It’s natural to associate joy with feelings of peace and contentment, but in reality, some of the most joyful experiences can also bring about anxiety and stress.

Whether it’s social situations, major life events, or unexpected surprises, certain moments can leave us feeling overwhelmed and unsure of how to cope.

1. Weddings

Weddings are often thought of as a time of celebration and love, but they can also be a major source of stress and anxiety.

From the pressure to find the perfect outfit to the dread of getting up to speak during a toast, weddings can cause a lot of pre-event jitters. For some, the pressure can even lead to social anxiety, causing them to feel nervous or uncomfortable around large groups of people.

2. Job Interviews

A job interview can be a make or break moment in someone’s career, making it one of the most stressful experiences possible.

The anxiety leading up to an interview can be overwhelming, and the fear of rejection can cause even the most confident individuals to second-guess themselves. Whether it’s a fear of saying the wrong thing or a lack of confidence in their abilities, job interviews can cause deep-seated feelings of stress and anxiety.

3. Major Life Changes

Whether it’s getting married, having a baby, or moving to a new city, major life changes can be both exciting and overwhelming. Even when changes are positive, they can still bring about feelings of uncertainty and anxiety.

Change is often accompanied by a need to adapt and learn new things, which can cause stress and make us feel out of control.

4. Surprises

While surprises can be fun and exciting, they can also come with a lot of anxiety. For some, the fear of the unknown can be overwhelming, causing them to worry about the potential outcomes of a surprise event.

Even when the surprise is positive, the sudden change can cause feelings of stress and anxiety, making it difficult to fully enjoy the moment.

For many people, social gatherings are a major source of stress and anxiety. Even the most outgoing individuals can feel nervous about meeting new people or being in unfamiliar social situations, causing them to feel anxious or self-conscious.

The pressure to be social and interact with others can also be overwhelming, making social events a difficult experience for many.