Which life change could lead to increased anxiety or mental health issues?

Changing jobs or schools can significantly disrupt a person's routine and create an environment filled with uncertainty and pressure. This transition often involves adjusting to new expectations, meeting new people, and conforming to different social dynamics, which can all contribute to feelings of anxiety. The stress of learning new systems, facing potential career challenges, or adapting to an unfamiliar educational institution can overwhelm an individual, particularly if they are already predisposed to anxiety or mental health issues.

In contrast, adopting a pet, receiving academic recognition, and planning a vacation are generally associated with positive experiences or achievements. While they may come with their own challenges, they typically do not entail the level of uncertainty and adjustment stress that changing jobs or schools involves. Thus, among the listed options, changing jobs or schools stands out as a significant life change that is most closely linked to increased anxiety or mental health issues.