Intrusive thoughts about violence, one’s sexual orientation, gender, and other topics can lead to severe anxiety. Learn about common myths that can actually make intrusive thoughts worse. “Intrusive thoughts” are thoughts or images that a person experiences as unwanted. Intrusive thoughts are normal and unproblematic for most people. However, when experienced frequently, these thoughts can……
Adults, teens, and even children can suffer from anxiety disorders. One type of anxiety characterized by panic attacks and the fear of more panic attacks is known as panic disorder (with or without agoraphobia). Panic Disorder and Its Symptoms Panic disorder is a potentially debilitating condition that affects between 2-3% of adults in the United……
Reviewed and updated: May 26, 2026 Post-traumatic stress disorder can be demoralizing or disabling. But is PTSD permanent? Usually not. Some people with PTSD recover completely, many improve substantially with treatment, and others continue to experience symptoms for years if the PTSD goes untreated. Recovery varies from one person to the next, but PTSD often……
Updated: March 15th, 2025 Sometimes we all skip out on things we don’t like. How is that relevant to anxiety? Very! Learn why avoidance may be the most important thing you’re overlooking to improve your anxiety. Why Is Avoidance So Important? We all try to get more of the things we like and less of……
Updated: May 11, 2026 There are few things more unpleasant than a panic attack. Getting one to stop can be complicated, but the strategies presented below can help. If You’re Having a Panic Attack Right Now: You’ll want to have a strategy for today and a strategy for tomorrow. Today, focus on reducing your acute……
What is Stellate Ganglion Block for PTSD? Several effective treatment options exist for people suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A medical treatment called stellate ganglion block (SGB) is one of the newest options. SGB is an injection administered by a doctor or other healthcare professional into the neck. It works by affecting the nerves……
Updated: September 30, 2025 Intense panic-like symptoms can be quite upsetting and scary. When does it make sense to go to urgent care for your anxiety? First: Are You Sure It’s Anxiety? You shouldn’t assume what you’re feeling is anxiety when it could be something more dangerous. Sometimes the most useful thing about visiting urgent……
Reviewed and updated: June 13, 2026 Certain patterns of thinking make you more likely to experience anxiety, depression, anger, and other problems. These patterns are called cognitive distortions, and you can learn to counter them. Cognitive distortions are a type of thinking we are all vulnerable to. The term refers to thinking that is negatively……
Most people can benefit from meditating for 10–20 minutes per day. Research suggests that even 10 minutes of daily meditation may provide meaningful benefits. Consistency is generally more important than duration. Meditation can help us improve our mental and physical health, and it has become increasingly popular in recent years. In fact, 18.3% of people……
Updated: May 23, 2026 Do you often find yourself wondering: Occasional doubts about relationships are common. But if you find yourself repeatedly searching for answers, analyzing your partner’s behavior, or feeling unable to let the question go, the problem may be less about your partner and more about how your mind is responding to uncertainty.……
A behavior is compulsive when you have the urge to do it repeatedly — until a feeling of anxiety or unease goes away. A behavior is impulsive when you do it without forethought and without considering the consequences. Examples of Compulsive Behaviors Compulsive behaviors, also known as compulsions, are typically found in people who have……
Have you always been a shy person? Have family members and friends have pointed out this quality about you? Most people find this an endearing quality, but when it comes to dating it can be a real obstacle. For shy people, talking to new people can be challenging. But if you’re shy and trying to……