Some people are paralysed by thoughts of “what if?” that keep them stuck in an endless cycle of anxiety.
For them, even the most mundane experiences become constant sources of worry. As a result, they tend to have these thoughts on a regular basis.
1. “What if I’m not good enough?”
This thought creeps in during job interviews, first dates, or any situation where you’re being evaluated. You start second-guessing every decision, wondering if you’re measuring up to some invisible standard. It’s not just about specific skills or abilities — t’s a deep-seated fear that you, as a person, might not be enough. This worry can hold you back from taking risks or putting yourself out there, as the fear of not being good enough outweighs the potential benefits of trying.
2. “I’m probably going to fail.”
Before you even start a task, you’re already convinced it’s going to end in disaster. This thought pops up when you’re facing new challenges or important projects. It’s not just a fleeting doubt — it’s a persistent belief that failure is inevitable. This mindset can become a self-fulfilling prophecy, as your fear of failure might lead you to put in less effort or give up too easily. It’s a heavy weight that makes every new endeavour feel like an uphill battle.
3. “What if something terrible happens to my loved ones?”
This is the thought that keeps you up at night, imagining all sorts of horrible scenarios involving your family and friends. Every time someone’s a bit late or doesn’t answer their phone, your mind jumps to the worst conclusions. You might find yourself constantly checking in on people or feeling anxious when they’re out of your sight. This worry can strain relationships, as your concern might come across as overprotective or controlling.
4. “I’m probably seriously ill and don’t know it.”
Source: Unsplash Every odd sensation in your body becomes a potential symptom of a terrible disease. That headache? Must be a brain tumour. Stomach ache? Definitely cancer. You find yourself Googling symptoms at 3 AM and convincing yourself you’re dying. This health anxiety can lead to frequent doctor visits, unnecessary tests, and a constant state of panic about your well-being. It’s exhausting to live in a body you don’t trust, always waiting for the other shoe to drop.
5. “What if I make the wrong decision?”
Source: Unsplash Decision-making becomes a torturous process. Whether it’s choosing a career path or deciding what to have for lunch, you agonise over every option. You’re convinced that one wrong choice will lead to dire consequences. This paralysing fear of making mistakes can leave you stuck, unable to move forward in life. You might find yourself constantly seeking reassurance from other people or endlessly researching every possible outcome before making a move.
6. “Everyone probably thinks I’m weird/annoying/stupid.”
Source: Unsplash Social situations become a minefield of potential embarrassment. You replay conversations in your head, cringing at things you said or did. Every laugh or sideways glance from other people feels like a judgment on your character. This constant worry about people’s perceptions can make it hard to be yourself or enjoy social interactions. You might find yourself withdrawing from social situations or overanalysing every interaction, looking for signs of rejection or disapproval.
7. “What if I lose my job and can’t pay my bills?”
Source: Unsplash Financial worries are common, but for you, they’re constant. Even if your job is secure and your finances are in order, you’re always waiting for the other shoe to drop. You imagine scenarios where you’re suddenly unemployed and destitute. This anxiety can lead to overworking, hoarding money, or being overly frugal to the point where you can’t enjoy life. It’s hard to feel secure when you’re always bracing for financial disaster.
8. “I’m probably forgetting something important.”
Source: Unsplash This nagging thought follows you everywhere. You double and triple-check your work, your bag, your locks, because you’re convinced you’ve overlooked something crucial. This constant fear of forgetting can make simple tasks take much longer and leave you feeling mentally exhausted. You might create elaborate systems of reminders and checks, yet still feel unsure and anxious about your memory and reliability.
9. “What if I never find love/happiness?”
Source: Unsplash The future feels like a vast, empty space where your dreams might never come true. You worry that you’ll end up alone, or that even if you find a relationship, it won’t bring you the happiness you hope for. This fear can make you overly critical of potential partners or lead you to settle for unsuitable relationships out of fear of being alone. It’s a heavy weight that can colour your view of the present, making it hard to appreciate the good things in your life now.
10. “I’m going to embarrass myself.”
Source: Unsplash Whether it’s public speaking, meeting new people, or just walking down the street, you’re constantly bracing for humiliation. You imagine tripping, saying the wrong thing, or somehow making a fool of yourself. This fear of embarrassment can hold you back from new experiences and opportunities. It’s exhausting to constantly be on guard, trying to prevent imagined social disasters.
11. “What if I’m not living up to my potential?”
Source: Unsplash You’re haunted by the idea that you’re not doing enough with your life. You compare your achievements to other people and always feel like you’re falling short. This worry can push you to overwork yourself, constantly striving for more but never feeling satisfied. It’s hard to appreciate your current accomplishments when you’re always focused on what more you could be doing.
12. “I’m probably a burden to everyone.”
Source: Unsplash You worry that your presence in other people’s lives is more negative than positive. You hesitate to ask for help or share your problems because you don’t want to bother anyone. This thought can lead to isolation as you try to handle everything on your own. It’s a lonely way to live, constantly questioning your value in your relationships and holding back from fully connecting with other people.
13. “What if my anxiety never gets better?”
Source: Unsplash The meta-worry about worrying itself. You fear that you’ll always be stuck in this cycle of anxiety, never finding peace or relief. This thought can be particularly frustrating because it adds another layer of stress to your already anxious mind. It might make you hesitant to ask for help or try new coping strategies, as part of you believes it’s hopeless.
14. “I’m going to die alone.”
Source: Unsplash This dark thought often pops up late at night or during lonely moments. It’s not just about romantic relationships, but a fear of losing all connections and facing the end of life without support. This worry can make you clingy in relationships or overly dependent on other people for your sense of security. It’s a heavy fear that can cast a shadow over your current relationships and social interactions.
15. “What if I can’t handle it when things go wrong?”
Source: Unsplash You doubt your ability to cope with life’s challenges. Every potential problem becomes magnified as you worry not just about the issue itself, but about your capacity to deal with it. This lack of confidence in your resilience can make even small obstacles feel overwhelming. It might lead you to avoid challenges or new experiences, limiting your growth and opportunities.
16. “I’m probably overreacting, but I can’t help it.”
Source: Unsplash This thought often comes as a follow-up to other worries. You’re aware that your anxiety might be out of proportion, but that awareness doesn’t make the feelings go away. Instead, it adds another layer of stress as you worry about your worrying. This meta-anxiety can make you feel out of control and frustrated with yourself, creating a cycle of worry that’s hard to break.
