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The fear of death is quite common, and most people feel that dying is scary to varying degrees. To what extent this fear occurs and what it pertains to specifically varies from one person to another.

Some fear is healthy because it makes us more cautious, but people may also have an unhealthy fear of dying. Learn more about what causes a fear of dying, why people often feel that death is scary, and what you can do to manage this fear.

Who Has a Fear of Dying?

The fear of death is so common that it has spurred multiple research projects and intrigued everyone from scholars to religious leaders. There is even a field of study called thanatology which examines the human reaction to death and dying. Some interesting findings have emerged from studying the fear of death.

According to the 2017 “Survey of American Fears” conducted by Chapman University, 20.3% of Americans are “afraid” or “very afraid” of dying. It’s worth noting that this survey includes other responses that involve death which are more specific. For example, murder by a stranger (18.3%) and murder by someone you know (11.6%) are also included.

Women are more likely to have a fear of death than men. This is possibly due to the fact that women more readily admit to and discuss such fears. The fact that, historically, men are more likely to believe in dying for a cause or purpose may also contribute to this.

Some researchers argue that young people fear death more than the elderly. This is supported by studies finding greater death anxiety in people who are younger or middle-aged. However, not all studies agree. For instance, one study found that older individuals had a significantly higher death anxiety score than younger college-aged students.

Reasons Why Death Is Scary

It is possible to break down our general fear of death into several specific types of fears.

Fear of Pain and Suffering

Some people fear that when they meet death, they will experience excruciating pain and suffering. This fear can occur in healthy people, as well as in patients dying of cancer or other terminal illnesses.

Fear of the Unknown

Some people have a fear of death due to fear of the unknown, and death remains the ultimate unknown. It is human nature to want to understand and make sense of the world around us. The reality is that death can never be fully understood by anyone who is living.

Fear of Non-Existence

Some people fear that they will completely cease to exist after death occurs. We might typically associate this fear with atheists or others without personal spiritual or religious beliefs. Yet, people of faith can also worry that their belief in an afterlife isn’t real, or that they did not earn eternal life while alive.

Fear of Eternal Punishment

This is similar to the fear of non-existence in that it does not apply only to devout believers of religion or those with spiritual faith. Many people — regardless of their religious persuasion or spiritual beliefs — have a fear of death as that is when they will be punished for what they did or did not do while here on earth.

Fear of Loss of Control

Human nature generally seeks to control the situations we encounter, but death remains something over which we have absolutely no control. This lack of control frightens many people.

Fear of What Will Become of Our Loved Ones

Another common death fear focuses on the worry of what will happen to those who rely on our care if we die. Parents, for example, might worry about a newborn or child.

Individuals providing home-based caregiving to a loved one might fear that no one else can handle their patient’s many needs and demands. Someone in the prime of their life might feel afraid at the thought of leaving a spouse or partner alone due to death.

Normal vs. Unhealthy Fear of Dying

In general, the fear of death can be healthy. When we have a fear of dying, we often act more carefully and take appropriate precautions to minimize risks, such as wearing our seat belts or taking the time to put on a bike helmet.

A healthy fear of death can also remind us to make the most of our time here on Earth and to feel grateful for everything we have. Fearing the reality of death might also push us to work harder in order to leave a lasting legacy.

On the other hand, a fear of death can sometimes prove so severe that it interferes with someone’s daily life. Called thanatophobia, this intense, often irrational fear of death can consume someone’s thoughts. It may even affect the most basic decisions they make, such as refusing to leave the house just to bring in the mail.

When you think of an introvert, a quiet or timid person might come to mind. But what if we told you that introverts come in all shapes and sizes? Of course, introversion is defined by quietness, self-reliance, and reservedness but not every introverted person fits this archetype.

Introverts are commonly misconstrued as shy or anxious. Some may exhibit these traits, but being introverted doesn’t necessarily mean being bashful. Or be synonymous with timidity or fear. Rather, introverts just need time to recharge after social events.

It’s important to avoid pigeonholing introverts (they’re not a monolith)! Yes, there are four types, but each has its own unique characteristics and social preferences. Interested in learning more? Below, we take a closer at the four types of introverts, what makes each type unique, and the differences between them all.

Social Introverts

Social introverts sound like an oxymoron but it’s a real thing. They’re introverts who prefer spending time alone, but they’re not against large social gatherings. They simply like spending time with close loved ones or in smaller social settings. Being in large groups can be draining and will require lots of recharge.

”People who are social introverts tend to communicate in a subtle, collected, and direct style, says holistic therapist Jenny Flora Wells, MSW, LSW, ACSW. “These individuals are not aggressive in responding right away, but instead, they take their time to cultivate a thoughtful response.”

Small, close-knit gatherings are the name of the game for social introverts. This way, they can have deep conversations. They’d much rather spend time with a trusted friend than attend a crowded party or meet new people. Because they are so thoughtful and reflective, they tend to be attentive and empathic listeners. For this reason, social introverts can often be great leaders in the workplace.

“This thoughtful approach allows them to manage their energy and ensures that they can engage in a manner that feels authentic and comfortable to them,” explains clinical psychologist Dr. Lilit Ayrapetyan, PsyD.

Because social introverts enjoy solitude and are careful about how and when they socialize, they sometimes acquire an unfair (and inaccurate) reputation for being shy, antisocial, aloof, or insecure. 

The reality is that social introverts often enjoy socializing, particularly with people they’re closest to. They tend to be warm, engaging, and confident—as long as they are in their comfort zone.

Anxious Introverts

Anxious introverts tend to feel uneasy and self-conscious in social situations. Where social introverts prefer small gatherings, anxious introverts avoid social interactions because they fear making mistakes, being embarrassed, or being judged. 

Introverts who tend to have higher levels of neuroticism are more prone to experiencing anxiety. 

Anxious introverts tend to feel self-conscious about social interactions. They often try to avoid these situations and may seem nervous or even fearful when they do have to socialize. To manage this anxiety, they often stick with familiar, structured situations and seek out time alone, so they can recharge and de-stress.

These types of introverts may be more prone to experiencing social anxiety. Research suggests that about a third of people with social anxiety have an anxious introverted personality type.

Tips for Anxious Introverts

“Anxious introverts can benefit from preparing for social interactions ahead of time,” Dr. Ayrapetyan says. “This might involve rehearsing conversations, planning topics to discuss, or setting personal boundaries on the duration of their stay at a social event.”

She also recommends starting with shorter social interactions and taking opportunities to step away to recharge. Try using the following coping strategies—Dr. Ayrapetynan’s recommends them for helping anxious introverts better navigate social situations: 

• Focus on listening: “Shifting the focus from speaking to listening can alleviate some of the pressure in social settings,” she explains. “By concentrating on what others are saying, anxious introverts can engage meaningfully without the stress of being the center of attention.”
• Practice relaxation techniques: Using relaxation techniques like deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or mindfulness meditation to help alleviate feelings of social anxiety.
• Set realistic expectations: Ayrapetyan also recommends setting realistic expectations about social interactions to avoid feeling anxious. “Understanding that it’s okay to leave an event early or to not engage in every conversation can reduce pressure and help manage anxiety,” she says.
• Recharge: Scheduling some alone time after a social event can help replenish your energy.

Thinking Introverts

Thinking introverts tend to be introspective and creative. These types of introverts are highly imaginative and spend a lot of time daydreaming or lost in their own thoughts. 

“Thinking introverts are commonly seen as ‘dreamers’ and having a vibrant imagination,” Wells explains. “Thinking introverts are analytical individuals who exude critical thinking abilities, creativity, and empathy for others.”

This type of introversion may be connected to differences in the brain. Research suggests that introverts and extroverts have differences in their brain structure. One older study found that introverts have thicker gray matter in the prefrontal cortex, the region of the brain connected to decision-making and abstract thought.

Thinking introverts are highly logical when making decisions. They consider multiple perspectives and weigh each option’s potential pros and cons. However, this thoughtfulness can also be a double-edged sword at times—they struggle with decision-making and are chronic overthinkers, which can bring up hesitancy and anxiety, says Wells.

In social settings, thinking introverts prefer one-on-one conversations that allow them to discuss topics in greater depth. They might seem a bit reserved at first but typically begin to open up as they get to know people better—especially if the conversation is authentic, interesting, and intellectually stimulating.

Restrained Introverts

Restrained introverts, also known as inhibited introverts, tend to have higher levels of behavioral inhibition. They are more alert to potential threats and reserved around others.

In other words, they are slow to warm up to new people and tend to hold themselves back in social situations. They usually wait until they feel more comfortable before engaging with others. 

Restrained introverts seem really guarded at first but become a lot more outgoing once you get to know them, and they feel comfortable coming out of their shell.

When approaching a social situation, a restrained introvert will be cautious and very deliberate. They feel more comfortable sitting back and observing the situation before participating and offering their insights. They might seem a bit aloof at first glance, but they are also great listeners and make careful, considered decisions based on their observations.

When communicating with others, they sometimes prefer written, asynchronous communication. Spontaneous exchanges, like phone calls, can be intimidating because it doesn’t give them time to get comfortable and think about their responses. Texting and email are preferred because they have the time to think about what they want to say and organize their thoughts more carefully.

Due to their reserved nature, restrained introverts are sometimes perceived as unfriendly or uninterested. This can sometimes lead to missed opportunities and pressure to try to act more extroverted.  

Tips for Restrained Introverts

Strategies that can help them overcome these challenges include setting small goals, gradually exposing themselves to new social situations, and practicing making small talk.

“Restrained introverts can transform the challenges they face with their ‘slow to warm’ personality by fostering self-compassion and their curious observer,” Wells suggests.

Understanding Your Introversion Type

So, what can you do to understand your specific introversion type, make the most of your strengths, and cope with your challenges? The first step is to consider which type of introvert best describes you.

To determine which type you might be, ask yourself:

• Do you prefer spending time with small groups of people? (Then you might be a social introvert).
• Do you feel anxious in social situations and overthink your interactions? (Then you might be an anxious introvert).
• Do you spend a lot of time daydreaming or analyzing information? (Then you might be a thinking introvert).
• Do you approach social situations slowly and take time to start to feel comfortable? (Then you might be a restrained introvert).

Once you understand your type, you can begin building self-acceptance and achieving personal growth

Practice Self-Acceptance

Introversion isn’t a flaw. It’s all about how you interact with and experience the world, so learning to accept your personality and embrace your strengths can help you make the most of it.

Set Boundaries

It’s important to remember that no matter your introvert type, you need time to yourself to recharge your energy. Setting limits can help protect your time and ensure you get the time alone to feel restored and refreshed.

Try New Things

Depending on which type of introvert you are, you may find new experiences more daunting. The key is to gradually expose yourself to new social situations and move at your own pace. Give yourself the time you need to warm up to these situations so that you can start to feel more confident and comfortable.

Pay Attention to Your Feelings and Behaviors

Start noticing how you feel in different social situations. Pay attention to your energy levels, where you feel the most at ease, and which environments you thrive in. All of this can provide clues into what you need to succeed in various social settings.

Introverts share a common tendency—to expend energy in social situations and restore it by spending time alone. However, introverts are not a monolith and as such, they all vary in how they approach social situations.

Social introverts prefer small groups, while anxious introverts worry more about their interactions. Thinking introverts are analytical and imaginative, while restrained introverts are cautious and deliberate. Understanding your type is important since it can provide insights into the things you need to succeed and thrive. So, which one are you?

Have you noticed your vision becoming less sharp or even blurry? It might be because of your antidepressant.

Around 13.2% of American adults take antidepressants, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Such medications can relieve symptoms of mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety, but they can also produce some side effects as well. Blurred vision can be a possible side effect of taking antidepressants.

If you are experiencing blurry vision, it is important to discuss your symptoms with your doctor and determine if it might be due to your antidepressant or something else.

Blurry Vision Symptoms

Blurred vision is a possible antidepressant side effect in which a person cannot see clearly. This has been described in many ways, but most commonly, it is described as a lack of “sharpness” and clearness to a person’s vision.

In addition to a lack of clarity, someone may also experience symptoms as:

• Burning
• Itching
• Redness of the eye
• Scratchy or gritty sensations

Other Vision Problems Linked to Antidepressants

One study found that the most commonly reported vision problems that were reported by people taking antidepressants (SSRIs, SSRIs, and serotonin reuptake inhibiting tricyclic antidepressants) were:

• Blurred vision (reduced visual acuity)
• Night blindness (inability to see in dark conditions)
• Vitreous floaters (spots in vision)
• Photophobia (light sensitivity)
• Diplopia (double vision)
• Palinopsia (persistence of visual phenomena)
• Visual field defect (loss of part of the normal field of vision)
• Photopsia (eye floaters or flashes)
• Visual snow syndrome (flickering dots in vision)

Tricyclic antidepressants, SSRIs, and SNRIs have also been linked to acute angle-closure glaucoma. It is believed that the serotonergic and anticholinergic actions of these antidepressants lead to an ocular emergency.

It results in high pressure inside the eye and the blockage of aqueous fluid from exiting the eye. It can lead to blindness if left untreated.

Antidepressants That Can Cause Blurred Vision

While there are a variety of medications that may contribute to blurred vision, the two classes of antidepressants that are most likely to affect vision are tricyclic antidepressants and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

Tricyclic Antidepressants

Blurred vision is most commonly associated with the class of antidepressants known as tricyclic antidepressants. This class of medications includes drugs such as:

Tricyclic antidepressants block the receptors in the brain for the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. When this receptor is blocked, tear production stops, causing the eyes to become dry (dry eye syndrome). Because there are acetylcholine receptors in other areas of the body, this blockage can also lead to symptoms in other parts of the body, such as dry mouth and constipation.

However, your doctor may still recommend a tricyclic if other types of antidepressants have not produced the desired effects. Talk to your doctor if you are concerned about vision issues while taking this medication.

SSRIs and SNRIs

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) help regulate the reuptake of the neurotransmitter serotonin, which can play a role in improving mood and reducing anxiety. However, people may also experience various other effects while taking SSRI and SNRI medications, including blurry vision.

These medications may impact the eye’s pupillary muscles, making it difficult to focus on near objects. It can also contribute to dry eyes, making it more difficult to focus.

SSRIs that may produce this side effect include:

SNRIs that may cause blurry vision include Effexor (venlafaxine) and Cymbalta (duloxetine).

SSRI and SNRI medications may also be associated with other eye problems, although these effects appear less common. Acute glaucoma and optic neuropathy have been reported.

How Long Will Blurred Vision Last?

Blurred vision as a side effect of tricyclic antidepressants usually subsides within a few weeks of treatment, even if you continue to use the medication regularly. This is also true for SSRI and SNRI antidepressants.

One study found that many people who had vision problems while taking SSRIs, SNRIs, and tricyclic antidepressants continued to experience these effects even after they quit taking the medication.

Treatments for Blurred Vision

If you are experiencing blurred vision or other ocular effects, it is important to practice good eye care and talk to your doctor about your symptoms. Steps you should take include:

Get an Eye Exam

Getting an eye exam to rule out other causes of blurred vision. There are many causes of blurred vision of which antidepressants are only one. It is very important to make sure you have your eyes examined to rule out any other causes, especially since many of these require timely treatment.

Try Dry Eye Remedies

To relieve dryness, you may find it helpful to use artificial tears during the day and lubricating ointment at bedtime. A humidifier may also provide some relief.

Avoid Smoking and Other Irritants/Allergens

Avoid smoking as well as secondhand smoke. In addition to smoke, it is important to manage any other irritants in your environment which may irritate your eyes.

You may wish to talk to an allergist if the side effect of your antidepressant is adding to eye symptoms that you had to some degree related to environmental allergies.

Consider Punctal Plugs

Talk with your doctor about punctal plugs. Punctal plugs are small silicone plugs that are used to block the tear ducts on the inner or outer eyelid. These allow the body to conserve either natural tears, which lubricate the eye, or artificial tears, which you apply.

Lower Your Dose or Switch Antidepressants

You might also consider talking with your doctor about changing the dosage of your antidepressant. If this is not possible, it may be time to switch to a different class of antidepressant.

If you continue to have problems with blurred vision, another option may be to talk with your doctor about changing to a different type of medication. Your doctor can help you determine if using another type of medication is best for you.

Consult Your Doctor

If you are troubled by any side effects that you are experiencing, it is best to continue to take your medication as prescribed until your doctor advises you to make a change. That doesn’t mean you need to wait until your next appointment, and you should call your doctor immediately if you are concerned.

Stopping an antidepressant too quickly can lead to what is known as discontinuation syndrome, which can cause you to not feel well. Symptoms of antidepressant discontinuation syndrome can include muscle aches, nausea, fatigue, odd sensations, and dizziness.

It is also possible that your depression could return or become worse if you stop taking your medication. Your doctor can advise you ​on how to stop taking or changing your medication to avoid these problems.

This is a judgment-free zone, okay? We’ve all felt insecure in our relationship and stalked an ex, date, or current partner on social media. Humans are emotional beings that feel everything. But if you’re always surfing your partner’s socials for information on their whereabouts, constantly seeking reassurance (even though your partner gives you plenty of it), or repeatedly calling and texting them, you might have an anxious attachment style.

Chances are you’ve heard of attachment theory—the idea that explains how long-term bonds form between people? Yep, psychologist John Bowlby coined the term in the late ’50s after identifying how the interactions between child and caregiver determine one’s attachment style.

But while attachment may start in childhood, it shows up in adulthood, too. Particularly in romantic partners because they serve as attachment figures. Anxious attachment (aka anxious-preoccupied attachment) is marked by a tendency to worry about relationships with attachment figures. In layman’s terms, people with anxious attachment are highly attuned to their partner’s needs but require constant reassurance to feel secure and safe.

It’s why anxious attachers “may appear clingy, jealous, or over-controlling; however, to the anxiously attached person, it’s a way to cope with very uncomfortable emotions,” says Rachel Goldberg, MS, a licensed marriage and family therapist at Rachel Goldberg Therapy. Anxious attachment is one of the three insecure attachment styles that spring from a fear of abandonment and rejection.

How do anxious attachers become…anxious? What triggers someone depends on the individual and can vary from person to person. Which is why it’s important to know your triggers and how to manage them. Below, we dive into the common anxious attachment triggers and what tools and tips can help you cope.

Common Anxious Attachment Triggers

Want to know your triggers? While we can’t identify every single one, there are a few consistent ones among anxious attachers.

“Common triggers that might heighten someone’s anxious attachment style are things such as sensing a change in communication, feeling emotionally or physically distant, an external factor or person that could threaten the bond, feeling dismissed, getting in an argument and not being reassured or complimented enough,” says Goldberg.

For example, imagine texting your S.O. and they don’t respond right away. With an anxious attachment style, you’ll feel compelled to text your partner multiple times until you get a response, which can exacerbate the communication between you two, says licensed clinical social worker Laura Sgro.

Sgro adds that anxious attachers can become triggered if their partner asks for some alone time. Why? A request for space can make the anxious attacher feel physically distant. Similarly, not talking about personal things like how work is going can also trigger the anxious attached person because they feel emotionally distanced, Goldberg notes.

How an anxious attacher responds to their triggers varies. One person can be upset if their friend or family member ignores their call or sends them to voicemail. Another person might be fine if their friend ignores their message but can become angry if their partner sends them clipped and cold responses. One way or another, though, all anxiously attached people have triggers that can make things difficult for those in a relationship (platonic, romantic, or familial) with them.

Communication Patterns

When communication patterns change in a relationship, it can trigger anxious attachers. Anxiously attached people are hypervigilant, meaning they’re sensitive to sudden changes in communication.

“The anxious partner is interacting from this place of fear, from this place of, ‘Oh my gosh, I’ve done something wrong,’ or ‘This person’s mad at me,’” says Sgro. “And resentment can build between them if they’re not actually communicating about what’s happening.”

Goldberg adds that the anxiously attached partner will begin making assumptions about the changes in communication without any proof, which can further send them into a spiral of fear that something is wrong. “This may result in [them] becoming more clingy, starting arguments, or interrogating their partner who may have just been busy and wasn’t intentionally changing the way they communicate,” she says.

Anxiously attached people aren’t trying to start fights or cause problems. As Goldberg explains, they simply want to search for threats to the relationship, so they can stay a step ahead. Unfortunately, that results in miscommunication and misunderstandings, which leads anxious attachers to assume the worst and catastrophize.

How to Minimize This Trigger:

• Communicate your issues. Tell your partner you tend to feel anxious in relationships, says Goldberg. Requesting and receiving assurance goes a long way toward helping you feel less anxious and more secure. 
• Practice emotional regulation. Regulation will help an anxious person control their emotional responses. Regulation can include journaling, sharing feelings, meditation and mindfulness, and talking with a therapist.
• Have regular check-ins with your partner. Goldberg says that this will be a place to discuss any anxiety in the relationship, which helps the anxiously attached person know there’s a time for these conversations.
• Use “I” statements to avoid blaming the other party. This kind of language will make you focus on your experience instead of accusing the other person, explains Sgro.
• Work on tolerating the unknown for longer periods. If the anxiously attached person can tolerate the unknown, they can start to deal with perceived threats calmly and appropriately, says Goldberg.

Fear of Rejection and Abandonment

Fear of rejection and abandonment is the core of an anxious attachment style and stems from inconsistent care from the primary caregiver in childhood. “If a child does their chores and is praised one night, but reprimanded the next for doing them incorrectly, they may start to believe that they need to constantly improve to prevent their caregiver from becoming upset,” Goldberg says. “Over time, and through many such experiences, a child becomes highly sensitive to others’ perceived moods and strives to gain approval, believing that their actions determine praise—love—or criticism.”

Anxious attachment can continue into adulthood because we often subconsciously seek out relationships that mirror our relationship with our primary caregiver from our formative years, Sgro says. Even if that dynamic is not what we want, we’re comfortable in these situations. The desire to prove ourselves leads many to continue the same pattern.

Alternatively, anxious attachment can develop because of bad relationships in adulthood. “For example, if someone discovers they were cheated on, they may begin to believe it will happen again, leading to heightened vigilance and an increased need for reassurance in their next relationship,” Goldberg explains.

How to Manage Your Fear of Rejection and Abandonment

According to Sgro, anxiously attached people can manage this trigger by:

• Calming their body. Pay attention to your physiological response, whether it’s your heart racing or you’re feeling restless. Try to calm your body through deep breathing.
• Challenge negative beliefs. After you’ve calmed your body, look at some of your negative beliefs and question where they come from. For example, what evidence do you have that your partner’s mad at you? Is the story you’re telling yourself absolutely, positively, one hundred percent true? And if so, what is the evidence for it? If it isn’t true, what else could be true? Is there evidence for that? If there is something you want to know about what someone else is thinking or feeling, can you ask them directly instead of making assumptions?

Uncertainty and Ambiguity

Uncertainty and ambiguity can invite the anxiously attached individual to fill in the gaps with inaccurate information. “The brain doesn’t always have the best knowledge because it’s based on what we learned in childhood,” Sgro says. “So, our brain isn’t necessarily trying to be our friend. It is trying to protect us, but it doesn’t always know what our best interest is.”

The unknown may trigger thoughts and beliefs that could be wrong. As a result, says Goldberg, “anxiously attached people may instinctually go to the worst-case scenario and have black-and-white thinking when it comes to what’s happening in their relationships.”

Partners who can offer reassurance and clarity can alleviate those anxious feelings. It’s difficult because it requires vulnerability, but clear communication is the first step. “You want [to be in a relationship] with someone who can hold space for you,” says Sgro. “Who can reassure you and can communicate, ‘Hey, I’ve been feeling this way. Is this really what you’re thinking? Or can we talk about this issue?’ And get that feedback from them.”

How Anxious Attachers Can Build Trust in Their Relationships

• Keep communication open and express your true fears instead of hiding your need for support, comfort, and reassurance.
• Be clear and specific about what you need from your partner and how often.
• Refrain from breaking your agreements and potentially damaging your partner’s trust by continually asking for more than agreed to or encroaching on the space they may have asked you for.
• Spend quality time together without distractions regularly, so the feeling and knowing that you are cared for, appreciated, and valued can be recalled in times of uncertainty, anxiety, and distress.

Emotional Triggers

People with anxious attachment may have been exposed to trauma, especially in childhood. This could include neglect or physical, sexual, or emotional abuse. Alternatively, you could have become anxiously attached later in life (even if your childhood was wonderful) because you were in a toxic or unhealthy relationship, where you were constantly told negative things about yourself. One way or another, people with anxious attachments have trouble trusting themselves and their partners.

Both Goldberg and Sgro say this leads to a variety of emotional triggers that activate anxious attachment, including:

• Perceived emotional or physical distance
• Disagreements or arguments
• Sudden changes in partner relationships
• Your partner getting upset with you

One way or another, your past can lead to a struggle with low self-esteem or self-worth and to hiding your feelings from the person you are currently in a relationship with.

Strategies for Coping with Emotional Triggers:

• Building up your distress tolerance. Sgro says it’s impossible to “completely avoid negative situations, so you must learn how to tolerate the discomfort that comes with those moments.”
• Find your way through mindfulness. According to Goldberg, you can try meditation, exercise, or other coping mechanisms to help you become more mindful of the situation.
• Distract yourself from your feelings in healthy ways. When feelings get too intense in a relationship, Goldberg says, try playing with the dog, listening to a podcast, going for a manicure, or any other activity that might distract you.

Personal Boundaries and Autonomy

People with anxious attachments tend to have a problem setting good boundaries. They put their partner first and are afraid to assert their own needs. Therefore, they’re likely to have their boundaries and autonomy violated without even realizing it. Similarly, the other partner in the relationship will get frustrated or resentful for triggering the anxiously attached person with their boundaries. Ultimately, both partners feel like they can’t get their needs met.

It’s important to set healthy boundaries in relationships by developing a strong sense of self and maintaining independence instead of dissolving into the relationship and the other person. This can be a difficult skill to learn, explains Sgro. So you’ll have to be patient with yourself, but with time and practice, you can get clarity on who you are and what you want and don’t want. Plus, learn how to communicate your requests and boundaries clearly and kindly.

How to Maintain Your Sense of Self in a Relationship

• Finding hobbies outside of your relationship
• Having a group of friends independent of your relationship
• Setting goals for how you want to be in a relationship and working toward those. For example, after having a date night with your partner, you might want to enjoy a night in by yourself without worrying about whether your partner calls or texts you
• Working on goals outside of your relationship, such as getting a promotion, running a marathon, or volunteering for something you are passionate about

Self-Reflection and Self-Awareness

Many people try to avoid anything that would make them really examine themselves. Sgro adds that people don’t want to see how much work they have to do on themselves, so they avoid introspection. However, to effectively manage triggers, it’s important to accept both the good and the bad and engage in self-reflection and self-awareness. Otherwise, you’ll repeat the same cycles.

To identify and understand personal triggers, Goldberg recommends: “writing down on a scale of 1 to 10 how anxious you are and what event preceded it. Over time, this will help you identify both smaller triggers and the broader categories they fall under. For example, taking too long to text back can be categorized under communication expectations.” This will give you a reason to self-reflect on your triggers and may even stop the cycle of emotions taking over quickly.

Goldberg also advises self-awareness and self-reflection. You can journal or get help from a workbook filled with prompts that get you to think about your situation. Really, anything that gets you out of your emotional brain and into your thinking brain should help you cultivate self-reflection and self-awareness.

Seeking Support and Professional Help

Everyone needs support outside of their romantic relationship, and loved ones and trusted individuals can be great options for those with anxious attachment. “Loved ones can gently challenge your automatic thoughts as well as remind you that you are loved, valued, and supported by them,” says Goldberg. “They can also be a source of reason if what you perceive as a threat generally is not looked at by others in that way.”

Furthermore, a therapist or mental health professional can benefit anxiously attached individuals. Sgro says that a therapist can help you develop healthy boundaries and communication.

Several therapy modalities may be especially good for anxiously attached individuals including emotional-focused therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and attachment-based therapy, says Sgro.

No matter what, you can heal from anxious attachment and make your relationship better. While it will take hard work (as most things in life do), those with anxious attachments can become secure by identifying their triggers, becoming mindful of their responses, communicating feelings and needs, and requesting and receiving reassurance and support. It’ll take patience and lots of work, anxiously attached people can change their attachment style and heal in loving relationships.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a mental health condition that affects approximately 8.4% of children and 2.5% of adults. This condition affects the brain’s development and functioning.

ADHD is characterized by characteristics of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, which can make it hard for the person to sit still or focus. Additionally, people with ADHD may also experience mood swings. This can affect a person’s ability to function and their well-being.

What Are ADHD Mood Swings?

“It’s quite common for people with ADHD to experience mood swings. The person’s energy levels, concentration, moods, and emotions may fluctuate often—sometimes multiple times in the same day,” says Aimee Daramus, PsyD, a licensed clinical psychologist.

Mood swings, in addition to other characteristics of ADHD, can cause the person to experience difficulties with work, school, daily activities, and relationships.

Symptoms of ADHD Mood Swings

These are some of the symptoms of ADHD-related mood swings:

• Switching from excited one moment to sad, angry, or anxious the next
• Fluctuating between having trouble paying attention and hyperfocusing on an activity
• Having bursts of energy and fatigue through the day
• Feeling emotions intensely and having difficulty regulating them
• Getting distracted easily and leaving tasks incomplete
• Feeling upset or angry often
• Experiencing extreme restlessness and boredom
• Being unable to sit still or wait their turn patiently without fidgeting or moving around
• Interrupting others frequently but getting angry if interrupted
• Being unaware of the impact of their words or actions in the moment, but regretting them later
• Rushing through tasks and making careless mistakes, which can be frustrating and demotivating

Causes of ADHD Mood Swings

Mood swings are a symptom of ADHD; however, they can also be an indicator that the person has another mental health condition. People with ADHD may also be prone to mood swings if they are frequently frustrated with challenges related to their ADHD traits.

Below, Dr. Daramus explains some of the causes of ADHD-related mood swings.

Frustration

People with ADHD often find that their energy levels and ability to concentrate changes throughout the day. Even if they’re on medication, it can be difficult to match their high-energy and high-focus times to the times they need to be most productive. 

This can be upsetting and frustrating in the moment and cause mood swings. Over time, it can lead to a persistent sense of failure and a self-image as someone who messes things up or can’t meet their own expectations or anyone else’s.

It’s important to recognize that these frustrations stem from having a brain that works differently, yet being expected to meet the demands of a neurotypical society. With the right accommodations and support, people with ADHD can manage their traits with mood issues.

Mood Disorders

Depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder are very common in people struggling with ADHD; people with ADHD are more likely to have these conditions than people who don’t have ADHD. These conditions can account for the person’s changes in mood.

ADHD Characteristics

Even if the person doesn’t have a mood disorder, mood swings are a common symptom of ADHD. It’s possible for the person to alternate between feeling full of energy and depressed, as well as periods of limited attention span and intense hyperfocus.

Coping With ADHD Mood Swings

Dr. Daramus suggests some coping strategies that may be helpful if you have ADHD and experience mood swings:

Seek Treatment From a Specialist

Therapy can be very helpful for mood swings. However, it’s important to note that mood swings don’t look the same in people with ADHD and should be treated by professionals with specific ADHD expertise.

If you go to therapy, make sure your therapist is an expert in ADHD. Treatment may also involve medication, if needed.

Try Mindfulness Exercises

Mindfulness exercises can be very helpful, but you may need to tailor them to suit you. Some exercises that work for non-ADHD people, such as exercises that focus on stillness or concentrating on one thing, like breath, may not work for you.

Try a movement-based meditation instead, or focus on something more mentally active like music instead of breath. If you’re in high-energy mode, try easing yourself slowly into a meditation session with some kind of relaxing activity first.

Identify Your Triggers

Pay attention to your triggers so you have a better idea of what causes your mood swings. Maintaining a journal where you write them down can help you identify and track patterns in your moods.

Find Your Own Ways of Doing Things

Get used to making up your own procedures or doing things on your own timeline. Decide thoughtfully if trying to do something just like everybody else does is important in any specific situation.

Otherwise, find your own way of doing things to get the results you need. This can help reduce some of your stress and frustration.

Reinterpret How You See Your Symptoms

Instead of thinking of your symptoms as failures, look at them as just symptoms or mere differences. Be kind to yourself and remind yourself that having ADHD means you may experience mood swings from time to time.

Keep Informative Resources Handy

Work on your boundaries so that when you want to, you can teach others to perceive your differences with less negativity. Find your favorite books, videos, and articles for educating people when you need to because trying to educate others all the time can be exhausting and frustrating.

Curate Your Social Media

Find a safe corner of social media to be with other people who understand you and what you need emotionally. Get comfortable with muting, blocking, and reporting the inevitable trolls.

Adderall (amphetamine-dextroamphetamine) is a drug prescribed for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and it has a high potential for abuse. However, taking too much of this drug—even accidentally—can lead to an overdose, which can sometimes be fatal.

What’s more, some people are more sensitive to stimulants than others, so the amount that could lead to an overdose varies from person to person. Learn more about Adderall overdose, including how to prevent it from happening and treatment options if you’ve developed a dependence on this drug.

What Dosage of Adderall Can Be Fatal?

An Adderall overdose involves excessive stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system. This is the bodily system that activates a fight-or-flight response when there’s a sign of danger.

Depending on the person and their motives, an overdose may be intentional or accidental. It’s also important to note that Adderall can be lethal to animals if ingested.

What’s the Recommended Daily Dosage of Adderall?

The recommended daily dosage of Adderall for adults with ADHD or the sleep disorder narcolepsy ranges from 5 mg to 60 mg. Doctors typically begin with the smallest dose and then adjust as needed to achieve the greatest therapeutic effect with the least amount of side effects.

Symptoms of Adderall Overdose

Symptoms of Adderall overdose can range from mild to severe and include the following:

What to Do in the Event of Adderall Overdose

If you suspect that you or someone you know has overdosed on Adderall, seek emergency treatment immediately. Be prepared to provide the following information to the emergency responders and/or physician:

• The person’s age
• How much Adderall was ingested (if known)
• Other substances (alcohol or drugs) that may have also been taken
• Any known allergies
• Any history of substance misuse

How Does Adderall Interact With Other Drugs?

Adderall may interact with some medications, so it’s important to talk to your physician about any medications you’re taking before taking Adderall. This includes vitamins, over-the-counter medications, and nutritional supplements, as well as any other prescriptions.

Combining monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) with Adderall, for example, can increase the risk of a hypertensive reaction. Common MAOIs include:

• Nardil (phenelzine)
• Marplan (isocarboxazid)
• Emsam (selegiline)
• Parnate (tranylcypromine)

Meanwhile, taking medications that inhibit CYP2D6 (an enzyme involved in drug metabolism) while taking Adderall can increase the risk of serious side effects. Common CYP2D6 inhibitors include:

• Wellbutrin (buproprion)
• Sensipar (cinacalcet)
• Prozac (fluoxetine)
• Paxil (paroxetine)
• Norvir (ritonavir)
• Quinidex (quinidine)

Other medications that can produce drug interactions when taken with Adderall include tricyclic antidepressants and other serotonergic medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), St. John’s wort, lithium, and tramadol.

Adderall Misuse and Addiction

Adderall can be habit-forming and has the potential for misuse. When used in ways that are not intended, it can increase a person’s risk of experiencing dependence, addiction, overdose, and other adverse effects.

Adderall Misuse

Misusing Adderall can be dangerous and produce various problems, including potentially hazardous side effects. Misuse of a prescription drug involves:

• Taking the medicine in a way or dose other than what is prescribed (such as crushing pills, snorting the powder, or dissolving the powder from a capsule into water and injecting the liquid into a vein)
• Taking someone else’s prescription
• Taking medicine to get high rather than to reduce symptoms

Chronic misuse of Adderall may lead to symptoms such as:

• Insomnia
• Irritability
• Personality changes
• Severe rash

Adderall misuse can also influence the effects of alcohol. Because the stimulant effects of Adderall can counteract the depressant effects of alcohol, people often feel less intoxicated than they are. As a result, they may drink more than they normally would. This can lead to serious impairments, increase the risk of accidents, or even lead to death due to alcohol poisoning.

Adderall Addiction

Adderall can be addictive, especially when it is taken at doses higher than prescribed. Addiction to Adderall is characterized by continuing to take the substance despite adverse effects on a person’s life. 

It is important to note that substance dependence differs from addiction. Dependence can occur after taking a medication for some time and involves experiencing withdrawal effects if you reduce the dose or stop taking the medication. Addiction, on the other hand, often involves taking increasingly larger amounts and feeling like you cannot function without the drug.

Treatment for Adderall Overdose

Treatment for an overdose may involve administering activated charcoal to help absorb the medication. You also may need to get your stomach pumped. If overdose leads to serotonin syndrome, you may be given medication to block serotonin.

If a person is addicted to Adderall, some treatments can help. Commonly used approaches include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and contingency management. 

Preventing Adderall Overdose

There are steps you can take to prevent yourself or someone you love from overdosing on Adderall, including:

• Never take more than your prescribed dose.
• Never let someone else take your medication.
• Never take anyone else’s prescription medication.
• Do not take a larger dose without consulting with your physician.
• Never take a second dose if you think you missed your first dose.
• Take your medication at the same time each day.

People with ADHD may be seen as insensitive, self-absorbed, or disengaged with the world around them. Emotional detachment, or the act of being disconnected or disengaged from the feelings of others, is a symptom of ADHD. However, it can also be caused by Adderall, a medication used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy. 

When you’re faced with a stressful situation, such as finals or a frustrated partner, you may find yourself detaching emotionally. This is often used as a coping mechanism. It can help protect you from potential pain, anxiety, or stress, but it can also affect your ability to connect and relate to others. 

If you’re taking Adderall, it’s important to talk to your doctor about potential side effects, one of which could be emotional detachment, and how to address them. 

Understanding the Side Effects of Adderall 

Adderall is a stimulant combining amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, which directly affects the central nervous system. For people with ADHD or narcolepsy, the drug helps adjust brain chemistry by releasing more levels of dopamine and norepinephrine. This can improve focus and concentration and reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. 

“Medications that treat ADHD help with attention and focus, and reduce distractibility, [but can] suppress the qualities that make people with ADHD chatty, spunky, and easy to connect with,” says Alex Dimitriu, MD, double board-certified in Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine and founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine and BrainfoodMD. 

While there are benefits to taking Adderall if properly prescribed, there are also many side effects to consider. Not only can Adderall cause physical symptoms like insomnia and suppressed appetite, but it can lead to mood swings, panic attacks, depression, and psychosis —and worsen symptoms of bipolar disorder,  if you have a comorbid condition.

If you’re taking Adderall, it’s important to track your symptoms and side effects so you can discuss them with your doctor. The medication can help if you’ve been diagnosed with ADHD or narcolepsy, but it can also exacerbate symptoms. No case is the same, so each individual must work with a reliable, trustworthy care team to determine what’s best for their condition and situation. 

What Detachment Feels Like

Detachment can often result from emotional dysregulation, an overlooked symptom of ADHD, which is the impaired ability to control your emotional responses. When detachment occurs, someone may emotionally detach from themselves or their environment.

When experiencing emotional detachment, it can feel like something is happening to you, rather than something you’re choosing to happen. Carly Claney, PhD, founder of Relational Psych, describes it as a “fog or mental blankness.” While detachment can be helpful in setting boundaries around people and spaces, it can also occur involuntarily. You may recognize that your emotions don’t match the situation at hand, but feel you’re unable to control them. Emotional detachment can, at times, feel isolating. Others may not understand what you’re going through and be unable to relate. 

Signs of Emotional Detachment

Signs and symptoms of emotional detachment include:

• Feeling empty or numb
• Losing interest in activities you previously enjoyed
• Being unreasonably harsh or unkind to others
• Showing little or no empathy toward others

“When someone feels detached from their surroundings or experiences a sense of being less affected by things, it can be hard to find the motivation to do things that might bring about positive change,” says Akos Antwi, APRN, PMHNP, a psychiatric nurse practitioner at Revive Therapeutic Services.

Talking to a mental health professional can help. They may suggest cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), or other forms of therapy, which can help with emotional dysregulation and detachment. They may also suggest trying a different medication or dose, which better supports your day-to-day functioning. 

Always speak with your care team before making changes to your medication or dose. Abruptly stopping Adderall can be harmful and lead to suicidal thinking. 

How to Cope with Emotional Detachment

“Recognizing feelings of detachment is the first step in coping with them. Being mindful and taking time to think about what might be causing the detachment can go a long way towards managing it in a healthy manner,” says Dr. Claney. 

To address emotional detachment, here are some of her recommendations:

• Take breaks from activities
• Avoid multitasking
• Establish an environment that is low-stimulation
• Give yourself permission to take time away 
• Talk to a trusted friend or professional who can help you gain insight and develop strategies for dealing with difficult situations while also helping you recognize when detachment may be necessary in order to reset and regain perspective
• Work on understanding your own unique triggers so you can identify early signs of detachment 

Dr. Dimitriu, MD, also recommends sleep, structure, and well-timed medication to combat negative side effects like emotional detachment. 

“Sleep is the foundation of mental health,” he says, suggesting that you get at least seven hours of sleep and stay busy while the medication is active. “If my patient is taking a stimulant, I always ask them to have a ‘runway’ to get work done (with a plan) of at least four hours.” It’s best to use the medication to work and focus, saving socialization time for after the stimulant wears off.