People caught in a pattern of anxious actions often feel sad, guilty, frustrated, or ashamed. If you're late for work because you must repeatedly check all the doors and windows in your home, you might feel frustrated with yourself and think you're a loser. You might feel deeply embarrassed that you can't do things that your friends do, because you're too anxious or fearful. You might feel deeply ashamed of some of your thoughts and behaviors, but powerless to stop them. You might feel guilty about disappointing your friends and family again, because you were too anxious to attend an important function. These emotional consequences start small, but year after year, their weight builds until you don't like yourself much and may spend more and more time alone.
— Michael A. Tompkins, Anxiety and Avoidance: A Universal Treatment for Anxiety, Panic, and Fear
