Dr. Daniel Mercer
Daniel Mercer
599 articlesEditor-in-chief
Editor-in-chief
PhD, is a licensed psychologist, mental health writer, and clinical educator who specializes in anxiety disorders, mood disorders, trauma, and evidence-based psychotherapy. For more than 18 years, he has worked at the intersection of clinical practice, psychological research, and public education, helping translate complex mental health topics into accurate, compassionate, and accessible language for broad audiences.
Latest articles by Daniel Mercer
Should You Start a Family If Your Partner Has a Genetic Disease
Facing a partner’s inherited illness can trigger anxiety about marriage, children, and the future. Here’s how experts suggest navigating love, risk, and hard choices
How Resentment Over an Ex’s Debt Can Poison Your Life
When a breakup leaves you paying off someone else’s loan, anger and mistrust can linger for years, affecting new relationships and your own sense of self
Carrying the Mental Load Alone: When Your Partner Won’t Step Up
Many women find themselves managing home, kids, and work with little support from their spouse. This pattern can lead to exhaustion, resentment, and a sense of isolation
Stuck in Anxiety After Maternity Leave: Why Moms Can’t Switch Off
Many new mothers report relentless anxiety, nightmares, and a sense of being trapped as maternity leave ends. Experts explain what drives these symptoms and how to break the cycle
How to Set Boundaries With a Critical Aging Parent
When an elderly parent’s constant criticism leaves you drained, learning to set boundaries can help protect your mental health and preserve your relationship
When Your Spouse Demands Constant Attention and Affection at Home
A psychologist explains why some partners crave nonstop reassurance, affection, and intimacy—and what steps can help restore balance in your relationship
Bullied and Alone: How Chronic Exclusion Destroys Self-Respect
A 20-year-old describes years of bullying, isolation, and discrimination. A conflict resolution expert explains how to rebuild self-worth and find support when you feel powerless
What to Do When You Discover a Family Secret in a Will
A young woman stumbles on her father’s will and finds a stranger’s name listed alongside her own. Should she confront him or keep the secret to herself
Living Together but He Refuses Marriage—Is It Time to Walk Away
When your partner insists marriage ruins relationships and expects you to accept a permanent non-committal status, the emotional and legal stakes can be higher than you think
When a Partner’s Family Rejects You: How to Heal and Move On
Struggling to trust again after a breakup shaped by family rejection? Learn how emotional wounds from early relationships can impact your ability to form new connections and what steps can help you recover
Living With Trichotillomania: Why Hair Pulling Isn’t Just a Bad Habit
Trichotillomania causes people to pull out their own hair when stressed or anxious. Learn why this disorder is chronic, what treatment options exist, and why professional help is often needed
When Women Take the Power Role: The Impact of the Phallic Mother
Some women adopt dominant, forceful roles in relationships, often sidelining men and shaping their daughters’ sense of self. This pattern can disrupt family dynamics and emotional development
When Imposter Syndrome Turns Therapists Into Perpetual Students
Many therapists with imposter syndrome keep enrolling in new courses, draining finances and delaying real practice, hoping the next certificate will finally bring confidence
How Childhood People-Pleasing Becomes Self-Sabotage in Adulthood
Many adults still live by the rules set by critical parents, stuck in patterns of self-blame, emotional numbness, and fear of rejection—often without realizing how deeply these habits shape their lives
Imposter Syndrome in Therapists: How Self-Doubt Can Stall Your Career
Many therapists struggle with imposter syndrome, feeling unqualified even after years of training. This pattern can drain confidence, delay private practice, and fuel anxiety about client care
