Fighting Fear

Confronting phobias and other fears

Fear
If I Lose My Erection

Fredric Neuman M.D. on October 8, 2018

Men are, not uncommonly, afraid of what a woman might think if they were to lose their erection. Why?

Men are, not uncommonly, afraid of what a woman might think if they were to lose their erection. Why?

Sleep
Never Hit the Snooze Button

Fredric Neuman M.D. on September 10, 2018

Two important reasons never to use the snooze alarm, and a discussion of different kinds of insomnia.

Two important reasons never to use the snooze alarm, and a discussion of different kinds of insomnia.

Mating
Taking Advice

Fredric Neuman M.D. on September 4, 2018

Patients come to psychotherapy looking for better ways to cope. When they are offered advice, however, they tend not to take it. Why?

Patients come to psychotherapy looking for better ways to cope. When they are offered advice, however, they tend not to take it. Why?

Psychosis
Scott Pruitt: The Mattress Mystery

Fredric Neuman M.D. on July 9, 2018

The scandals of which Scott Pruitt, former Director of the Environmental Protection Agency fall into familiar categories--except for his pursuit of a used mattress . Some comments

The scandals of which Scott Pruitt, former Director of the Environmental Protection Agency fall into familiar categories--except for his pursuit of a used mattress . Some comments

Bystander Effect
Witnessing Cruelty to Children

Fredric Neuman M.D. on June 20, 2018

Cruelty to children affects not only the children, but also all the witnesses to that cruelty. Emotion reactions range from post-traumatic stress disorder to a blunting effect.

Cruelty to children affects not only the children, but also all the witnesses to that cruelty. Emotion reactions range from post-traumatic stress disorder to a blunting effect.

Attention
Separating Children From Parents

Fredric Neuman M.D. on June 11, 2018

A recent change in administration policy has involved separating children from their parents at the border. Here's a discussion on certain aspects of cruelty and what can be done.

A recent change in administration policy has involved separating children from their parents at the border. Here's a discussion on certain aspects of cruelty and what can be done.

Depression
The Problem with Antidepressant Drugs

Fredric Neuman M.D. on May 29, 2018

Sometimes Antidepressants don’t work. This may be because they are prescribed inappropriately, often for long-term feelings of low self-esteem or following loss.

Sometimes Antidepressants don’t work. This may be because they are prescribed inappropriately, often for long-term feelings of low self-esteem or following loss.

Diet
The Good News About Dieting

Fredric Neuman M.D. on March 9, 2018

People underestimate their ability to change, although change takes time. They can grow to like healthy foods and to like dieting.Also they can develop healthy behaviors in time.

People underestimate their ability to change, although change takes time. They can grow to like healthy foods and to like dieting.Also they can develop healthy behaviors in time.

Mating
A Strategy for Dating

Fredric Neuman M.D. on September 10, 2017

Contrary to popular opinion, it is possible, with a proper strategy, to enjoy dating.

Contrary to popular opinion, it is possible, with a proper strategy, to enjoy dating.

Conformity
Spoiling a Child

Fredric Neuman M.D. on August 24, 2017

Whether a child grows up to be spoiled—or not—will have a considerable effect on his life.

Whether a child grows up to be spoiled—or not—will have a considerable effect on his life.

Sex
Being "Good in Bed"

Fredric Neuman M.D. on June 25, 2017

Many men and women worry about not being "good in bed." The advice I give applies to many other sort of personal encounters: a first date, a job interview, or selling something

Many men and women worry about not being "good in bed." The advice I give applies to many other sort of personal encounters: a first date, a job interview, or selling something

Alcoholism
Early Diagnosis of Alcoholism

Fredric Neuman M.D. on June 14, 2017

Alcoholism tends to run in families. It is often possible to recognize a vulnerability during adolescence by the way that your loved one drinks.

Alcoholism tends to run in families. It is often possible to recognize a vulnerability during adolescence by the way that your loved one drinks.

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Magazine
November 2025 magazine cover
November 2025
Healing Family Splits

Cut-offs cut deep and wide, their emotional impact reverberating far beyond the combatants. Because much of the suffering is hidden, repair is challenging for everyone, not least of all therapists.

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Tests
Self Tests
Self Tests

Self Tests are all about you. Are you outgoing or introverted? Are you a narcissist? Does perfectionism hold you back? Find out the answers to these questions and more with Psychology Today.

Self Assessments
Quizzes