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Why Do I Care So Much About What Other People Think?
Almost everyone worries about what other people think from time to time. You might leave a conversation wondering whether you said something strange. You might notice someone seemed quieter than usual and immediately wonder whether you've upset them. Perhaps you spend far too long deciding what to wear, rewriting a message, or thinking about how something you said might have sounded. For most of us, these thoughts come and go. But for some people, worrying about other people'

Dr Aaron Shaw
5 days ago8 min read


Why Am I So Hard On Myself? Understanding Your Inner Critic
Why are you so hard on yourself? Learn where your inner critic comes from, how self-criticism affects anxiety and perfectionism, and what can help.

Dr Aaron Shaw
Aug 318 min read


Why Do Changes in Routine Feel So Difficult?
A change in routine can sometimes affect us more than we expect. Perhaps you've returned to work after a holiday and suddenly everything feels harder. Your children may have started school or university. You might have begun a new job, moved home, changed working patterns, or found yourself adjusting to a different stage of life. Sometimes nothing particularly negative has happened. Things are simply... different. Yet you may feel unsettled, anxious, tired, irritable, or stra

Dr Aaron Shaw
Aug 246 min read


Why Am I Such A Perfectionist? When High Standards Become A Problem
There is nothing wrong with having high standards. The problem begins when your self-worth becomes dependent on meeting them. Healthy Standards vs Perfectionism Healthy standards sound like: "I'd like to do well." Perfectionism sounds like: "I have to get this right." "Mistakes are unacceptable." "If I fail, people will think less of me." Common Signs Of Perfectionism Fear of making mistakes Difficulty delegating Procrastination Excessive checking Difficulty feeling satisfied

Dr Aaron Shaw
Aug 171 min read


Burnout vs Depression: What's the Difference?
Feeling exhausted, emotionally drained, and struggling to find motivation can be frightening. Many people experiencing these difficulties begin to wonder: "Am I burnt out, or am I depressed?" The challenge is that burnout and depression can share several similar symptoms. Both can affect mood, energy levels, concentration, motivation, and daily functioning. However, despite these similarities, they are not the same thing. Understanding the differences can help you make sense

Dr Aaron Shaw
Aug 84 min read


What Is High-Functioning Anxiety? Signs, Symptoms and How It Affects Daily Life
When people think of anxiety, they often imagine someone who appears visibly worried, overwhelmed, or unable to cope. However, anxiety doesn't always look this way. Many people experiencing anxiety continue to perform well at work, meet deadlines, support others, maintain relationships, and appear calm on the outside. Yet internally, they may be struggling with constant worry, self-criticism, pressure, and a persistent sense that they are never quite doing enough. This is oft

Dr Aaron Shaw
Jul 164 min read


Signs of Burnout: 7 Warning Signs You Shouldn't Ignore
Many people assume burnout happens suddenly. In reality, burnout often develops gradually over time. What begins as feeling stressed, busy, or overwhelmed can slowly evolve into emotional exhaustion, reduced motivation, and a sense that you're simply running on empty. One of the challenges with burnout is that it can be difficult to recognise while you're experiencing it. Many people continue pushing themselves, believing they simply need to work harder, be more organised, or

Dr Aaron Shaw
Jun 304 min read


Understanding Worry: Why It Happens and How to Break the Cycle
Worry is something most people experience, but for some it becomes persistent, repetitive, and difficult to control. You may find yourself thinking through scenarios again and again, trying to prevent things going wrong, or feeling unable to switch your mind off even when there is no immediate problem to solve. This can feel exhausting — and often confusing — because on the surface, worry can look like “thinking things through” or “being responsible”. In reality, chronic worr

Dr Aaron Shaw
Jun 233 min read


Feeling Nervous About Therapy? What to Expect from Your First Appointment with a Clinical Psychologist
For many people, making that first appointment feels like the hardest step. You may have spent weeks, months, or even years thinking about reaching out for support before finally deciding to do something. That hesitation is understandable. Many people wonder: What will I be asked? What if I don’t know what to say? What if I become emotional? Will I be judged? What if my problems don’t feel “serious enough”? If you’ve had any of these thoughts, you’re certainly not alone. The

Dr Aaron Shaw
Jun 173 min read


Thinking About Therapy? How to Choose the Right Type of Support.
If you're considering therapy or psychological support, you may be wondering where to begin. Many people know something doesn't feel quite right, but aren't sure what type of support they need. Perhaps you've been feeling anxious, overwhelmed, stressed, low in mood, or struggling to cope with life's challenges. You may have heard terms such as counsellor, psychotherapist, psychiatrist, or Clinical Psychologist, but understanding which option is right for you can feel confusin

Dr Aaron Shaw
Jun 104 min read


Clinical Psychologist vs Psychiatrist vs Counsellor vs Psychotherapist: What's the Difference?
If you're considering seeking support for your mental health or emotional wellbeing, you may have come across a range of professional titles and wondered what they actually mean. Clinical Psychologist, Psychiatrist, Counsellor, Psychotherapist – the differences aren't always obvious, and it's understandable to feel unsure about where to start. The good news is that all of these professionals can play an important role in supporting people's wellbeing. However, their training,

Dr Aaron Shaw
May 33 min read
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