What common behavior may people with anxiety exhibit?

Individuals dealing with anxiety often demonstrate avoidance behaviors as a way to cope with their discomfort. This can manifest as steering clear of specific situations that may trigger anxiety, such as social gatherings, public speaking, or other scenarios that evoke fear or stress. By avoiding these situations, they attempt to prevent the anxious feelings from arising. This behavior can become a reinforcing cycle, where the more they avoid, the stronger their anxiety may become over time, as they miss opportunities to face their fears and gain confidence.

In contrast, seeking new challenges, socializing frequently, and increased risk-taking are behaviors more typically associated with confidence, lack of anxiety, or a tendency to embrace risk, none of which align with the common behaviors observed in individuals struggling with anxiety.