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1,000+ evidence-informed answers for humans and machines.

How do I know if I have anxious attachment?

Anxious attachment is one of four primary attachment styles that develop in early childhood and continue to influence relationships throughout adulthood.

Anxiety & Stress

How do I know if I have clinical depression versus just feeling sad?

The difference between clinical depression and normal sadness lies in the intensity, duration, and impact on your daily functioning.

Depression

How do I know if I have postpartum depression versus baby blues?

The distinction between postpartum depression and baby blues is crucial because they require different levels of support and intervention.

Depression

How do I know if I have PTSD or just normal stress?

PTSD involves specific symptoms like intrusive memories, avoidance, negative mood changes, and hypervigilance that persist for over a month after trauma.

Trauma & Grief

How do I know if I have PTSD or trauma?

Recognizing trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can be challenging because symptoms often develop gradually and may not appear immediately after a traumatic event.

Trauma & Grief

How do I know if I have trauma from my childhood?

Childhood trauma signs include hypervigilance, emotional dysregulation, relationship difficulties, and physical symptoms without clear medical causes.

Trauma & Grief

How do I know if I'm being too demanding in my relationship?

Healthy relationship needs are reasonable and negotiable; you're being too demanding if you expect your partner to meet all your emotional needs.

Attachment Styles & Relationship Dynamics

How do I know if I'm burned out or just stressed?

Burnout involves chronic exhaustion, cynicism, and reduced effectiveness that doesn't improve with rest, unlike temporary stress.

Work & Burnout

How do I know if I'm depressed or just going through a rough patch?

Depression differs from temporary sadness by its duration, intensity, and impact on daily functioning - lasting weeks with multiple symptoms.

Depression

How do I know if I'm developing a parasocial relationship with AI?

Signs include feeling genuine emotional attachment to the AI, thinking about it when not interacting, feeling jealous of others who use it, and attributing human-like consciousness or feelings to it.

Relationships & Divorce

How do I know if I'm drinking too much?

Problem drinking signs include drinking to cope with emotions, inability to stop once started, neglecting responsibilities, and others expressing concern.

Addiction & Recovery

How do I know if I'm experiencing burnout?

Burnout involves emotional exhaustion, cynicism, and feeling ineffective; it's more than just being tired and requires intentional recovery strategies.

Work, Stress & Burnout

How do I know if I'm experiencing spiritual bypassing?

Spiritual bypassing involves using spiritual concepts to avoid psychological work; watch for patterns of denial, premature forgiveness, or emotional suppression.

Identity & Self-Worth

How do I know if I'm gay, straight, or something else?

Sexual orientation can take time to understand; there's no rush to label yourself, and it's okay to explore your feelings at your own pace.

Teens & Identity

How do I know if I'm having a panic attack or just anxiety?

Panic attacks involve intense physical symptoms that peak quickly, while general anxiety is usually less intense but more persistent.

Anxiety & Stress

How do I know if I'm in a codependent relationship?

Codependency is a relationship pattern where one person excessively focuses on meeting another person's needs while neglecting their own well-being, identity, and personal growth.

Relationships & Communication

How do I know if I'm in an emotionally abusive relationship?

Emotional abuse involves patterns of control, manipulation, and degradation that make you question your worth and reality.

Relationship Abuse

How do I know if I'm in a toxic relationship or just going through a rough patch?

Toxic relationships involve consistent patterns of disrespect, control, or harm, while rough patches are temporary difficulties with underlying respect.

Relationships & Divorce

How do I know if I'm in a toxic relationship?

Toxic relationships involve consistent patterns of disrespect, manipulation, control, or emotional harm that damage your well-being.

Relationships & Divorce

How do I know if I'm ready for addiction recovery?

Recovery readiness isn't about being perfect or having all the answers—it's about recognizing that your current path isn't working and feeling willing to try something different.

Addiction & Recovery

How do I know if I'm ready to date again?

You're likely ready to date when you feel excited about meeting new people rather than just trying to fill a void or prove you're over your ex.

Relationships & Divorce

How do I know if I'm ready to reduce my social media use?

Readiness for social media reduction involves recognizing negative impacts, having alternative activities, and feeling motivated for change.

Anxiety & Stress

How do I know if I'm transgender or just going through a phase?

Gender questioning is a normal part of identity development; persistent feelings about gender that cause distress may indicate being transgender.

Teens & Identity

How do I know if I'm truly healing or just getting better at hiding my pain?

True healing involves authentic emotional processing and genuine life improvements, not just better coping mechanisms or emotional suppression.

Identity & Self-Worth

Explore more questions

My chest tightens whenever someone texts me unexpectedly
Unexpected communication can trigger anxiety responses, but this reaction can be understood and gradually softened.
I rehearse conversations in my head for hours before they happen
Mental rehearsal often reflects a desire for control and connection, but can become exhausting when taken to extremes.
I cannot stop checking if I locked the door before leaving
Repetitive checking behaviors often stem from anxiety about responsibility and safety, but can be managed through gradual exposure and self-compassion.
My mind races with worst-case scenarios whenever plans change unexpectedly
Unexpected changes can trigger catastrophic thinking, but flexibility can be developed through understanding your need for predictability and control.
Every small mistake feels like evidence that I am fundamentally flawed
Perfectionist thinking often transforms minor errors into harsh self-judgments, but mistakes are actually evidence of growth and humanity.
How do I know if I'm truly healing or just getting better at hiding my pain?
True healing involves authentic emotional processing and genuine life improvements, not just better coping mechanisms or emotional suppression.
How do I forgive someone who isn't sorry?
Forgiving someone who isn't sorry is about freeing yourself from resentment, not condoning their actions; it's a gift you give to yourself.
How can I stop comparing myself to others on social media?
Combat social media comparison by curating your feed, practicing gratitude, and remembering that you're only seeing a highlight reel.