Anxiety triggers. We all have them, and if you’re anything like I used to be, you might have perfected the art of dodging them. But here’s the thing—avoiding anxiety triggers feels good in the moment, yet it slowly steals your ability to handle life. I learned this the hard way when even small things, like…
I remember the first time it happened—walking through a busy street fair, laughter and chatter blending into a mess of noise, when suddenly a balloon popped. My heart launched into my throat. Within seconds, I was frozen, breath shallow, sweat forming on my neck, eyes darting like prey sensing danger. That wasn’t just being startled….
There was a time I’d map out entire routes around town just to avoid using a public restroom. Sound familiar? You’re not alone. Avoiding public restrooms due to anxiety isn’t just a “quirky habit”—it’s a legit mental health challenge that quietly disrupts daily life in ways most people can’t even imagine. Whether it’s the fear…
If you’ve ever had a random, disturbing image pop into your head — one that makes you wince or pause in your tracks — you’re not alone. For years, I thought I was just being dramatic. A violent car crash, a sudden fall from a balcony, someone I love getting hurt — these visuals would…
Ever find yourself overthinking every word you said at a party—or worse, not saying anything at all because you feared being judged? Yeah, I’ve been there too. Social anxiety isn’t just being shy. It’s that gnawing voice in your head that won’t let you relax, keeps replaying moments, and convinces you everyone noticed how awkward…
If you’ve ever found yourself going out of your way to avoid dogs, elevators, heights, flying, or even clowns—you’re not alone. I remember literally skipping out on a job interview once just because the building had a glass elevator. Sounds irrational? Maybe. But that’s the power of a specific phobia. It’s more than just fear—it’s…
If you’ve ever found yourself ducking out of a social gathering, skipping a work call, or avoiding a triggering place or person—all because your chest tightens, your palms sweat, and your mind says “run”—you’re not alone. I’ve done it. Many times. At first, it felt like self-preservation. But eventually, it became a cage. In anxiety…
I remember the first time I heard the phrase exposure therapy. I was sitting in a coffee shop with a friend, desperately explaining why I avoided driving over bridges — something that had quietly taken over more areas of my life than I’d ever realized. She nodded and said, “That sounds like something exposure therapy…
It started out subtle—like not wanting to go to crowded places, or feeling off during grocery runs. I brushed it off, called it stress or fatigue. But then, I found myself turning down invites, avoiding public transport, or even skipping errands just to stay within my “safe zone.” That’s when I stumbled across a term…