Sex Cells: The Truth Behind Sexual Performance Anxiety in Men

Performance, in its simplest form, refers to output so much so that it ties in ability, drive and ambition as detailed nuggets of winning at a game, sport or some type of competition.  For example, we recognize that in the Olympics, the gold medal is given to the athlete or competitor who is the most well-trained, ambitious, fastest or the competitor with the most endurance or heightened skill-level.  Additionally, we idealize performers who are instinctively in the best shape physically and who utilize their physical attributes to obtain the competitive advantage. One author speaks to performance “as something that is displayed in front of an audience for judgement or spectacle.”

We Worry in Layers

As the Winter season is fastly approaching, and in many places, inclement weather including snowstorms and heavy rain have become prevalent, the opportunity presents itself to add more layers so that we stay warm and dry.  Those layers often involve sweaters, jackets, coats, scarves, gloves, etc, with the premise that adding layers will not only keep us warm and dry, layers will protect us from being sick.

The Thing About Anxiety and Communication

Have you ever been having a conversation with someone who speaks very slowly, so much so that you can barely understand or make out what they are stating?  Often, you lean in, edge closer and utilize non-verbal cues in order to understand what the person is saying. Similarly, someone who lives in or is periodically in a state of anxiety is like a person who speaks softly…the communication is often missed, misinterpreted, or misread. 

Safeguarding Your Relationship during Lockdown

You are NOT who I married! Why are we even dating?! You are breathing TOO LOUD! Have you or your significant other found yourselves uttering these and similar sentences since the COVID-19 lockdown? Well, you are not alone. These past few months have been trying times even for the best of us because after all…we are only human. Sometimes we need to take a moment and work through what we are feeling to better understand ourselves and the relationships we have cultivated.

Here are just a few tips on helping you do just that if you feel your relationship is struggling during this very stressful time in the world.

The Truth About Masculinity: Toxic Masculinity in an Age of Therapeutic Vulnerability

I can remember being in a sophomore in high school, around the ripe age of 15, having the distinct and auspicious pleasure of navigating roles within the National Honor Society, Future Business Leaders of America and the Student Government Association. Additionally, I had the choice in being a lead actor in Drama Club or playing baseball and running track (the two sports simultaneously conflicted with Drama Club). As a tall, lanky young fellow, who was just as quick-witted as he was on the track field or in the baseball diamond, I was often made to feel less of a man because I chose to be in Drama Club my sophomore and junior years. Often, I heard that Drama Club was for sissies or gay men and a real testament of my young adult masculinity could be proven on the field.

Quality of Life: Define Your Meaning

The idea of “quality of life” once seemed like a self-explanatory concept. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, all across the globe, societal changes are in progress. Similarities have begun to surface among many nations, including the changing concept of quality of life. As social distancing orders are gradually lifted, many of us find ourselves eager to venture out. Just as we begin to inquire about available options to fill our days, anxiety about the safety of going out among others may start to rise. There is now an ever-present after-thought that many of us are dealing with; that is, how do we navigate daily endeavors that in previous times of normalcy, would not require a second thought. What happened to the opportunities to just get up and go? Something as simple as a trip to the grocery store or ATM can trigger anxiety at just the thought of touching the screen to complete a transaction. Now add in a line of people standing approximately six feet apart, some with masks, some with gloves, and reality sets in that what once was normal is no longer the case.

Maintaining Peace When Life Seems Out of Control

For many people, the greatly anticipated year of 2020 has not turned out to be what was expected. You may have brought it in with exuberance, joy, excitement and celebration at the turn of a new decade. But before the end of the first quarter, life as we knew it quickly changed and the swift transitions have likely taken their toll on your sanity.

Running Backs: Black Men Tackling Anxiety

If you’ve ever seen a football game on any level, there are common offensive plays, which are designed to gain yardage. For example, when a quarterback hikes the ball, he sometimes hands the ball off to the running back. The running back typically looks for a hole, which is created by the offensive line, to run through to gain positive yardage. In some instances, there are times when the running back can make it through the hole or bounce outside of the hole for huge gains, much to the dismay of the defense.

This Is Who I Am: Remaining True to Yourself

It’s resolution time! While some may be making commitments to lose weight or eat a more balanced meal, Natasha suggests working towards being more of your authentic self. While this is certainly a struggle for all people, it is not unattainable. Natasha explores how we can remain our authentic selves in a world where we are judged daily on our appearance and how we express ourselves.

The Holiday Season and Depression

Do you feel down during the holidays? You’re not alone. This is actually incredibly common during the winter months. Coupled with added stress, this can make the holidays, for some, something to dread. Tunde outlines some possible treatment options for the “holiday blues.” You might be surprised how easy these are to implement.