the Fear of Good Fortune: Is It Anxiety or Something More?

Q: the Fear of Good Fortune: Is It Anxiety or Something More?

Hello： Many people may experience excessive worry at times. <br>It is advisable to accept that occasional unnecessary concerns are normal, and then shift your focus to other more important aspects of daily life, concentrating on living in the present moment. <br>Wishing you well.

There is no such thing as a free lunch?

Hello, doctor.
I am 21 years old, and I don't know when it started, but I occasionally experience a feeling where, whenever something lucky or happy happens in my daily life—such as winning a good item in an online game lottery, winning a prize from a receipt, or buying something with great value online—I start to worry.
I feel that if something good happens now, something bad will happen later.
I always think that there are no free benefits, and then I begin to fear that something bad might occur.
Doctor, do I have a psychological disorder, or is this just normal anxiety? How can I improve this mindset?

yi ge pa fa sheng shi qing de ren, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/05/17

Dr. Liang Sunyuan reply Psychiatry

Hello: Many people may experience excessive worry at times.
It is advisable to accept that occasional unnecessary concerns are normal, and then shift your focus to other more important aspects of daily life, concentrating on living in the present moment.
Wishing you well.

Reply Date: 2018/05/17

More Info

The phenomenon you're experiencing is often referred to as "anticipatory anxiety," where the fear of negative outcomes overshadows the joy of positive experiences. This is not uncommon, especially in a world where many people feel that good fortune is often followed by bad luck. The belief that "nothing comes for free" can lead to a cycle of anxiety that detracts from your ability to enjoy life's positive moments.

From a psychological perspective, this mindset can be linked to several factors, including cognitive distortions, learned behaviors, and even personality traits. Cognitive distortions are irrational thought patterns that can contribute to feelings of anxiety. For instance, the belief that good fortune must be balanced by bad outcomes is a form of "catastrophizing," where you assume the worst possible scenario will occur. This can create a cycle of anxiety that makes it difficult to appreciate positive experiences.

Additionally, your upbringing and past experiences may have shaped this perspective. If you were raised in an environment where good fortune was often followed by negative consequences, it’s understandable that you would internalize this belief. This can lead to a heightened sense of vigilance and anxiety whenever something good happens, as you brace yourself for the potential fallout.

To address this issue, it’s essential to develop a more balanced perspective on good fortune and its implications. Here are some strategies that may help:
1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This therapeutic approach focuses on identifying and challenging cognitive distortions. A therapist can help you reframe your thoughts about good fortune and teach you coping strategies to manage anxiety.

2. Mindfulness and Acceptance: Practicing mindfulness can help you stay present and appreciate positive experiences without immediately jumping to negative outcomes. Techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, or simply taking a moment to savor the good can help ground you in the present.

3. Gratitude Journaling: Keeping a journal where you note down positive experiences and things you are grateful for can shift your focus from fear to appreciation. This practice can help reinforce the idea that good things can happen without a corresponding negative event.

4. Challenge Negative Thoughts: When you find yourself thinking that good fortune will lead to bad outcomes, challenge that thought. Ask yourself if there is evidence to support it or if it’s merely a fear. Often, you’ll find that the fear is unfounded.

5. Talk About It: Sharing your feelings with friends, family, or a mental health professional can provide relief and perspective. Sometimes, just verbalizing your fears can diminish their power.

6. Limit Exposure to Negative Media: If you find that certain media or social media content exacerbates your fears about good fortune leading to bad outcomes, consider limiting your exposure to it.

7. Focus on the Present: Instead of worrying about what might happen in the future, try to focus on enjoying the moment. Engage in activities that bring you joy and fulfillment, and practice being present in those experiences.

In conclusion, while your feelings may stem from anxiety, they are not uncommon and can be addressed through various strategies. It’s important to recognize that good fortune does not inherently lead to negative outcomes, and with practice, you can learn to enjoy the positive moments in life without the shadow of fear. If these feelings persist or worsen, consider seeking professional help to explore these thoughts and feelings in greater depth.

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