Latest news with #GeneralizedAnxietyDisorder
Medscape
3 days ago
- Health
- Medscape
Food Insecurity Linked to Rapid Mental Health Deterioration
TOPLINE: Food insecurity predicted and was associated with increased symptoms of anxiety and depression within 1 month, new research showed. However, mental health improved rapidly when food security was restored. METHODOLOGY: Researchers conducted a secondary analysis of Changing Cost of Living Study data for 240 adults from France and 244 adults from the UK between 2022 and 2023. Food insecurity was measured using three items from the United Nations Global Food Insecurity Experience Scale with a 1-week reference period, yielding scores from 0 (food secure) to 3 (severe food insecurity). Anxiety and depression were measured using the seven-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder questionnaire (GAD-7) and eight-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-8) scores, respectively, with reference periods of 2 weeks. Additionally, analyses were conducted 'within individuals' (how a single individual's characteristics change) and 'between individuals' (how individuals differ from each other). TAKEAWAY: Within-individual analysis showed that food-insecure vs food-secure months were associated with increased concurrent symptoms of anxiety (mean standardized GAD-7 score, 0.15; P < .001) and depression (mean standardized PHQ-8 score, 0.11; P = .005). Between-individual analysis showed an even stronger association between food insecurity and poor mental health, with nearly fivefold higher mean standardized scores on the GAD-7 (0.71) and sevenfold higher scores on the PHQ-8 (0.76; P < .001 for both) than those of the within-individual analysis. The associations between food insecurity and poor mental health persisted even after controlling for sex, age, time, and mental health in the previous month. Additional data showed that eliminating food insecurity could potentially reduce clinically-relevant anxiety and depression symptoms by 20.79 and 19.47 percentage points, respectively, in affected populations. IN PRACTICE: 'The effects were rapid, occurring within a month of becoming food insecure, and were equally rapidly reversed,' the investigators wrote. 'Consistent with Granger causality, food insecurity in the current month predicted poorer mental health in the following month after controlling for current mental health,' which supports the hypothesis that food insecurity may cause anxiety and depression symptoms, they added. SOURCE: The study was led by Melissa Bateson, Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, England. It was published online on July 16 in PLOS Mental Health. LIMITATIONS: The study panels were not nationally representative, and all measurements relied on self-reported data, potentially introducing a reporting bias. Additionally, the intensive longitudinal design of the study did not permit causal inferences comparable to those from experimental studies. DISCLOSURES: The study was funded by Agence Nationale de la Recherche, UK Prevention Research Partnership, National Institute for Health and Care Research, and University of York Cost of Living Research Group. The investigators reported having no relevant conflicts of interest. This article was created using several editorial tools, including AI, as part of the process. Human editors reviewed this content before publication.
National Post
7 days ago
- Business
- National Post
MindMed Reports Q2 2025 Financial Results and Business Updates
Article content –Strong enrollment continues in all three Phase 3 trials of MM120 Orally Disintegrating Tablet (ODT) in Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)– Article content –Data from the Phase 3 Voyage trial in GAD anticipated in 1H 2026 and data from the Phase 3 Panorama trial in GAD and Phase 3 Emerge trial in MDD anticipated in 2H 2026– Article content Article content –Strengthened leadership team with appointment of Brandi L. Roberts as Chief Financial Officer– Article content –Conference call scheduled today at 4:30 p.m. EDT– Article content NEW YORK — Mind Medicine (MindMed) Inc. (NASDAQ: MNMD), (the 'Company' or 'MindMed'), a late-stage clinical biopharmaceutical company developing novel product candidates to treat brain health disorders, today announced its second quarter 2025 financial results and provided an update on business highlights. 'We continue making significant progress across all three of our pivotal Phase 3 trials evaluating MM120 ODT in GAD and MDD, with ongoing enthusiasm from both trial sites and participants driving strong enrollment,' said Rob Barrow, Chief Executive Officer of MindMed. 'We remain on track to report topline data from our Phase 3 Voyage trial in the first half of 2026, followed by Panorama and Emerge in the second half of the year. In parallel, we are advancing our commercial strategy and have continued to strengthen our leadership team with the appointment of Brandi Roberts as Chief Financial Officer. With our clearly defined regulatory strategy, disciplined operational execution, and strong balance sheet, we are well-positioned to advance MM120 ODT as a potential best-in-class therapeutic option for the treatment of GAD and MDD.' Article content Business Highlights Article content Progressing Pivotal Trials: Strong enrollment continues across all three MM120 ODT Phase 3 trials: Voyage and Panorama in GAD and Emerge in MDD. The continued execution reinforces the Company's targeted trial timelines and progress in preparing for a potential NDA filing. Strengthened Leadership for Growth: Appointed Brandi L. Roberts as Chief Financial Officer. Ms. Roberts brings more than 25 years of financial leadership experience within the life sciences industry. As a member of the executive team, she leads all aspects of the Company's financial strategy, capital planning, accounting, investor relations and information technology. Article content MM120 ODT (lysergide D-tartrate) for GAD Article content Enrollment is on track in the Phase 3 Voyage study of MM120 ODT for the treatment of GAD. Voyage is expected to enroll approximately 200 participants in the U.S. who will be randomized 1:1 to receive MM120 ODT 100 µg or placebo. Topline data from the 12-week double-blind period (Part A) is anticipated in the first half of 2026. Enrollment is on track in the Panorama study, the Company's second Phase 3 study of MM120 ODT for the treatment of GAD. Panorama is expected to enroll approximately 250 participants (randomized 2:1:2 to receive MM120 ODT 100 µg, MM120 ODT 50 µg or placebo) in the U.S. and Europe. Topline data from the 12-week double-blind period (Part A) is anticipated in the second half of 2026. Article content MM120 (lysergide D-tartrate) for MDD Article content Enrollment is on track in the Phase 3 Emerge study of M120 ODT for the treatment of MDD. Emerge is expected to enroll 140 participants (randomized 1:1 to receive MM120 ODT 100 µg or placebo). Topline data from the 12-week double-blinded period (Part A) is anticipated in the second half of 2026. The Company expects to conduct a second Phase 3 registrational study in MDD, with the study design and timing to be informed by the progress of Emerge and additional regulatory discussions. Article content MM402 (R(-)-MDMA) for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Article content Completed a Phase 1 study of MM402, a single-ascending dose study in adult healthy volunteers. The study characterized the tolerability, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of MM402. The Company expects to initiate further studies of MM402 to assess its potential efficacy for the treatment of ASD. Article content Cash Balance. Article content As of June 30, 2025, MindMed had cash, cash equivalents and investments totaling $237.9 million compared to $245.5 million as of March 31, 2025. Article content Based on the Company's current operating plan and anticipated R&D milestones, the Company believes that its cash, cash equivalents and investments as of June 30, 2025 will be sufficient to fund the Company's operations into 2027 and at least 12 months beyond its first Phase 3 topline data readout for MM120 ODT in GAD. Article content Research and Development (R&D). Article content R&D expenses were $29.8 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2025, compared to $14.6 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2024, an increase of $15.2 million. The net increase of $15.2 million was primarily related to increases of $14.5 million related to our MM120 ODT program, $1.5 million in internal personnel costs as a result of increased headcount, and $0.2 million related to preclinical activities, offset by a decrease of $1.0 million in MM402 program expenses based on the timing of studies. Article content General and Administrative (G&A). Article content G&A expenses were $11.1 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2025, compared to $9.8 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2024, an increase of $1.3 million. The increase was primarily related to increases in personnel costs as a result of increased headcount. Article content Net Loss. Article content Net loss for the quarter ended June 30, 2025, was $42.7 million, compared to $5.9 million for the same period in 2024, a decrease of $36.8 million. The decrease was primarily due to increases in operating expenses of $16.4 million, changes in the fair value of warrants issued in our September 2022 underwritten offering of $15.6 million, the absence of a $2.5 million gain on extinguishment of contribution payable from 2024 and increased interest expense related primarily to the amendment of our credit facility of $1.8 million. Article content Conference Call and Webcast Reminder Article content MindMed management will host a webcast at 4:30 p.m. EDT today to provide a corporate update and review the Company's second quarter 2025 financial results, and business highlights. Listeners can register for the webcast via this link. Analysts wishing to participate in the question-and-answer session should use this link. A replay of the webcast will be available via the Investor Relations section of the MindMed website, and archived for at least 30 days after the webcast. Those who plan on participating are advised to join 15 minutes prior to the start time. Article content About MM120 Orally Disintegrating Tablet (ODT) Article content MM120 ODT (lysergide D-tartrate or LSD) is a synthetic ergotamine belonging to the group of classic, or serotonergic, psychedelics which acts as a partial agonist at human serotonin-2A (5-HT2A) receptors. MM120 ODT is MindMed's proprietary and pharmaceutically optimized form of LSD. MM120 ODT is an advanced formulation incorporating Catalent's Zydis® ODT fast-dissolve technology which has a unique clinical profile with more rapid absorption, improved bioavailability and reduced gastrointestinal side effects. MindMed is developing MM120, the tartrate salt form of lysergide, for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), major depressive disorder (MDD), and is exploring its potential applications in other serious brain health disorders. Article content About MM402 Article content MM402 is the Company's proprietary form of R(-)-MDMA (rectus-3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine), being developed for the treatment of core symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). MDMA is a synthetic molecule that is often referred to as an empathogen because it is reported to increase feelings of connectedness and compassion. Preclinical studies of R(-)-MDMA demonstrate its acute pro-social and empathogenic effects, while its diminished dopaminergic activity suggest that it has the potential to exhibit less stimulant activity, neurotoxicity, hyperthermia and abuse liability compared to racemic MDMA or the S(+)-enantiomer. Article content About MindMed Article content MindMed is a late-stage clinical biopharmaceutical company developing novel product candidates to treat brain health disorders. Our mission is to be the global leader in the development and delivery of treatments that unlock new opportunities to improve patient outcomes. We are developing a pipeline of innovative product candidates, with and without acute perceptual effects, targeting neurotransmitter pathways that play key roles in brain health. MindMed trades on NASDAQ under the symbol MNMD. Article content Forward-Looking Statements Article content Certain statements in this news release related to the Company constitute 'forward-looking information' within the meaning of applicable securities laws and are prospective in nature. Forward-looking information is not based on historical facts, but rather on current expectations and projections about future events and are therefore subject to risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from the future results expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. These statements generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as 'will', 'may', 'should', 'could', 'intend', 'estimate', 'plan', 'anticipate', 'expect', 'believe', 'potential' or 'continue', or the negative thereof or similar variations. Forward-looking information in this news release includes, but is not limited to, statements regarding the Company's anticipated topline readout (Part A results) for the Phase 3 Voyage study of MM120 ODT in GAD in the first half of 2026; the Company's anticipated topline readout (Part A results) for the Phase 3 Panorama study for MM120 ODT in GAD in the second half of 2026; the Company's anticipated topline readout (Part A results) for the Phase 3 Emerge study for MM120 ODT in MDD in the second half of 2026; the Company's plans to conduct a second Phase 3 study in MDD; the Company's expectations regarding the enrollment for each of the Voyage, Panorama and Emerge studies; the Company's beliefs regarding potential benefits of its product candidates; the Company's expectation to conduct further studies of MM402; the Company's expectation that its cash, cash equivalents and investments will fund operations into 2027; the Company's expectation that its cash runway will extend at least 12 months beyond its first Phase 3 topline data readout for MM120 ODT in GAD; and potential additional indications for MM120 ODT and MM402. There are numerous risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and the Company's plans and objectives to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking information, including history of negative cash flows; limited operating history; incurrence of future losses; availability of additional capital; compliance with laws and regulations; legislative and regulatory developments, including decisions by the Drug Enforcement Administration and states to reschedule any of our product candidates, if approved, containing Schedule I controlled substances, before they may be legally marketed in the U.S.; difficulty associated with research and development; risks associated with clinical studies or studies; heightened regulatory scrutiny; early stage product development; clinical study risks; regulatory approval processes; novelty of the psychedelic inspired medicines industry; ability to maintain effective patent rights and other intellectual property protection; as well as those risk factors discussed or referred to herein and the risks, uncertainties and other factors described in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 and the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2025 under headings such as 'Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements,' and 'Risk Factors' and 'Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations' and other filings and furnishings made by the Company with the securities regulatory authorities in all provinces and territories of Canada which are available under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at and with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on EDGAR at Except as required by law, the Company undertakes no duty or obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this release as a result of new information, future events, changes in expectations or otherwise. Article content Mind Medicine (MindMed) Inc. Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss (Unaudited) Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, (in thousands, except share and per share amounts) 2025 2024 2025 2024 Operating expenses: Research and development $ 29,809 $ 14,645 $ 53,166 $ 26,350 General and administrative 11,094 9,813 19,896 20,312 Total operating expenses 40,903 24,458 73,062 46,662 Loss from operations (40,903 ) (24,458 ) (73,062 ) (46,662 ) Other income/(expense): Interest income 2,774 3,116 5,207 4,772 Interest expense (2,338 ) (466 ) (2,940 ) (900 ) Foreign exchange loss, net (49 ) (32 ) (68 ) (557 ) Change in fair value of 2022 USD Financing Warrants (2,228 ) 13,445 4,771 (19,448 ) Gain on extinguishment of contribution payable — 2,541 — 2,541 Total other income/(expense) (1,841 ) 18,604 6,970 (13,592 ) Net loss (42,744 ) (5,854 ) (66,092 ) (60,254 ) Other comprehensive loss Unrealized gain on investments 36 — 46 — Gain/(loss) on foreign currency translation (31 ) (3 ) (58 ) 490 Comprehensive loss $ (42,739 ) $ (5,857 ) $ (66,104 ) $ (59,764 ) Net loss per common share, basic $ (0.50 ) $ (0.08 ) $ (0.78 ) $ (1.01 ) Net loss per common share, diluted $ (0.50 ) $ (0.26 ) $ (0.81 ) $ (1.01 ) Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content Contacts Article content For Media: Article content Article content Article content
New York Post
11-07-2025
- Health
- New York Post
I kicked my mentally ill kid, 9, out of my house — and I get zero judgment from parents who hear my shocking story
She gave her kiddo the old heave-ho — and social media is clapping in support. Megan Morris shamelessly announced, 'I kicked my mentally ill nine-year-old out of my house because she was too hard to handle,' to over 24.6 million TikTok viewers, who, upon learning about the troubled tot's violent outbursts, are passing 'zero judgement' on the overwhelmed Oklahoma mama. 5 Megan Morris shamelessly revealed that she kicked her nine-year-old out of the house due to the kid's bad behavior. fizkes – 'If she was in the backseat, and she was irritated or you said something to her that she didn't like, or sometimes it was just random,' Morris began, 'she would get behind my seat and cover my eyes while I'm driving down the road.' The beleaguered blond confessed that she'd often have to 'fight' the tween — whom she has not publicly named — off of her while blindly operating the vehicle, recalling nightmarish incidents as 'super dangerous.' Unfortunately, temporarily impairing her mother and threatening her own life, as well as the lives of others, wasn't the worst of the little rascal's savage stunts. But the child isn't just a Gen Alpha brat. Instead, she's in the alarming number of youngsters suffering from severe mental health challenges. 5 Researchers have found that an increasingly high number of tots, tweens and teens with mental health conditions were recently in desperate need of therapy, counseling and medication. pikselstock – The CDC's National Center for Health Statistics recently revealed that a whopping 15% of America's children aged five to 17 received specialized care for mental health conditions in 2021. A staggering 11.3% of children under age 11 underwent treatment, such as therapy and counseling or prescription medication, per the data. Even more shocking, 18.9% of adolescents, ages 12 to 17, with mental health issues were in need of similar aid. Morris' daughter, now age 12, has, too, sought help for her seemingly unmanageable mischievousness. 5 Morris' daughter is among the rising number of children plagued by mental health issues. Victoria Antre – 'Over the years, she's been diagnosed with DMDD (Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder), Generalized Anxiety Disorder, ADHD, and more,' the mom lamented in a GoFundMe plea. The crowdsourcing campaign is seeking $6,000 toward in-depth brain scans for her daughter. 'She's been in therapy most of her life and has tried countless medications — literally over 100,' Morris moaned in the post, 'but nothing has brought lasting relief.' 'After one of her rages, she often collapses in my arms, sobbing and begging for help,' she added. 'She tells me she doesn't understand why she acts this way — and I believe her. She's not a bad kid. She's a hurting kid.' But physically hurting other kids, including her brothers and sisters, was one of the main reasons Morris felt forced to give the girl the boot. 5 Morris revealed that her nine-year-old had a tendency to violently attack her younger siblings and family members. Victor – 'She would attack her siblings unprovoked,' Morris told her social media watchers in her viral vid. 'One time, she got in trouble and she flipped her three-month-old brother out of his swing [and onto] the floor.' 'She took the dog kennel — we had a little Shih Tzu named Bella,' Morris continued. 'And she took the dog kennel that this little puppy was in and threw it across her room.' And the naughty nine-year-old's impish behavior didn't stop there. 'She threw a candle at the back of her brother's head, and he had to get stitches,' said Morris. 'She hit one of her sisters in the eye with a baseball bat.' 'I have custody of my eight-year-old niece,' the midwesterner said. 'One day, she was sleeping on the couch, and my daughter walked by and smacked her in the face with a shoe because she was in trouble.' 5 Morris challenged digital detractors, folks who shamed her for kicking out the kid, to come up with a better solution to her daughter's behavioral problems. nicoletaionescu – 'I can go on and on and on about the things that my daughter did to everyone,' Morris sighed before angrily addressing the critics, who've bashed her for expelling the kid from her house. 'For those of you who are judging me and hating me for removing my daughter from my household, I want to know what you would have done in those situations,' she spat, 'because disciplining my child only made things worse.' But, rather than give her flak, folks online caught Morris some well-deserved slack. 'Thank you for not ignoring these things and protecting everyone,' a commenter praised. 'As a social worker, you did nothing wrong,' assured a purported professional. 'If every mom did this, there would be no serial killers,' an approving audience member noted. 'Kids need help from a young age.' 'Zero judgment from me,' another cheered. 'You did the right thing for your family,' applauded an equally supportive spectator.
Time Business News
05-06-2025
- Health
- Time Business News
Anxiety Disorders and Substance Abuse: A Closer Look
Introduction Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health conditions globally, yet their intersection with substance abuse often remains underappreciated. This co-occurrence creates a tangled web of symptoms, behaviors, and consequences that complicate both diagnosis and treatment. Understanding the intricate relationship between anxiety and substance use is crucial for crafting effective intervention and recovery strategies. Understanding the Duration of Fluconazole in the Body Fluconazole, an antifungal medication commonly used to treat yeast infections, has a relatively long half-life, which allows it to remain in the body for an extended period. Typically, a single dose can stay in your system for up to 72 hours, but traces may persist for several days depending on individual factors such as metabolism,how long does fluconazole stay in your system age, liver function, and dosage. In people with normal liver function, the drug is gradually eliminated, but in those with impaired liver or kidney function, it may take longer. If you're concerned about how long fluconazole stays in your system, consult your healthcare provider. Understanding Anxiety Disorders Types of Anxiety Disorders Anxiety disorders encompass a wide spectrum of conditions. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder, Specific Phobias, and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) each manifest with distinct behavioral patterns. While varied in presentation, all share the hallmark of persistent, excessive worry that interferes with daily functioning. Symptoms and Causes Symptoms range from constant restlessness and irritability to heart palpitations and intrusive thoughts. Causes are multifaceted—genetic predisposition, childhood trauma, chronic stress, and imbalances in brain chemistry all play a role. Cortisol dysregulation and amygdala hyperactivity, in particular, fuel the cycle of fear and avoidance behaviors. The Link Between Anxiety and Substance Abuse Self-Medication Hypothesis Many individuals with untreated anxiety turn to substances in an attempt to self-soothe. This self-medication hypothesis posits that drugs or alcohol temporarily blunt the emotional distress caused by anxiety, offering fleeting relief. However, this escape mechanism often spirals into dependency. Neurobiological Overlap Shared neural circuitry—particularly in the limbic system—suggests a biological basis for this dual affliction. Dopaminergic dysregulation and impaired executive function contribute to poor impulse control, making substance misuse more likely in those already battling anxiety. The comorbidity is not coincidental; it is rooted in brain-based vulnerabilities. Common Substances Abused by Individuals with Anxiety Alcohol as a Coping Mechanism Alcohol is frequently used to 'take the edge off.' Its initial anxiolytic effects mask a darker truth: chronic use exacerbates anxiety symptoms. The rebound effect—where anxiety surges once the alcohol wears off—deepens dependence and emotional instability. Prescription Drug Misuse Benzodiazepines, often prescribed for anxiety, can become a double-edged sword. While effective short-term, their high potential for dependence poses a significant risk. Tolerance builds rapidly, leading many to increase dosages unsupervised or seek illicit sources. Illicit Drugs and Escape Behavior Stimulants like cocaine and methamphetamine may appear paradoxical choices, but some use them to combat fatigue and gain social confidence. Hallucinogens and opioids, on the other hand, offer a dissociative escape. These patterns reveal the lengths to which individuals will go to quiet the internal chaos. Dual Diagnosis: Challenges in Co-Occurring Disorders Diagnostic Complexities The symptoms of anxiety and substance use disorders often mimic or mask each other, creating a diagnostic labyrinth. Is the anxiety substance-induced, or did it precede the drug use? Clinicians must carefully dissect patient histories to avoid misdiagnosis. Treatment Implications Dual diagnosis demands an integrative approach. Treating substance abuse in isolation ignores the root causes of self-medication, while treating anxiety without addressing addiction ensures relapse. A nuanced, synchronized treatment plan is essential. Evidence-Based Treatment Approaches Integrated Treatment Models Effective recovery hinges on integrated care—where mental health and addiction services work in tandem. Coordinated treatment fosters better communication between providers and aligns goals, reducing the risk of fragmented care. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) CBT remains a cornerstone of treatment. By identifying and restructuring maladaptive thought patterns, patients gain tools to manage anxiety without relying on substances. The therapy is skill-based, empowering, and deeply transformative. Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) In cases of severe addiction, MAT—using medications like buprenorphine, methadone, or naltrexone—can stabilize withdrawal and support long-term abstinence. When combined with psychotherapy, MAT can address both physiological and psychological dimensions of recovery. The Role of Prevention and Early Intervention Identifying At-Risk Individuals Early identification of anxiety symptoms—particularly in adolescents and young adults—can curtail the trajectory toward substance misuse. School-based screenings, routine mental health checkups, and trauma-informed care are vital. Community and Family-Based Strategies Strong social support systems can act as a buffer. Family therapy, community outreach, and psychoeducation reduce stigma and encourage help-seeking behavior. When communities foster mental wellness, individuals are less likely to turn to substances for relief. Gabapentin is a prescription medication commonly used to treat nerve pain, seizures, and other neurological conditions. Although not classified as a controlled substance in many areas, it has gained attention for its potential misuse. Some individuals report experiencing feelings of euphoria or sedation, which raises concerns about whether you can get high on gabapentin. These effects are typically more pronounced at high doses or when combined with other substances, posing serious health risks. Misusing gabapentin Can You Get High on Gabapentin lead to physical dependence, withdrawal symptoms, and dangerous side effects, making it important to use the medication only as directed by a healthcare provider. Conclusion The intersection of anxiety disorders and substance abuse is a complex, often cyclical relationship that requires compassionate, comprehensive care. By acknowledging the neurobiological, psychological, and social underpinnings of this dual diagnosis, professionals can pave the way for more effective prevention and recovery. Addressing both conditions concurrently is not just beneficial—it is imperative. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Harvard Business Review
14-05-2025
- Health
- Harvard Business Review
When Your Layoff Anxiety Won't Go Away
It's not uncommon or unreasonable to worry about being laid off, particularly today. Layoffs in the U.S. recently hit their highest level since 2020, there's been a 41,311% increase in government job cuts compared to last year, and reductions are becoming more common in retail, tech, and nonprofit organizations. But what happens when anxiety about job loss becomes all-consuming, even in light of evidence that your role is as safe as it could possibly be? As a clinical psychologist at an anxiety specialty clinic, excessive worry about job security is one of the most common work-related anxieties I see. And it's no wonder; getting fired is a personal and professional upheaval. But for many of my clients, anxiety about getting laid off or fired isn't limited to situations where signs are clear, like industry-wide downsizing, impending funding cuts, poor performance reviews, or being on a PIP. Many also experience anxiety about job security in stable or growing industries, despite positive reviews and regular check-ins with their boss. Distressing and impairing anxiety is a common symptom that could indicate a condition such as Generalized Anxiety Disorder, or could spark worrying oneself into burnout, substance misuse, or depression. Thankfully, you don't have to suffer. Here are five common scenarios I see that underlie disproportionate worry about job loss—and how to handle them. 1. Mistaking feelings as fact 'I feel insecure, so my job must be insecure.' A client we'll call Allie came in for a gnarly case of impostor syndrome. Her evaluations were always good, she had a good relationship with her boss, and she had earned a promotion in the past year. But she often felt incapable, like she was faking everything. She would lose sleep before presentations, meetings where she had to participate, or any time she perceived she was being watched and evaluated. Allie was engaging in a common bias called emotional reasoning: mistaking feelings as fact, or 'I feel it, so it must be true.' She felt insecure, took the feeling as proof she was incapable, and assumed others shared her belief. Other examples of emotional reasoning: I feel jealous so my partner must be cheating, or I feel guilty so I must have done something wrong. To counter feeling incapable, Allie overcompensated. She overprepared, overworked, and over-practiced. But then her overcompensation not only stole the credit for keeping her safe and employed; it also masked the fact that she was capable and competent all along. What to do: Drop the overcompensation, little by little. This is not a 180; we're not flip-flopping from overpreparing to totally winging it. Rolling back overcompensation might include rolling back overworking to working, overpreparing to preparing. For Allie, this meant preparing thoroughly for a presentation but stopping short of pulling an all-nighter to rehearse. For you, this might mean resisting the urge to re-do the team's work because it's not quite how you envisioned it or being mindful of the point at which revisions cease to improve a slide deck and instead become fiddling-as-anxiety-management. The actions we think will save us can often steal the credit for our success. Let go of the overcompensation, and you'll learn there was nothing in need of compensation in the first place. As you feel more secure in your job, you'll feel more secure in yourself. 2. Catastrophizing consequences 'This job is the only thing between me and total disaster.' A client we'll call Gene worried that if he lost his job, his wife and kids would abandon him for failing to provide a steady income. Mika worried she would end up financially dependent on her chaotic, alcoholic family of origin. Bill pictured himself homeless, living on the streets. All three of them could picture their worst-case scenarios like a mini horror movie playing out in their minds. In an uncertain economy, the stakes of job loss are certainly high for many people. But sometimes our fears of getting fired are really about something else: the deep-seated fear that our family only sticks around for our paycheck, the existential fear that we'll be pulled back into a bad situation from the past as if by a tractor beam. Indeed, anxiety is designed to protect us. It scans the horizon for worst-case scenarios and helps us prepare so we don't get blindsided. Evolutionarily, it's better to mistake a wolf for a sheep than the other way around. But like Gene, Mika, and Bill, it's easy to overestimate the danger and see wolves everywhere we turn. What to do: If you're worried about a catastrophe larger than having to find another job in a tough market, spell out every single step that would have to happen to make your worst-case scenario come true. A lot of factors usually have to line up for that catastrophe to materialize. Indeed, in Mika's case, she wouldn't jump from being gainfully employed one day to living in her childhood bedroom the next; she would have to miss the signs of impending termination, be unable to rectify the situation, not get severance or unemployment, run through her emergency fund, not be able to find a cheaper living situation, and on and on. Turn your fears into a math problem: Write out all the steps, put a percent chance next to each step, and multiply it out. The end result—the percent chance your worst-case scenario will come to pass—will be lower than you expect. Is your worst-case scenario possible? Yes, anything is possible. But is it likely to happen? Don't confuse possibility with probability. Ask yourself: Is the amount of worry I'm putting into this scenario proportionate to the probability? 3. Craving certainty in an uncertain world 'I stay in regular contact with my boss, but I worry about whether I'm meeting expectations well enough to maintain my position.' We've all heard stories of firings that come out of nowhere. We all have a friend who's been blindsided with a pink slip. It's true that it can happen to anyone. But every situation comes with some risk, whether we're crossing the street or using a credit card online. Our work life is no different. Those of us who are detailed planners or hate surprises might have a low tolerance for risk or, conversely, a high need for certainty. We crave explicit, watertight assurance that both our position and the favor of our boss are safe and certain. Without that, we feel unsure and unsettled. A high need for certainty often comes coupled with a tendency to view situations as all-or-nothing. Therefore, if we don't know with 100% certainty that we're safe, we automatically feel at risk. It's true that many managers give chronically unhelpful feedback. But in all cases, working on your relationship with uncertainty can help you see more clearly where problems exist. What to do: We have two levers we can pull in this situation, and they aren't mutually exclusive: change and acceptance. For change: Rather than asking your boss if you're doing okay, ask specific questions that pull for actionable insights: 'What do you see as the top priorities for my role next quarter?' 'Are there specific skills or areas you think I could focus on improving?' 'What do you see as the biggest challenges for our team right now, and how can I contribute to overcoming them?' If you're stuck in a confusing dynamic with your manager, try an opposite tactic: Make room for a little bit of risk. When it comes to uncertainty, resistance prolongs persistence. Decide how much uncertainty in job security you can tolerate right now. A little? Some? Two percent? Here, we're focused on tolerating the uncertainty itself, not the worst outcomes. How you phrase your response is less important than the fact that your answer is more than zero. Next, decide to what extent you are willing to experience doubt, anxiety, confusion, or concern about your position. Now we're focused on your emotional response to uncertainty. Again, your specific answer is less important than the fact that your answer is more than zero. This may sound woo-woo, but: Picture your uncertainty or emotional reaction to uncertainty as a physical object, like a paperweight or a plasma globe. Then, metaphorically, put it on your desk. Allow it to be there. You will not love the fact that it's sitting on your desk, but practice focusing your energy on your work rather than on getting uncertainty off your desk. Surprise: This is acceptance. Rather than trying to minimize uncertainty by asking your boss or colleagues for reassurance, or working harder to create a perceived safety net, lean the other way and make room for some inevitable uncertainty. 4. Conflating performance and self-worth 'If I'm not hitting it out of the park, I feel like I'm striking out.' A client we'll call Mark sets high, personally demanding standards and strives to meet them, often yielding excellent results; his work is high-quality, thorough, and detail-oriented. Most of the time, he hits it out of the park. But sometimes, team members yawn during his presentations, his boss corrects an error he made, or his sales numbers are fine, but not spectacular. Then, he feels like he's failed—like he's struck out. His boss and other team members have tried to help Mark be less hard on himself, advising him, 'Maybe your standards are too high,' and 'You need to stop when things are good enough.' Mark bristles at the advice, insisting his high standards have made him who he is today. Mark's sense of his goodness as a person—not to mention his sense of job security—rises and falls as he meets or misses the stringent expectations he holds for himself. Mark is engaging in a phenomenon called overevaluation: the conflation of performance with self-worth. Along with self-criticism, overevaluation is one of the pillars of clinical perfectionism. When our evaluation of our work expands beyond the work itself and becomes a referendum on our character, we're overevaluating. Therefore, of course Mark is reluctant to 'stop when things are good enough,' because to the perfectionist mind, settling for subpar or mediocre outcomes renders us subpar or mediocre as a person. If you're a member of an underrepresented group, there's an additional layer: It's common to feel like our work represents something larger than just the work—our good name, our entire group. Indeed, overevaluation doesn't just come from within—it can come from the environment all around us. Every human responds to the situations we're put in, so when we're put in a situation that conveys: 'You need to earn your place' or 'You don't belong here,' it's understandable to respond with a sense that we need to prove ourselves with our work. What to do: It's impossible to separate yourself entirely from your performance; of course you'll be proud when things turn out well and disappointed when they don't. But if your self-worth rises and falls with your successes and failures, or your work serves as a referendum on you as a person, try this: Focus on the work for the work's sake. Incorporate your achievements and struggles into a larger self-concept, but remember your worth is not contingent upon your performance. Take the stance of a sculptor eyeing a block of marble and ask yourself, 'What would make this thing better?' Bonus: Ironically, it's when we focus on the work for the work's sake that the work is more likely to be good. In addition, resist reassuring yourself with 'Well, even if Task A didn't go well, I did awesome at Task B.' Instead, take a page from the research of Drs. Geoffrey Cohen and David Sherman and affirm what you know to be genuinely true about yourself, even if it has nothing to do with work. Some examples: 'I'm a consistent and compassionate friend.' 'I was put on earth to help the less fortunate.' 'I love my kids with all my heart.' The goal is not to gloss over challenges to boost self-esteem, but rather to uphold a consistent narrative of your whole self's adequacy. Finally, if you're in a situation where you feel the weight of representing more than your own work, leaning into community and connection inside (e.g., ERGs or mentorship) or outside of the workplace acts as a protective factor. 5. Mistaking people-pleasing for security 'If everyone's happy with my work, I'll be safe.' Natalie solicits a lot of advice from colleagues about both the outcome and process of her work: 'Does this look okay to you?' 'Should I follow Martin's advice or Shazia's?' 'Would it look weird if I made this into a bar graph?' She tries to incorporate everyone's feedback. Work often feels like a people-pleasing grind, but staying in everyone's good graces is how she measures her job security. What to do: We can't control others' opinions, which is why outsourcing the quality of our work or the strength of our job security to the judgment of others is fraught. If you relate to Natalie, try evaluating your work with a yardstick other than 'Did people like it?' Instead, try, 'Did I fulfill my intentions?' or 'Did I do what I set out to do?' This keeps the first opinion about our work—our own—firmly under our control. . . . No matter which of these five scenarios we identify with, our minds tend to sucker-punch us with the question: 'What if I get fired?' 'What if' questions are meant to be rhetorical, but to deal with them, try answering the question literally. What if you get fired? Well, what would you do? This might mean coping in advance: What's your plan? Who would comfort you? Who would you network with? Where would you look for a new job? More importantly, it means reminding yourself that you're able to handle the unexpected, and that you'll cross that bridge if it ever comes. Common anxieties such as these can turbocharge otherwise normal and understandable concerns about job security. It makes sense: Getting fired or laid off is a reasonable and identifiable, if sometimes inaccurate, place for our more existential anxieties to land. By recognizing and addressing our tendencies, we can build a more balanced relationship with work to keep our very human worries from dictating our sense of job security.
