In everyday anxiety work, a simple visual can help people reflect on how a feared situation turns into anxious thoughts, body sensations and more worry. The diagram lays out the anxiety loop in a clear way, making it useful for CBT-informed conversations, self-help, psychoeducation, counselling sessions, wellbeing support and printable anxiety worksheets.
This What Can Keep Anxiety Going anxiety cycle diagram PDF is a one-page visual showing how a feared situation can trigger anxious thoughts, which then lead to physical symptoms linked with the fight or flight response. It includes common body sensations such as a dry throat, sweating, butterflies in the stomach, a pounding heart, dizziness and shallow breathing, alongside example thoughts such as feeling in danger or believing something bad is happening.
Use it as a printable anxiety worksheet, CBT-informed handout or discussion prompt when exploring the anxiety loop, worry cycle and panic symptoms. It can support lessons, wellbeing check-ins, counselling sessions, group activities, home learning or individual reflection, helping people notice the links between situations, thoughts, feelings and bodily reactions.
The clear layout is suitable for adults and young people, as well as practitioners, counsellors, teachers and support workers who need a quick visual prompt for psychoeducation or planning supportive conversations. It may be useful before choosing coping strategies, after an anxious episode, or as part of a wider self-help pack.
View, download or print the PDF for use in everyday anxiety support, or share it during appointments and learning activities. This resource was created by MindWell Leeds.
