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)

113. Forgiving yourself for past mistakes

113. Forgiving yourself for past mistakes

All of us are going to mess up. In our 20s and every decade thereafter. But its what we choose to do with those mistakes that's important. In this episode we explore why we often regret past decisions...

4 Aug 202339min

112. Your ex moved on - now what?

112. Your ex moved on - now what?

It’s something we all inevitably experience in our dating lives, the pain of a break-up, saying goodbye to someone we loved and then, one day, the realisation that your ex has moved on and is with som...

1 Aug 202342min

111. The healing power of nature

111. The healing power of nature

This week we're discussing the secret and the science behind the healing powers of nature. Our generation has become increasingly detached from the outdoors and our wild roots, with over 90% of our da...

28 Jul 202337min

110. The psychology of hyperindependence

110. The psychology of hyperindependence

Independence is highly regarded as an admirable personality trait - we are obsessed with people who are self made, who solo travel, pay their own bills and don't seem to need anyone. However, our sens...

25 Jul 202340min

109. Why are we so hard on ourselves?

109. Why are we so hard on ourselves?

So often in life, we are our own worst enemies. The meanest and loudest voice in our head is our own. So why are we so hard on ourselves? In this episode we break down the psychological underpinnings ...

22 Jul 202338min

108. The psychology of gaslighting

108. The psychology of gaslighting

The term 'gaslighting' has grown in popularity in recent years and become part of our shared psychobabble, giving our generation the language to describe a pattern of behaviour that has existed for ce...

18 Jul 202346min

107. How to get out of a rut

107. How to get out of a rut

On this week's episode we discuss why we fall into a so called 'rut' and how to pull ourselves out of it and rekindle our sense of self! Our 20s represent a transition into adulthood where we can find...

14 Jul 202339min

106. Overcoming trauma and complex PTSD ft. Amy B Chesler

106. Overcoming trauma and complex PTSD ft. Amy B Chesler

TW: Domestic violence, sexual abuse. In her early 20s, Amy suffered an unimaginable loss. Her mother was murdered at the hands of her brother. But what came next is an even more incredible story of gr...

11 Jul 202341min

Populært innen Fakta

fastlegen
dine-penger-pengeradet
relasjonspodden-med-dora-thorhallsdottir-kjersti-idem
treningspodden
foreldreradet
jakt-og-fiskepodden
rss-strid-de-norske-borgerkrigene
smart-forklart
rss-sunn-okonomi
merry-quizmas
sinnsyn
gravid-uke-for-uke
fryktlos
hverdagspsyken
aldring-og-helse-podden
rss-adhd-i-klasserommet
rss-kunsten-a-leve
rss-mann-i-krise-med-sagen
rss-impressions-2
rss-kull