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We’re social creatures, and most of us crave relationships, intimacy, and closeness. Research has even shown thatsocial connectionsare vital for emotional and physical well-being. But sometimes, alone time, aka private or solitary time, can also be important. Verywell / Madelyn Goodnight Spending time by yourself, at least sometimes, can play a positive role in mental health. It can also foster self-reflection and personal growth. Let’s face it: being around other people comes with rewards, but it also createsstress....

Or maybe you just don’t have the energy to get things done the way you once did. Moodiness,irritability, and anxiety are just a few other effects you might experience. It’s helpful to begin by determining your sleep needs. The “average” adult needs around eight hours per night, but few people are average. You may also have a sleep debt you have accumulated, and this requires extra sleep to catch up....

Its normal to have cravings weeks, months, or even a year after you stop smoking. Maybe you quit smoking three months ago and you still feel bad. Will you ever stop craving cigarettes? Jamie Grill / The Image Bank / Getty Images Will I Crave Cigarettes Forever? Right after you quit smoking, you go intonicotine withdrawal. During this time, having cravings for cigarettes throughout the daywhich can be really intenseis totally normal....

However, some people become depressed and dont know why. If you’re wondering, “Why am I depressed?” and have no real answers, it’s helpful to know some potential causes of depression. Jamie Grill / Getty Images We also share treatment options so you’ve got the option to start to feel better again. Click below to listen now. This leaves them to wonder, “Why am I depressed?” without giving them any real answer....

Is it possible to know what’s about to happen? Ever have a tingly feeling that something is going to happen…and then it does? Or maybe youve dreamt about a future event that ends up coming true. Tim Robberts/Getty Images. Premonitions, which describe the ability to predict a future event, are actually a fairly common human experience. The concept of premonition as it relates to mental health is a fascinating topic....

If you experience racing thoughts at night, you are far from alone. Many of us experience them at one time or another, especially duringheightened stress. As a result, we are barely aware of our interior emotional experience. AndreyPopov / Getty Images But when everything goes dark and quiet at night, we find ourselves alone with our thoughts. This provides the opportunity for darker, more difficult emotions and worries to present themselves....

Where’s a bush to hide behind when you need it? Could it be the movie you watched right as you nodded off? Stress from the previous day? Verywell Mind / Stocksy Or is your subconscious trying to communicate with you? If you’ve suddenly started having recurring dreams where you’re in your birthday suit, examine your emotions. First, how did you feel in the dream? Did you feel a little exposed or deeply uncomfortable?...

Thisanger quizwas medically reviewed by Rachel Goldman, PhD, FTOS. Symptoms of Anger Anger can manifest in many ways. These perceptions are influenced by factors such as genetics, upbringing, experiences, stress levels, and personality. Courtneyk / Getty Images Certaincognitive biasescan also affect how people view events in their lives. Everyone feels angry from time to time. You may have learned that expressing your anger through outbursts of verbal aggression or even violence is acceptable....

Pssst, turns out there actually is a reason We often wishanxietywas something that made sense. It’s actually very normal (even if it sucks). Most of the time, anxiety comes on for no apparent reason, she explains. franckreporter/Getty Images. Goldberg assures that experiencing this is normal, and you arent making these feelings up. you better remember: just because you dont know whats causing the anxiety doesnt mean it isnt real. So let’s get into the nitty-gritty to try and understand it a little bit better....

Xavier Lorenzo / Getty Images Simply put,feelingscan be overwhelming. This is completely normal but can feel alienating. Perhaps youre feelingangry,fearful, or sad. Xavier Lorenzo / Getty Images Maybe youre feeling happy and optimistic but arent sure why. Evenpositive feelingscan be confusing and lead to concern that something is too good to be true. We cant always name why we feel the way we do and that is OK. Click below to listen now....

Malik Evren / Getty Images Its that time of the month again. You find yourself eating an extra couple of slices of pizza and finishing every french fry in sight. Then youre reaching for that bag of chips and a bar of chocolate for comfort. Malik Evren / Getty Images But, you’re likely wondering why you get extra hungry while you’re on your period. What Is the Menstrual Cycle? Around day 14 of your cycle, your ovaries release an egg that moves down the fallopian tubes....

Do you find yourself constantlycomparing yourself to othersand feeling like youre coming up short? Do you hesitate to try new things because youre sure youll be bad at them? We know this cycle of self-doubt and insecurity can be exhausting to live with. PeopleImages / Getty Images At a Glance Feeling insecure? You’re not alone. Insecurity often stems from childhood experiences, social pressures, or traumatic experiences. It can zap your confidence and cause you to hold yourself back....

Theres also a difference between being alone and chronically lonely. When yourealone, it can be an active choice to be in solitude. You enjoy deep, fulfilling connections with others while having intentional time away on your own. Maskot / Getty Images Chronic loneliness is a profound aloneness from being involuntarilyisolatedfrom meaningful relationships for a long period of time. You may be around others but still feel like you are an island of your own....