking up a paintbrush. A few months ago, something clicked. I was cleaning out my closet when I found an old sketchbook. Flipping through the pages, I remembered how much joy creating used to bring me. I decided, on a whim, to try painting again. I wasn’t expecting much—after all, it had been years—but the moment I dipped the brush into the paint, something inside me shifted. It felt like reconnecting with an old friend. There was no pressure, no expectation, just the si...

If you’re anything like me, saying “no” has never been easy. Whether it’s to a friend asking for a favor, a colleague offering extra work, or an invitation to an event I’m not really interested in, I always found myself saying “yes” more often than I should. For the longest time, I thought it was just being kind or helpful, but after a while, it became clear that I was stretching myself too thin, putting my own needs aside to avoid disappointing others. The turning point for me was when I started to feel burned out—juggling too many responsibilities and not enough time for myself. It wasn’t just physical exhaustion; it was mental and emotional, too. I realized that constantly saying yes wasn’t helping anyone in the long run, especially me. The more I took on, the less energy I had to give to the things that truly mattered to me. It was time to start saying “no” more often, and let me tell you, it was harder than I expected. The first few times I said no, I felt guilty. I worried that I...

We live in a world that’s constantly buzzing—notifications, meetings, social media updates, the endless stream of news, and entertainment. It’s easy to get swept up in the noise, to feel like you need to be “on” all the time, always available, always doing something. For the longest time, I thought this was normal. If I wasn’t busy, I felt like I wasn’t being productive enough, like I was missing out on something. But lately, I’ve realized just how important quiet time is. I remember the first time I truly unplugged for a weekend—no phone, no emails, no distractions. At first, it was uncomfortable. I kept reaching for my phone out of habit, feeling this strange anxiety that I was missing out on something important. But after a while, the silence became comforting. Without the constant noise, I could hear myself think. I started reflecting on things I hadn’t given much attention to before. I was more present, more aware of my surroundings, and surprisingly, more at peace. Wh...

Have you ever felt like you can’t escape the notifications? Whether it’s work emails, texts, social media updates, or group chats, it feels like there’s always something demanding your attention. I remember a time when logging off at the end of the workday meant I could truly disconnect, but now? Now, it feels like we’re expected to be available 24/7. It’s exhausting. The constant ping of a new message or the pressure to respond immediately can make it feel like there’s no real downtime, even when you’re physically away from your desk. This pressure to always be “on” isn’t just about work—it seeps into our personal lives, too. How many times have you mindlessly scrolled through social media instead of enjoying a quiet moment? I’ve caught myself doing it way too often, especially when I’m supposed to be relaxing. Instead of being present, I’m caught up in everyone else’s updates, and I feel drained rather than refreshed. It’s like we’re constantly plugged into the world, but...

For the longest time, I was a chronic people-pleaser. Every time someone asked me for a favor, to join a project, or even just to hang out, my immediate response was “yes.” I didn’t even pause to think about whether I actually had the time, energy, or desire to commit. It’s almost like I felt obligated to agree to everything, out of fear of disappointing someone or appearing unhelpful. But over time, constantly saying yes began to wear me down. I was overwhelmed, exhausted, and often found myself stretched so thin that I couldn’t give my best to anything I had agreed to. What I didn’t realize back then is that saying “no” isn’t selfish—it’s necessary. We can’t do it all, and we shouldn’t feel like we have to. It took a lot of trial and error for me to understand that by saying no, I was actually protecting my time and energy for the things that mattered most to me. I started recognizing the importance of setting boundaries, not just for my own well-being, but also to show up better in ...

We’ve all had those days where productivity feels impossible. You wake up with every intention of knocking things off your to-do list, but by noon, you’ve barely scratched the surface. It’s frustrating, especially when it feels like everyone else is moving at full speed while you’re stuck in neutral. I used to beat myself up over days like this, convinced that I wasn’t doing enough, wasn’t working hard enough. But over time, I’ve learned that it’s okay to not be productive all the time—and that’s been a game-changer for my mental health. The idea that we need to be constantly productive is deeply ingrained in us. There’s this societal pressure to always be hustling, always pushing forward. But what I’ve realized is that productivity comes in waves. Some days, you’re on fire, checking off tasks left and right. Other days, your mind and body are telling you to slow down. It’s taken me a long time to understand that the slower days aren’t a failure—they’re a necessary part of the cycle. W...

Finding a balance between work and personal life feels like an impossible juggling act most days. I’m sure many of us have experienced the pressure of trying to stay on top of deadlines, meetings, and emails, all while keeping some semblance of a personal life intact. For me, it’s always been a challenge to find that sweet spot where I’m productive at work, but not completely drained by the end of the day. And yet, no matter how many articles I read or advice I get, achieving true work-life balance feels elusive. There’s always that internal guilt—if I’m focusing too much on work, I feel like I’m neglecting my personal relationships or self-care. But when I take time for myself or spend a few hours with friends, the nagging thought of unfinished tasks looms in the back of my mind. It’s like I’m constantly bouncing between being “on” for work and trying to squeeze in a bit of downtime. And don’t get me started on the days where you’re supposed to “log off” but can’t resist checking that...

In the age of digital connectivity, social media has become an integral part of our lives. Whether it's scrolling through Instagram, tweeting our thoughts, or catching up with friends on Facebook, these platforms have changed the way we interact, communicate, and even perceive the world. But with this transformation comes a significant question: What is social media doing to our mental health? I think it's essential to explore both the positive and negative aspects to understand its full impact. On the positive side, social media has undoubtedly made the world smaller. It's allowed us to stay connected with loved ones, no matter where they are. For many, especially those who feel isolated or marginalized, social media provides a sense of belonging. Communities can form around shared interests, experiences, or struggles, offering support that may be hard to find offline. For instance, people dealing with mental health issues can find others who understand their s...