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Anxiety is a state of anticipated threat or uncertainty, which may be accompanied by tension, warning thoughts and body reactions.
Definition
Anxiety is a natural reaction that prepares the body to deal with a possible threat. The problem occurs when it becomes excessive, long-lasting, difficult to control or begins to limit daily functioning. In practice, it is worth distinguishing between fear as a signal and fear as an automatic disaster scenario.
Key ideas
- Signal of anticipated danger
- Cognitive, bodily and behavioral responses
- The difference between an emotion and a disorder
Practice and life
Write down: what I am afraid of, what facts confirm it, what facts contradict it and what small step I can take despite the tension.
Common misconceptions
It is a mistake to treat every fear as evidence of a real threat. It is also a mistake to ignore severe, chronic anxiety that makes life difficult.
> Not every alarm immediately means a fire.
> — Guru Element
Questions for self-reflection
- What is this fear trying to protect me from?
- Am I reacting to fact or to an imagined scenario?
- When is it worth seeking specialist support?