Collective Anxiety: When Fear Feels Bigger Than You (Updated 2025)

Have you noticed how anxiety feels different these days? It’s not just your own worries that weigh you down—it’s the fear you see in others, the heaviness in the air, the shared unease of an entire community.

Anxiety has a way of spreading, especially in times of crisis. Whether it’s through conversations, social media, or even the quiet energy of a room, fear can feel contagious. And when it happens on a large scale, like it is now, it’s not just personal anymore—it’s collective. It’s something we all feel, even if we can’t quite explain it.

What Is Collective Anxiety?

Collective anxiety happens when entire groups of people experience fear and uncertainty together. It’s the kind of anxiety that grows from shared experiences—whether it’s war, economic instability, or an uncertain future. It’s what we’re feeling now, here in Lebanon and across the Middle East.

Psychologically, anxiety is the brain’s response to perceived danger. But collective anxiety is amplified because it’s not just one person’s fear—it’s everyone’s. Studies show that in times of collective trauma, anxiety levels increase not only for individuals directly affected but also for those indirectly connected through media or relationships.

Why It Feels So Overwhelming

Anxiety is exhausting on its own. But when it’s collective, it’s like carrying your own fears while also absorbing the worries of those around you. You hear stories of loss, see the worry in people’s eyes, and feel the tension in the air. It’s no wonder it feels so heavy.

When collective anxiety takes over, it can create a sense of helplessness (as we explored in Feeling Helpless?). It tricks your mind into thinking there’s no escape because everywhere you turn, the fear feels the same.

How to Navigate Collective Anxiety

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by this shared fear, know that you’re not alone—and there are ways to gently ease its hold. Here are a few things to try:

1. Recognize What’s Yours and What Isn’t

• Take a moment to pause and ask yourself: What part of this fear is mine, and what part am I picking up from others? Sometimes, just separating your feelings from the collective energy can help lighten the load.

2. Limit Your Exposure

• It’s important to stay informed, but constant exposure to fearful conversations or news can amplify anxiety. Set boundaries for how much time you spend consuming information and give yourself permission to step away when it becomes too much.

3. Lean on Your Community (But Choose Wisely)

• Connection is essential, but be mindful of the energy you surround yourself with. Spend time with people who make you feel supported and grounded, rather than those who heighten your anxiety.

4. Ground Yourself in the Present

• Anxiety thrives on “what if” thoughts about the future. Try grounding techniques like focusing on your breath, naming five things you can see, or holding something tangible to remind yourself that, in this moment, you are safe.

5. Find Spaces for Collective Healing

• Shared anxiety can also create shared strength. Joining community gatherings or workshops (like those at The Inner Space) can help you process these feelings in a safe, supportive environment. Sometimes, knowing you’re not alone in your fear is the first step to releasing it.

You’re Not Alone in This

Anxiety is a natural response to uncertainty, and collective anxiety is part of what it means to be human in times of crisis. But you don’t have to handle it by yourself. By understanding what you’re feeling and taking small, gentle steps, you can begin to find moments of calm, even in the chaos.

If you’re looking for a place to start, consider joining one of our workshops or community gatherings at The Inner Space. Together, we create spaces where fear can be shared, held, and slowly released. Because even in collective anxiety, there’s the power of collective healing.