Can Social Anxiety Strike After the Fact, Not Before?

Social anxiety is very much like a germ. It strikes when it wants to, even after we've endured a social situation or event. As a germ, social anxiety can make us feel unwell. If you've experienced social anxiety, you might be accustomed to it striking as you anticipate an interaction and flaring during the situation. This is a typical pattern that social anxiety follows; however, it's not the only pattern. Sometimes, we don't become anxious until after the socializing is over. It's frustrating when you've successfully navigated an experience with other people and then bam! Social anxiety strikes after the fact. The germ has entered the body.

Boiling Mad? It Might Not Be Anger After All

Sometimes, a cigar is just a cigar, as Freud may or may not have said. That is, sometimes anger is just anger. You’re annoyed or aggravated, because you’re genuinely annoyed or aggravated.

But other times, anger sits on the surface while other emotions and past experiences swim underneath.

Why Should I Go to Therapy? 8 Signs It’s Time to See a Therapist

Psychotherapy, talk or talking therapy, counseling, or simply therapy—no matter the name it’s known by, mental health counseling can benefit people struggling with emotional difficulties, life challenges, and mental health concerns.

How to Manage Nighttime Anxiety

My nighttime anxiety strikes right before going to bed. Many times, sleep is delayed or even prevented by my anxiety. I tend not to enjoy nighttime, because I know that I'm going to feel anxious as soon as my head hits the pillow.

7 Ways to Avoid Codependency in Your Relationships

Do you repeatedly get into relationships with people who are troubled or who aren’t emotionally available? Do you tend to do more than your share of giving and compromising in your relationships? These can be signs of codependency and they usually lead to unfulfilling relationships that leave you hurt and angry.

Self-Compassion Exercises Show Physical, Psychological Benefits

Taking some time to think kind thoughts about yourself and loved ones has psychological and physical benefits, according to a new U.K. study.

Investigators at the Universities of Exeter and Oxford discovered taking part in self-compassion exercises can ease the body’s threat response, lowering heart rate and bolstering the immune system.

Mental Health Issues May Arise After Mild Head Injury

Approximately one in five people who sustain a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) will experience symptoms of mental health disorders within 6 months, according to a new study published in the journal JAMA Psychiatry.

The findings suggest the importance of follow-up care for these patients.

The researchers also identified factors that may increase the risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and/or major depressive disorder following mTBI or concussion.

Learn to Say No to Gain Self-Respect

We must learn to say "no" because one of the ways that we lose self-respect is when we constantly say "yes" to people. We say yes even though we desperately want to say no. There are multiple reasons why we might do this. We might not want to seem rude. We might want to maintain our self-image as a people pleaser or as someone who is easy-going, agreeable, fun, and open to everything. But by saying yes all the time, we will inevitably act against your our desires and interests. By learning to say no instead, we can build self-esteem. Learning to say no can be a powerful way of respecting yourself.