Anxiety Resources in Ireland

There are many resources available if you suffer from anxiety, OCD, panic attacks, fears, phobias, and other related conditions.

anxiety panic fear treatment help psychotherapy psychiatry Dr Jonathan Haverkampf

Psychodynamic Psychotherapy for Anxiety

Psychodynamic psychotherapy offers a deep and nuanced approach to treating anxiety, focusing on the psychological roots of emotional distress. By exploring the unconscious influences and early life experiences that contribute to current behaviours and feelings, this therapy can provide lasting relief and understanding for individuals struggling with anxiety. Here’s a revised look at how psychodynamic ...

CBT for Anxiety

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a well-established psychological treatment that has been proven effective in managing anxiety. It works by helping individuals identify and challenge unhelpful thoughts and beliefs, and by teaching them coping skills to deal with anxiety-provoking situations. Here’s a detailed look at how CBT can be used to treat anxiety, with references ...

Overcoming Dating Anxiety: Strategies and Tips

Dating anxiety is a common challenge that many individuals face. It can manifest as nervousness, self-doubt, and even physical symptoms like sweating or a racing heart. This anxiety often stems from fears of rejection, social pressures, and personal insecurities. However, there are effective strategies to manage and overcome these feelings. Understanding the Root of Anxiety Self-Reflection: Engage ...

Unleashing Your Inner Strength: A Guide to Building Confidence

Confidence, that intangible quality that radiates from within, is the cornerstone of self-assurance and personal empowerment. At its core, it is a feeling when we say that we feel confident. It’s the belief in oneself, the ability to tackle challenges, and the courage to embrace opportunities. While some individuals seem naturally self-assured, confidence is also ...

Understanding and Overcoming Dating Anxiety

Dating anxiety, a formidable force that can affect anyone stepping into the world of relationships, is a complex emotional state that can cause significant distress. It manifests in various forms, from nervousness and self-doubt to physical symptoms like sweating or a racing heart. This apprehension often stems from the fear of rejection, the pressure to ...

Navigating the Fear of Success: Embracing Opportunities for Growth

While it might seem counterintuitive, the fear of success is a real and complex emotion that affects many individuals. This fear stems from the apprehension of the unknown, increased responsibilities, or the pressure to maintain success once achieved. Understanding this fear and developing strategies to overcome it is crucial in pursuing personal and professional growth. 1. ...

Overcoming the Fear of Others: Understanding and Coping with Social Anxiety

The fear of other people, often termed social anxiety or social phobia, is a common and challenging experience for many individuals. It manifests as an overwhelming fear of judgment, embarrassment, or rejection in social situations, leading to significant distress and avoidance behaviors. Understanding this fear and learning coping strategies can greatly alleviate its impact on ...

Understanding and Managing Anxiety: Practical Approaches for Relief

Anxiety is a complex and deeply personal experience that affects individuals in various ways. While there’s no one-size-fits-all solution to “fix” anxiety, there are effective strategies and techniques to manage its impact and regain a sense of control over your life. 1. Educate Yourself: Understanding anxiety is the first step towards managing it. Learn about its different ...

Unlocking Agoraphobia: Navigating the Maze of Fear and Freedom

Agoraphobia, a term often misunderstood or oversimplified, encompasses far more than the fear of open spaces. It’s a complex anxiety disorder that can significantly impact an individual’s life, shaping behaviors, decisions, and daily routines. The Nature of Agoraphobia Contrary to common belief, agoraphobia isn’t solely about open spaces. It involves a fear of situations or places that ...

Unraveling Anxiety: The Power of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Anxiety—a persistent, overwhelming feeling that can loom over life’s landscape. Fortunately, in the world of mental health treatments, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) stands as a beacon of hope, offering effective tools and strategies to navigate the maze of anxious thoughts and behaviors. Understanding Anxiety and Its Grip Anxiety, a prevalent mental health concern, manifests in various forms—generalized ...

The Road of Fear: Navigating Anxiety Behind the Wheel

Driving—a skill that grants independence, freedom, and convenience, yet for many, it can also evoke a sense of anxiety and fear. From the fear of accidents to anxiety around specific driving situations, these emotions can influence one’s confidence on the road and affect daily life. Understanding Driving Anxiety Driving anxiety encompasses a spectrum of fears, including fear ...

Understanding Anxiety: Navigating the Waves of Inner Turmoil

Anxiety, an omnipresent yet often misunderstood emotion, manifests in various forms and degrees for individuals worldwide. It’s that knot in the stomach before a daunting task, the racing heartbeat during a pivotal moment, or the persistent worry that clouds the mind. While it’s a normal part of the human experience, anxiety can sometimes spiral into ...

Finding Relief: How to Get Help with Anxiety

Anxiety can be an overwhelming and debilitating experience, impacting every facet of life. From the racing thoughts that keep you awake at night to the physical sensations that leave you feeling drained, managing anxiety can seem like an insurmountable task. However, help and relief are available. Here are some effective strategies to navigate and alleviate ...

Understanding Anxiety: Recognizing Its Symptoms

Anxiety is a common mental health condition that affects millions of individuals worldwide. It’s a natural response to stress, triggering feelings of worry, fear, and nervousness. While occasional anxiety is a normal part of life, experiencing persistent and excessive worry that interferes with daily activities might indicate an anxiety disorder. Recognizing the symptoms of anxiety ...

Conquering Canine Anxiety: Steps to Overcome the Fear of Dogs

Dogs, known for their loyalty and affection, are often cherished companions. However, for some individuals, encountering these furry friends can be a source of immense fear and anxiety. This fear, known as cynophobia, can stem from various experiences or perceptions. Overcoming this fear involves understanding it and taking gradual steps towards feeling more comfortable around ...

Navigating Anxiety in the Context of Sexual Orientation: Understanding and Coping Strategies

Sexual orientation is a fundamental aspect of human identity, yet for many individuals, it can become a source of anxiety and stress. The complexities of societal expectations, self-acceptance, and potential discrimination can contribute to feelings of anxiety among individuals exploring or identifying with different sexual orientations. Understanding and addressing these concerns is crucial for mental ...

Navigating Career Path Anxiety: Strategies for Finding Your Way

Choosing a career path is a pivotal decision that often comes with a myriad of emotions—excitement, anticipation, but also anxiety. The pressure to make the “right” choice and the fear of potential missteps can weigh heavily on anyone. If you find yourself grappling with career path anxiety, rest assured, you’re not alone. Here are some ...

The Calming Power of Meditation: A Tool for Easing Anxiety

In our fast-paced and often stressful world, anxiety has become a common companion for many individuals. The quest for peace of mind and relaxation has led people to explore various methods, with meditation emerging as a powerful antidote to anxiety. Let’s delve into how meditation can serve as a beacon of tranquility in the tumultuous ...

Strategies to Successfully Manage Exam and Test Anxiety

Exams are a common source of stress for students, often leading to feelings of anxiety and apprehension. While a certain level of stress can be motivating, excessive anxiety can hinder performance. Fortunately, there are numerous effective strategies to manage exam anxiety and perform well under pressure. Understanding Exam Anxiety Exam anxiety is a natural response to the ...

Fear of Going Outside (Agoraphobia) in Children: Understanding, Treatment, and Prognosis

Ultimately, empathy and understanding create a foundation of trust and support for children coping with agoraphobia. Your empathy can be crucial in their journey toward managing and overcoming their fears. Validation of Feelings: Children experiencing agoraphobia might find it challenging to articulate their fears. Offering empathy involves acknowledging and validating their feelings without judgment. Letting them ...

Rates of Depression and Anxiety Are Rising in Young People

We know young people are depressed and anxious. There are things we can do about it.

CancerPhobia: Our Fear of Cancer Is Outdated and Harmful

The article explains how our fear of cancer is shaped by various factors, and that the fear itself can be harmful.

5 Things Not to Say to Someone Experiencing Anxiety

When someone is anxious, it can be tempting to lend reassurance. Still, even well-intended comments sometimes hurt. This article offers several helpful points, among them are the following: Telling an anxious person that they need to get it together or that they are ‘ok’ is often not helpful. An expression of empathy for where someone is, on the ...

Climate Anxiety and Nature Connectedness

IntroductionClimate change is a source of global concern that has both direct and general impacts on mental health. A recent study conducted following severe bushfires in Australia demonstrated relationships among nature connectedness, climate action, climate worry, and mental health; for example, nature connectedness was associated with climate worry, which in turn was associated with psychological ...

Fear of Failure Holding You Back?

The fear of failure is a powerful force. We can learn how to set fear aside, make bold moves, and quickly recover from the inevitable misstep when it arises.

Cancer-phobia: Our Fear of Cancer Is Outdated and Harmful

Our fear of cancer is in some ways outdated, excessive, and harmful—a phobia. Understanding the history and psychology of that fear, and recognizing its harms, can help.

Tapping the Hidden Potential Inside OCD

A Personal Perspective: How can Adam Grant’s newest book help OCD sufferers? In more ways than you think.

Anxiety and the Brain: The Forebrain’s Role in Social Decisions Unveiled

Researchers discovered that anxious individuals utilize a less optimal region of the forebrain when navigating socially challenging situations compared to their non-anxious counterparts. This was determined through brain scans that mapped regions active during simulated social scenarios.

Don’t Let Others Fear You

Throughout evolution, humans have developed a natural inclination to be cautious and apprehensive in various situations. Our minds are equipped with multiple hair-trigger systems that continuously scan for potential threats. However, if we assert ourselves and meet our personal needs, we are less likely to react impulsively towards others. Remember, cultivating self-assurance and fulfilment promotes ...

8 Tips To Beat Your Dating Anxiety And Ace Your Next Date

Dating anxiety is complex and multifaceted, here’s how you can keep calm.

How to Face and Not Fear Intrusive Thoughts

Struggling with intrusive thoughts? Here are three steps that can help you regain control and minimize their impact on your mental well-being.

The Fear of Sharks

Did you know that more than half of all Americans experience a certain level of fear when it comes to sharks? It might seem irrational, but there are both logical and irrational reasons behind it. Great White Sharks specifically tend to strike terror even though actual attacks are quite rare. This fear stems from their ...

How Parents Can Help Their Kids With School Anxiety

How parents can anticipate the possibility of school anxiety, open up communication channels, and prepare some de-escalation methods in case they are needed.

Purpose in life, depression and anxiety

Journal of Clinical Psychology, EarlyView.

Beating the False Alarms of Anxiety

Our brain activates our body’s anxiety alarm system when it makes threat predictions. These predictions are based on past experiences, stored in memory as fear conditioning and threat beliefs. However, our threat bias often leads us to overestimate risk and underestimate our ability to cope, resulting in false alarms. Understanding and recognizing your own threat ...

Navigating Back-to-School Anxiety

A new school year brings up feelings of excitement, but can also be emotionally distressing for children who experience anxiety. Here are some helpful tips for parents.

Five Common Fears about Growing Older

Aging is a natural process, and many things can be done to minimize the challenges that come with it.

Nuclear Anxiety, “Oppenheimer”, and Prometheus

A look at the history and future of nuclear anxiety.

Gen Z Can’t Run From Anxiety

The greatest satisfaction in life comes from facing the greatest challenges.

The Fear of Intimacy derives from 3 Fears

To build and maintain healthy connections, it’s important to be open, trusting, and emotionally invested in relationships. Sadly, many individuals face anxieties that hinder their ability to form and sustain fulfilling bonds. These fears often originate from past experiences that have left emotional scars, deep insecurities, or negative beliefs about oneself and relationships in general. While ...

Strategies to Conquer Anxiety After Failure: 10 Powerful Approaches for Overcoming Setbacks

Failure is something we all encounter. How we respond to it shapes our personal growth and resilience. By applying good strategies, you can effectively reduce anxiety and seize the growth opportunities that failure offers.

Conquer Relationship OCD Fears: Embrace Freedom and Peace of Mind

Relationship obsessive-compulsive disorder (ROCD) is a form of OCD where individuals have intrusive thoughts and compulsions related to their relationship. People with ROCD experience distressing doubts, anxiety, shame, or urgency. They respond by engaging in compulsive behaviours or mental acts to ease their distress and doubts. Practising exposure and response prevention enables effective coping and ...

Soothe Anxiety and Worry with a 5-Minute Mindfulness Exercise

Practicing mindfulness and guided imagery can effectively reduce symptoms of anxiety and stress. This simple 10-step activity is designed to be convenient and can be easily done anywhere you have a quiet space.

3 Simple Steps to Unlock Your Happiness

I eradicated 35 years of fear in 7 minutes, and, through these three steps, you could do it too.

Exploring the Link Between the Gut Microbiome and Anxiety

In 2022, Caltech researchers discovered that a specific microbial metabolite called 4-ethylphenyl sulfate can increase anxiety in mice. They also found that transferring fecal microbiota from anxious mice to non-anxious mice caused the latter to become anxious. In addition, antibiotic treatment in mice, which affects the gut microbiome, has been shown to impact anxiety levels. The ...

How to Tell the Difference Between Fear and Intuition

Differentiating between intuition and fear can sometimes be challenging. Fear often manifests as a pushing energy, driving you to avoid disappointment or ridicule. Conversely, intuition exudes a pulling energy, guiding you towards what is in your best interests.

6 Steps to Overcome a Fear of Needles

Fear of needles is a widespread issue, affecting individuals of all ages. Research suggests that up to 50% of teenagers, and at least 20 to 30% of adults experience needle fear. This problem can severely limit your life, potentially preventing you from receiving vital medical care or pursuing parenthood through in-vitro fertilization (IVF). But fear ...

Cutting back on social media reduces anxiety, depression, loneliness

Researchers found college students who tried to cut their social media use to 30 minutes per day scored significantly lower for anxiety, depression, loneliness and fear of missing out at the end of the two-week experiment and when compared to the control group.

A New Way to Tame Your Anxiety

A new study published in the Journal of Research in Personality reveals how curiosity can help alleviate feelings of uncertainty and anxiety. Curiosity can be divided into two categories: interest curiosity and deprivation curiosity. People high on interest-curiosity tend to hold more positive attitudes towards uncertainty. Embracing the feeling of not knowing, sparked by curiosity, ...

Empowering Avoidant Children to Overcome Challenges and Fears

Encouraging kids to step outside their comfort zone is crucial for their growth and development. Some children may seek safety by avoiding risks and new experiences, but this can limit their world and opportunities. Parents can help by creating chances to face challenges, and encouraging children to try new things.

Conquer Anxiety, One Small Step at a Time

Anxiety can feel like an endless battle is going on inside your head, constant worries and fears, and ‘What ifs?’ that you can’t seem to escape. It’s like being trapped in “The Matrix” with no way out. But take comfort – there’s a way to escape. With solution-focused therapy, the authors offer simple, easy-to-manage techniques ...

Swimsuit Anxiety Is Real

Swimsuit anxiety can have significant negative effects on mood and body image, and many struggle with feeling confident while wearing a swimsuit. Body dissatisfaction peaks in the summer when increased media pressure and comparisons can make it feel like our bodies are on display. Did you know that just imagining trying on a swimsuit can ...

It Wasn’t ADHD or Anxiety—It Was Gluten

Doctors misdiagnosed my son. He didn’t have a mood or behavior condition. He had a gut disease.

How My Body Saved Me From Stress and Anxiety

Our bodies are wise and can alert us when something is wrong. Unfortunately, many people don’t listen. If we don’t tune in, our bodies may become chronically sick. However, every once in a while, we may receive an instant of clarity. In those moments, capturing the message is crucial. When the author’s body almost gave up ...

Psychotherapist’s persuasiveness in anxiety: Scale development and relation to the working alliance.

Effective communication can have a positive impact on a client’s struggle. Psychotherapy has been found to be an effective remedy for many mental health conditions, but it’s important for therapists to be aware of ways how to communicate the salience of their approach to their clients. A new idea is to rate and measure the ...

Discover How Interactive Art Exhibitions Can Boost Your Mood and Reduce Anxiety

Viewing interactive art online can improve our mood and reduce anxiety. People reported significant improvements in mood and anxiety after just a few minutes of viewing an interactive Monet Water Lily art exhibition from Google Arts and Culture. The study also found that individuals with high levels of aesthetic responsiveness benefit more from online art ...

Discover How Ultraprocessed Foods Can Affect Your Mental Health!

Eating packaged foods like cereal and frozen meals has been associated with anxiety, depression and cognitive decline. Scientists are still piecing together why.

Meta-Analysis Shows Effective Psychological Treatment for Perinatal Depression

Background Depression during pregnancy and after the birth of a child is highly prevalent and an important public health problem. Psychological interventions are the first-line treatment and, although a considerable number of randomized trials have been conducted, no recent comprehensive meta-analysis has evaluated treatment effects. Methods We used an existing database of randomized controlled trials of psychotherapies for ...

Angst bewältigen: Nein, jetzt nicht – SPIEGEL Coaching Podcast

Vermeidungsverhalten macht Ängste im Alltag oft schlimmer. In dieser Folge des Podcasts lernen Sie Übungen kennen, die Ihnen helfen, die angstmachenden Situationen nicht länger zu umgehen.

Investigating the effectiveness of instructing emotion regulation flexibility to individuals with low and high anxiety

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Uncovering Anxiety in Cushing’s Disease: A Case Report

Dealing with secondary psychiatric symptoms while treating patients in clinical settings can be quite challenging. However, in this case study, the authors discuss a female patient with Cushing’s disease, who was initially misdiagnosed with anxiety disorder. Despite multiple attempts with psychiatric intervention, her condition persisted, accompanied by unexplained hypokalemia and hypothyroidism. Thankfully, a visit to ...

The role of somatosensory stimulation in social phobia—An analysis of hand coordination in patients and therapeutic dyads during psychodynamic psychotherapy

Counselling and Psychotherapy Research, Volume 23, Issue 2, Page 334-348, June 2023.

Enhancing Youth Anxiety Treatment with Engaging Cohesion Assessment

Journal of Clinical Psychology, EarlyView.

I wanted to face my deepest fear, so I suited up and flew to the Arctic

As a person addicted to meth for 11 years, my poor choices led to extreme paranoia and fear.

All About Imposter Syndrome: Definition, Health Effects, and Coping

Source: APA PsycPORT™: Psychology Newswire In 1978, two psychologists defined something called “impostor phenomenon” as an experience of feeling like an intellectual phony. The phenomenon is marked by persistent self-doubt and, often, a fear of being exposed as a fraud or imposter—even though, in reality, you’ve been successful in the very field where you feel like ...

Combating the ‘Microstress’ That Causes Burnout

Small moments of anxiety can pass almost beneath our notice, but they add up and take a toll. There are ways to manage them.

Condition openness is associated with better mental health in individuals with an intersex/differences of sex development condition: structural equation modeling of European multicenter data

Background Openness on one’s health condition or (stigmatized) identity generally improves mental health. Intersex or differences of sex development (DSD) conditions have long been kept concealed and high levels of (internalizing) mental health problems are reported. This study examines the effects of condition openness on anxiety and depression and the role of mediating concepts in this ...

Prenatal maternal stress, child internalizing and externalizing symptoms, and the moderating role of parenting: findings from the Norwegian mother, father, and child cohort study

Background Few studies have examined how parenting influences the associations between prenatal maternal stress and children’s mental health. The objectives of this study were to examine the sex-specific associations between prenatal maternal stress and child internalizing and externalizing symptoms, and to assess the moderating effects of parenting behaviors on these associations. Methods This study is based on 15 ...

Online group music therapy: proactive management of undergraduate students’ stress and anxiety

In alignment with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) goal to provide comprehensive and integrated mental health services in community-based settings, this randomized control trial explored the efficacy of online group music therapy as a proactive intervention for reducing stress and anxiety in university students who do not necessarily have a diagnosis. …

Lessons in Stress Reduction

A new free online course has been launched to try and reduce the stress of the nation during the Covid-19 pandemic. Members of the Irish Society of Alexander Technique Teachers (ISATT) are to offer hundreds of hours of free training online to help people deal with the tidal wave of stress caused by Covid. ISATT ...

Could virtual reality gaming help people overcome anxiety? – podcast

Madeleine Finlay speaks to science correspondent Linda Geddes about trying out a virtual reality game that challenges you to keep your heart-rate down while facing a terrifying monster, why it could help with tackling anxiety, and whether the gamification of coping strategies could be the best way to integrate them into our every day lives ...

Death anxiety and satisfaction with life among the adults in the social isolation process of Covid-19 pandemic: the mediating role of perceived stress

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For three years I denied my body the nutrition it needed. My teeth broke, my hair thinned, my periods stopped. But, in that too-small body I was praised…

I’ve spent a lot of time reflecting since 2020. Most of that reflection is done in the mirror, incidentally. For more than three years I had denied my body the nutrition it needed to function. My teeth broke, my hair thinned, as I did, and then it fell out in loud clumps in the shower. ...

The integration of yoga breathing techniques in cognitive behavioral therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder: A pragmatic randomized controlled trial

In trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), stabilization techniques are used before confrontation ones to increase stress/affect tolerance and thus effectiveness of CBT. This study investigated the effects of pranayama, meditative yoga breathing and breath holding techniques, as a complimentary stabilization technique in patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Seventy-four PTSD-patients (84% female, 44.2 ± 13 years) were randomized to ...

Network analysis of the relationships between problematic smartphone use and anxiety, and depression in a sample of Chinese college students

… the aim of this study was to closely examine the relationships between (PSU) and anxiety and depression to identify the pathological mechanisms underpinning those relationships. A second aim was to identify important bridge nodes to identify potential targets for intervention. … … Five strongest edges appeared within the communities in both the ...

Meta-analysis of virtual reality exposure therapy for social anxiety disorder

Meta-analysis of virtual reality exposure therapy for social anxiety disorder

Negative feelings toward borderline patients: Are layperson emotional reactions disorder-specific?

Psychoanalytic Psychology, Vol 40(2), Apr 2023, 115-120; doi:10.1037/pap0000421 Patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD) are typically confronted with others having negative emotional reactions toward them. This is especially the case with therapeutic laypersons in the health care system as well as in their social surroundings. … … In this experimental analogue study, therapeutic laypersons (N = 147) ...

Managing Your Anxiety as an Early-Career Psychologist

Early-career psychologists are not immune to anxiety. Here are some key strategies they can implement to address performance-related anxiety.

Take it from the experts, a pet can change your life

Some people should not have pets. They’re expensive and can make you sneeze. They require time, attention, and stability. If you have allergies, don’t make yourself suffer. If you travel frequently, think twice. If you simply can’t warm to the idea of an animal companion, then by all means, forget the pet. Otherwise, there are lots of ...

Over-Emphasis on Safety Means Kids Are Becoming More Anxious and Less Resilient

Parental overprotection fosters unhealthy coping mechanisms in children, leading to an increase in depression, anxiety, and a decline in resilience.

Preoperative state anxiety predicts postoperative health-related quality of life: A prospective observational study on patients undergoing lung cancer surgery

ObjectiveImproving quality of life (QOL) after surgery is very important. Recently, preoperative anxiety has been suggested to predict postoperative health-related (HR) QOL, however the accuracy of anxiety measurement remains problematic. We examined the relationship between preoperative anxiety level and postoperative HRQOL using qualitative and quantitative assessment of anxiety.MethodWe used a detailed anxiety assessment to quantitatively ...

Pandemic May Have Triggered Second “Midlife Crisis” for Over-50s

Anxiety and depression that occurred as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic appear to trigger a second “midlife crisis” in those aged 50 and older. Researchers say women struggled more than men with psychological distress during the pandemic, and this may exacerbate and accelerate neurodegeneration, mental health, and overall health disorders.

Health Anxiety and Beliefs About Being Weak and Vulnerable

Do you believe your survival is “barely hanging on by a thread”? You can improve health anxiety by reshaping dysfunctional beliefs.

Confronting Your Fears in Virtual Reality Therapy

VR scenarios get more personal as doctors tailor therapy to individual experiences

Living (dys)regulated and alienated young masculinity—Young men’s embodied experiences of mental disorders and suicidality

Counselling and Psychotherapy Research, EarlyView.

How Storytelling Can Enhance Therapy for OCD

Telling your story can be a powerful way for you and your family to respond to OCD.

How to Help Children Cope with Anxiety

How to help your child relax and manage their anxiety.

Climate anxiety linked to lack of access to green space

Survey shows being around nature has a positive effect on mental health.

Sleep Disturbances Prevalent in Long COVID, Analysis Finds

Source: Google News – Health More than two in five patients with long COVID suffer from moderate to severe sleep disturbances, according to an analysis published in Journal of General Internal Medicine. The analysis also identified risk factors for moderate to severe sleep disturbances, including race, hospitalization for COVID-19, greater anxiety severity, and fatigue. After adjusting ...

[Correspondence] Shared decision making with psychological safety

Psychological safety is defined as a shared belief that individuals within a team or group are able to take risks without fear of being embarrassed or punished.1,2 Psychological safety consists of an environment in which people feel respected and comfortable to speak up and express their ideas, opinions, and concerns, which is essential for effective ...

Rick Hanson: Compassion is a kind of superpower. Here’s what research says it can do.

Compassion makes us more resilient and less anxious or depressed, and it increases self-worth and happiness, research tells us.

Efficacy of electrical cranial stimulation for treatment of psychiatric symptoms in patients with anxiety: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Therapeutic effects of electrical cranial stimulation (CES) in patients suffering from anxiety remained unclear. This meta-analysis aimed at investigating acceptability and therapeutic efficacy of CES against anxiety, depression, and insomnia for patients who experienced symptoms of anxiety. … … Our study supported the use of CES for symptoms of anxiety, depression, and insomnia in those suffering ...

Basic Tenets of Separation Theory

Journal of Humanistic Psychology, Ahead of Print. This article outlines the basic tenets of separation theory, including the fantasy bond and the voice process. The fantasy bond is a unifying concept explaining how human beings seek security in fantasies of fusion in an attempt to heal the fracture related to interpersonal trauma compounded by death ...

Embarking on Recovery: When Does Stigma End? Investigating the Experiences of Discrimination and How These Affect Aspirations in Recovery From Substance Misuse

Journal of Humanistic Psychology, Ahead of Print. Background: Research into the impact of stigma and discrimination occurring while in treatment and recovery from substance abuse has reported that participants experience discrimination in areas such as employment, housing, and health care. Further research has suggested that there is increased anticipation of discrimination in these areas. Studies ...

Associations Between Existential Concerns and Adverse Experiences: A Systematic Review

Journal of Humanistic Psychology, Ahead of Print. Exposure to traumatic events or adverse experiences and its consequences have been studied mainly from a posttraumatic stress disorder perspective. Existential psychotherapy focuses on universal human concerns and the anxiety that occurs when a person confronts the conflicts inherent in life and toward death, which include the experience ...

Classic Psychedelic Use and Mechanisms of Mental Health: Exploring the Mediating Roles of Spirituality and Emotion Processing on Symptoms of Anxiety, Depressed Mood, and Disordered Eating in a Community Sample

Journal of Humanistic Psychology, Ahead of Print. A resurgence of research has begun to systematically examine the relationship between psychedelic use and mental health and well-being. Although preliminary findings examining the therapeutic value of these substances show promise, the mechanisms through which psychedelic use may predict reduced mental distress remain poorly understood. To this end, ...

Fear memory engram is the mind-killer

Nature Neuroscience, Published online: 06 April 2023; doi:10.1038/s41593-023-01292-w Stegemann et al. have unraveled a long-lasting role for fear engrams in future pain perception. Prefrontal pain and fear representations become entangled following a fearful event. As subsequent painful experiences also reactivate the fear network, silencing the fear engram alone can alleviate both tonic pain and hypersensitivity in ...

The influences of mindfulness on high-stakes mathematics test achievement of middle school students

Research has shown that mindfulness can reduce students’ negative emotions associated with high-stakes tests and thereby improve test performance. This study explored the association between mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) and high-risk math test scores of middle school students, which is noticeably slim in the domain of mathematics education, through a mediating process involving math-specific test anxiety ...

Exposure therapy to feared foods may help kids with eating disorders

Whether you’re afraid of dogs, needles or enclosed spaces, one of the most effective interventions for this type of anxiety disorder is exposure therapy in which you confront your fear in a safe environment. A new study finds that exposure therapy is also a promising treatment for adolescents with eating disorders. They found that exposure ...

Does Ashwaganda Help Anxiety? What to Know About the Stress Relief Supplement

Tonics and tablets made with this ancient herb promise to calm you down and level you out. Do they actually work?

Decision-making styles during stressful scenarios: The role of anxiety in COVID-19 pandemic

… In this study, we investigate whether Trait Anxiety moderates the impact of Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS) symptoms reported during COVID-19 pandemic on decision-making styles. … Through moderation analysis, we observed that experiencing PTS is associated with a higher tendency to biased/heuristic decision-making processes. … … Subjects with higher Trait Anxiety reported lower tendency to appeal to rationality, ...

Impulsivity, suicidal thoughts, psychological distress, and religiosity in adolescents and young adults

Impulsivity is associated with suicidal acts and ideation, whereas higher religious commitment has been identified as a potential protective factor linked to lower suicidal ideation. … … Non-planning impulsivity (predictor) was inversely associated with religious commitment (r = −0.33, p < 0.01), and religious commitment (mediator) was inversely related to suicidal ideation (outcome) (r = −0.32, p < 0.01). These findings remained statistically significant ...

Boost Your ‘Happy Hormones’ to Fight Sadness and Anxiety

Are you sad or anxious and don’t feel like having sex? The happy hormones stimulated by sex help to lift your spirits.

There’s More to OCD Than You Think: A Conversation With Cristi López

Is it possible to make art out of a life with OCD? Artist Cristi López will inspire you with her work and advocacy.

Moderating effects of humanistic care and socioeconomic status on the relationship among pain intensity, psychological factors, and psychological function in adults with cancer pain from a province of China: A cross-sectional study

… Our sample comprised 123 adult inpatients with cancer pain. Demographic variables were obtained from the Hospital Information System of The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University. Pain intensity, psychological factors, and psychological functions were evaluated with four scales, and humanistic care was practiced with a part of the patients by clinical pharmacists. First, univariate ...

Walking through the valley of the shadow of death—The psychotherapy of the head and neck cancer patient expressing suicidal ideations and impulses

Journal of Clinical Psychology, EarlyView.

Who’s Trivializing OCD?

A Personal Perspective: There’s been so much trivializing OCD lately. How can we get to a more nuanced view of this misunderstood diagnosis?

Detaching with Love and Openheartedness

A Personal Perspective: The balance between being entirely unaffected by others or being overly affected to the point of anxiety is a tricky one. These guidelines help me.

Transcendental Meditation reduces burnout, new study finds

Burnout, insomnia, and psychological distress have become increasingly common among healthcare professionals. In response, there is a growing need for effective interventions to address these issues. Transcendental Meditation as a Potential Solution to Burnout One potential solution is Transcendental Meditation (TM), a technique that involves sitting comfortably with eyes closed and silently repeating a mantra ...

The effects of anxiety on practice behaviors and performance quality in expert pianists

IntroductionDuring their career, musicians need to undergo intense periods of training to master musical instruments and become accomplished artists. Dysfunctional practice behaviors and anxiety are often mentioned among the possible risk factors for playing-related injuries in musicians. However, the mechanism through which these might lead to the onset of these injuries is still unclear. The ...

More Myths About Exposure Therapy

Facing your fears can reduce anxiety—but only sometimes.

How the Fear of Losing Independence Impacts Relationships

Feeling frustrated about your love life? Understanding this fear could be the key to understanding your relationship patterns.

Newly Discovered Trigger for Major Depression Opens New Possibilities for Treatments

Glycine, a common amino acid, appears to play a role in the development of major depression, anxiety, and other mood-related disorders.

Younger people abandon smartphones for less anxiety, brain fog and mental strain

Shunning his smartphone for a “dumb” one changed the way Jose Briones engages with the world — and he likes it that way. The 27-year-old Colorado resident turns to CDs when he wants music, instead of streaming it. When he has to get someplace, he prints out directions before setting out or, if needed, falls back on ...

3 Signs Your Relationship Is Based on Loneliness, Not Love

Is it true love? Or is it the fear of being lonely or losing someone?

Are You a Life Optimizer? What to Do About Perfectionism

Perfectionism can be exhausting and anxiety-inducing. Learn how to break the cycle through a healthier assessment of the risks and rewards of perfectionism.

A Transdiagnostic group therapy for sleep and anxiety among adults with substance use disorders: Protocol and pilot investigation

Treatment of substance use disorders (SUDs) is challenging with high rates of treatment dropout and relapse, particularly among individuals with comorbid psychiatric conditions. Anxiety and insomnia are prevalent among those with SUD and exacerbate poor treatment outcomes. Interventions that concurrently target anxiety and insomnia during the early stages of SUD treatment are lacking. To this ...

How a Parent’s Social Anxiety Can Impact a Child

Today, more than ever, children gain access to their social networks outside of the classroom through their parents.

Bodies of People With Mental Illness Are Biologically Older Than Their Actual Age

People with a long-term history of mental illness, including bipolar disorder and anxiety disorders, have blood biomarkers that reflect increased biological aging. The findings may help explain why those with mental health disorders tend to have shorter life spans and are more prone to age-related diseases than the general population.

“Running is my therapy. It improves my confidence and makes me feel better about myself”

When a new business venture triggered stress, anxiety and depression – running and opening up about his problems helped Sha recover

The Path of Anxiety Relief

Tired of feeling anxious? Learn specific tools to help you find relief.

Childhood exposure to parental threatening behaviors and anxiety in emerging adulthood: Indirect effects of perceived stress

Journal of Clinical Psychology, EarlyView.

“We’re in this together”: Attachment insecurities, dyadic coping strategies, and relationship satisfaction in couples involved in medically assisted reproduction

Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, Volume 49, Issue 1, Page 92-110, January 2023.

Attachment insecurities and under‐commitment in distressed couples: The role of positive and negative partner behaviors

Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, Volume 49, Issue 1, Page 18-35, January 2023.

Psychometric properties of the generalized anxiety disorder-7 (GAD-7) in a sample of workers

To evaluate the psychometric properties of the GAD-7 by obtaining evidence of internal structure (dimensionality, precision and differential functioning of items) and association with external variables. … The GAD-7 is a psychometrically robust tool for detecting individual variability in symptoms of anxiety in workers.

Clues to the Cause of Chronic Gut Pain

A specific pathway of nerves and cells that link the gut to the brain may be responsible for chronic gut pain. Chronic gut pain is commonly associated with IBS, and mental health disorders including anxiety and depression.

Never underestimate fears, blocks, and resistances: The interplay between experiential practices, self‐conscious emotions, and the therapeutic relationship in compassion focused therapy

Journal of Clinical Psychology, EarlyView.

Treating the sequelae of chronic childhood emotional abandonment

Journal of Clinical Psychology, EarlyView.

Surprising Ways You Might Be a Reassurance Seeker

If you struggle with anxiety, you might not even be aware of how you seek reassurance.

Mindfulness-informed (ACT) and Mindfulness-based Programs (MBSR/MBCT) applied for college students to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety

Publication date: November 2022Source: Journal of Behavioral and Cognitive Therapy, Volume 32, Issue 4Author(s): Liang Ma, Yanjie Wang, Le Pan, Zeshi Cui, Philip J. Schluter

Try Box Breathing to Reduce Anxiety and Stress

This simple breath technique used by Navy Seals can reduce stress and anxiety and help you feel more focused and calm.

7 Signs You Have Health Anxiety

Wondering if you have too much anxiety about your health? A few warning signs can help you recognize when it’s a problem.

The effectiveness of gluten-free dietary interventions: A systematic review

Celiac disease is a chronic autoimmune gastroenterological disorder in which the digestion of gluten leads to damage and constant inflammation in the small intestine. Moreover, there are associated physical and mental health problems related to celiac disease, i.e., a lower health-related quality of life and increased depression and anxiety symptoms. The only effective treatment for ...

Gut feelings: why drugs that nurture your microbes could be the future of mental health

Scientists know our gut influences our brain. So psychobiotic drugs that shift the composition of microbes in the gut may be able to help treat disorders such as anxiety and depression In a classic comic strip, most recently gracing the Beano, tiny characters called “numskulls” live in the head of a chap called Edd, controlling ...

What You Do to Cope With Health Anxiety Makes It Worse

Do you spend an exorbitant amount of time, energy, and money on medical visits due to health anxiety? This likely makes your anxiety (and life) much worse. Disclaimer: The content of this article has not been checked or verified. Proceed at your own risk.

Yoga‐integrated psychotherapy for emotion dysregulation: A pilot study

Counselling and Psychotherapy Research, EarlyView.

“The Parallel Dialogue”: Parental experience of their role in the relationship with their child’s counsellor/psychotherapist

Counselling and Psychotherapy Research, EarlyView.

Developing an emotion‐focused therapy model for fear of cancer recurrence: A case‐level task analysis

Counselling and Psychotherapy Research, EarlyView.

Alexinomia: The fear of using personal names

Introduction Preliminary research based on everyday observations suggests that there are people, who experience severe fear when addressing others with their personal names. The aim of this study was to explore the extent to which this hitherto little-known psychological phenomenon really exists and to investigate its characteristic features, considering the everyday experience of not being able ...

Local Perspectives: Singing With Stage Fright

Most of us experience stage fright. Here’s what a professional singer does to lessen performance anxiety.

Are You Watching Videos on TikTok About Health Tragedies?

Health anxiety makes us pay special attention to stories of illness and death. To combat the effects of this, we need to retrain our brains.

Anxiety and Depression Are Tightly Linked: Why It Matters

Implications for prevention and treatment of depression and anxiety. Anxiety is present in over half of patients coping with depression. Some researchers and therapists believe depression and anxiety can be “different sides of the same coin.” Understanding the tight connection between anxiety and depression is important for preventing, diagnosing, and treating it.

Potential of Control Conditions for Nonspecific Treatment Effects in Noninferiority Trials

To the Editor Hoge et al composed a well-written and interesting study examining the effect of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) vs escitalopram for the treatment of anxiety disorders. A prominent finding was that in adults with anxiety disorders, 8 weeks’ treatment with MBSR was noninferior to escitalopram.

The effect of physical exercise on the anxiety of college students in the post-pandemic era: The mediating role of social support and proactive personality

… Physical exercise habits, social support, proactive personality traits, and anxiety of college students have a significant correlation. … the path of influencing social support through physical exercise habits, followed by affecting proactive personality traits, and then impacting anxiety has the strongest explanatory force. …

The efficacy of mindfulness-based therapy for anxiety, social skills, and aggressive behaviors in children and young people with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A systematic review

Introduction The purpose of this systematic review was to examine the efficacy of mindfulness-based interventions for improving anxiety, social skills, and aggressive behaviors in children and young people (CYP) with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD); summarize the results across clinic, home, and school contexts; and evaluate the quality of these interventions for clinical practice. Methods A search of the ...

Is Exercise as Effective as Medications or Talk Therapy?

Moving your body significantly improves depression, anxiety, and overall health. So why is it not a front-line approach in the United States? While exercise is well-recognized as beneficial to mood and health, it is often overlooked in the initial management of these conditions. The largest meta-analytic research study to date evaluating the impact of exercise on mood ...

Detecting Hidden Brain States With Mathematical Models

Using a mathematical model to study how the brain predicts information and learns, researchers discovered signals for accuracy are found in the anterior insula and anxiety affects activity levels in this brain region. … Why do we have emotions? Klaas Enno Stephan, a professor at ETH Zurich and the University of Zurich, considers the question carefully before ...

Optimize Your Anxiety

Worried about your career and unsure how to become valuable to others? Author and venture capitalist Matt Higgins offers some insights and knowledge. According to the Yerkes-Dodson law, a healthy amount of stress (i.e. performance anxiety) can help increase one’s performance. According to businessman Matt Higgins, being comfortable at work means you have excess capacity and you ...

Trauma-Informed Jiu-Jitsu

A Personal Perspective: Brazilian jiu-jitsu is being introduced as a means to address trauma, fear, anxiety, and addiction. In the field of psychotherapy, a current focus is helping clients get more in touch with their bodies. The body is the seat of knowledge and thus more therapists are guiding clients to, at the very least, be ...

How to Take the Power Out of Anxious Thoughts

Experiencing anxiety? Learning to step back from your thoughts can help. Taking the power out of anxious thoughts can help anxiety symptoms. One way to do this is learning to step back and observe thoughts. Being less fused and more aware of the process of your thinking can help you manage difficult thoughts more effectively.

Ask the doctor: I’m dreading a long haul flight — will Xanax help?

Question: I’m going on a long haul flight soon and wanted to ask my GP for something to help with anxiety and restlessness on the flight. I took a Xanax someone gave me before and it worked wonders — is that the best thing to ask for?

Digital Anxiety

Do you struggle with digital anxiety? A few adjustments can make a big difference. Anxiety is a part of living, both online and offline. Keeping an anxiety journal may help to relieve stress. It may also help to limit social media and screen time and commit to non-digital self-care practices.

The Cost of Anxiety

Anxiety can negatively affect different parts of your life. Anxiety can negatively affect your relationships, work performance, and overall health. Anxiety is associated with thought patterns than can make you vulnerable to depression. Recalibrating your expectations to a more realistic level can reduce anxiety.

Exercise Is Even More Effective Than Counselling or Medication for Depression

Exercise is an effective way to help with the treatment of a range of mental health disorders including depression and anxiety. In fact, exercise could be more effective than medication and counseling for depression.

Excerpt from Barrett Rollins’ ‘In Sickness’

Excerpted from “In Sickness: A Memoir” by Barrett Rollins, Chief Scientific Officer, Emeritus, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Linde Family Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School.

A laugh a day keeps the doctor away?

The former director of psychology at Brigham and Women’s Hospital says laughter has a lot going for it. It makes us feel good, brings people closer together, lightens a workplace, and even, Dattilo has found in her practice, helps those with depression manage their condition. “Health care is expensive,” said Dattilo, an instructor of psychology in ...

Why did so many buy COVID misinformation?

Misinformation and disinformation about COVID and government-led health measures to combat the pandemic hampered efforts to form a unified national response to the disease. Public health officials, who struggled to convince doubters and skeptics, are still working through how and why it happened. Panelists at a talk hosted by the Petrie-Flom Center for Health Law, Biotechnology, ...

Behavioral Therapy vs Supportive Therapy for Youths With Social Anxiety Disorder

Interview with Jens Högström, PhD, and Eva Serlachius, MD, PhD, authors of Therapist-Guided Internet-Delivered Cognitive Behavioral Therapy vs Internet-Delivered Supportive Therapy for Children and Adolescents With Social Anxiety Disorder: A Randomized Clinical Trial

The Neurobiology of Anxiety

Mood and anxiety disorders are believed to stem from an imbalance among neurons in the brain’s emotional hubs instead of areas responsible for higher thought processes. They are situated in the frontal lobe, which is said to be the most recently evolved part of our brains. Furthermore, evidence shows that the brain mechanisms engaged during ...

SOCIAL ANXIETY AND CHRONIC HEALTH CONDITIONS: ENGAGING SOCIAL SUPPORT

Experiencing social anxiety in the midst of managing a chronic health condition can pose many challenges, particularly regarding developing and maintaining a strong social support system. Feelings of doubt and insecurity regarding one’s sense of belonging, acceptability and freedom to know and be known by others are often core features underlying social anxiety. These feelings… ...

Procrastination Is Linked to Poor Mental and Physical Health

Procrastination is linked to increased anxiety, stress, pain, unhealthier lifestyles, and delays in seeking assistance for general health problems.

Frequent Visits to Green Space Linked to Lower Use of Certain Prescription Meds

People who frequently visit green spaces are less likely to use prescription medications for anxiety, depression, high blood pressure, and asthma, a new study reports.

SHAME: THE OFT-NEGLECTED INGREDIENT IN SOCIAL ANXIETY

“I don’t measure up.” “I’m different than others and don’t fit in.” “I’m socially inept / I’m bad at meeting people and making small talk.” “I come across as nervous and awkward, which others see as weird and weak.” “People find me uninteresting / unattractive.” “In order to be accepted and liked, I must always… ...

SOCIAL ANXIETY ON THE JOB: FEAR OF JUDGMENT IN THE WORKPLACE

Many professionals, managers and executives with social anxiety hesitate to use the term “social anxiety” because they are high achievers and they feel shame associated with lacking confidence at work. Many times, they come in using the words “stress and anxiety” generically. However, when I probe on why they are anxious, it often comes back… ...

SOCIAL ANXIETY ON THE JOB: FEAR OF JUDGMENT IN THE WORKPLACE

Many professionals, managers and executives with social anxiety hesitate to use the term “social anxiety” because they are high achievers and they feel shame associated with lacking confidence at work. Many times, they come in using the words “stress and anxiety” generically. However, when I probe on why they are anxious, it often comes back… ...

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Is as Effective as an Antidepressant Drug for Treating Anxiety Disorders

Study reveals mindfulness-based stress reduction methods proved to be as effective as antidepressants for relieving symptoms for those with anxiety disorders.

Meditation as effective as medication for anxiety, study finds

Mindfulness meditation was shown to be as effective as an antidepressant for anxiety, according to a study in JAMA Psychiatry.

How to cope with political panic

Midterm elections 2022 come amid political panic and anxiety. How to cope.

Reduced-Nicotine Cigarettes Result in Less Smoking in Anxious and Depressed Smokers

Lowering nicotine levels to non-addictive levels reduces smoking without worsening symptoms of depression and anxiety for those suffering from mental health disorders.

How to use the 333 rule for anxiety

Feeling anxious? This simple trick can help alleviate some of those worries

DARE TO DREAM: USING AN OUTCOME PICTURE TO CONQUER YOUR SOCIAL ANXIETY

Have you ever felt bogged down by worries, physical symptoms, fears, and avoidances? Do these things prevent you from living the life that you want to live? Do you end up feeling overwhelmed or defeated? Does it all feel as if it’s too much to bear? Are these things draining your motivation to work on… ...

The people making a difference: the man who set up a mental health walking group for ‘blokes’

After bottling up his own anxieties for a decade, Scott Oughton-Johnson created a group for other men who’ve felt the same. Now it’s his turn to be treatedScott Oughton-Johnson simply did not talk about his feelings. Not when he separated from the mother of his children a decade ago, and not during their subsequent custody ...

Panic 101: what to do during a panic attack – and how to prevent them

A sudden episode of intense fear leaves sufferers feeling debilitated and out of control. Practical steps can help to regain calm and avoid future attacksPanic is like a runaway train. A form of acute anxiety that quickly spirals out of control. As a psychiatrist, I try to help prevent anxiety from escalating into panic in ...

How to use the 333 rule for anxiety

Feeling anxious? This simple trick can help alleviate some of those worries

OVERCOMING SOCIAL ANXIETY BY EMBRACING UNCERTAINTY

Acknowledging Uncertainty In the 1600’s, the famous French philosopher René Descartes set out on a journey in an effort to discover truth. The question he asked was: what can one know—with certainty—is real? At the end of this philosophical journey, he came to the conclusion that there was almost nothing in life of which he… ...

Taking a step away from social anxiety

Taking a step away from social anxiety Make an Appointment with Dr Jonathan Haverkampf Other articles on this site on anxiety which you might find helpful include: Anxiety Social Anxiety Panic Attacks

St Patrick’s – The Anxiety Disorders Programme

Anxiety Anxiety is the body and mind’s natural reaction to threat or danger. In certain cases, high levels of anxiety are considered normal and helpful if they prompt an escape from danger. In situations such as interviews and exams, anxiety can enhance performance. When anxiety becomes excessive or debilitating, however, it is then considered an Anxiety Disorder. ...

Anxiety Management Group e.g. Stresspac

Anxiety “I found the group sessions very helpful. I feel I understand stress and anxiety much more. I was feeling very negative about myself and about the future before I started but now I am feeling much more positive. Thanks for everything and for giving me my life back” The Anxiety Management group is a detailed group ...

Treatment – Generalised anxiety disorder in adults

Your GP may suggest some educational resources about anxiety. This usually involves working from a book or computer programme. A health professional will support you. Another option is going on a group course. On these courses you and a few other people with similar problems meet with a therapist every week. You learn ways to ...

Anxiety Ireland

Let’s face it we all get overwhelmed by life and everything around it. Do you ever feel anxious? If so, do you ever wonder what sort of anxiety you have? Follow the link below to take our free anxiety quiz which will ask questions about the six most common types of anxiety included in the DSMV ...

Understanding Common Anxiety Disorders

Many of us will deal with anxiety at one time or another during our lives. Whether it’s a ‘fight or flight’ response to a specific perceived threat, or a general feeling of unease that comes and goes without warning, it’s certainly not a pleasant sensation. In fact, it can be stressful, upsetting and even debilitating. ...

What is an Anxiety Disorder?

Anxiety is a term used to describe uncomfortable feelings of nervousness, worry, and tension, which we all feel from time to time. Anxiety can affect anyone. It affects our thoughts, physical reactions, moods and behaviours. Anxiety can be a normal response to a stress in our lives and some degree of anxiety can improve our performance ...

Anxiety

Anxiety is a common feeling that everyone experiences at some stage. It can be a normal emotional response to many stressful situations. Anxiety is also a natural, understandable emotional response that can help us prepare for challenges. These could be sitting an exam or worrying about a potentially awkward social occasion. Common triggers for anxiety What triggers one ...

Overview – Generalised anxiety disorder in adults

Anxiety is a feeling of unease, such as worry or fear, that can be mild or severe. Everyone has feelings of anxiety at some point in their life. For example, you may feel worried and anxious about sitting an exam, or having a medical test or job interview. During times like these, feeling anxious can be ...

How I learned to tame my hypochondria

Recent years have seen a dramatic rise in the number of people suffering with health anxiety. Annalisa Barbieri reveals what triggered – and eventually settled – her ‘late-onset hypochondria’Surrounded, as I was growing up, by slightly health-hysterical women (“How are you?” I once asked an aunt over the phone. “I’m on a mobile intravenous drip,” ...

POST-PANDEMIC SOCIAL ANXIETY: SIMPLE STEPS TO START LIVING AGAIN AFTER COVID

My colleagues and I have noticed a dramatic increase in anxiety and anxiety-related disorders over the past two pandemic years. While apprehension is a typical response during times of strife, as we return to more normal lives many people have been caught off-guard to realize how uncomfortable they now are in social situations – especially… ...

POST-PANDEMIC SOCIAL ANXIETY: SIMPLE STEPS TO START LIVING AGAIN AFTER COVID

My colleagues and I have noticed a dramatic increase in anxiety and anxiety-related disorders over the past two pandemic years. While apprehension is a typical response during times of strife, as we return to more normal lives many people have been caught off-guard to realize how uncomfortable they now are in social situations – especially… ...

How to Stop Needing Everyone to Like You

What Does it Mean If You Want Everyone to Like You? Are you wondering how to stop needing everyone to like you? The need to be liked by others is a deep-seated psychological vulnerability. It’s often driven by low self-esteem and a fear of rejection. People pleasers go out of their way to avoid conflict ...

How to Fit In

Are you socially anxious and wondering how to fit in? Maybe you’ve just moved to a new school or neighborhood, or maybe you’ve been feeling like an outsider in your current situation. Whatever the case may be, there are some things you can do to help yourself feel more comfortable and accepted. Ultimately, the best ...

12 Tips to Overcome the Fear of Eating in Public (Guaranteed)

How to Overcome the Fear of Eating in Front of People A lot of people feel uncomfortable eating in public. Maybe you’re one of them. It’s natural to feel self-conscious and anxious when eating around other people, but there are ways to overcome the fear. The best way to overcome the fear of eating in ...

LET PEACE BEGIN WITH YOU. HOW TO END THE FIGHT AGAINST SOCIAL ANXIETY

Control often has benefits. It can create a sense of structure, predictability, mastery, and safety. As we know, none of us are in control of everything. We have all experienced unwanted internal and external experiences. If we knew how to control everything, we would probably start there. Although we may not have a choice about… ...

How Do You Start a Conversation with a Coworker?

What Do You Talk About With Your Coworkers? How do you start a conversation with a coworker? Many people have difficulty striking up conversations with their coworkers. They know they should do it because networking is important for their career, but they don’t know what to say or how to break the ice. Here are ...

SOCIAL ANXIETY AND THE PAINFUL ILLUSION OF SEPARATENESS

One of the most insidious and painful aspects of social anxiety many of my clients describe is the feeling of being alone, disconnected, and different from others. These feelings, and the perceptions and beliefs associated with them, can both contribute to and be the result of high levels of distress and suffering in social situations…. ...

12 Mindful Tips to Reduce Negative Effects of Modern Air Travel

Heading off on a plane for holidays? Psychiatrist Prof Brendan Kelly offers some practical tips in the Irish Times for your mental wellbeing. How to stay calm and mindful while flying and navigating airports, including listening to some Britney Spears! Full article is available on the Irish Times website here. Travel is exciting but the ...

First Fortnight 2019: “Mental Health Uploaded”

As part of their 10th annual festival 2019, FirstFortnight hosted a discussion session in the Science Gallery Dublin on the impact

Exercise and Social Anxiety – does it help?

Hi, Last year we did some investigating in scientific journals about whether or not exercise can help reduce social anxiety. You can read what we found out here. The TL;DR version is that we found that exercise can help alleviate social anxiety by increasing your feel good hormones, increasing self-efficacy and by acting as a distraction. A ...