When self-protection outlives the situation that created it, we may continue responding to life as though the original conditions are still present. The environment may
Anticipation and Anxiety Before the Experience Anticipation and anxiety can make us experience discomfort before the moment arrives. We rehearse the disappointment, predict the pain,
We become familiar with the emotional rhythms, expectations, and conditions that surround us. If disruption has been frequent, we may learn to stay prepared because
Giving thanks before leaving things behind may sound simple when the experience was good. It becomes more complicated when the experience included disappointment, conflict, grief,
Necessary losses and personal growth may seem like opposing ideas. We usually think of growth as gaining something: more knowledge, stronger relationships, a new opportunity,
At one point or another, many of us have probably experienced the deflection defense mechanism without ever realizing it. We may have changed the subject
Life Will Challenge Us All Over the course of our lives, every one of us encounters adversity. Some challenges feel relatively manageable, while others seem
Why Questions and Anxiety Often Go Together The relationship between why questions and anxiety is deeper than many people realize. Most of us have found
Finding Balance in Life Without Becoming Emotionally Drained Finding balance in life can feel incredibly difficult when work, home responsibilities, relationships, and personal needs all
Understanding Denial in Everyday Life Denial as a defense mechanism is something many individuals experience at one moment or another, even if they do not
