Gay men face unique stressors that impact their nervous system. Learn how Polyvagal Theory can help regulate anxiety, improve emotional resilience, and foster a greater sense of safety.

Anxiety tends to be fueled by the “what ifs” in life, and that includes questions that arise from things that haven’t happened yet.

This is often referred to as anticipatory anxiety. If you feel a sense of worry or dread about a future event, it can cause you to become anxious before that situation arrives. There’s a difference between feeling nervous about something and letting your negative thoughts cause mental turmoil.

Let’s take a closer look at what anticipatory anxiety looks like and strategies you can use to overcome it.

Struggling with anxiety? Discover three simple, science-backed nervous system habits you can use daily to reduce stress, calm your body, and feel more grounded.

High-functioning anxiety can look like success on the outside but feel overwhelming on the inside. Learn the signs, hidden struggles, and how to manage anxiety without burnout.

Anxiety is increasing at record levels, but why? Explore the societal, environmental, and psychological factors behind rising anxiety rates and how to manage them.

Shame and anxiety are deeply connected for many gay men, leading to self-doubt, overachievement, and fear of rejection. Learn how to break free and find LGBTQ+-affirming therapy for support.

First, let's get straight: anxiety is not just about being worried. Worry is a part of it, but anxiety extends beyond that. It's a persistent unease, like a shadow that lingers even in your happiest moments. It can impact every facet of your life, from social interactions to physical health. We must understand this because dismissing anxiety as simple worry can prevent those who struggle with it from seeking the help they need.

Anxiety attacks can feel overwhelming, but you can regain control. Learn step-by-step strategies to calm your mind and body during an anxiety attack and find lasting relief.

Financial anxiety can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. Learn practical ways to manage money stress, reduce worry, and regain a sense of control.

You know that feeling when your phone buzzes and your heart literally jumps? Or when you're lying in bed at 2 AM, exhausted but somehow still wired, your mind spinning through tomorrow's to-do list like a broken record? Maybe it's the way your shoulders have become permanent residents somewhere near your ears, or how you find yourself holding your breath without even realizing it, again.

Struggling with anxiety even though you’re using coping tools? Learn three surprising reasons why anxiety can feel worse before it gets better—and how to navigate it.

Social media can heighten anxiety through comparison, doomscrolling, and constant stimulation. Learn why it affects your mental health and practical ways to set boundaries for a healthier relationship with technology.

Struggling with anxiety or feeling unsafe in your body? Learn how to use Polyvagal Theory in five simple steps to regulate your nervous system and restore a sense of safety.

Economic uncertainty can trigger stress and anxiety. Learn how to stay grounded, manage financial worries, and maintain emotional resilience during times of instability.

Constant news updates can fuel stress and anxiety. Learn how to set boundaries, stay informed without feeling overwhelmed, and protect your mental health in a 24/7 news cycle.

You've probably tried all the "right" things for anxiety. You've done the breathing exercises, maybe tried therapy, downloaded meditation apps, read the self-help books. And some of it helped, maybe, but you still feel like your nervous system has a mind of its own.

Learn how the fight, flight, freeze, and fawn responses impact anxiety, trauma, and emotional regulation. Discover how to work with your nervous system to feel safer and more in control.

If traditional therapy hasn’t helped your anxiety, you’re not alone. Learn why standard approaches can fall short and discover what actually works for highly anxious clients.

We all have that little voice inside our heads, don't we? It gently nudges us towards excellence, helping us reach our goals. But what happens when that voice starts demanding flawlessness, pushing us towards an ideal that doesn't exist? Well, friends, that's when we step into the realm of perfectionism. Today, let's delve deeper and understand the neurology behind this concept.

This isn't about being "spacey" or distracted. This is about your body making a very smart decision to protect you by creating distance from experiences that feel unsafe or overwhelming. The problem is, sometimes that protective mechanism gets stuck in the "on" position, leaving you feeling disconnected from yourself and the world around you.