21/02/2026
Anyone with a vulnerability to harm/illness schema often carries an inner belief that:
❌ something bad is about to happen
❌ the world is unsafe and danger is everywhere
❌ they won’t be able to cope if a crisis occurs
This constant sense of impending threat can lead to chronic worry, hypervigilance, and feeling on edge. 😣 Even when things are going well, they may struggle to relax—always waiting for the next disaster, illness, accident, or worst-case scenario.
The roots often lie in early experiences of instability, trauma, illness in the family, overprotective parenting, or witnessing frightening events—where a child learned that the world is unpredictable and unsafe. Over time, the message becomes: "I’m not safe, and something terrible could happen at any moment.”
Recognising this schema is the first step towards change. Through Schema Therapy—and with tools like EMDR Therapy—individuals can begin to build a sense of safety and strengthen trust in their ability to cope. ✨
"You are safer than your mind tells you."
~ Adapted from the principles of Schema Therapy developed by Dr Jeffrey Young.
