Why do I worry that good things happening mean bad things will follow?

This feeling, often called 'joy guilt' or 'fear of happiness,' is a common experience. It stems from a natural human tendency to seek balance and prepare for potential setbacks, especially after periods of high positive emotion. Our brains sometimes create a connection between joy and vulnerability, leading to an anticipatory anxiety about what might come next.

Research suggests that anticipating negative outcomes is a common coping mechanism, with some studies indicating that a significant portion of the population experiences 'joy guilt' at various points

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Am I the only one who worries good things mean bad things will follow?

Am I the Only One?

<h1>Does everyone worry that good things happening mean bad things will follow?</h1>

Does Everyone?

Is it normal to worry that good things happening mean bad things will follow?

Is It Normal?

Is it weird to worry that good things happening mean bad things will follow?

Is It Weird?

Real stories from the community

I keep thinking about this housewarming, you know, in the new place, and how… awkward it’s gonna be with everyone, like, someone’s still struggling with the rent and I’m just… here, feeling really… …

joy guilt

So, Dave, he’s been in a wheelchair since that logging accident like, fifteen years ago? …

joy guilt

And this character falls over, classic banana peel crap, and I hear myself BUST OUT laughing. …

joy guilt

I wanted to jump up and down, to shout about the cantilever and the light study, but his voice was a dull saw, grinding away at everything I hoped for—his whole career a rusted nail just waiting to… …

joy guilt

Like a burr under the saddle, you know? …

joy guilt

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it normal to feel anxious after good news?▾
Yes, experiencing anxiety after good news is quite common. It can be a natural reaction to a shift in your emotional state, as your mind adjusts to positive changes and anticipates future possibilities.
How can I stop fearing happiness?▾
Focus on savoring the present moment and practicing gratitude for the good things happening. Consciously challenge the thought that joy must be balanced by negativity, and allow yourself to fully experience positive emotions.
What is 'joy guilt'?▾
Joy guilt refers to the uncomfortable feeling or sense of unease that can arise when experiencing intense happiness or positive events. It's often linked to a belief that one doesn't deserve such good fortune or that it must somehow be 'paid for' later.

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