Audrey Malone, MSW, LCSW

Joy is not just about big events or perfect moments. It grows from noticing the small glimmers and glows around us and stringing together moments of happiness.

Automatic Negative Thoughts, often called ANTs, are those quick, involuntary thoughts that pop into your mind and bring you down. They can make you doubt yourself, feel anxious, or even stop you from trying new things. These thoughts are common, but they don’t have to control your life. Understanding what ANTs are and learning how to manage them can improve your mental well-being and help you build a more positive outlook. What Are Automatic Negative Thoughts? ANTs are spontaneous, negative...

Therapy helps unpack emotional patterns, but without nurturing the gut-brain axis, those insights can fade amid inflammation-driven fog. A balanced gut doesn't just digest—it sustains emotional resilience.