Some people with anxiety disorders have a tough time saying “no” to others. Saying no can cause feelings of anxiety, so we might avoid saying no out of fear, even when saying no is the right thing to do. We might irrationally worry that others will perceive us negatively if we say no to them. As a result, we might end up biting off more than we can chew, so to speak.

When we overextend ourselves, we’re especially vulnerable to anxiety and stress. It’s important to learn how to say no when doing so is in your best interest or the best interest of others. Make your physical and mental health a priority and have compassion for yourself; you don’t need to do it all to have value and worth as a human being. You can’t take care of others unless you take care of yourself, too, and sometimes that means saying no even if the other person is disappointed. If they truly care about you, they’ll understand and respect your need to set healthy boundaries.