295. Why we have vulnerability hangovers

295. Why we have vulnerability hangovers

Have you ever opened up, shared something real, and then immediately regretted it? That post-overshare spiral—the “why did I say that?” dread—is what we call a vulnerability hangover. In this episode, we dive deep into the psychology behind why vulnerability can feel so physically and emotionally intense, even when it’s necessary, honest, and healing.

We explore:

  • The two types of vulnerability hangovers (and why both are valid)
  • Why alcohol, trauma dumping, and people-pleasing make it worse
  • How shame and past betrayals shape our fear of being seen
  • The neuroscience behind your emotional "come down"
  • What to do the day after you said too much
  • How to make vulnerability a tool for connection—not something to fear

Plus, we answer listener questions on post-therapy crashes, drunk confessions, and how to stay open even when it’s hard. If you’re sitting with a case of the cringe, this episode is for you.

ORDER MY BOOK: https://www.psychologyofyour20s.com/general-clean

Follow Jemma on Instagram: @jemmasbeg

Follow the podcast on Instagram: @thatpsychologypodcast

For business: psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com

The Psychology of your 20s is not a substitute for professional mental health help. If you are struggling, distressed or require personalised advice, please reach out to your doctor or a licensed psychologist.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episoder(386)

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232. Why do we hate criticism?

232. Why do we hate criticism?

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231. 5 ways to reinvent yourself in your 20s

231. 5 ways to reinvent yourself in your 20s

If nothing else, our 20s are a time for reinvention and transformation. We become clearer and clearer about the version of us we want to be, and hopefully more confident around expressing our authenti...

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230. The psychology of flirting

230. The psychology of flirting

Flirting! Usually thought of as something used to express romantic or physical interest may actually be the secret to unlocking more connections than you can ever imagine: platonic and romantic. In to...

12 Sep 202441min

229. 4 ways to make your anxiety work for you

229. 4 ways to make your anxiety work for you

We all get anxious at times, but what we forget in those moments is that anxiety is just there to protect us, it's trying to do its job, and the more we lean in and play along, the more we start to fe...

10 Sep 202430min

228. The psychology of limerence

228. The psychology of limerence

Limerance - the state of having undeniable feelings for someone who does not feel the same way - feels so much like love but can be so confusing, because deep down we know this person is probably not ...

6 Sep 202442min

227. The power of staying present

227. The power of staying present

Our attention is constantly being pulled in every direction: we're thinking about the past, overthinking the future, getting notifications from our phones, information from our environment. When was t...

3 Sep 202437min

226.  How money impacts our mental health

226. How money impacts our mental health

Money is as much psychological and emotional as it is a physical resource. For that reason, sometimes money and our mental health don't always mix. Many people think that we only experience financial ...

30 Aug 202452min

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