How to use “anxious about” (not “anxious for”) — when meaning “troubled”

❌ Don’t say this: They’re anxious for his health (troubled or worried).

✅ Say this: They’re anxious about his health.

Why “for” is wrong and “about” is correct here

The word anxious in this sentence means “troubled or worried.” In English, when anxious means worried, you are anxious about something — never anxious for. Think of about as circling around the thing that worries you (worried about, concerned about, nervous about). The preposition for is wrong here because for with anxious means “eagerly wanting” — not worry (anxious for a promotion = wanting it badly). So anxious for his health would sound like you eagerly want his health, which makes no sense.