The Psychology of your 20s

379. I got an STD in my 20s, now what?

Dating and sex can feel like they come with a hidden rulebook. You’re meant to be adventurous but not too adventurous, confident but not reckless, and always somehow immune to consequences. So the potential of catching an STI – whether it’s a scare, a diagnosis, or a message from a clinic – can feel not only a health impact, but also a judgement on our character. In this episode, we’re unpacking the psychology of STIs in our 20s why they carry so much shame, how stigma shapes the stories we tell ourselves, and what it looks like to navigate disclosure with self-respect. We explore: •        How common STIs really are •        The most common infections in our 20s •        The difference between treatable and manageable •        The role of sexual shame and purity culture •        How shame drives secrecy and avoidance •        When and how to tell a partner, and what to do if you face rejection If you’ve ever felt panicked, embarrassed, or stuck in your head about sexual health, this episode is for you. Watch on Netflix  [http://Netflix.com/thepsychologyofyour20s] Follow Jemma on Instagram: @jemmasbeg [https://www.instagram.com/jemmasbeg/?hl=en#] Follow the podcast on Instagram: @thatpsychologypodcast [https://www.instagram.com/thatpsychologypodcast/?hl=en#] For business: psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com [psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com]    The Psychology of your 20s is not a substitute for professional mental health help. If you are struggling, distressed or require personalised advice, please reach out to your doctor or a licensed psychologist. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

378. Your guide to surviving the dating apps in your 20s

One minute it’s exciting, the next it’s endless options, half-conversations, and the dismissive feeling of being judged (or ignored) by people who don’t actually know you. In this episode, we’re getting into seven tips for surviving dating apps in your 20s, while looking at what they’re designed to do, why they can leave you feeling burnt out, and how to use them in a way that protects your confidence rather than draining it. We explore:  •        How dating apps are designed to be addictive •        The rules to stick by to keep your sense of self •        The importance of a clear and honest profile •        Why they’re not a replacement for meeting in real life •        Why you shouldn’t take anything personally •        How to take a step back to avoid burnout If you’re in a cycle of deleting and redownloading Hinge every few weeks, this episode is for you. ORDER MY BOOK [https://www.psychologyofyour20s.com/copy-of-book] Follow Jemma on Instagram: @jemmasbeg [https://www.instagram.com/jemmasbeg/?hl=en#] Follow the podcast on Instagram: @thatpsychologypodcast [https://www.instagram.com/thatpsychologypodcast/?hl=en#] For business: psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com [psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com]    The Psychology of your 20s is not a substitute for professional mental health help. If you are struggling, distressed or require personalised advice, please reach out to your doctor or a licensed psychologist. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

377. Why do we resist change?

When we move through our 20s, it can feel like everyone else is making big, brave moves - new cities, new jobs, new relationships - while we’re stuck in the same place, overthinking every possible outcome. Change sounds good in theory, but in practice? It’s terrifying. In today’s episode, we dig into why we resist change, and what it actually takes to move forward even when part of you wants to stay the same. We explore: •        Why change feels so overwhelming in our 20s •        How loss aversion keeps us clinging to ‘fine but not right’ situations •        What we really lose by staying the same •        Why some of the best, most aligned decisions are also the scariest •        How to build a more compassionate, positive mindset around change •        Practical ways to take action with your fear, instead of waiting for it to disappear If you’re stuck in the loop of wanting change, but being scared to action it, this episode is for you.   ORDER MY BOOK [https://www.psychologyofyour20s.com/copy-of-book] Follow Jemma on Instagram: @jemmasbeg [https://www.instagram.com/jemmasbeg/?hl=en#] Follow the podcast on Instagram: @thatpsychologypodcast [https://www.instagram.com/thatpsychologypodcast/?hl=en#] For business: psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com [psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com]    The Psychology of your 20s is not a substitute for professional mental health help. If you are struggling, distressed or require personalised advice, please reach out to your doctor or a licensed psychologist. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

376. 7 tips for moving to a new country in your 20s

Moving to a new city is one of the most exciting (and emotionally challenging) things you can do in your twenties. Whether it’s for work, study, love, or a fresh start, leaving behind what’s familiar often brings a mix of freedom, fear, loneliness, and growth all at once. It’s a rite of passage, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. In this episode, I’m sharing my personal experience of moving cities multiple times in my 20s, including moving internationally for the first time, alongside the psychology that explains why this transition feels so destabilising—and what actually helps. We explore: • Why moving increases stress, emotional exhaustion, and homesickness • Why it takes around 6 months to truly adjust to a new city • The role of routine, repetition, and place attachment in feeling settled • Why “going home too often” can slow down adjustment • How novelty, social effort, and structure protect mental health during transitions If you’ve just moved, or are thinking about it, this episode will help you feel less alone, more grounded, and more confident that what you’re feeling is normal, temporary, and part of the process. ORDER MY BOOK [https://www.psychologyofyour20s.com/copy-of-book] Follow Jemma on Instagram: @jemmasbeg [https://www.instagram.com/jemmasbeg/?hl=en#] Follow the podcast on Instagram: @thatpsychologypodcast [https://www.instagram.com/thatpsychologypodcast/?hl=en#] For business: psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com [psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com]    The Psychology of your 20s is not a substitute for professional mental health help. If you are struggling, distressed or require personalised advice, please reach out to your doctor or a licensed psychologist. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

375. The psychology of friendship trios

Navigating friendship in your 20s is already complicated – so what happens when we add a third person into the mix? The group chat might be buzzing, there’s always someone to talk to, and belonging to a group of three can feel like a safe space. But what happens when two start getting closer, plans are made without you, or you’re constantly wondering if you’re the extra one? In today’s episode, we unpack the psychology of friendship trios - why they feel so special, when they can hurt, and how to tell the difference between a rough patch and a dynamic that’s genuinely not good for you. We explore: •        The beauty of a friendship trio •        Friendship dyads vs triads •        The role of Simmelian ties •        When imbalances start to show (alliances, jealousy and feeling like the ‘third wheel’) •        What healthy trio dynamics actually look like (and how to achieve it) •        Hot to know when it’s time to step back If you’re navigating this nuanced aspect of friendship, this episode is for you.   ORDER MY BOOK [https://www.psychologyofyour20s.com/copy-of-book] Follow Jemma on Instagram: @jemmasbeg [https://www.instagram.com/jemmasbeg/?hl=en#] Follow the podcast on Instagram: @thatpsychologypodcast [https://www.instagram.com/thatpsychologypodcast/?hl=en#] For business: psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com [psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com]  The Psychology of your 20s is not a substitute for professional mental health help. If you are struggling, distressed or require personalised advice, please reach out to your doctor or a licensed psychologist. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.