Why do I feel anxious about good things happening to me?
Anxiety & Stress
Anxiety about positive events often stems from fear of loss, unworthiness beliefs, or past experiences where good times preceded bad ones.
Feeling anxious about good things happening is a protective mechanism that often develops from past experiences where positive events were followed by disappointment, loss, or Psychological trauma. Your nervous system learned to associate good times with vulnerability, creating Anxiety disorder as a way to prepare for potential pain. This might stem from childhood experiences where celebrations were interrupted by family conflict, or where expressing joy led to criticism or punishment. Some people develop a superstitious belief that if they enjoy good things too much, something bad will happen to balance it out. Unworthiness beliefs also contribute to this Anxiety disorder - if you don't believe you deserve good things, receiving them can feel threatening and unstable. You might worry that others will realize you don't deserve your good fortune and take it away. Imposter syndrome can intensify this feeling, making success feel fraudulent and temporary. The Anxiety disorder might also come from the pressure that accompanies good things - new responsibilities, higher expectations, or managing fear of disappointing others. Sometimes people feel guilty about their good fortune, especially if others around them are struggling, which creates Anxiety disorder about enjoying positive experiences. This pattern can be particularly strong in people who experienced unpredictable childhoods where they learned to be hypervigilant for signs of trouble. Learning to tolerate positive emotions and experiences takes practice. Try mindful awareness" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Mindfulness techniques to stay present with good feelings rather than projecting into an uncertain future. Challenge catastrophic thinking by reminding yourself that good things don't automatically lead to bad things. Practice thankfulness without the accompanying fearful feelings, and consider working with a therapist to explore the underlying beliefs that make happiness feel dangerous.