Why do I get anxious when good things happen?

Experiencing Anxiety disorder when good things happen is more common than many people realize and can feel particularly confusing because it seems counterintuitive to feel worried during positive moments. This response often stems from several psychological patterns that develop as protective mechanisms but can interfere with enjoying life's good moments. One primary cause is anticipatory Anxiety disorder about losing what you've gained. When something good happens, your mind might immediately jump to worrying about when it will end or what could go wrong. This 'waiting for the other shoe to drop' mentality often develops from past experiences of loss or disappointment, where good things were followed by painful setbacks. Your brain learns to associate positive events with potential future pain and tries to protect you by staying vigilant. Imposter syndrome can also trigger Anxiety disorder during success. You might worry that you don't deserve good things or that others will discover you're not as capable as they think. This creates Anxiety disorder about being 'found out' or having your success taken away because it wasn't legitimately earned. Some people have become so accustomed to struggle or Psychological stress that happiness feels unfamiliar or even threatening. If you've spent years in survival mode or dealing with chronic Psychological stress, your nervous system might interpret calm or joy as a sign that you're not being vigilant enough about potential threats. This is particularly common for people who experienced childhood Psychological trauma or grew up in unpredictable environments. There can also be guilt management about experiencing good things when others are suffering, or fear responses that celebrating your success might make you appear arrogant or ungrateful. Cultural or family messages about not getting 'too big for your britches' or staying humble can create Anxiety disorder around positive experiences. Additionally, good things often come with increased responsibility or pressure to maintain your success, which can feel overwhelming. A promotion brings new expectations, a relationship brings vulnerability, and achievements bring pressure to continue performing at that level. To work with this pattern, practice present moment awareness" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Mindfulness during positive moments, consciously noticing and savoring good experiences without immediately jumping to future concerns. Challenge catastrophic thinking by asking what evidence you have that this good thing will definitely lead to problems.