Anxiety

Solidarity

What do you often get anxious about?

Feeling anxious is a deeply human experience, touching nearly every aspect of our lives, from our relationships and work to our sense of self and place in the world. Sometimes, anxiety can manifest alongside other strong emotions, leading to experiences like Anger Anxiety, where frustration and worry become intertwined. Understanding the common triggers and manifestations of anxiety helps us realize we're not alone in these feelings and can foster a sense of solidarity and shared understanding.

We asked our community, "What do you often get anxious about?" to open up a conversation about these common struggles. Sharing these experiences allows us to see the diverse ways anxiety presents itself and reminds us that behind many faces, similar worries often reside. It's a step towards destigmatizing anxiety and encouraging mutual support.

The responses revealed several recurring themes: deep-seated fears about relationships and abandonment, the pressure of social interactions and judgment, anxieties surrounding health and the future, concerns about performance and self-worth, and the complex interplay between past hurts, anger, and ongoing anxiety. Many shared feelings of not being enough, worrying about losing loved ones, or feeling overwhelmed by daily life and future uncertainties.

Common Anxiety Experiences Shared by Our Community

Fears surrounding relationships, including potential loss, conflict, or not being loved.
Intense worry about social judgment, perception by others, and embarrassing oneself.
Anxiety related to health, both physical and mental, often involving intrusive thoughts or fear of illness.
Stress about performance in work or school, financial stability, and uncertainty about the future.
Concerns about self-worth, feeling like a burden, or not being "good enough."

Our community discussed

How Does Anxiety Affect Relationships and Fears of Abandonment?

Many community members shared anxieties rooted in their relationships, fearing loss, betrayal, conflict, or the deep-seated worry that they aren't truly lovable or might be abandoned.

Jessica

11 months ago

In my relationship, that she’ll fall for someone else and I’ll get hurt

285

Hannah

8 months ago

The two constant anxieties I have are 1. Fear of losing the people closest to me and 2. being a burden

310

Isabella

10 months ago

Whenever my boyfriend doesn’t text me when I expect him to. My mind wonders and jumps to the worst conclusions like “is he sick of me?” “I’m annoying” “he wants to break up with me”. He ALWAYS ends up texting me, always. But doesn’t matter how many times this happens, the train of thought is the same over and over.

261

Kat

8 months ago

I worry I’m not lovable and that people always leave

293

Our community discussed

What Does Social Anxiety and Fear of Judgement Feel Like?

The fear of negative judgment, embarrassment, or scrutiny from others is a significant source of anxiety for many, impacting interactions at work, with family, and in public settings.

Peyton

10 months ago

Interacting with people and not embarrassing myself

240

Laura

8 months ago

I often worry about being judged at work and feeling undeserving of the position I hold. I’m afraid that people might think less of me or that I’m not worthy of my parents’ love. I also fear saying something foolish.

322

Holly

10 months ago

I replay conversations with people constantly. I worry that I could’ve offended someone without realising or because I think I’m a bad communicator.

275

Alyssa

8 months ago

I mostly worry about how others perceive me. I take people’s words and actions very seriously and it impacts my self-esteem. I’m aware of this, but don’t feel like I have control of it sometimes.

258

Our community discussed

Understanding Health Anxiety, Intrusive Thoughts, and Existential Worries

Anxiety frequently manifests as worries about physical or mental health, often accompanied by intrusive thoughts, fear of dying, or grappling with existential questions about life and meaning.

Holly

8 months ago

I worry most that something bad will happen to my husband or children…an accident, illness, tragedy, etc :-( Intrusive thoughts constantly haunt me.

335

Sanne

10 months ago

My health. Always feeling like something is wrong with me because of certain chest pains that can’t be explained.

288

Kennedi

10 months ago

I get anxious about existing.

221

Koryn

8 months ago

I get anxious about my health. I hyperfocus on a sensation or weirdness in my body and then I spiral making it all worse.

299

Our community discussed

How Do People Cope with Anxiety About Work, Finances, and the Future?

Concerns about performance, job security, financial stability, and the uncertainty of what lies ahead are common anxiety triggers, often leading to feelings of being overwhelmed or inadequate.

rizzler

8 months ago

I am most anxious about school

180

Lori

8 months ago

Finances, my grandfather passed away 3 months ago...His death has made my anxiety worse...So my income is only 60% what it normally is but my bills are the same. So I worry about that, which increases my anxiety and it’s a vicious cycle.

315

Panda

9 months ago

School. I constantly worry over grades and how it’ll affect my future and then end up going off on a spiral from there.

255

Scarlett

8 months ago

I worry about my patients and things happening out of my control and the “what ifs” that come with medicine...Most of these worries never come true, but it keeps me up a lot of nights..

305

Our community discussed

Navigating the Cycle of Anger Anxiety and Past Hurts

Some members described how past betrayals or judgments fuel ongoing anxiety and anger, creating a difficult cycle where unresolved hurt intensifies present worries and affects interactions.

Ivy

10 months ago

I constantly replay any memory that has to do with even the slightest judgement against me especially when I open up my home. I will then internalize anger or aggressively say something. I will then avoid person(s) for as long as possible and hold that grudge against them. The cycle of anxiety begins if they or anyone related returns.

301

Mrs

8 months ago

I can’t forget the hurt. I try and forgive but the hurt is too brutal...My anxiety is rethinking/feeling the most recent extreme betrayal and then build on other past betrayal hurts that have broken my heart...Every anxiety rush takes me to that level of emptiness.

296

Mrs

8 months ago

I also get anxious about others expectations of my intelligence. I have ADHD and a learning disability. I was raised in a VERY intellectual family and teased relentlessly. The wash of anxiety when I’m on the spot tenses my body, soaks my clothes but if you give me time my solution is amazing!

318

Erin

11 months ago

After 10+ years of abuse from partners, friends and doctors it’s very easy to spook me unfortunately. That’s ptsd and anxiety for ya though

279

Advice from our community

How to Manage Anxiety Based on Real Experiences

Acknowledge Shared Feelings: Realize you are not alone. Many people experience similar anxieties related to relationships, health, work, and self-worth (Holly, Kimberly, Laura).
Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself, especially when dealing with past hurts or feelings of inadequacy. Remember your strengths and forgive yourself for perceived mistakes (Morganne, Mrs).
Find Healthy Coping Mechanisms: Experiment with strategies like listening to music, practicing mindfulness (sitting with anxiety), or engaging in hobbies to distract and calm your mind when anxiety spikes (rizzler, Samantha).
Seek Understanding and Support: Consider therapy, support groups, or talking to trusted friends or family. Learning about anxiety patterns (like attachment theory or OCD) can also provide insight and tools (Collin, Faith, Julie, Dimery).
Reframe Negative Thoughts: Challenge anxious thoughts by reframing perceived failures as learning opportunities or reminding yourself that most worries don't materialize (Naeema, Scarlett).