19 Mental Health Books To Help Support Your Healing Journey

Jan 16, 2024

Getting lost in your favorite TBR picks is fun, but there may be a part of you that's also looking to read more mental health books this year. While we absolutely feel giddy about setting career goals, prioritizing your wellbeing counts as self-improvement that doesn't feel like you're racing to become successful. This could look like you finding an affordable therapist, setting boundaries with loved ones, or learning how to stop being a people pleaser.

No matter what your self-caregoals are, we've got 19 mental health books that'll help support your healing journey.

Quarterlife: The Search for Self in Early Adulthood

Your early twenties can be full of excitement and confusion. You've got more freedom than you did as a teen, but you're still figuring out who you are — or at least trying to be comfortable with your identity. It's time where society expects you to get it right, leaving little room for error and that can suck.

Satya Doyle Byock wants you to know there's nothing wrong with you in Quarterlife: The Search for Self in Early Adulthood. With her four pillars of development, you'll learn how to separate from things aren't beneficial, listen to your inner voice, build healthy routines, and integrate all these things for a life you love.

It Didn't Start With You: How Inherited Family Trauma Shapes Who We Are and How to End the Cycle

During a session with my therapist last year, I was shocked to learn that mental illnesses can be hereditary. It reminded that many people aren't fortunate to grow up in environments where people are willing or able to care for their mental health. However, books like It Didn't Start With You exist to help us gain a better understanding of how we may be carrying things that simply aren't our fault.

This book — along with supported evidence — suggests that the trauma from our ancestors can live within us. Not only that, but it explains how our daily habits and choices can be affected by it.

Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents: How to Heal From Distant, Rejecting, or Self-Involved Parents

Just like It Didn't Start With You helps us understand that mental health struggles aren't a result of something we did, Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents wants readers to know how parents can affect their parents. If you have a difficult relationship with one of your parents as a adult, Psychologist Lindsay Gibson wants to help you heal from childhood trauma.

Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before?

Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before aims to be a helpful resource in your daily life. Even if you don't have a mental health diagnoses, life can have hard moments and some days can be tough to navigate. Dr. Julie Smith outlines different tools you can utilize in different situations so you're not weighed down by life.

I Don't Want to Talk About It: Overcoming the Secret Legacy of Male Depression

This is a great gift to give your S.O., brother, cousin, uncle, or bestie if they're struggling with depression. Too often men don't feel comfortable talking about their emotions and can bottle them up, leading to prolonged bouts of sadness. It's an excellent read that seeks to help men understand that they don't have to suffer silently.

The Body Keeps Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma

Similar to It Didn't Start With You, The Body Keeps Score shares startling facts about how powerful trauma is and the effects it has on a person, changing how they move through their daily life. However, Dr. Bessel Van Der Kolk, M.D. shares different methods that can someone begin healing.

The Mind-Gut Connection: How the Hidden Conversation Within Our Bodies Impacts Our Mood, Our Choices, and Our Overall Health

The Mind-Gut Connection wants us to understand just how connected our minds, microbiomes, and gut health are intertwined. They're constantly communicating — even if we're unaware — and can determine a host of things. From dealing with bloat to suffering from anxiety, you'll learn how to create harmony within yourself so you can live an optimal life.

Calm Your Thoughts: How to Stop Overthinking, Battle Stress, Stop Spiraling, and Start Living

We've all experienced the displeasure of overthinking and how it seems to permeate every inch of our lives. However, Calm Your Thoughts has answers for how to lessen the chance we'll turn to our familiar frenemy. From learning how to remain calm in stressful situations to not letting your anxiety control your day, you'll learn how to embrace a life that doesn't involve choosing to be stressed.

Get Out of Your Head: Stopping the Spiral of Toxic Thoughts

This Christian-based book offers an answer to those who feel they're being punished on their faith-walk. It's a nice alternative to hearing, "Oh, just get over it," and offers tangible ways to rely on God so that you're able to hold your thoughts captive.

Winning the War in Your Mind: Change Your Thinking, Change Your Life

Winning the War in Your Mind is another faith-based book that's perfect for those who want to continue learning how not to let every single thought they have control how they live their lives. Combining religion and science, Groeschel's goal is to help you identify harmful, repetitive thoughts so you can break free from them.

You, Happier: The 7 Neuroscience Secrets of Feeling Good Based on Your Brain Type

Did you know that happiness is more than a feeling? If not, You, Happier helps you understand how happiness is directly linked to our brains. Dr. Amen's work has allowed him to figure out how different brain types are influenced by it and how we can work to be happier.

Fuel Your Brain, Not Your Anxiety: Stop the Cycle of Worry, Fatigue, and Sugar Cravings with Simple Protein-Rich Foods

Anxiety has a way of showing up when we least expect it. Even if we have a good understanding of our triggers, it can still feel hard not to rely on 'comfort' habits or foods. However, Fuel Your Brain, Not Your Anxiety is here to help us make necessary changes. It reveals how foods can affect our emotions and thoughts instead of treating them differently.

Set Boundaries, Find Peace: A Guide to Reclaiming Yourself

This is a book that has helped me tremendously. I started reading it during my first year of motherhood and it helped me identify ways I was afraid to set boundaries in different areas of my life. It's a good read for anyone who's struggling to do the same, but wants to be more intentional about how they interact with others and vice versa!

I also recommending using The Set Boundaries Workbook while you read through this book!

The Negativity Fast: Proven Techniques to Increase Positivity, Reduce Fear, and Boost Success

When you hear that someone is fasting, they're usually referring to refraining from eating for a certain period of time. However, there are different types of fasts you can do and one of them involves unsubscribing from negativity. The Negativity Fast breaks down how we're affected by negative things while also sharing techniques to help you focus on positivity.

The Road Back to You: An Enneagram Journey to Self-Discovery

The Road Back to You is a great read for anyone who's looking for a deeper understanding of Enneagrams and how to identify theirs. Not only that, but it shares how you can discover more of yourself after learning about your personality traits.

Self-Esteem: A Proven Program of Cognitive Techniques for Assessing, Improving, and Maintaining Your Self-Esteem

While it seems like others have a healthy dose of self-esteem, it's possible that you've struggled with yours at different points. If so, you're not alone as we've had ups and downs with ours too. The good thing about Self-Esteem is that it provides therapist-backed techniques that'll help you improve and maintain your confidence.

The Empowerment Paradox: Seven Vital Virtues to Turn Struggle Into Strength

As much as we'd love to live a life that's free from struggles, we're bound to face hardship at some point. Instead of succumbing to it, The Empowerment Paradox wants us to learn how to view whatever we're struggling with differently.

The Happiness Recipe: A Powerful Guide to Living What Matters

This golden book is another example of how much we're in control of our happiness. It shows how we tend to let outside circumstances dictate how we feel and explains why we have the power the change that.

Choose Joy: Relieve Burnout, Focus on Your Happiness, & Infuse More Joy into Your Everyday Life

If the cover doesn't immediately bring a smile to your face, the title should. Choose Joy is a beautiful display of exercises that you can apply to your daily life to reduce everything from stress to how you react to opposing views from well-meaning loved ones.

Let us know which mental health books you'll be taking notes from!

Brit + Co. may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Lead images via Amazon

11 Obvious Signs You’re Actually An Empath, According To A Therapist

You and your friends have likely spent countless hours together, decoding everything from imaginationships to the best comfort shows to watch when you're sad. You've probably even settled into a designated role within the group. Maybe you're the super adventurous one, always suggesting friend date ideas for the group to try, while someone else always knows how to comfort everyone when life gets rough. But, have you ever wondered if you're the most empathetic friend in the group? That's easy, just ask Brianna Paruolo, LCMCH. She's the founder and clinical director of On Par Therapyso she knows how to recognize signs you're an empath, plus how to take care of yourself!

TL;DR

Empathy is when "you feel what others are feeling."
There are physical, emotional, social, and mental signs that you're an empath.
You may be an empath if you get physically exhausted after being in crowds, feel anxious or overwhelmed in emotionally charged environments, feel responsible for other people's happiness, or you find it hard to distinguish your own feelings from someone else's.

Are there really assigned roles in friend groups or am I just imagining things?

Gary Barnes

Like I said before, it can seem like you and your friends unintentionally gravitate toward certain 'roles.' It's not like anyone woke up one day and decided, "I'm going to be the 'mother hen' of the group," but it tends to happen. Why?

Paruolo says, "In my clinical work, I've consistently observed that our friendship roles often mirror our early family dynamics. These patterns show up naturally — think about who in your friend group gets the first crisis call, who plans all the gatherings, or who everyone turns to for emotional support." I'm willing to bet you thought of a name for each scenario — including yours — because I know I did!

"Like in families, we each fall into specific roles that feel familiar to us," Paruolo further explains.

What actually makes someone an empathetic person?

cottonbro studio

There's so many definitions for empathy, but I thought it would be wise to ask a licensed professional for her opinion on the matter. "Empathy means to feel what others are feeling. You do not have to have a personal direct experience with something to feel empathy for another person," shares Paruolo.

For example, your friend could call to tell you she has to have fibroid removal surgery and is feeling scared. You may have never had surgery, but you could find yourself feeling the need to comfort her in spite of this. Paruolo says, "The cool thing about our brains is that we have mirror neurons, which means part of our brain is set up to feel what others feel. The ability to attune to others' emotional states comes naturally to some people, while others may need to develop this capacity more consciously."

Yaroslav Shuraev

To break it down even further, here's signs that Paruolo says point to your empathetic nature.

Physical Signs:

Getting physically exhausted after being in crowds
Feeling drained after social interactions, even enjoyable ones (OMG I feel so seen!)
Needing extra time alone to recharge

Emotional Signs:

Absorbing other people's emotions like a sponge
Feeling anxious or overwhelmed in emotionally charged environments
Finding it hard to watch violence or cruelty in movies/TV

Social Signs:

Feeling responsible for others' happiness
Having trouble saying "no" to people who need help

Mental Signs:

Picking up on subtle changes in others' moods
Being highly attuned to body language and tone
Finding it hard to distinguish your feelings from others' feelings

It sounds like I'm the empathetic friend, but are there any downsides to this?

Mikhail Nilov

I've been an empath for as long as I can remember and I've found that I have to 'recharge' my social batteries at times. I thought it was because I was trying to be superwoman by fixing others' problems, but it turns out theres more to it than that. Paruolo says, "Empathetic friends and people have an uncanny ability to sense others' emotional states even when unspoken, and frequently need recovery time after intense social interactions. They tend to be deeply affected by others' experiences and naturally consider situations from multiple perspectives."

In the long run, she says it can be "distressing" for some people to always feel the feelings of others. Over time, she says, "it can cause you to shut down and retract." This can look like not being as quick to respond to the funny memes your friends send you or not even answering their phone calls right away.

cottonbro studio

But, this doesn't mean you're the only person who tends to go through this. "Many empaths struggle with maintaining boundaries due to their deep emotional attunement," she says. Color me guilty because this sounds so much like me. It got so bad at one point that my sister nicknamed me 'Captain Save-A-Lot,' which is actually the clean version of what she truly meant. Still, empathy fatigue is no laughing matter nor does it mean you're defected. You just have the natural ability to show people their feelings are important to you.

How can I protect my peace as the empathetic friend?

Kaboompics.com

You know you need to set boundaries, but what does that mean? Paruolo says, "The key is understanding that empathy needs to be balanced with compassion - it's not just about feeling others' emotions but also knowing how to help without depleting yourself."

One of the things she loves to do is "encourage empaths to set clear boundaries around their emotional availability and make time for regular grounding exercises." As with gratitude journaling, try to focus on an activity that calls for you to be present. Focus on what you can hear, see, touch, taste, and smell.

"Self-care isn't just a luxury; it's essential maintenance for empaths. This might mean scheduling alone time, finding a supportive therapist, or joining communities where you can process your experiences," Paruolo implores.

I know how to be there for others, but how do I ask for emotional support when I need it?

Vitaly Gariev

You may feel like it's impossible to ask others for help since your shoulders are the ones people cry on, but you're only doing yourself a disservice by not speaking up. No one's super resilient or able to handle all of their distressing feelings alone. We're not meant to.

It's the reason Paruolo wants you to speak up about what you need. "The most effective approach I've seen is being direct about your needs rather than hoping others will figure them out," she says. I made this mistake during postpartum and found myself expecting my family & friends to know exactly how I felt, but they're not mind readers. The more I verbally asked for help with little or big tasks, the more my mental and emotional load lightened.

Paruolo wants you to look at "asking for support as strengthening your friendships through trust and vulnerability, instead of waiting until you're overwhelmed." By the time you reach that point, you'll be ready to enter rage or full-blown shut down mode and they're not fun.

Avoid unlocking their proverbial doors by scheduling "regular check-ins with trusted friends," suggests Paruolo. "This creates a sustainable support system and helps prevent emotional crisis points.

We have even more self-care stories for you to dive into if you need a mental and emotional boost!

Not Close With Your Family? Here's How To Have a Joyous And Connected Holiday Season

Last year, some of us celebrated the holidays apart from our families for the first time. COVID has brought with it many changes, some of them arguably positive (like increased flexibility to work from home), some difficult (such as the realization of vastly different political and social views between family and friends), and some horrible (obviously, the health implications of a global pandemic). However, for some of us, celebrating the holidays without family members isn't exclusively due to COVID. In addition to so many of us living in different areas than our families of origin, some of us simply don't have close bonds with the people we grew up around. Sometimes, this can cause loneliness.

If you're not close with your family members, the holidays can be a difficult time. This is doubly true if you don't have a close circle of friends to call upon. But make no mistake, if this sounds like your situation, you're not alone — there are thousands of other people going through the same struggles you are. We sat down with Irad Eichler, founder of Circles, a website that connects people who are sharing similar struggles, like heartbreak, grief, or loneliness. Here are some of Eichler's tips for coping — and even thriving! — during the holiday season when you're not planning on spending it with your family, for one reason or another.

Don't Fall For "Perfect Families" On Social Media

Laura Chouette

The first VERY important step to having a joyous holiday season when you're going it alone is to stop believing the narrative that others' family situations are perfect, Eichler says.

"Remember people only post a moment in time, and only the moments when they look their happiest and best."

In addition to the fact that everything you see on social media is curated for the 'gram, it's also important to remember that by focusing on what others have and you lack, you risk failing to see the great things at play in your own life.

"These holiday periods can become a time of focusing on who and what we don't have, rather than who or what we do, and can cause a negative spiral into depressing and dreadful feelings of inadequacy," says Eichler.

Gratitude is the reason for the season, after all. So instead of only seeing the negative, try some gratitude journal prompts to help you focus on what's actually really wonderful about your life right now.

Make An Effort To Deepen New Connections

Joel Muniz

While it may seem like everyone has friends and family to spend time with during the holiday season, that doesn't mean no one is available for deepening a blossoming relationship or new friendship.

"Make a list of people you can or would like to connect with, and try to reach out to at least one of them," advises Eichler.

Reaching out doesn't have to mean a big plan or an hour-long conversation. Even a quick text letting a friendly coworker know you're thinking about them can go a long way toward deepening the relationship and moving it in the direction of closer friendship.

Don't have an acquaintance in mind? Then it's time to make new acquaintances. What's more in line with the Christmas spirit than attending a Meetup or event full of people eager to make new friends?

"Join groups with similar interests to yours, such as hiking, baking, or games. Push your boundaries and be brave - you might find new people who have much in common with you."

Give Back

Priscilla Du Preez

The holiday season is a great time to focus on giving back to your community, and coincidentally, acts of generosity and kindness are known to reduce loneliness and help people feel happier. One study found that knowing a few of your neighbors and doing small acts of kindness for them — such as cheering them up, listening to them, mowing their lawn, providing advice about local business recommendations and job opportunities, and chatting over the fence — was statistically correlated with feeling less lonely and having a lower risk of depression.

Helping out elderly neighbors can be a particularly gratifying way to give back.

"Notice older lonely people in your neighborhood or community who might have no family at all, and offer to help them," says Eichler. "These can become mutually meaningful connections, and help you 'adopt' a grandparent."

Connect With Others Online

Thought Catalog

Finally, use the Internet for its highest and best purpose: to connect people. Whether you're using Meetup to find in-person events, digital forums for having conversations about special interests, or programs like Circle for getting support from others in your situation, the opportunities to create new connections are practically endless.

"There are many interest groups that can be found digitally, where or any person can connect with others in the same life stage, going through the same challenges, or who would like to explore the same interests," Eichler states. "Meaningful connections can be formed easily in these circumstances. The Internet enables us to find and connect to people all over the world who fit this, and to whom we can become more easily attached, as we are able to find people with the exact interests that energize us."

If you're struggling with loneliness, you're not alone. Connect with our digital community of makers and creatives here at Brit+Co by following us on IG and signing up for our newsletter!

This post has been updated.

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13 Quick & Easy Ways To Calm Down When You’re Stressed Out

Lately, we've been faced with anxiety everywhere we turn. It's okay if (like us), you don't always know how to deal with the toughest of times, especially when the tough times never seem to end. If you are feeling that way, we're right there with you! Our team has always shared the ways we cope with our personal stressors over the years, and we wanna share these quick and easy tips for how to calm down with you! Keep reading for our recommendations — hopefully they can help the next time you're feeling anxious.

Thirdman

Intentional Thoughts

I'm someone who has a hard time letting things go; I can agonize over one thought or situation for days! Because of this, I focus a lot on taking thoughts captive, which just means pinpointing anxious thoughts and replacing them with what I know is true.

When I have an anxious thought, I do a creative visualization exercise in which I imagine it's inside a bubble floating over my head. Then I slam an imaginary door over the memory and lock it. Then the bubble explodes and the thought doesn't exist anymore. It's not necessarily pretending like it never happened, but it does allow me to exercise some control over what I allow myself to spend time and energy thinking about.

—Choe Williams, Entertainment Editor

Mikhail Nilov

Breathing Techniques

My mom is a Pre-K teacher and suggested I try the breathing exercises she does with her kids who are just four years old (I'm 31 for context). The first is called Mountain Breathing, which entails holding up your hand and tracing the outline of your fingers. As you climb up the mountain (or your finger), inhale, and as you trace down into the valley between your fingers, exhale. Another breathing visualization she recommends is as you inhale, imagine yourself breathing in to smell the flowers, and exhale to blow out a candle. These little imaginative scenarios help me get out of my head and focus on my breathing when I need a little reset throughout the day.

Hammock Swinging

Whenever I'm feeling super stressed, I head for the hammock I setup in my front yard. Just as rocking can soothe babies, swinging in a hammock is a powerful soother for adults too! I feel super chilled afterwards and am usually getting some Vitamin D while I'm at it for a win-win.

Painting

During the pandemic, I revisited arts and crafts with soft pastels. I started mixing the colors and doing gradient shadings on card stock with my hands, and it proved to be a super meditative way to decompress. The end result is DIY art you can share or pin on your fridge or wall.

—Alison Ives, Head Of Content

KoolShooters

Breathing Techniques

Nothing calms me down quite like alternate-nostril breathing. I first learned about this technique in my yoga classes, but the practice (called Nadi Shodhana in Sanskrit) dates back to the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, which was thought to be written sometime between 200 BC and 200 CE. Put simply, you sit in a comfortable position, close your eyes, and cover one nostril while you breathe in through the other. Then, you switch which nostril you're holding closed, and breathe out. In modern times, the connection between vagal nerve tone (which is correlated with anxiety and emotional regulation) and alternate-nostril breathing is becoming more and more mainstream, which may eventually help us better understand why this practice is so naturally calming.

Tarot Reading

Tarot can mean a lot of different things to different people. For me, I use tarot cards as a method to help me understand what lessons I'm learning at any given time. This has allowed me to view stressors in my life as learning experiences, which has helped me stay calm in numerous crises. I personally like to light some incense or a scented candle, sit quietly, and pull a card to see what resonates. That said, tarot and its associated images and meanings can be scary or triggering if you don't have a deep and gentle understanding of what the cards mean. I recommend Lindsay Mack's classes and podcasts for anyone who wants to learn about tarot in a non-judgemental, non-predictive, trauma-informed way.

—Maggie McCracken, Former Senior Editor

Gustavo Fring

Sensory Accessories

My recent ways of coping/de-stressing have primarily been spiky sensory finger rings, which are a huge help when I need to get something done and can't stop my day to destress. I grab one of these guys which I have all over the place (most of my jacket pockets + purses), and it helps to calm me down and reset my focus.

Meditation On The Move

Another thing I do that I am trying to integrate into my daily routine is guided meditation walks. As someone who hasn't mastered sitting meditation I've found some on Headspace that I'm enjoying that are specifically for going on a walk through a city.

—Claire Shadomy, Former Graphic Designer

Kate Branch

Baths...

In times of high stress, or after a long day, my go-to is always a candle-lit bath soak. I put a large scoop of Epsom salts in the tub with a few drops of my favorite essential oil and place tea lights all around the tub. It’s like my secret getaway from the rest of the world. I always make a point to leave my phone in the other room too so I utilize the time to just relax in silence. Water triggers the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the body's “rest and digest” response. It always gets my heart rate and blood pressure down.

...And Sound Baths

Sound baths are a meditative experience where you’re “bathed” in sound waves. I love to watch them online but you can also create your own experience. I find meditating with a singing bowl so relaxing. It can take a little practice, but once you’ve nailed the hand movement, it’s an interactive way to ease stress and channel your focus elsewhere.

—Allison Cimo, Former Social Media Manager

Brady Knoll

Take A Hike

Pretty much every day in 2020 I walked the trails near my house and I started to pick up a small rock each time. I'd fidget with it while I cleared my mind and let nature calm my nerves. I would throw the rock back into nature after my hike and it felt like a release for all of my worries.

Bedtime Music

My daughter and I listen to Doze sleep music on Headspace before we go to bed. It calms her late-night zoomies (and mine) and gets her to sleep in minutes!

—Theresa Gonzalez, Branded Content Editor

Anastasia Shuraeva

Journaling

What I use for my anxiety is the Intelligent Change Five Minute Journal. I have a safe word in place for when I feel myself spiraling or I'm not able to control my thoughts and breathing.

—Brittney Davis, Account Manager

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This post has been updated.

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Zach Bryan & Brianna Chickenfry's Break Up Is COMPLICATED — Here's What To Know

Zach Bryan and Brianna "Chickenfry" LaPaglia's explosive breakup is everywhere right now. From his seemingly one-sided social media posts to all the bombshell revelations she keeps dropping, it's clear this split is NOT amicable. Both parties are dropping tons of lore, info, and everything in between — including new music?! — right now, so it makes sense if you can't keep up. Luckily, I'm here to help break this breakup down for you! Here's everything you need to know about Zach Bryan and Brianna Chickenfry's relationship...or lack thereof.

Neilson Barnard/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

October 22, 2024 – Zach Bryan Announces His Breakup With Brianna Chickenfry

On October 22, 2024, after some recent speculation that Zach Bryan and Brianna Chickenfry split up, Zach took to his Instagram stories. The country star said, "Addressing something: Brianna and me have broken up with [each other] and I respect and love her with every ounce of my heart. She has loved me unconditionally for a very long time and for that I'll always thank her."

He continued, noting, "I have had an incredibly hard year personally and struggled through some pretty severe things. I thought it would be beneficial for both of us to go our different ways. I am not perfect and never will be. Please respect Brianna's privacy and space in this and if you have it in your heart, mine too."

To wrap it all up, he closed by apologizing to his fans. He said, "With everything I am and to anyone I let down, I am sorry. I try my best in everything. I failed people that love me and mostly myself."

www.youtube.com

- YouTube

Brianna hopped on her own Instagram stories shortly there after. She posted, "Hey guys I'm feeling really blindsided right now. Gonna hop off social media for a while and attempt to heal privately, when I'm ready I'll be back and ready to talk. I love you guys so much thank you for all of your kind words. Remember you are so loved and everything's always gonna be okay 🫶"

The Brianna got on Youtube next, posting a raw, emotional video about the situation. Sitting on the floor of her bathroom, she opened up as much as she could in the moment about her breakup. She said, "I just woke up to Zach posting on his Instagram that we broke up and I had no idea that post was going up. He didn't text me, he didn't call me. I just woke up to a bunch of texts, like, 'Are you okay?'"

Brianna, with her teary eyes and red face, explained she's been crying for "five days straight." She said, "I'm at the point where it's like, how can you give someone everything and love them so unconditionally, like through stuff that you shouldn't because you just love them and you want them... like you see the good in them?"

The internet personality said that this is all "so embarrassing" and "really, really heartbreaking." She elaborated that the couple broke up on October 21, but wanted to process on her own and "didn't want it to be public."

Much like her Instagram story, she told her audience that she'll come back when she's ready.

www.youtube.com

- YouTube

November 7, 2024 — Brianna Claims Zach's Emotionally Abusive, Wanted $12Mil NDA

Well, it appears this week, Brianna decided she's ready. On Barstool Sports' BFF's Pod November 7, 2024, Brianna gave an inside look at the breakup unlike any other. Not only did she claim Zach was abusive, but she also alleged that he offered her a $12 million NDA to "not talk about the relationship."

After saying it's been the hardest year of her life, she said. "I'm still scared right now because I'm scared of him. My brain's rewired and I'm scared to make him mad and last week, I didn't want to talk about it 'cause I was scared."

Brianna then described the alleged emotional abuse. She noted that everything was cyclical and that he would build her up only to break her back down again. "There was always another excuse as to why he was treating me so poorly and why I'm crying myself to sleep every night, why he's screaming at me," she said. "And then you wake up, it's the apology, it's the 'I'm going to be better like I need you in my life,' but if you've been through this — I don't expect people to understand emotional abuse if you haven't been through it. I hope you never have to go through it but if you've been there you know what I'm talking about."

Not only does Brianna allege she was offered an NDA, but she said that other women that came before her had to sign their own agreements. She declined the offer because she didn't want to "sign away [her] experiences and what [she] went through to protect someone that hurt [her]." She also wanted to share this experience for other women who've suffered something similar.

And when it comes to the logistics of losing out on the famous lifestyle and alleged $12 million? She said, "It was never about the money — I was with the dude because I loved the dude."

Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival

November 8, 2024 — Zach Quit Touring Amid Abuse Allegations

On November 8, 2024, Zach posted on Instagram — where he clearly loves to share all his big news — that not only is his new single "High Road" out today, but that he's also ending his tour early. Read his full statement here:

After not being home for a year and a half I drove out to my mothers gravestone in the dead of night a few days back on familiar Oklahoma roads and I came to realize just like in the past, that she never would call me again

Told her I quit touring because I got accepted to get my masters in Paris next year, I told her I was back in Oklahoma, told her about all my best friends in New York and all the nights we howled with the moon, told her about the immeasurable laughter my band and me have shared these last five years, all the calluses on my finger tips, every tear shed, told her about making it on The Rolling Stone and most importantly told her about porch swinging with my beautiful sister.
I wrote the chorus for this song a month or two back and finished it when I realized I was blessed with all these things.

I figured it was about time I released it.

Thank you guys for listening to ‘This Worlds a Giant’ last night and thank you to all the people who love me; who have truly carried the weight with me.

Seems that all these Quiet Dreams have gotten much too heavy but I’m home now and I’ll hold you through the pain.

High Road is out today and I appreciate all of you"

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83 Budget-Friendly Finds Under $30 That'll Have You Gifting Ready This Season

Discover 83 Amazon products under $30 that are nothing short of pure gold. From stylish fashion finds to the latest beauty trends, these steals offer exceptional value without compromising on quality. We always ask, what's better than the perfect gift? Well, it's the gift that also doesn't break the bank! We're confident you'll find something in here to at least appease a few loved ones this holiday season.

Thanks for reading about our favorite finds from across the internet! FYI: We participate in affiliate programs and may get a share of the revenue from your purchase.

An Ultra-Hydrating Facial Moisturizer for Soft Skin

Amazon

This facial moisturizer is formulated with aloe leaf extract and avocado oil, so it's ultra-hydrating and calming. The non-comedogenic formula means it doesn't clog your pores or irritate your skin, so you can wear it every day for dewy, moisturized skin that feels comfortable and calm. This is a skincare staple that's at the core of a well-rounded beauty routine.

19 Mental Health Books To Help Support Your Healing Journey

TL;DR

Are there really assigned roles in friend groups or am I just imagining things?

What actually makes someone an empathetic person?

It sounds like I'm the empathetic friend, but are there any downsides to this?

How can I protect my peace as the empathetic friend?

I know how to be there for others, but how do I ask for emotional support when I need it?

Don't Fall For "Perfect Families" On Social Media

Make An Effort To Deepen New Connections

Give Back

Connect With Others Online

Intentional Thoughts

Breathing Techniques

Hammock Swinging

Painting

Breathing Techniques

Tarot Reading

Sensory Accessories

Meditation On The Move

Baths...

...And Sound Baths

Take A Hike

Bedtime Music

Journaling

October 22, 2024 – Zach Bryan Announces His Breakup With Brianna Chickenfry

November 7, 2024 — Brianna Claims Zach's Emotionally Abusive, Wanted $12Mil NDA

November 8, 2024 — Zach Quit Touring Amid Abuse Allegations

An Ultra-Hydrating Facial Moisturizer for Soft Skin

Discover Extra Thick Bath Rugs - Luxurious Comfort That Lasts.

Are These the Cutest Slippers You've Ever Seen?

This Is The Most Comfortable Bra You'll Ever Wear

Dare to Let Negative Energy Linger? Not With This Candle Around

This Leave-in Conditioner Is a Hair-Care Must-Have

This Face Cream Is Life-Changing

The Perfect Lipstick for Every Skin Tone? Clinique Almost Lipstick Is Going Viral.

This Lip Balm Responds to Your Skin's pH

This Curling Headband Seems Too Good To Be True

This Body Scrub Will Make You Irresistable

Look No Further - Straight Leg Pants Are Here For The Office.

A Luminizing Gel for an All-Over Glow

Get Ready for the Perfect Nude Lip Color

A Perfume That'll Make Everyone Obsessed With You

You've Got to Have This Romper

Glow Drops That Add Subtle Shimmer

An Extra Large Storage Basket That Doubles As A Hamper

A Reading Light That Won't Keep Your Partner Up

Linen Palazzo Pants

A wine aerator that works so well, it'll turn your $3 bottom shelf wine taste like it was imported directly from a vineyard in France

TGGH Crystal Hair Eraser Painlessly Removes Hair While Exfoliating

This Facial Exfoliant is An Amazon Top Seller

The Fuzziest Rug That Will Make Any Space In Your Home Cozy AF

Introducing Your New Go-To: Lounge Pants.

This Hyaluronic Acid Serum To Add To Your Skincare Routine

These Glowing Rocks To Make Your Yard Look Magical

You'll Smell Heavenly With This Whole Body Deodorant

Celebs Have Been Using These Frownies Facial Patches for Decades

A Classic Button-Down Blouse In A Breezy Linen Texture

This cooling blanket for hot sleepers

These Aromatherapy Shower Steamers Are So Refreshing

This Blackhead Remover Works In Seconds

This Lip Stain For All-Day Beauty

Get A Banging Booty With These Sculpting Leggings

This Beach Cover Up Dress Is So Clever

These Lounge Shorts are Flowy Fun

This Crossbody Bag Manages to Be Cute and Helpful

Always Keep Some T-Shirts On Hand

This Blush Stick With A Smooth, Creamy Texture

This Rice Water Spray Is Incredible For Hair Health And Growth

Smooth Complexion With This Saie Hydrabeam Concealer

TULA's Best-Selling Eye Balm--Rose Glow & Get It

Grab This Awesome Summer Staple

Dress Up A T-Shirt With Delicate Puff Sleeves

The Luxury Bathroom Rug

Jacquard Towel Set

Le Monde Gourmand Eau de Parfum