metaanxiety
Metaanxiety refers to the anxiety experienced about one's own anxiety. It is a secondary layer of worry that arises when individuals become concerned about the fact that they are feeling anxious. This can create a feedback loop where the worry about anxiety intensifies the anxiety itself, leading to a cycle of escalating distress. For example, someone might feel anxious about a social event, and then become anxious about their anxious feelings, fearing they will perform poorly or appear nervous to others.
This phenomenon is distinct from the primary anxiety itself, focusing instead on the perception and judgment
Metaanxiety can contribute to the persistence and severity of anxiety disorders. By focusing on the anxiety