Equipa Editorial DaTerapia
Fear of rejection: managing criticism and social exclusion.
The fear of rejection is the intense worry of being criticized, excluded, judged, abandoned, or considered inadequate by others. It can arise in romantic relationships, friendships, family, work, social networks, or situations of public exposure. We all need belonging. Being accepted, heard, and valued is a human need. Therefore, it's natural that criticism, a cold response, an invitation that doesn't arrive, or social exclusion hurts. The problem begins when this pain becomes constant, disproportionate, or leads to avoiding people, excessive attempts to please, hiding opinions, or living in a state of permanent alert.
Emotional distress: causes and when to seek help
Emotional distress is a state of internal breakdown in which a person feels drained of energy, demotivated, sad, apathetic, or has difficulty reacting to situations they were previously able to handle. It can arise from accumulated stress, insufficient sleep, anxiety, depression, burnout, grief, family overload, relationship conflicts, health problems, or periods of change. We all have days when we feel down. Life has phases of increased tiredness, worry, and discouragement. However, when this feeling persists, becomes difficult to recover from, or begins to affect work, relationships, self-care, and the will to live daily life, it deserves attention. In this article, we explain what emotional distress is, how it manifests, what its causes may be, and when it may be important to seek psychological support.
Desperation: what it means and how to ask for help.
Despair is an intense emotional experience in which a person feels they have reached their limit, sees no way out, or can no longer cope alone with what is happening. It can arise in situations of crisis, loss, conflict, anxiety, depression, burnout, trauma, loneliness, emotional pain, or prolonged accumulation of stress. Asking for help is crucial when despair is persistent, when there is a feeling of lack of control, or when thoughts of self-harm, death, or a desire to disappear arise. Feeling desperate does not mean weakness. It means that the suffering has, at that moment, exceeded the resources the person feels they have available. Often, those who are desperate don't need to hear "calm down" or "think positive." They need security, presence, support, and simple steps to get through the crisis. In this article, we explain what despair can mean, how it manifests, when it should be taken seriously, and how to ask for help in a concrete, safe, and shameless way.
Feeling of emptiness: causes and how to feel it again.
The feeling of emptiness is an experience of internal disconnection where a person may feel that something is missing, that they are disconnected from emotions, that they are living on autopilot, or that nothing seems to truly resonate with them. It can be associated with prolonged stress, depression, anxiety, grief, burnout, trauma, low self-esteem, loneliness, unhealthy relationships, or phases of loss of meaning. Feeling empty does not mean that the person is cold, ungrateful, or incapable of connecting with life. Often, this feeling is a form of protection or a sign of emotional exhaustion. When the mind and body are under too much strain for too long, they may partially disconnect to reduce suffering. In this article, we explain what the feeling of emptiness can mean, what the most common signs are, why it happens, and what strategies can help to gradually, safely, and realistically reconnect.
Possessive jealousy: causes and how to reduce control
Possessive jealousy occurs when the fear of losing the relationship leads to controlling, surveillance, distrust, or attempts to limit the partner's freedom. It can be linked to insecurity, low self-esteem, fear of abandonment, past experiences of betrayal, anxiety, emotional dependence, or rigid beliefs about love. Feeling jealous occasionally is not uncommon. In a relationship, insecurities, fears, and moments of comparison can arise. The problem begins when jealousy ceases to be a passing emotion and starts to justify control, accusations, invasion of privacy, or restriction of the other person's autonomy. In this article, we explain what possessive jealousy is, its signs, why it can happen, and strategies that can help reduce controlling behaviors responsibly and safely.
Self-recrimination: how to break the cycle of guilt
Self-recrimination occurs when a person repeatedly, harshly, and persistently blames themselves for mistakes, choices, emotions, or events that they feel they should have controlled better. It can arise after a real failure, a difficult decision, a conflict, or even situations where the responsibility wasn't entirely theirs. Breaking the cycle of guilt involves distinguishing responsibility from punishment, understanding the function of self-criticism, developing a fairer relationship with oneself, and seeking psychological support when this pattern becomes frequent or very painful. Feeling guilty occasionally is human. Guilt can help us recognize when we have hurt someone, repair damage, and act according to our values. The problem begins when guilt stops guiding reparation and becomes an internal voice that accuses, humiliates, and prevents the person from moving forward. In this article, we explain what self-recrimination is, why it can become a difficult cycle to break, what the most common signs are, and what strategies can help deal with guilt in a healthier way.
Loss of interest and pleasure: signs and how to recover.
Loss of interest and pleasure occurs when activities, relationships, or experiences that once made sense begin to feel indifferent, burdensome, or emotionally distant. It can be a sign of fatigue, prolonged stress, grief, burnout, depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances, or other psychological and physical factors. Losing interest in certain things during difficult times doesn't automatically mean there's a psychological disorder. Motivation and pleasure vary throughout life. However, when feelings of emptiness, detachment, or lack of pleasure persist for weeks, affecting relationships, work, self-care, or hope for the future, it deserves attention. In this article, we explain what loss of interest and pleasure can mean, the most common signs, why it happens, and strategies that can help regain connection to life gradually and realistically.
Low self-esteem in relationships: signs and how to strengthen it.
Low self-esteem in a relationship occurs when how a person sees themselves interferes with their security, confidence, and freedom within the romantic bond. It can arise from a constant fear of abandonment, a repeated need for validation, jealousy, comparison with others, difficulty setting boundaries, or a persistent feeling of not being enough. Strengthening self-esteem involves recognizing these patterns, nurturing one's relationship with oneself, communicating needs more clearly, and seeking psychological support when necessary. It's natural to feel insecure at times in a relationship. An argument, a period of greater distance, a change in routine, or a painful past experience can trigger doubts. However, when insecurity becomes frequent and begins to guide behaviors, thoughts, and decisions, it can wear down the person and the relationship. In this article, we explain what low self-esteem in a relationship is, the most common signs, why it can happen, and what strategies can help strengthen self-esteem responsibly, gradually, and realistically.
Constant irritability: causes and management strategies
Constant irritability can arise when the emotional system is overloaded and small situations begin to provoke intense reactions, impatience, or the urge to explode. The most common causes include accumulated stress, anxiety, lack of rest, unresolved conflicts, difficulties in emotional regulation, hormonal changes, pain, substance use, or health problems that need evaluation. The good news is that irritability can be understood and managed, especially when you identify what sustains it. Feeling irritated from time to time is human. We all have days when traffic, a misinterpreted message, an unexpected task, or tiredness make us more reactive. The problem begins when irritability becomes frequent, disproportionate, or interferes with relationships, work, sleep, and how a person feels about themselves. In this article, we explain what may be behind constant irritability, how it manifests, when it deserves attention, and what strategies can help deal with this pattern in a healthier way.
Personality disorders: signs and when to seek help
Some people spend years feeling that "something is wrong" with how they experience relationships, emotions, and conflicts, but without being able to name what is happening. They react intensely, withdraw when they need closeness, fear abandonment, are easily suspicious, repeat hurtful patterns, or live with an internal instability that is difficult to explain. Personality disorders can arise precisely in this territory: persistent patterns of feeling, thinking, relating, and reacting that cause suffering and interfere with life. In this guide, we explain what personality disorders are, what signs may indicate a persistent pattern, and when it makes sense to seek professional help without falling into labels or judgments.
Important Notice
Online psychology consultations aim to support psychological well-being and are not a substitute for medical, psychiatric, or emergency services.
In case of a psychological crisis or emergency, contact 112 immediately or go to the nearest emergency service.
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