The Worry Trap: Why Do We Worry About Things We Can't Control?

The opening question

Each card is independent. Your group votes on which to open, and four or five is plenty for an hour. Behind every card sit three prompts, one at a time, that only appear once it is opened on the board. Unopened cards keep for next time.

1. 1

   Waiting For Results

   You finished the exam weeks ago. Now you check the website ten times a day. Your stomach drops every time your phone buzzes.

2. 2

   Arguments In Your Head

   You're in the shower and suddenly you're arguing with your boss. You've got the perfect comeback ready.

3. 3

   When Someone Doesn't Pick Up

   You call your mum. It rings and rings. You call again. By the fourth try, you're picturing a hospital.

4. 4

   Worrying As Love

   Your mother says, “I worry because I love you.” She calls when it rains. She asks if you've eaten three times a day.

5. 5

   The Worrier In The Family

   In your house, one person remembers the bills, the doctor's appointments and the train times. Everyone else relaxes.

6. 6

   Expecting The Worst

   Before every result, you tell yourself you've failed. That way, if you fail, it doesn't hurt. And if you pass, it's a nice surprise.

7. 7

   Being Told Not To Worry

   You tell a friend what's keeping you up at night. They smile and say, “Don't worry, just focus on what you can control.” You nod.

8. 8

   Keeping Good News Quiet

   You got the job. Or you're pregnant. Or the house deal is almost done. But your family says, “Don't tell anyone yet.” Just in case.

9. 9

   Worrying About The News

   You wake up and check your phone. A war, a flood, a crash, a scary new virus. You can't fix any of it. You read it all anyway.

10. 10

    Googling Your Symptoms

    You have a headache. You look it up at midnight. By the third page, you're sure it's something terrible.

11. 11

    Worrying About Money

    You have a job and some savings. But a small voice keeps asking: what if it all goes? So you save more, spend less, and still don't feel safe.

12. 12

    Worry You Learned At Home

    Your father checked the door lock three times every night. Now you do it too. Nobody taught you. You just picked it up.