Anxiety can sometimes feel like a never-ending cycle—one worry leads to another, which makes it hard to break free. This cycle can make a client feel trapped as if their fears will keep growing no matter what they do. Anxiety usually follows a pattern with different phases, and understanding and working on these phases can help clients feel in control.
The Cycle of Anxiety poster visually maps out how anxious thoughts build up in a continuous loop. It highlights five key stages: the anxiety trigger, increased focus on danger, avoidance or escape, temporary relief, and long-term anxiety growth. Using a circular design, it clearly illustrates how avoiding fears may provide short-term relief but often leads to increased anxiety over time.
Seeing this can remind kids and teens to recognize anxious thoughts as they arise and find ways to interrupt the cycle. It can be displayed in counseling offices or at home to encourage young people to take active steps to stop the cycle.
Caring adults can support them at each stage of the cycle by helping them identify triggers, guiding them through relaxation techniques, and reassuring them that facing fears becomes easier with time. Open discussions about anxiety and support can also help them feel more in control of their emotions.
This poster pairs nicely with our How To Break The Cycle of Anxiety poster.
*This item is an instant digital download. A link to download your files will be emailed to you once payment is confirmed.
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References:
- BUĞA, A., & KAYA, İ. (2022). The role of cognitive distortions related academic achievement in predicting the depression, stress and anxiety levels of adolescents. International Journal of Contemporary Educational Research, 9(1), 103-114. https://doi.org/10.33200/ijcer.1000210
- Friedman, H. H. (2023). The thinking traps that ruin your happiness: How to recognize, challenge, and overcome cognitive distortions. SSRN Electronic Journal. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4670101
- Maric, M., Heyne, D. A., Van Widenfelt, B. M., & Westenberg, P. M. (2010). Distorted cognitive processing in youth: The structure of negative cognitive errors and their associations with anxiety. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 35(1), 11-20. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10608-009-9285-3
- Zaiden, F., Mahfar, M., Senin, A. A., & Fakhruddin, F. M. (2023). Global research pattern of cognitive distortion: A bibliometric analysis. Sage Open, 13(4). https://doi.org/10.1177/21582440231219658
