Updated: January 23, 2024 What Is Paruresis? Paruresis, also known as “shy bladder syndrome,” is the fear of urinating in public or in the perceived presence of others. If you suffer from paruresis, you may experience extreme anxiety and unease when using a public restroom. The problem occurs when you are unable to urinate in…
Pregnancy is a time of many changes; it can bring about joy and excitement as well as anxiety. Learn about what pregnancy anxiety is and how to cope with it. It doesn’t need to interfere with your pregnancy experience. Pregnancy anxiety can focus on concerns about the health of the baby or on having…
Relationships can bring us happiness, comfort, and a sense of connection. However, relationships can also bring about anxiety and stress. If not managed appropriately, relationship anxiety can get out of hand and negatively impact your relationship and quality of life. Learn more about what relationship anxiety is and ways to cope with it. What Is…
Nobody loves throwing up… but if your aversion to vomiting is extreme, you may be dealing with emetophobia. Fortunately, the condition is treatable. What Exactly Is Emetophobia? Let’s face it – vomiting is an uncomfortable, disgusting experience. But everyone will vomit at some point in their life (usually many times). The ability to vomit is…
Swallowing is something that everyone does, many times per day. How does something so familiar become a source of anxiety? Bodily Functions and Conscious Control Other body functions are fully in your control. For example, raising your hand is something your body will only do when you make it – your hand won’t spontaneously raise…
Do people often tell you that you see things in black and white, and miss all the shades of gray? This problem is called “all-or-nothing thinking” and can lead to real problems. Learn about the phenomenon and its consequences. All-or-nothing thinking is one of several common unhelpful ways of thinking known as cognitive distortions. All-or-nothing…
Many people experience intrusive thoughts, often in the context of obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, or anxiety disorders. They can be very disturbing. Read on to learn about the different types of intrusive thoughts and some helpful strategies. There Are Multiple Types of Unwanted Thoughts Intrusive thoughts are thoughts that you wish you didn’t have.…
Do you tend to focus on the worst-case scenario or spend time thinking about how terribly things will go? Catastrophizing is a common component of anxiety and depression. Learn how to address it. What Is Catastrophizing? Imagine this situation: you’re running late to catch a train to visit some friends, and despite rushing to catch…
If you suffer from anxiety, you may have moments when you wonder if you’re losing your grip, or “going crazy.” For some people, this is just a passing thought. For others, however, it can become a major fear. The more the idea dominates your thought process, the more it can seem like you really are…
Fainting is always concerning and can happen for many reasons. Learn about the most common type of fainting, vasovagal syncope, and what causes it. Vasovagal Syncope Syncope is the medical term for passing out or fainting. Fainting is a relatively common experience. Around 3-3.5% of people experience fainting at some point in their life. It…
If you suffer from panic attacks or have been diagnosed with panic disorder, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) may be beneficial for you. Learn about this treatment option and how it can help. What Is Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)? Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of psychotherapy that is especially effective for anxiety and insomnia but is also…
Many people who suffer from PTSD find that the condition can affect their sex lives, sometimes for years. Fortunately, there is help for this problem. After experiencing a traumatic event, some people develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The types of events that can cause PTSD include accidents, sexual or physical assaults or abuse, natural disasters,…