Tag Archives: anxiety

Performance Anxiety:
“I want to be totally relaxed instead of anxious when I compete in sports or engage in public speaking.”

Posted on Friday, February 22, 2013 by Alison

Think of how little anxiety you experience when you are sitting comfortably on your couch at home watching TV. Now imagine that you are going to perform a concert, give a speech, compete in a tournament, or go on a … Continue reading →

Posted in Attitude, Sports | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

“I fear something bad is going to happen. It feels like the end of the world.”

Posted on Friday, December 21, 2012 by Alison

Anxiety is part of being human. Yet most people feel uncomfortable with anxiety; so they tend to attach it to something external to make sense of it. Freud pointed out that free-floating anxiety often gets attributed to objects or situations, … Continue reading →

Posted in Attitude, Happiness | Tagged , , , , , | 3 Comments

Guest Author Sam Vaknin, PhD:
“I am Terrified that S/he will Abandon Me! I will Do Anything to Avoid It!”

Posted on Tuesday, August 28, 2012 by Alison

Clinging and smothering behaviours are the unsavoury consequences of a deep-set existential, almost mortal fear of abandonment and separation. For the codependent to maintain a long-term, healthy relationship, she must first confront her anxieties head on. This can be done … Continue reading →

Posted in Relationship Skills, Vaknin, Sam PhD, Visiting Authors | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Avoidance Behavior:
“I’ve been dreading telling her about our financial problems.”

Posted on Monday, February 20, 2012 by Alison

Most people are not excited about confronting difficult situations, such as telling their partner they’ve spent too much money. Of course, the sooner they face up to it, the better. For some people, this is particularly difficult. They are ceased … Continue reading →

Posted in Conflict, Money | Tagged , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Fear of failure:
“I’m worried about failing.”

Posted on Wednesday, November 16, 2011 by Alison

I failed my way to success. ~Thomas Edison People often lack the courage to take initiative because they are debilitated by fear of failure. Yet, we need to face risks of “failure” or rejection to pursue friendships, romantic relationships, and … Continue reading →

Posted in Attitude | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

“I often feel as though something bad is going to happen.”

Posted on Wednesday, August 24, 2011 by Alison

People who frequently have a premonition that something bad will happen often grew up in an environment where bad things occurred on a regular basis. These “bad” things don’t have to be dramatic such as violence or shouting. They might … Continue reading →

Posted in Personality Traits, Thinking and the Brain | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Fears and Phobias: “I avoid going out in public because I don’t like talking to strangers.”

Posted on Tuesday, May 17, 2011 by Alison

When you fear certain situations, your natural tendency is to avoid them. If you feel uncomfortable at parties or talking to strangers, you tend to avoid putting yourself in situations that will arouse that anxiety. Avoidance seems to be effective, … Continue reading →

Posted in Personality Traits, Thinking and the Brain | Tagged , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Drunk Driving: “I hate driving with you when you’ve been drinking this much!”

Posted on Wednesday, April 20, 2011 by Alison

If your partner or friend who’s been drinking too much insists on driving with you on board, notice your reaction: Do you hesitate because you’re afraid of upsetting the other person and therefore you’d rather comply? When we’re not aware … Continue reading →

Posted in Conflict, Relationship Skills | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment