How Anxiety Affects Emotions

Anxiety distorts perception—convincing us we are unsafe, unworthy, or incapable.

Emotional Effects:

• Irritability or agitation
  
• Low self-confidence
  
• Feeling overwhelmed or trapped
  
• Hopelessness or helplessness
  
• Sensitivity to criticism or rejection
  

Common Cognitive Distortions:

• Catastrophizing: Expecting the worst
  
• Overgeneralizing: “I failed once; I always will”
  
• Personalization: “Everything bad is my fault”
  
• Should statements: “I should be stronger/smarter/doing better”
  

Recognizing these patterns is the first step toward change.