With Elli

When Pain Becomes Too Much: Understanding Suicide and How to Help

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 01:37:00 +0200

Photo by Akhil Nath on Unsplash

If you or someone you know is in immediate crisis, please reach out now. See the full list of crisis lines at the bottom of this post — for Greece, the Netherlands, Europe, and internationally.

Suicide is one of the most difficult topics we can discuss, yet it is one of the most important. If you are reading this because you are worried about someone you love, or because you are struggling yourself, please know: you are not alone, and there is help available.

Spring Awakening

Sun, 19 Apr 2026 02:39:00 +0200

Illustration by Pauline Loroy on Unsplash

The Equinox, Persephone, and Orphism: When the Ancient World Made Sense of Death and Rebirth

Greek Easter Traditions: The Magic of Pascha

Sun, 12 Apr 2026 02:36:00 +0200

Illustration by Pink Pink Office on Unsplash

There's a moment on Holy Saturday night, just before midnight, when every Greek Orthodox church goes completely dark.

Hundreds of people stand shoulder to shoulder, holding unlit candles, waiting in silence. The darkness is total. The anticipation is electric.

The Traditions That Hold Us Together: What We Lose When We Stop Celebrating

Sun, 05 Apr 2026 02:40:00 +0200

I don't follow a specific religion, but I miss traditions. Not the theology—the gatherings. The way they held us together through shared celebration. I miss how they made people actually notice each other, brought society together to mark something meaningful.

I miss the big table crowded with friends and family, overflowing with food and drinks. The music, the singing, the conversations lasting hours. The natural rhythm: eating, resting, coffee, more conversation, more food. Time stretching and becoming generous instead of scarce.

Starting Over & Finding Your Passion

Sun, 29 Mar 2026 19:16:00 +0200

Photo by With Elli

When “Fast Learner” Feels Like Pressure Instead of Support

Sun, 22 Mar 2026 10:45:00 +0100

Recently, something happened in my Dutch lesson that brought back a feeling I’ve known my whole life.

When My Emotions Create a World That Isn't Fully Real

Sun, 15 Mar 2026 02:18:00 +0100

A reflection on boundaries, triggers, and learning to pause

Sometimes I feel broken.
It feels as if the world will attack me again and again, and I must always stay alert.

How Do I Feel as a Woman?

Sun, 08 Mar 2026 12:00:00 +0100

I think I come from a culture that is behind in many, many ways.

Labels and social roles are one of them.

I was slapped when I got my period.
Not because I did something wrong, but because it was a "custom."

That moment stayed with me.

When I hear the word woman, these are the words that come to my mind:

Birthdays: The Day That Brings Me Back

Sun, 01 Mar 2026 20:47:00 +0100

How I feel on my birthday - past vs. present.

Why did I love surprise parties so much? Because it was the one day I had the parents I wanted in my life. One day I felt close to people, felt that people cared about me. But always with a sadness underneath: Do I deserve to be born? Am I enough?

Routine, Closure & Flow in AuDHD: Finding Balance Between Structure and Freedom

Sun, 22 Feb 2026 14:30:00 +0100

Photo by With Elli

We often hear that people on the autism spectrum need routine, predictability, and structure to function well. But when Autism meets ADHD , the unique blend known as AuDHD, these needs can sometimes pull in opposite directions.

In this post, we'll explore why routine and closure matter so much in autism, how ADHD complicates that, and how we can build supportive systems to actually do the things we want every day with less stress and more flow.

Learning to Stand Alone

Sun, 15 Feb 2026 13:00:00 +0100

There was a time in my life when I never lived alone.

Photo By With Elli

Trauma and Healing

Sun, 08 Feb 2026 01:30:00 +0100

Photo By With Elli

The word "trauma" is often used to describe painful experiences, but in psychology—especially in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5)—it has a very specific meaning.
In this context, trauma refers to an experience that involves actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence. It is the core of what professionals call Trauma- and Stressor-Related Disorders, such as PTSD (Posttraumatic Stress Disorder) and ASD (Acute Stress Disorder).

Be the Parent to Your Inner Child

Sun, 01 Feb 2026 16:40:00 +0100

Photo by With Elli

There is a quiet, ongoing conversation within each of us — an inner dialogue that shapes how we think, feel, and act. Most of the time, it happens unnoticed. Yet, it is this dialogue — the words we say to ourselves, the tone we use, the comfort or criticism we offer — that adds to our emotional world.

Understanding PMS: My Honest Journey into Something I Never Really Understood

Sun, 25 Jan 2026 13:23:00 +0100

Photo by With Elli

I feel a bit embarrassed to admit this, but I'm 32 years old and I've never really understood what PMS
is. I knew the concept, of course — I've heard people talk about it all my life — but I never got it.

Why Friends Matter

Sun, 18 Jan 2026 14:58:00 +0100

Friends are more than companions in our lives — they're the people who walk beside us when life feels heavy and remind us that we don't have to carry everything alone.

Friends: How They Support You and Why You Need Them

Stress, Burnout, Trauma & Neurodivergence: Walking Together Through the Weight

Sun, 11 Jan 2026 13:31:00 +0100

We all carry stress. Some days it's light, other days it feels like a heavy stone on our chest. But what happens when the weight never lifts? When extreme stress stays with us for too long, it begins to shape our body, our mind, and even the way we see ourselves.

Masking in Autism: The Hidden Exhaustion of Everyday Communication

Sun, 04 Jan 2026 17:42:00 +0100

For many autistic people, social interaction feels like a performance — not because they're dishonest, but because they've had to learn to "mask" their natural ways of being in order to be accepted, understood, or safe.

A New Year, With Us

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 12:00:00 +0100

Happy Holidays from With Elli!

Thu, 25 Dec 2025 17:31:00 +0100

Christmas Connections: Love, Family & Togetherness

Sun, 21 Dec 2025 15:09:00 +0100

Photo by Tamta Manjavidze on Unsplash

December is a season of lights, carols, and festive meals—but most of all, it's a season of connection. Amidst the sparkle, what truly warms us are the shared moments with friends, family, and loved ones. Whether near or far, the heart of Christmas lies in our bonds with one another.

The Magic of Winter: Solstice, Christmas & Greek Traditions

Sun, 14 Dec 2025 14:35:00 +0100

Photo by Theo Crazzolara on Unsplash

As December deepens, the world feels wrapped in a quiet glow. Candles flicker in windows, lights shimmer across darkened streets, and the cold breath of winter invites us to pause and look inward. Christmas, with its rich layering of traditions, is not only a celebration of birth and renewal but also a weaving of ancient rituals into our present lives.

Finding Light in the Darkest Month

Sun, 07 Dec 2025 12:20:00 +0100

Photo by Erwan Hesry on Unsplash

December is here again — the month of lights, songs, and togetherness. Yet for many of us, Christmas brings not only joy but also a wave of melancholy. I've always wondered why this happens — why a season that promises warmth often stirs sadness too.

Why Socializing Can Be Exhausting for Autistic People — and How We Can Be More Understanding

Sun, 30 Nov 2025 17:13:00 +0100

Have you ever left a social gathering feeling completely drained,

Photo by Karsten Winegeart on Unsplash

even though you didn't "do" much?

Or felt like you had to put on a mask to get through a conversation?

You're not alone — and for many autistic people, this experience is not occasional, it's a daily reality.

In this post, I want to share what I've learned through personal research, conversations with friends on the spectrum, and my own questions as a neurotypical person trying to better understand what it's like to live with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). I'll also reflect on how we can create more inclusive, compassionate spaces for everyone — diagnosed or not.

Why Does Socializing Feel So Overwhelming?

1. The Environment Is Sensory-Heavy

Social environments are often full of loud sounds, bright or flickering lights, background noise, strong smells, and physical proximity. For many autistic people, these stimuli don't fade into the background — they're loud and constant.

This can lead to sensory overload, a state where the brain can no longer filter or process the input, triggering anxiety, fatigue, or even shutdowns. Something as simple as dinner with friends in a busy café can be emotionally and physically exhausting.

2. Social Interaction Feels Like Acting

Many autistic individuals experience social norms like a script they weren't given — filled with unclear expectations, unspoken rules, body language, sarcasm, eye contact, small talk, and facial cues.

Trying to "act" neurotypical — a behavior known as masking — takes enormous mental energy. It's not just being social; it's performing, translating, editing, and analyzing, all at once.

3. Authenticity Doesn't Always Feel Safe

Over time, masking can lead to autistic burnout: a state of intense exhaustion, emotional shutdown, and loss of functioning.
Imagine always being "on" in a space where your natural self isn't understood or accepted.

Many autistic people share that they suppress their real responses in order to fit in — avoiding stimming, hiding distress, downplaying overwhelm. This isn't just tiring — it's depleting.

What Can We Do to Be More Thoughtful and Caring?

If you're like me — someone without autism who wants to show up with more awareness — here's what I've learned so far:

Respect communication differences

Not everyone expresses themselves the same way. Don't assume someone is distant, rude, or uninterested just because they're quiet, need more time, or avoid eye contact.

Allow retreat without judgment

Let people step away. Let them leave early. Don't force "just one more hour" if they look overwhelmed. Respecting boundaries is one of the kindest things we can do.

Don't shame stimming

Fidgeting, pacing, rocking, or tapping are ways of self-regulating. These aren't "weird" — they're necessary and healthy. If someone is stimming, let them. Don't stare. Don't correct.

Ask instead of assume

Simple, respectful questions can make a big difference:

"Would you prefer to message instead of call?"
"Do you want to meet somewhere quieter?"
"Would it help to take a break?"

Being asked — and believed — feels like safety.

Remember: flat doesn't mean unfeeling

Autistic people might not show emotion in the ways we expect, but that doesn't mean they don't feel deeply. Some express emotions differently — or only when they feel truly safe.

A Gentle Word to Those Who Feel This But Aren't Diagnosed

Maybe you're reading this and thinking:

"Wait, that sounds like me…"
"I always thought I was just too sensitive."
"I never feel like I can be myself in groups."

You don't need a diagnosis to honor your needs.
You don't have to pretend you're fine if socializing exhausts you.
You don't have to explain why you prefer quiet, structure, or solitude.

You get to ask:

What makes me feel safe?
What drains me?
What would be kinder for me right now?

Give yourself permission to protect your energy. You don't have to fit someone else's mold to be real.

If You're Close to Someone Who Seems Uncomfortable or Overwhelmed

Sometimes, the people we love — a family member, a friend, a partner — may not feel comfortable opening up, or they may not even understand why they feel so overwhelmed in social situations. They might not have the words yet. Or they might just be tired of pretending.

Here's what I've learned:
Don't push. Don't assume. Just be there.

If someone you care about seems distant, overstimulated, or withdrawn:

Ask gently: "Is there anything I can do to help right now?"
Let them tell you — or not tell you.
Stick to the present. You don't need to solve it or figure it all out.
Most of the time, your quiet presence is enough.

Just sitting beside them — in silence — can be a powerful form of support.
You don't have to talk. You don't have to fix. You don't have to do anything.
Just being there with kindness and no pressure can mean everything.

Living with Intensity: Understanding Emotional Extremes in BPD

Sun, 23 Nov 2025 20:00:00 +0100

Photo by With Elli

Emotions are an essential part of being human — they shape our connections, drive our decisions, and color our experiences. But for some, emotions don't just whisper; they roar. One of the most challenging aspects of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), or the presence of BPD traits, is the intensity and rapid shifting of emotions.

What Is Autism?

Sun, 16 Nov 2025 18:26:00 +0100

Photo by Peter Burdon on Unsplash

A Neurotypical Perspective from a Curious and Caring Friend

I'm not autistic. But I've been deeply drawn to understanding autism because people I care about live with it every day. Over time, my curiosity grew into a sense of responsibility. I wanted to understand—not just to "support," but to truly see and respect their way of being.

So I started asking questions.

The Questions That Guided Me

These were the questions that first opened the door for me:

What is autism, exactly?
What does "spectrum" really mean?
Why do autistic people feel so tired or overwhelmed in social situations?
What is masking?
How do autistic people experience emotions, touch, or eye contact?
How can I support someone going through autistic burnout?
How do communication and sensory processing differ?
Why is routine or predictability so important?
What's the difference between autism and ADHD?
What are stims, and why are they important?

How do autistic adults experience relationships and love?
How do autistic people experience the world?
Why do some people feel overwhelmed in situations that seem normal to others?
What happens inside the autistic brain during sensory overload or shutdown?
How does someone with autism process social rules and emotional connection?
What does masking feel like, and why do people do it?
How can I communicate respectfully and clearly with someone who experiences the world so differently from me?

These questions didn't come from a textbook—they came from real relationships, real moments of not knowing what to say, or watching someone I care about withdraw and wishing I understood. Different post to every question will follow. I want to dedicate time to answer each question.

So, What Is Autism?

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition—which means it affects how someone's brain processes information from early in life. It's not a disease or a mental illness. It's a different way of experiencing the world. Autism shows up in communication styles, sensory processing, emotional regulation, and how someone navigates social interaction.

Some key traits often include:

Differences in social interaction and communication:
Autistic people may find small talk confusing, or interpret things more literally. Eye contact might feel uncomfortable or unnatural. Social "rules" might not be obvious.
Repetitive behaviors or routines:
Many autistic people rely on routines to feel safe and regulated. Change can cause anxiety, and repetitive behaviors (like hand-flapping, pacing, or vocal repetition) may help manage sensory input or emotional overwhelm.
Hyper- or hypo-sensitivity to sensory input:
Loud noises, bright lights, strong smells, even certain fabrics can feel unbearable—or in some cases, go unnoticed entirely.
Special interests or "deep dives":
Autistic individuals often have intense, focused interests in topics they love—whether it's astronomy, trains, music, or insects. These aren't "obsessions," they're sources of joy and meaning.
Masking:
Many autistic people learn to hide or suppress their natural behaviors to "fit in" with neurotypical expectations. But masking is exhausting and can lead to burnout, anxiety, or depression.
Shutdowns and meltdowns:
When sensory or emotional overload becomes too much, the body and mind may respond with a shutdown (quiet, withdrawal, numbness) or a meltdown (intense, uncontrollable emotional release).

It's called a spectrum because there's no single way autism looks or feels. Every autistic person is different.

If you're curious to understand autism and ADHD on a deeper level—whether you're neurodivergent yourself or care about someone who is—these videos, articles, and free online courses can be a powerful starting point. I've personally watched and read these as part of my learning journey. Let me know which ones speak to you the most!

YouTube Videos

Autism & ADHD – Awareness and Personal Insight

Autism and ADHD: What's the Difference? | MedCircle

Autism vs ADHD in Girls | Dr. Tony Attwood

Robert Sapolsky on Autism and Society

Robert Sapolsky: Determined — Free Will and Autism

Robert Sapolsky on the Nature of Autism | Stanford

Robert Sapolsky Full Lecture on Autism and Neurodiversity

Articles & Websites

Foundational Knowledge

What Is Autism? | Autism Speaks

Autism Overview | Wikipedia

Autism Spectrum Disorders | NIMH (National Institute of Mental Health)

Free Online Courses

For Personal Growth or Professional Understanding

Managing ADHD, Autism, Learning Disabilities & Concussions | Coursera

Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorders (in French) | Coursera

Introduction to Psychology | Yale/Coursera

Documentaries & Interviews

Real Stories & Perspectives

Inside Our Minds | BBC Series

Living and Learning About ADHD: A Neurotypical Perspective

Sun, 09 Nov 2025 15:40:00 +0100

Photo by Mockaroon on Unsplash

ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is something I've learned about through people close to me—friends, family, students, and members of the neurodivergent communities I've met through my volunteer work. I do not have ADHD myself, but I've always felt a deep need to understand it—beyond the stereotypes and surface-level labels.

Living with BPD Traits: My Story & Understanding the Full Picture

Sun, 02 Nov 2025 14:00:00 +0100

I haven't been diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), but I've been told by professionals that I have BPD traits. That distinction is important. I share this not to promote self-diagnosis, but to bring more awareness, empathy, and understanding — both for those who may relate and for those who care for someone with these patterns.

Living with traits of BPD doesn't define me, but it has shaped how I relate to the world, others, and myself. Here's a look into my personal experience — along with some characteristics that others with BPD may experience.

Living on the Edge

Sun, 26 Oct 2025 19:06:00 +0100

Photo By With Elli

My Reflections on BPD Traits and Emotional Survival

I want to start with something important:
I haven't been diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD).
But I have been diagnosed with Borderline traits—patterns that reflect some of the emotional intensity, relational sensitivity, and inner instability that people with BPD often experience.

The Room Inside: Meeting My Younger Self with Compassion

Sun, 19 Oct 2025 13:41:00 +0200

Photo by Steve Johnson on Unsplash

The Room, the Wall, and the Dance of Co-Regulation

Inside my mind, there's a room. It started as an image in therapy, a space where my younger self existed — isolated, frightened. A place with no doors, no windows. Just grey walls and silence.

How I First Met Neurodiversity

Sun, 12 Oct 2025 13:06:00 +0200

Photo by Peter Burdon on Unsplash

I didn't meet neurodiversity in a textbook or through a diagnosis. I met it through people. Through shared moments. Through experiences that quietly, powerfully changed me.

I was young and curious. I thought I was there to offer help — to support with tasks, be patient, play games. But instead, I was invited into a different rhythm of the world.

Exploring Esotericism, Mystical Traditions & the Search for Meaning

Sun, 05 Oct 2025 18:00:00 +0200

Photo by With Elli

I've never really had a religion. At some point, I stopped believing in anything specific and leaned more
toward a godless, deterministic way of thinking. But the truth is, I never truly committed to one belief or another — I didn't want to belong to a group that tells you how to think, how to live, or how to build your moral code.

Still, as I grow older, I find it harder to go through life without something to hold on to. Something greater than me — wiser, kinder — a superhuman presence that can offer comfort. Especially when I think about death, I feel a kind of relief imagining that I might see the people I love again. I know it's just a story my mind tells me because it cannot comprehend the void. But it helps. It soothes the part of me that longs for connection, continuity, and peace.

So, I started diving into the many different religious and mystical traditions out there. I'm fascinated by the systems humans have created — not just for belief, but for healing, for understanding the self and the world, and for finding purpose.

I don't take anything blindly. I question everything. I believe it's important to think for ourselves, to reflect deeply before we accept anything into our inner world. Still, I've found that exploring esoteric traditions can be like a form of therapy — rich, symbolic, and profound — though it can also be toxic or unhealthy when followed without awareness. We always need to start with care for our mental and physical health. That's the ground we stand on when trying to understand deeper things.

These are some paths, names, and resources I've been exploring — maybe you'll find something that speaks to you too.

Say Goodbye to Someone I Love

Fri, 03 Oct 2025 17:01:00 +0200

Photo by With Elli

Wednesday, 1 October 2025 — we lost our family dog, my brother's dog, Hades.

He was a true member of our family. He was like a brother, a child, a light, and a joy in our lives. We know we were not perfect guardians. Like most humans, we were sometimes selfish—but we tried, and we are still trying. I believe, and I hope, that we gave him happiness and a good life.

Family: A Place to Breathe or a Cage to Escape?

Sun, 28 Sep 2025 19:00:00 +0200

Why Is It So Hard to Treat Ourselves Kindly?

Sun, 21 Sep 2025 18:38:00 +0200

Some days, even when we try our best, it feels oddly difficult to say:

"I'm proud of myself. I deserve rest. I deserve a treat."

If you've ever found yourself struggling to reward yourself — or even just sit with your own effort — you're not alone. For many of us, especially those who are deeply empathetic, neurodivergent, or grew up without consistent emotional support, self-kindness doesn't come naturally. But why?

What's Really Stopping Us from Treating Ourselves?

1. Low Self-Worth & Inner Critic Messages

Many of us carry old messages like:

"I'm only allowed to rest when I've done enough."
Or worse:
"I don't deserve good things."

These thoughts often come from childhood experiences of conditional love or perfectionist environments. Over time, we internalize the belief that joy, softness, and care must be earned — instead of simply being part of life.

2. Perfectionism & Shame

If you grew up associating value with achievement, it might feel wrong to reward yourself unless everything was done perfectly. Any mistake — even a small one — can cancel the whole day in your mind.

Shame whispers:

"Don't get too comfortable."
"You could have done better."

But perfectionism isn't a motivator. It's often a shield from rejection — and it's one that blocks joy.

3. Neurodivergence: ADHD, ASD, or Depression

Sometimes, it's not a mindset problem — it's brain chemistry.
People with ADHD or depression often experience reward processing difficulties. That means even if they complete something big, the "feel-good" doesn't register the same way it might for others.

This isn't laziness or entitlement. It's a real biological mismatch. And it's exhausting.

4. Hyper-Independence & Caregiver Roles

Many of us learned to meet others' needs, but not our own. If you've always been the strong one, the helper, the responsible person — it can feel almost selfish to rest, celebrate, or soften.

We might think:

"Others need more than me."
"I'll rest when everything's done."
But everything is never done.

5. Trauma: When Pleasure Doesn't Feel Safe

For some, even joy feels unfamiliar — or even dangerous. If your nervous system has learned that stillness means threat, or that reward is followed by punishment, then self-kindness can feel scary.

It takes time to rewire your body to receive.

"A Safe Space in the Sun

Sun, 14 Sep 2025 19:23:00 +0200

— Reflections on Safety, Healing & the Long Shadow of Drug Use —

I remember a time when the light felt different.
The way the sun touched my skin — not just warm, but welcoming.
The soft heat of the beach sand under my feet.
The summer wind from the sea gently brushing against my face.
That was my safe space. My safe feeling.

Sometimes I still go back there in my mind.
Sometimes, I wish I could help others find their version of that —
That space where healing becomes possible.
That place where difficult thoughts, emotions, and memories don't feel so loud.
Where you finally feel safe enough to begin.

We all carry things that are hard to face. For some, it's pain, trauma, or memories they can't put into words. For others, it's regret — for choices made, or paths taken too early.

And for many, those difficult things are wrapped up with substances — drugs, alcohol, escape.

Drugs can make us feel things we long to feel:
Connection. Stillness. Relief.
Especially when we start young, they can feel like a shortcut to a version of reality that hurts less.

But when the shortcut becomes the only path, it can steal more than it gives. And the effects… often last a lifetime.

What Is Drug Use?

Drug use refers to the consumption of substances that alter the body's or mind's functioning. These substances can be legal (like alcohol, tobacco, or prescription medications) or illegal (like cocaine, heroin, LSD, etc.).

Drug use can range from:

Experimental or occasional use (trying it once or socially),
to regular use (frequent or habitual),
and in some cases, it develops into misuse or addiction (compulsive use despite harmful consequences).

The line between use, misuse, and addiction can blur — especially when drugs are used to escape emotional pain, trauma, or stress. The impact on physical health, mental well-being, and social life can be significant, especially with long-term use or early exposure.

What Happens When Drug Use Is Ongoing from a Young Age?

When someone starts using drugs not just occasionally, but regularly and consistently during their teenage years — while their brain is still developing — the consequences can be deep and long-lasting.

This isn't about experimentation. This is about using substances to cope, escape, or survive, often without realizing the impact it may have decades later.

The prefrontal cortex — the part of the brain that handles decision-making, emotional regulation, and impulse control — can become underdeveloped or disrupted.
The hippocampus, crucial for learning and memory, may shrink, making it harder to process and retain new information.
Regular use increases the risk of depression, anxiety disorders, psychosis, and long-term substance dependence — even when the person is no longer actively using.

Over time, these changes can shape the way someone sees themselves, relates to others, and navigates the world.
Even years into sobriety, many describe a kind of cognitive fog, emotional flatness, or difficulty connecting to life without substances.

What Happens After Decades of Use?

For people who began using drugs consistently in their youth and carried those habits through much of their life, aging comes with a different set of challenges — physically, emotionally, and socially.

They may experience faster cognitive decline, trouble with memory, attention, or processing everyday tasks.
Chronic illnesses like heart disease, liver damage, and nerve pain are more common — especially if the substances used were harsh or long-term (like alcohol, opioids, or stimulants).
There's often a deep sense of regret, or an emotional reckoning with years lost, relationships harmed, or identities shaped by addiction.
Medical treatment in later life becomes riskier: prescription drugs can dangerously interact with past or current substance use, leading to falls, confusion, or overdose.
Social isolation is common. Many find themselves disconnected from support networks, facing stigma or being dismissed as "too far gone."

And yet — the support systems that exist for young people are rarely available to older adults. Mental health care, addiction treatment, and recovery spaces often ignore the unique needs of people over 50 or 60 who've been carrying this history for decades.

For the days that feel heavy

Sun, 07 Sep 2025 19:23:00 +0200

Elli's Gentle Day Plan

For the days that feel heavy

There are days when everything feels like too much. The dishes pile up, the light feels too bright, and even brushing your teeth can feel like climbing a mountain.

There are also days — and I'm having one of those right now — where you just can't live today. You don't want to get out of bed. You want the world to stop for a little while so you can breathe again.

What I'm learning is this:
These days don't come from nowhere.
Usually, something triggers us emotionally, even if it's invisible. And we shut down — not because we're weak, but because our body and heart need to feel safe again.

With the help of therapy, I'm slowly learning to look for the source, the little spark that sets off the shutdown. Understanding what triggers me helps me meet myself with more care.

But there's something equally important:
What brings me back?
What helps me get out of these days when I do start feeling better?

I'm trying to notice that too — the music, the light, the cup of tea, the loving message, the small routine.
Because if I can understand both what knocks me down and what lifts me up,
maybe these hard days won't feel so scary.
Maybe they can be manageable. Even balanced.

I Didn't Grow Up— I Grew Old

Sun, 31 Aug 2025 19:30:00 +0200

On Healing, Identity, and Becoming Myself Again

In the past three years, I didn't just grow up. Photo by Alfonso Scarpa on Unsplash
I got old — not in the way the body does, but in spirit.

I poured myself into healing. I focused on my mental health, peeled away layers of fear, shame, and survival. And somewhere in that sacred unraveling, I found someone who truly loved me. Someone who saw me — not my looks, not my effort, not my performance.

Forgiveness: A Path to Healing, Not a Shortcut

Sun, 24 Aug 2025 07:30:00 +0200

Photo by Alex Shute on Unsplash

What is forgiveness?
Forgiveness is one of the most tender, powerful, and misunderstood human experiences. It's not about saying "It's okay" when something wasn't. It's about releasing yourself from the weight of pain so it doesn't define your life.

Forgiveness is the intentional choice to stop carrying resentment, anger, guilt, or shame—whether toward others or yourself. It's not a one-time act, but a process that unfolds in its own time, when you feel safe enough to begin.

The Hymen & Virginity: Debunking Common Myths

Sun, 17 Aug 2025 20:00:00 +0200

Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash

Hymen and Virginity

Many people grow up hearing things about the hymen and virginity that are not true. These ideas can make people feel ashamed, afraid, or judged. So let's talk about what the hymen really is — and what it's not.

A Nice Story — On Fear, Solitude & The Sea

Sun, 10 Aug 2025 20:21:00 +0200

Today, I feel like...

Good. It's summer, and the sun helps with the mood. The sky is soft and open above the Netherlands — not too hot, not too cold. Twenty-five degrees of just-right warmth, enough to feel alive again.
And yet, as I watch the sun shine through the windows, I sit indoors, still.
Not because I don't want to go out...
But because I can't.

Am I Ready to Be a Dog's Guardian?

Sun, 03 Aug 2025 16:57:00 +0200

A Heartfelt Reflection on Love, Responsibility & Self-Awareness

In my family, we always had dogs. My mom and dad both loved them—and my mom also adored cats. I always imagined having a dog of my own one day, but when it finally happened, it came in the most unexpected way.

A New Chapter: With Elli Is Now on Social Media

Sat, 02 Aug 2025 13:20:00 +0200

Photo by Mariia Shalabaieva on Unsplash

Dear reader,

This little corner of the internet — With Elli — began as a quiet space to write, reflect, and share soft, honest thoughts about life, healing, and everything in between. And now, I'm gently stepping into a new chapter:

The Mirror Stage

Sun, 27 Jul 2025 17:17:00 +0200

At some point, you get tired of hearing how "great" you are —
"You're so talented!"
"You're beautiful, but you'd be even prettier if you lost some weight..."
"If you just worked harder, you could do so much more."

So many "if only you were…"
So many rules, so many expectations, and so many directions.

Why Do I Freeze When I Try to Start My Life?

Sun, 20 Jul 2025 15:43:00 +0200

Every time I feel I am making a first step to put my life together — to make progress and finally start my life — I freeze. I panic.

Even when I try to bring into reality the plans and effort I've already put in, I find myself pulling back.
I start looking for excuses not to continue.

I'm afraid of failing.
I feel like I'm not worthy… or maybe I'm just scared to change.

When Home Is Far Away: Homesickness, Depression, and the Longing That Doesn't Go Away

Sun, 13 Jul 2025 15:24:00 +0200

I moved from Greece to the Netherlands in my 30s.

"But Odysseus… sat on the rock in torment, grieving in his heart,
shedding tears…"

"But nothing I know is sweeter than my own country and my parents,
even if I dwell in a rich house in a foreign land…"

It wasn't a reckless move — it was thoughtful, hopeful, necessary in many ways. But even now, years later, this place still doesn't feel like home. And the ache for my hometown hasn't softened. In fact, when you live with depression, it's as if that ache has a microphone — everything is louder, heavier, and harder to carry.

Grieving the Parent You Never Had: When the Real and the Imaginary Don't Meet

Sun, 06 Jul 2025 20:00:00 +0200

There's a particular kind of grief that doesn't always have a name.
It isn't about losing someone you loved.
It's about mourning someone who never truly existed — the parent you needed, but never had.

For many, this grief quietly lives in the background. It hides beneath the surface of daily life, disguised as loneliness, confusion, or a persistent ache in the chest. It emerges when you watch others speak warmly of their parents, or when family-centered holidays roll around, or when you're faced with important life decisions and feel the absence of guidance, protection, or unconditional support.

Why I Go to Therapy

Sun, 29 Jun 2025 20:00:00 +0200

Therapy

Why do I need it?
Did it do any good?
Why did it help me?
Why do I sometimes get tired?
Why do I continue?

I've been in therapy for a while now, and people sometimes ask: "Does it really help?"
The answer is yes—but not always in loud, dramatic ways. Sometimes, it helps in quiet shifts. In feeling less heavy. In remembering how to breathe again.

So I wanted to write something simple. A little bit of my story, and a little bit of what research actually says about why therapy works—for me, and for so many others.

Why I Needed Therapy

I didn't go because I was falling apart. I went because I didn't want to keep living in survival mode. I needed space—safe space—to unpack emotions I didn't understand, to stop repeating the same patterns, and to just… be with someone who wasn't expecting me to fix everything.

Did It Do Any Good?

Yes. Not always immediately. Not in every session. But over time, things began to soften.

I started talking to myself more kindly.
I noticed when my nervous system was overwhelmed.
I learned to sit with emotions without drowning in them.

It gave me words. Tools. A mirror. And that matters.

Sometimes I Get Tired

Therapy can be exhausting.
Some days I think, "Am I just going in circles?"
Some days I don't want to feel or talk anymore.

But then something small shifts—a sentence that clicks, a pattern I notice, a feeling I finally release—and I remember why I keep going.

Why I Continue

Because therapy isn't about fixing me. It's about meeting myself with compassion.
I continue because I deserve peace, not just coping mechanisms.
I continue because the space I create in therapy shows up in my life—in my relationships, my choices, my boundaries.

Dancing with the Sun

Sat, 21 Jun 2025 23:34:00 +0200

A Summer Solstice Reflection on Light, Ritual & Belonging in the Cosmic Wheel

Today, the sun lingers a little longer.
The shadows stretch gently.
And the world hums in golden stillness.

The Summer Solstice — the longest day of the year — is a quiet turning point in the great dance between Earth and sky. It's when light reaches its peak before beginning the slow spiral inward. A pause. A breath. A sacred exhale.

Love and Relationships Today

Sun, 15 Jun 2025 23:34:00 +0200

Inspired by a Luben video: Watch here

Between Dogma, Rebellion, and Disconnection

There's a strange emptiness hovering over love and relationships today. A deep void—between the strict traditional rules once dictated by religion, the rebellious burst of the sexual revolution, and the rise of modern psychology and psychiatry. Somewhere between these fractured worlds, many of us have grown up lost and emotionally illiterate, unsure of how to navigate love, intimacy, or connection.

Sex education is often absent, or stripped down to biology alone. There's rarely discussion about emotional intelligence, mutual respect, or how to build safe, meaningful relationships. As a result, we've inherited shame from outdated dogmas, confusion from modern expectations, and no shared framework to help us understand what love even means.

We're a generation raised without a clear "rulebook"—and it shows.

Mixed Signals & Shaky Ground

So many people want to love and be loved deeply—but don't know how.

Others are afraid of intimacy altogether because no one ever taught them emotional safety. The result? A culture of mixed signals, detachment, hookup fatigue, ghosting, performance instead of presence, and silent loneliness masked by curated Instagram posts.

I remember how confusing dating felt for me at first. I didn't understand the "game." I had no idea how to flirt or express interest without fear. Therapy helped me so much—it taught me how to communicate, how to read signals, and how to connect with people I genuinely liked. I met my partner on Tinder. What a strange, digital twist of fate. But I was lucky: I allowed myself and others the chance to connect openly and honestly. Trust was hard—but essential.

As my first therapist once told me, "Love always has a bit of risk. It feels like jumping off a building—you never really know how you'll land." (Of course, metaphorically!)

What If Love Has Become… a Simulation?

After watching the Luben video, someone mentioned the name Jean Baudrillard—and I fell down a rabbit hole. His theory of Simulacra and Simulation made something click in me. Suddenly, everything started to make more sense, in a different way that it did before.

Baudrillard believed that in modern society, we're no longer experiencing reality—but a simulation of it. Our world is filled with signs and symbols, copies without originals. He called this hyperreality—a condition where the image becomes more real than the real thing.

Think about how this relates to love:

On dating apps, we swipe through carefully curated avatars.
On social media, we fall in love with edited snapshots of people's lives.
Romantic expectations are shaped more by Netflix and Instagram than real human experience.

In this hyperreal world, love becomes a performance. Intimacy becomes a filtered selfie. Vulnerability is edited out. Even desire becomes a product we market and consume.

The Day I Forgot How to Make Friends

Fri, 06 Jun 2025 14:29:00 +0200

I don't remember the exact day I stopped using social media. It feels like many years ago, maybe even before the pandemic—but it's hard to say for sure. What I do remember is the slow shift. I was no longer enjoying it. I began to feel like I was living through it instead of actually living.

Everything started losing its taste, its meaning. A sunset wasn't just a sunset anymore—it was a photo on a board, waiting to be liked. My life was becoming something to curate instead of something to feel.

Eventually, I understood something simple but powerful:
My profile isn't me.
And people aren't profiles either.

We're all too layered, too contradictory, too beautifully complex to be summed up in filtered images or short captions. And when we try to compress ourselves into those spaces, something gets lost—something essential.

I didn't want to live like that. And the more I stayed on those platforms, the more I felt anxiety crawling in, slowly but surely. At some point, even looking at someone else's page would make me uncomfortable. So I left.

And leaving gave me space.

Suddenly, I had room to think. I started having deeper conversations with the people around me. I became more intentional in how I sought information, no longer blindly accepting what I was fed by algorithms. I began reading again—really reading—and reflecting. I started listening to the world and myself with more patience.

But while I was gaining all this inner richness, I was also losing something just as important:
connection.

As I pulled away from online spaces, my circle of friends grew smaller. Part of that was natural—life takes people in different directions, and many of us moved to different countries. But part of it was my own doing, too. I was becoming quieter, more inward.

Now, it's just me and my love, living in a new country. I know one person here. And while I've grown in many ways, I've also become afraid. Afraid to meet new people. Afraid of not knowing how.

Sometimes I feel like one day I knew how to make friends, and the next day I just… forgot.
(Yes, I know it's a metaphor—but it feels real.)

This forgetting happened slowly. I closed myself off gradually, in the name of healing, reflection, rest. And while I don't regret that at all—I'm grateful for the journey—I woke up one day realizing I didn't remember the steps to connection.

Meeting people now feels like a brand-new experience. I'm rediscovering how to say hello, how to hold small talk, how to read the subtle language of expression—especially across cultures. Living in a new country makes it even more complex. It's not just the words we say, but the meanings underneath them that can feel different, translated not only across languages, but across emotional tones and habits.

It's beautiful.
But it's also hard.

So here I am.
No longer "social" in the conventional sense.
More thoughtful.
More present.
More uncertain.
And learning.

The Neuroscience of Connection

It turns out, this feeling has a basis in neuroscience.

We are social mammals. Our brains evolved to connect—literally. From birth, our nervous system relies on others for regulation, through a process called co-regulation. This is part of the polyvagal theory developed by Dr. Stephen Porges [2], which explains how the vagus nerve (a key part of the parasympathetic nervous system) helps us feel safe, connected, or threatened depending on social cues.

When we isolate ourselves—whether by choice, trauma, or lifestyle—our ventral vagal system (responsible for social engagement) can become underused, making connection feel less natural and more threatening over time.

Emotionally, this leads to what some psychologists describe as social atrophy—just like muscles weaken without use, our social instincts can feel "rusty" when we've been alone too long [3].

I'm not broken. I'm just out of practice.

Cultural Displacement and the Language of Connection

Living in a new country adds another layer. I've learned that connection isn't just about speaking the same language—it's about understanding the emotional codes behind words. Eye contact, humor, pacing, small talk—all of it shifts across cultures. That requires time, presence, and patience.

But when you're carrying anxiety or social fears, these small cultural gaps can feel like cliffs.

I've realized that relearning how to connect is part of my healing. It's not a step back. It's a return—to something ancient, biological, and human.

If You Relate…

If you've stepped away from social media and found yourself both freer and lonelier—you're not alone.
If you've spent time healing, and in the process forgotten how to connect—you're not alone.
If you're in a new place, unsure how to navigate the emotional "language" around you—you're not alone.

Relearning connection is not weakness.
It's growth.

And if you feel scared or tired or awkward starting over—remember:
You're not starting from scratch.
You're starting from experience.

I don't know if this will ever fully be over, or if the day will come when I'll feel less anxiety—when I'll be okay being around people again, reconnecting, having coffees, going to parties, laughing and talking with ease.
But I know this:
I will keep learning. I will keep living.
I will try.

That's what we can do.
We can face life and try.

Why?
That's a hard question. And unfortunately, everyone has to find their own answer.
There are many reasons.

But sometimes, trying is the reason.
And that's enough.

Greek Geomythology: Ancient Stories Written in Stone

Wed, 04 Jun 2025 11:44:00 +0200

Geomythology—the study of myths that encode real geological events—is full of wonders, and Greece is one of its richest sources. In ancient Greek culture, natural disasters and dramatic landscapes weren't just random acts of nature—they were woven into epic tales, divine battles, and transformations. These stories weren't only beautiful—they may also preserve real memories of volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and other natural events passed down through generations. Let's explore some amazing Greek geomyths that still echo today!

Understanding Attachment Theory: Why Our Early Bonds Matter

Mon, 02 Jun 2025 18:39:00 +0200

Attachment theory is one of the most powerful and compassionate frameworks we have for understanding human relationships. It explains why we behave the way we do in love, friendship, conflict, and connection—and how our early experiences shape the stories we tell ourselves about safety, intimacy, and worth.

What Is Attachment Theory?

Attachment theory was developed in the 1950s by John Bowlby, a British psychoanalyst deeply influenced by evolutionary biology and his clinical work with children. He proposed that:

When Small Mistakes Feel Like Big Threats

Fri, 30 May 2025 20:24:00 +0200

Today, I had one of those moments—a small slip-up that spiraled into something bigger.

I was selling an item online and accidentally overpriced it. A potential buyer pointed it out, and the mistake hit me harder than I expected. Not because of the error itself, but because of the flood of shame and panic that followed.

I noticed how quickly I moved to apologize.
How deeply unsettled I felt.
How hard it was to just let it go.

Living with Quiet Sadness

Sun, 25 May 2025 00:11:00 +0200

My Story with Mild Chronic Depression — and What Helped

For a long time, I didn't have a name for what I was feeling.

It wasn't dramatic. I didn't fall apart in public or scream into pillows at night. It was quieter than that. A kind of dullness. A fog I couldn't quite shake. Days that felt heavy without reason. Mornings where motivation felt out of reach. Smiling when needed, functioning well enough—but always with a subtle undercurrent of sadness that never fully left.

Why Do Some Tasks Feel So Overwhelming?

Wed, 21 May 2025 12:09:00 +0200

For a long time, I struggled with certain tasks—especially the ones tied to deadlines or external expectations. It wasn't always the tasks themselves that were difficult; in fact, some of them I even enjoy when the pressure is off. But the moment they're expected of me—on a schedule, with a sense of urgency or judgment attached—they feel heavy.

Learning to Welcome My Anger

Sun, 18 May 2025 19:40:00 +0200

For most of my life, I knew sadness. I knew fear. I knew worry, guilt, and the heavy silence of overwhelm. But anger? Anger was something that felt far away from me, something dangerous or loud that belonged to other people. I didn't realize that my anger had simply gone underground. That it had turned into tension in my shoulders, fear of confrontation, constant overthinking, and moments of crying without knowing exactly why.

Things That Only Make Sense in the Netherlands

Fri, 16 May 2025 12:36:00 +0200

Things That Only Make Sense Here

1. Biking in a Suit During a Storm

Dutch people bike in any weather — wind, rain, snow, even dressed for work or in heels. It's the norm!

2. Separate Trash Bins for Paper, Plastic, and Organic Waste… but Different Rules in Every City

Lost Days": When the Sadness Takes Over

Thu, 15 May 2025 14:33:00 +0200

Some days feel like they vanish into nothing.

Yesterday was one of those days. I couldn't do anything. I stayed in bed, feeling this heavy wave of sadness wash over me. I had no energy. It felt like I'd never have energy again. And the worst part? The thoughts that whispered in my head: "You're worthless because you cannot function today."

SHAAG: A Youth-Led Journey in Sexual Health Awareness Across Genders

Sun, 11 May 2025 21:31:00 +0200

In January 2019, in the heart of Thessaloniki, Greece, a small team of friends—Elli, Sofie, and Antony—came together with a big idea: to create an open, inclusive space for young people to explore, question, and learn about sexuality in a respectful and stigma-free environment. From this shared vision, SHAAG (Sexual Health Awareness Across Genders) was born.

From Greece to the Netherlands: My Journey of Creativity, Care, and Curiosity

Thu, 08 May 2025 20:08:00 +0200

My Journey — From Greece to "With Elli"

Hi, I'm Elli. I've always been drawn to meaning — in stories, in people, and in the quiet details of everyday life. My journey began with a simple question: How can life feel softer, kinder, and more balanced? I don't have all the answers, but I've learned that curiosity, connection, and creativity make a beautiful place to start.

With Elli — Creative, Cultural & Digital Guidance for Grownups

Thu, 08 May 2025 19:24:00 +0200

Gentle support | Real learning | No pressure

Welcome! I'm Elli, and I guide adults in reconnecting with creativity, building digital confidence, and exploring the depth of Greek culture — all in a warm, relaxed, and non-judgmental space.

Whether you're feeling curious, stuck, overwhelmed, or simply looking to do something just for you, my sessions are designed to support your unique journey.

Disclaimer

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Not Professional Advice

The content published on With Elli (withelli.com) is written for informational, reflective, and personal sharing purposes only.

I am not a licensed therapist, psychologist, psychiatrist, or medical professional. Nothing on this blog should be taken as professional mental health advice, medical advice, or a substitute for working with a qualified professional.

If you are struggling with your mental health, experiencing a crisis, or dealing with trauma, please reach out to a licensed professional or a crisis support service in your country.

Privacy Policy

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Last updated: April 10, 2026

This Privacy Policy describes how With Elli (withelli.com), a registered trade name (KVK: 99812584) operated by Elli Z. Georgiadou, collects, uses, and protects any information when you visit this website.

I am committed to protecting your privacy in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which applies in the Netherlands and across the European Union.

1. Who Is Responsible for Your Data

Website: With Elli — withelli.com
Operator: Elli Z. Georgiadou
Trade name: With Elli (KVK: 99812584)
Location: Leiden, Netherlands
Contact: Contact form

About Me

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Who I Am

My name is Elli Georgiadou. I'm a Greek soul living in Leiden, Netherlands — a city I've come to love for its canals, its quiet streets, and the way it holds space for reflection.

Computer Basics — Digital Guide

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Your browser does not support the video tag.

Technology doesn't have to feel scary. I wrote this guide for anyone who wants to feel more confident with computers, smartphones, and everyday digital tools — at your own pace, in your own time.

It's the kind of guide I wish existed when the people I love needed help navigating the digital world — simple, warm, and written with patience.

Computer Sessions

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Patient, calm, at your pace

Computer
Sessions

with Elli

Some things are easier to learn when someone is right there with you. Private 1-on-1 sessions for anyone who wants to feel more comfortable with technology — no question too small, no pace too slow.

Contact

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Whether you want to share something a post made you feel, ask a question, propose a collaboration, or simply say hello — I'd love to hear from you. I read every message personally and reply with care.

You can also find all my channels on Linktree.

Creative Art Sessions

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

A soft space to create

Creative
Art

sessions with Elli

For adults craving creativity as self-care — no experience needed, no rules to follow. Just you, materials, and a kind space to make, feel, and explore.

Empowered Voices

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

A community by With Elli

Empowered Voices

Where honest conversation meets a safe, open heart.

Online · Biweekly Sessions · Free · Adults Only

So many of us grew up without honest conversations about our bodies, our desires, our boundaries, or our identity. We were handed silence, or shame, or half-truths — and we were left to figure the rest out alone.

Empowered Voices exists because that silence costs us something. And because you deserve a space where these conversations can happen openly, gently, and without judgment — no matter where you're starting from.

Healing & Growth

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

A curated collection of resources that have genuinely shaped how I understand myself, others, and the world. Each section opens when you click it — explore what calls to you.

Science of the Mind & Body

Andrew Huberman

Dr. Huberman is a neuroscientist at Stanford whose YouTube channel has genuinely changed how I understand my own brain. He breaks down complex science — sleep, stress, focus, dopamine — in a way that feels empowering rather than overwhelming.

Ink & Insight

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Books have always been quiet companions to me — not just something to read, but something to feel. Some held me when I was falling apart. Others cracked open questions I didn't know I was carrying. This is where I gather them.

Philosophy & Ethics

Plato — The Republic, Phaedrus, Phaedo, Symposium, Timaeus, The Laws

Aristotle — Nicomachean Ethics, Politics, Poetics, Metaphysics, On the Soul, Rhetoric

Immanuel Kant — Critique of Pure Reason, Critique of Practical Reason, Critique of Judgment, Groundwork for the Metaphysics of Morals, Perpetual Peace

Moving to the Netherlands

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Your browser does not support the video tag.

I moved to the Netherlands without knowing what to expect. I figured it all out the hard way — paperwork, housing, healthcare, the unspoken rules nobody warns you about.

So I wrote the guide I wish someone had given me.

It covers everything: BSN & DigiD, housing (and how to avoid scams), health insurance, getting around, meeting people, and the little things that make life here actually work. It's 34 pages, completely free, and written from the heart.

Travel Greece with Soul

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

A journey before the journey

Travel
Greece

with soul

History, culture & language sessions by a Greek woman who knows what the guidebooks leave out.

With Elli

When Pain Becomes Too Much: Understanding Suicide and How to Help

Spring Awakening

The Equinox, Persephone, and Orphism: When the Ancient World Made Sense of Death and Rebirth

Greek Easter Traditions: The Magic of Pascha

The Traditions That Hold Us Together: What We Lose When We Stop Celebrating

Starting Over & Finding Your Passion

When “Fast Learner” Feels Like Pressure Instead of Support

When My Emotions Create a World That Isn't Fully Real

A reflection on boundaries, triggers, and learning to pause

How Do I Feel as a Woman?

I think I come from a culture that is behind in many, many ways.

Birthdays: The Day That Brings Me Back

Routine, Closure & Flow in AuDHD: Finding Balance Between Structure and Freedom

Learning to Stand Alone

Trauma and Healing

Be the Parent to Your Inner Child

Understanding PMS: My Honest Journey into Something I Never Really Understood

Why Friends Matter

Friends: How They Support You and Why You Need Them

Stress, Burnout, Trauma & Neurodivergence: Walking Together Through the Weight

Masking in Autism: The Hidden Exhaustion of Everyday Communication

A New Year, With Us

Happy Holidays from With Elli!

Christmas Connections: Love, Family & Togetherness

The Magic of Winter: Solstice, Christmas & Greek Traditions

Finding Light in the Darkest Month

Why Socializing Can Be Exhausting for Autistic People — and How We Can Be More Understanding

Why Does Socializing Feel So Overwhelming?

1. The Environment Is Sensory-Heavy

2. Social Interaction Feels Like Acting

3. Authenticity Doesn't Always Feel Safe

What Can We Do to Be More Thoughtful and Caring?

Respect communication differences

Allow retreat without judgment

Don't shame stimming

Ask instead of assume

Remember: flat doesn't mean unfeeling

A Gentle Word to Those Who Feel This But Aren't Diagnosed

If You're Close to Someone Who Seems Uncomfortable or Overwhelmed

Living with Intensity: Understanding Emotional Extremes in BPD

What Is Autism?

The Questions That Guided Me

So, What Is Autism?

YouTube Videos

Articles & Websites

Free Online Courses

Documentaries & Interviews

Living and Learning About ADHD: A Neurotypical Perspective

Living with BPD Traits: My Story & Understanding the Full Picture

Living on the Edge

Photo By With Elli

My Reflections on BPD Traits and Emotional Survival

The Room Inside: Meeting My Younger Self with Compassion

Photo by Steve Johnson on Unsplash The Room, the Wall, and the Dance of Co-Regulation

How I First Met Neurodiversity

Exploring Esotericism, Mystical Traditions & the Search for Meaning

Say Goodbye to Someone I Love

Family: A Place to Breathe or a Cage to Escape?

Why Is It So Hard to Treat Ourselves Kindly?

What's Really Stopping Us from Treating Ourselves?

1. Low Self-Worth & Inner Critic Messages

2. Perfectionism & Shame

3. Neurodivergence: ADHD, ASD, or Depression

4. Hyper-Independence & Caregiver Roles

5. Trauma: When Pleasure Doesn't Feel Safe

"A Safe Space in the Sun

— Reflections on Safety, Healing & the Long Shadow of Drug Use —

What Is Drug Use?

What Happens When Drug Use Is Ongoing from a Young Age?

What Happens After Decades of Use?

For the days that feel heavy

Elli's Gentle Day Plan

I Didn't Grow Up— I Grew Old

On Healing, Identity, and Becoming Myself Again

Forgiveness: A Path to Healing, Not a Shortcut

The Hymen & Virginity: Debunking Common Myths

Photo by Markus Winkler on UnsplashHymen and Virginity

A Nice Story — On Fear, Solitude & The Sea

Am I Ready to Be a Dog's Guardian?

Photo by Steve Johnson on Unsplash

The Room, the Wall, and the Dance of Co-Regulation

Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash

Hymen and Virginity

Computer
Sessions

Creative
Art

Travel
Greece