What may be happening
Positive change can still be change.
If your system learned to stay prepared for disappointment, success, closeness, or relief may feel like a moment when you should brace yourself.
Why it feels confusing
People often expect happiness to feel simple. When anxiety shows up instead, you might judge yourself for not enjoying the moment. That judgment can add a second layer of distress.
What can help
Name the specific fear underneath the good event. Is it fear of losing it, being expected to maintain it, disappointing someone, being seen, or trusting something that might change?
When to get support
If positive experiences reliably trigger panic, numbness, avoidance, or self-sabotage, therapy can help you understand the protective pattern without shaming it.