What Is “High-Functioning” Anxiety—and Could You Have It?
Sara Spence Sara Spence

What Is “High-Functioning” Anxiety—and Could You Have It?

Feeling anxious but still managing to keep it all together?

You’re organized. Reliable. Productive. Friends say you seem “so on top of everything.” But beneath the surface, you’re overwhelmed. Exhausted. Worried you’re one misstep away from it all crumbling.

This is what high-functioning anxiety can look like—especially for high-achieving women. It often flies under the radar because it doesn’t look like a struggle from the outside.

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ADHD in Women: What It Really Looks Like
Sara Spence Sara Spence

ADHD in Women: What It Really Looks Like

“Why can’t I just stay focused like everyone else?”

If you’ve ever asked yourself that question, you’re not alone—and you’re definitely not broken.

For many women, ADHD doesn’t look like bouncing off the walls or constant hyperactivity. It looks like overwhelm. Burnout. Shame. Starting 10 tasks at once and finishing none. Feeling like your brain is in 100 tabs but you can’t find the right one.

At The Serene Sanctuary, I specialize in working with women who have ADHD—especially those who were missed or misdiagnosed for years.

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“Am I Just Burnt Out, or Is This Something More?”
Sara Spence Sara Spence

“Am I Just Burnt Out, or Is This Something More?”

You’re exhausted—but it’s more than that.

You’re not just tired. You’re drained. Snapping at people you love, forgetting simple things, zoning out mid-conversation. You’re barely making it through the day… and then beating yourself up for not doing more.

At The Serene Sanctuary, this is one of the most common stories I hear from patients.

And the question they always ask is:
“Is this burnout? Or something deeper—like depression or anxiety?”

Let’s talk about it.

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Sleep & Mental Health: Why You’re Not Just “Tired”
Sara Spence Sara Spence

Sleep & Mental Health: Why You’re Not Just “Tired”

Exhausted but wired? You’re not imagining it.

If you collapse into bed at night—only to lie awake with your mind racing, or wake up feeling just as tired as you were the night before—you’re not alone. And you’re definitely not lazy, unmotivated, or doing something wrong.

At The Serene Sanctuary, one of the first things I ask patients is:
“How have you been sleeping?”

Because sleep is not just a symptom—it’s often a root of what’s going on with your mood, focus, energy, and overall mental well-being.

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How ADHD Can Look Different in Women—and Why It’s So Often Missed"
Sara Spence Sara Spence

How ADHD Can Look Different in Women—and Why It’s So Often Missed"

“I thought everyone felt this way.”

If you've ever wondered why you're always overwhelmed, always late, or constantly forgetting things—only to be told you're "too smart to have ADHD"—you’re not alone.

At The Serene Sanctuary, I work with many women who spent years thinking their struggles were a personal failing… when in reality, they were symptoms of undiagnosed ADHD.

For many women, ADHD doesn’t look like bouncing off the walls. It looks like perfectionism, anxiety, emotional overload, or chronic burnout.

Let’s talk about why so many women with ADHD go unnoticed—and what support can actually look like.

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Why “Just Take the Meds” Isn’t Enough: A Holistic Approach to Mental Health
Sara Spence Sara Spence

Why “Just Take the Meds” Isn’t Enough: A Holistic Approach to Mental Health

Medication can be a powerful part of mental health care—but it’s rarely the whole answer.

If you’ve ever felt dismissed by providers who rushed through appointments, handed you a prescription, and sent you on your way, you’re not alone.

At The Serene Sanctuary, I believe your mental health deserves more than a pill bottle. You deserve care that looks at the whole you—not just your symptoms, but your sleep, stress, habits, hormones, and daily challenges.

Let’s talk about why a holistic approach matters—and what it can actually look like in real life.

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“Do I Have ADHD or Am I Just Burned Out?”: Understanding the Overlap
Sara Spence Sara Spence

“Do I Have ADHD or Am I Just Burned Out?”: Understanding the Overlap

Most of us throw the word “burnout” around casually:
"I’m so burnt out."
"Work has me totally burnt out."
But burnout is more than just being tired. It’s a whole-body, emotional and mental experience that builds over time—and if you're like many women I work with, you’ve been living in it so long it just feels… normal.

Let’s change that.

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Why Burnout Isn’t Just “Being Tired”—And What You Can Do About It
Sara Spence Sara Spence

Why Burnout Isn’t Just “Being Tired”—And What You Can Do About It

Most of us throw the word “burnout” around casually:
"I’m so burnt out."
"Work has me totally burnt out."
But burnout is more than just being tired. It’s a whole-body, emotional and mental experience that builds over time—and if you're like many women I work with, you’ve been living in it so long it just feels… normal.

Let’s change that.

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Anxiety or ADHD? Understanding the Overlap (Especially in Women)
Sara Spence Sara Spence

Anxiety or ADHD? Understanding the Overlap (Especially in Women)

You’re constantly overthinking, easily overwhelmed, sensitive to noise or clutter, and your mind never seems to slow down. You worry a lot—but also forget small tasks. You procrastinate—but you also feel like you're always doing something.
So… is it anxiety? ADHD? Both?

This is a question many women bring into sessions at The Serene Sanctuary—and for good reason. Anxiety and ADHD frequently overlap, especially in women, and the symptoms can look nearly identical on the surface.

Let’s break it down.

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What Is Burnout—and How Do You Know If You Have It?
Sara Spence Sara Spence

What Is Burnout—and How Do You Know If You Have It?

You’re juggling a demanding career, a full calendar, and a life that doesn’t stop moving. On the outside, it might look like you’ve got it all under control—but inside, you're mentally drained, emotionally flat, and wondering how much longer you can keep pushing through.
Sound familiar? You might be experiencing burnout.

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Understanding Depression: What It Is and How to Get Help
Sara Spence Sara Spence

Understanding Depression: What It Is and How to Get Help

Depression is more than just feeling sad or "down" for a few days. It’s a serious condition that affects how you think, feel, and function. Understanding depression is key to managing it effectively and seeking the right treatment.

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Why Mental Health Matters: The Importance of Caring for Your Mind
Sara Spence Sara Spence

Why Mental Health Matters: The Importance of Caring for Your Mind

Taking care of your mind is not just for those experiencing visible issues—mental health is an essential part of overall wellness. Making small lifestyle changes, incorporating self-care practices, and seeking therapy can dramatically improve your mental and emotional well-being.

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5 Ways to Manage Post-Holiday Blues and Start the New Year Fresh
Sara Spence Sara Spence

5 Ways to Manage Post-Holiday Blues and Start the New Year Fresh

The holiday season is often a whirlwind of joy, stress, and celebration. But as the festivities fade, many people experience a sense of emptiness known as the "post-holiday blues." If you’re feeling out of sorts after the holidays, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Here are five actionable steps to manage these feelings and transition into the New Year with a clear mind and renewed energy.

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