How to Cancel Plans Due to Anxiety (2024)

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    Anxiety No More! Find Relief, Tools and Resources

    Bryan Leopold

    It can be hard to say no when someone asks us to do something.

    We might feel like we're letting them down, or that we're not good enough for the task.

    But sometimes, our anxiety can get in the way and make it impossible for us to follow through on our commitments.

    Here are a few tips on how to cancel plans gracefully, without letting your anxiety take over.

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    Be Honest with Yourself

    If you're feeling anxious about an upcoming event or commitment, it's important to listen to your body and mind.

    Don't try to push through the anxiety – this will only make it worse. Sometimes people lie to themselves and say they're okay when they're really not.

    But if you're honest with yourself, you'll be able to make a more informed decision about whether or not you can handle the commitment.

    If you're really not up for it, it's better to cancel than to try and force yourself to go through with it. This is important to remember when learning how to cancel plans due to anxiety.

    Be Honest with the Other Person

    Once you've decided to cancel, it's important to be honest with the other person. Let them know that you're sorry but you won't be able to make it.

    Don't try to make up excuses or lie about why you're canceling. Proper ways you can phrase it are:

    • "I'm sorry, but I won't be able to make it."
    • "Unfortunately, I have to cancel."
    • "I hope it isn't too disruptive, but I'm unable to make our plans."

    Don't feel guilty. It's important not to beat yourself up about canceling. You're allowed to change your mind and you're allowed to put your mental health first.

    Try to remind yourself that you're doing the best you can and that this isn't permanent.

    If you need to, take some time for yourself to recover from the anxiety before committing to anything else. Being honest is an important step when learning how to cancel plans due to anxiety.

    Offer an Alternative

    If you're canceling on someone last minute, it's always a good idea to offer an alternative date or time.

    This way, you're still showing that you care about the commitment and you're not just flaking out.

    It's a good way to show that you're still interested, even if you can't make it this time.

    "Hey, I'm sorry but I won't be able to make our coffee date tomorrow. Would you be interested in meeting up next week instead?"

    "I won't be able to make our lunch date, but how about dinner instead?"

    These are a few ideas when you need to cancel plans due to anxiety.

    Don't Over-Explain

    When you're canceling plans, it's important not to over-explain yourself.

    You don't need to go into detail about your anxiety or why you're canceling.

    Keep it short, sweet, and to the point. The other person doesn't need to know all the intimate details of your mental health – they just need to know that you can't make it.

    It can be exhausting to cancel plans due to anxiety, especially when you have anxiety. But it's important to put your mental health first.

    You Are Valid for Caring for Your Mental Health

    If you're feeling anxious about an upcoming event or commitment, it's important to listen to your body and mind.

    Don't be hard on yourself – you're allowed to cancel plans, and you're doing what's best for your mental health.

    Take some time for yourself, breathe, and remember that this isn't permanent.

    You got this.

    Consider Talking to your Friends and Family

    Many of us experience anxiety at some point in our lives, whether it's in response to a stressful event or due to an underlying condition.

    For some people, anxiety can be so debilitating that it interferes with their ability to lead a normal life. If you suffer from anxiety, you may find it difficult to commit to plans, cancel appointments, or even leave the house.

    While it's important to respect your limits, it's also important to remember that social interaction can be beneficial for your mental health.

    Talking to your friends and family about your anxiety can help you to feel more supported and understood, and it can also help to reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness.

    If you're feeling anxious about an upcoming event, try to open up to your loved ones about your concerns.

    They may be able to offer reassurance or suggestions that can help you to feel more comfortable.

    FAQs

    Is it better to cancel plans or just not show up?

    It is always better to cancel plans rather than just not showing up.

    If you don't show up, the other person is left wondering what happened and if you're okay.

    When you cancel, you're being upfront and honest about the situation.

    I have anxiety and I don't want to cancel my plans, what should I do?

    If you're feeling anxious about an upcoming event or commitment, it's important to listen to your body and mind.

    Don't try to push through the anxiety – this will only make it worse. Sometimes people with anxiety need to cancel plans to take care of themselves.

    It's okay to put your mental health first.

    I canceled my plans because of anxiety and now I feel guilty, what should I do?

    It's important not to beat yourself up about canceling. You're allowed to change your mind and you're allowed to put your mental health first.

    Try to remind yourself that you're doing the best you can and that this isn't permanent.

    If you need to, take some time for yourself to recover from the anxiety before committing to anything else.

    Seek Professional Help if Needed

    If you find that you're constantly canceling plans due to anxiety, it might be time to seek professional help.

    Anxiety can be a debilitating disorder, but there are treatments available that can help.

    Don't be afraid to reach out for help if you're struggling.

    Disclaimer

    The information presented in this blog post should be used for informational purposes only. This blog post should not be used as a substitute for official medical advice from a licensed professional.

    Conclusion

    Canceling plans due to anxiety is nothing to be ashamed of. You're allowed to put your mental health first.

    If you find yourself canceling plans often, it might be time to seek professional help for your anxiety.

    Don't beat yourself up for prioritizing your mental health – you're doing the best you can.

    Remember – you're not alone in this.

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    About the author

    Bryan Leopold

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    Bryan Leopold is a popular mental health writer, whose enlightening articles have reached over 500,000 readers worldwide, offering guidance, support, and a fresh perspective on mental health issues. Bryan's unique ability to translate complex psychological concepts into accessible, everyday language has made his work a go-to resource for those seeking to understand and improve their mental well-being.

    Currently, Bryan is working on his first book, a comprehensive exploration of the vital role mindset plays in our lives. This upcoming work promises to offer practical strategies and insights, helping readers harness the power of their minds to overcome challenges and achieve their life goals.

    Bryan holds a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from the University of Kansas, where he honed his writing skills, learn how to research professionally, and developed a keen interest in using the power of the written word to inform and inspire.

    When he's not immersed in the world of mental health research and writing, Bryan cherishes his time with his wife and children. A devoted family man, he believes that balance is key to a healthy mind and a happy life. Whether he's reading a book or reporting on the latest mental health findings, Bryan's passion for understanding the human mind and his dedication to promoting mental health awareness shine through in everything he does. It's important to remember that he is not a licensed medical professional. The content in his articles is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice.

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    How to Cancel Plans Due to Anxiety (51)

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    How to Cancel Plans Due to Anxiety (2024)

    FAQs

    How to Cancel Plans Due to Anxiety? ›

    For example, you could say: “I know I promised I would go out this weekend, but I've been feeling really overwhelmed and need to stay in and take care of myself.” Or simply, “I'm not going to be able to make it this weekend, but let's try again next time.”

    Is it okay to cancel plans because of anxiety? ›

    If you are looking to cancel plans, ask yourself why. If you are feeling anxious about an upcoming commitment or event, listen to your mind and body and what it is trying to tell you. Sometimes, trying to push through your anxiety can have the opposite effect- making you even more anxious and irritable.

    How can I politely cancel plans? ›

    Express your disappointment over having to break plans and, most importantly, offer an alternative day or two. This shows the person that you do want to get together and respect them enough to put in the effort for a reschedule,” she says.

    How to cancel plans because of mental health examples? ›

    Be Honest with the Other Person
    1. "I'm sorry, but I won't be able to make it."
    2. "Unfortunately, I have to cancel."
    3. "I hope it isn't too disruptive, but I'm unable to make our plans."

    What is the best excuse to cancel plans? ›

    Best Excuses to Cancel Plans Last Minute
    • 1 You're not feeling well.
    • 2 You have to work late.
    • 3 You need a mental health break.
    • 4 You don't have transportation.
    • 5 Your family came to visit.
    • 6 You have a medical appointment.
    • 7 You don't have childcare.
    • 8 You have a household emergency.

    Why do I feel so guilty for cancelling plans? ›

    You lose the time and energy for the things that matter most to you. But the idea of bailing is scary. You worry about disappointing people or appearing wishy-washy, irresponsible, or rude. Canceling plans is especially difficult for people-pleasers, who pride themselves on their tendency to stand by their commitments.

    Is cancelling plans rude? ›

    How to know if you should cancel your plans. “Once a commitment is made, unless you have a legitimate excuse, it's rude to cancel. Period,” says etiquette expert Lisa Grotts, founder of the Golden Rules Gal.

    How late is too late to cancel plans? ›

    Unless there are truly extreme and unavoidable circ*mstances, here's what you shouldn't do: wait within an hour of the time you're supposed to meet and then bail. If you're canceling after your friend has theoretically left to meet you, it's too late.

    Why do I get so upset when plans get cancelled? ›

    Worrying what others think of you

    When someone cancels plans with you, do you worry that it's a reflection of how the other person feels about you? Perhaps you doubt how much they really like you or worry that you've done something to upset them without realising.

    How to apologize for last minute cancellation? ›

    Hi [name], I'm so sorry for the absurdly late notice, but I'm not going to be able to make it tonight. I feel awful for not letting you know before today, but the fact is I'm a bit stressed with an upcoming deadline and I didn't sleep well last night, so I'd be terrible company.

    Why do I get anxious making plans? ›

    Identify the Cause

    For instance, maybe you have too much on your plate and that is causing you to feel overwhelmed or stuck. Perhaps you're afraid of failing or don't know where to start. Or maybe you're struggling with a physical or mental health issue that is zapping your energy or increasing your anxiety levels.

    Why do ADHD people cancel plans? ›

    Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder affects behavior. People who have it often have trouble making decisions or getting tasks done before a deadline. Some get too distracted with other activities around them. Others find it hard to plan ahead, or they get frustrated easily and give up.

    How do I cancel my plans because I feel sick? ›

    Cancel plans last-minute

    “I was really looking forward to our plans, but I am not feeling up to it today. Let's catch up when I can be fully present.” “I know it's last-minute, but I can't make it tomorrow. Thank you for understanding.”

    Should I quit because of anxiety? ›

    If your anxiety consistently interferes with your ability to perform tasks, compromises your well-being, and doesn't improve despite efforts to manage it, it might be time to consider leaving your current work situation. Find a supportive therapist who can help with anxiety.

    Does avoiding anxiety make it worse? ›

    In addition, although avoidance can lead to immediate relief from anxiety, it can generate a host of other unwanted emotions such as sadness, guilt and shame, frustration, and more. If you notice that your worry is making you avoid certain situations, activities, or people it might be time to approach them.

    Does trying to stop anxiety make it worse? ›

    We need to rework our relationship with anxiety. We need to expect that we will feel anxious at times. In fact, the more productive and successful we are, the more we need to expect to feel off-kilter. I'll add that when we feel anxious, it's unhelpful to fight it — that makes it worse.

    Why do I freak out when things don't go to plan? ›

    It's natural to get upset when things don't go as planned, because not knowing what to expect and not feeling in control can be stressful. However, it can be helpful to keep an open mind, focus on finding solutions, and work on being more flexible.

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