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)

105. The stigma of being single

105. The stigma of being single

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104. The psychology of overthinking and indecision

104. The psychology of overthinking and indecision

Overthinking can sometimes feel like an endless mental maze that we're trapped in. This tendency to overthink can also lead to chronic indecisiveness and obsessive acknowledgement of the opinions of o...

4 Jul 202343min

103. How to be completely unique

103. How to be completely unique

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102. Queer identity in our 20s ft. Claud Bailey

102. Queer identity in our 20s ft. Claud Bailey

This week we sit down for an intimate conversation with the incredible Claud Bailey, a queer film director and queer youth advocate based in Sydney, Australia to discuss what our gender and sexuality ...

27 Jun 202345min

101. The psychology of ghosting

101. The psychology of ghosting

Today we're discussing the increasing prevalence of ghosting in modern dating. The use of dating apps has created a sense of choice overload, whilst social media has simultaneously allowed us a sense ...

23 Jun 202338min

100. What I've learned from 2 years of podcasting

100. What I've learned from 2 years of podcasting

HAPPY 100th EPISODE! In this week's episode, we are celebrating two very special milestones - 100 episodes of The Psychology of your 20s and the 2 year anniversary of the show. I decided to sit down a...

20 Jun 202345min

99. The myth of the 5-year plan

99. The myth of the 5-year plan

In our 20s we can often feel like we have to have a plan for our lives or a 5 year vision for where we want to be. This can cause us to be boxed in and blind to the surprises opportunities that life t...

16 Jun 202329min

98. The psychology of self sabotage

98. The psychology of self sabotage

Sometimes our biggest enemy isn't others, it's ourselves. Self sabotage is a complicated psychological experience whereby we unconsciously undermine our own goals and wellbeing because of an implicit ...

13 Jun 202343min

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