Many people wish for anxiety to disappear completely because it is often associated with negative feelings such as fear, worry, and discomfort. In a society that constantly seeks well-being and happiness, anxiety is seen as something undesirable that must be eliminated. This perception is reinforced by the increasing medicalization of mental disorders, where the quick solution seems to be resorting to medications to suppress symptoms rather than understanding and dealing with the underlying causes of anxiety.
However, anxiety is a natural response of the body to situations perceived as threatening or challenging. It has an important evolutionary function, preparing the organism to face dangers through the activation of the “fight or flight” mechanism. While excessive or constant anxiety can be debilitating and require treatment, feeling anxiety in appropriate situations is normal and even beneficial, as it alerts us to potential risks and motivates us to act proactively.
Learning to cope with anxiety, rather than simply trying to eliminate it, is essential for emotional and mental development. This involves recognizing anxiety as part of the human experience and using healthy coping strategies such as breathing techniques, mindfulness, physical exercise, and therapy. By accepting anxiety as a natural response, people can develop resilience and face life’s challenges with more balance, rather than seeing anxiety as an enemy to be defeated.
Why do we avoid situations that make us feel anxious?
Avoiding situations that make us anxious might seem like a comfortable solution in the short term, but in the long run, this strategy can significantly limit our possibilities and personal growth. When we avoid facing challenges out of fear of anxiety, we essentially prevent ourselves from exploring new opportunities and stepping out of our comfort zone. This can lead to a cycle of avoidance, where the areas of our lives where we feel safe and comfortable become increasingly restricted, while our coping skills and resilience are not developed.
Additionally, avoiding anxiety-inducing situations can hinder learning and the acquisition of new skills. Many moments of anxiety occur in situations that require adaptation, learning, or change, such as starting a new job, speaking in public, or trying something new. Facing these situations, even with the initial discomfort, allows us to develop the confidence and competence needed to handle similar challenges in the future. By avoiding these moments, we miss the chance to grow, both personally and professionally.
Finally, avoiding anxiety can reinforce the idea that it is something dangerous or unbearable, which can further increase fear and anxiety about future situations. Instead of avoiding, gradually facing situations that cause anxiety can help desensitize these fears, making us more adaptable and open to new experiences. This allows us to expand our possibilities, build resilience, and live more fully without being dominated by the fear of anxiety
How can overcoming anxiety benefit us?
When people overcome situations that make them anxious and still manage to achieve their goals, they experience a deep sense of accomplishment and personal empowerment. Facing and overcoming anxiety in challenging moments reinforces self-confidence and belief in their ability to handle future difficulties. This positive experience creates a cycle of empowerment, where the person becomes more courageous and willing to face new situations, knowing they can overcome discomfort and achieve success.
Additionally, by facing anxiety and still pursuing their goals, people develop emotional and mental resilience. This resilience not only prepares them to handle future challenges with more calm and control but also promotes significant personal growth. The ability to act despite anxiety teaches coping skills that can be applied in various areas of life, making them more adaptable and capable of dealing with stress and uncertainty more effectively.
Finally, overcoming anxiety to achieve goals also provides a sense of purpose and satisfaction. Accomplishing something, even with the discomfort of anxiety, generates a feeling of victory and progress, which is essential for emotional well-being. This experience reinforces the idea that fear and anxiety do not have to be insurmountable barriers, but rather challenges that can be overcome, leading to a more fulfilling and rewarding life.
Will my life improve when I overcome anxiety?
Facing anxiety helps reduce the power it has over our lives. By confronting what scares us, we often realize that the situation wasn’t as frightening as we imagined. This process of demystification weakens the anxiety, making us less likely to avoid it in the future. Over time, as we repeat this behavior, the anxiety decreases, and we feel more free and empowered to move forward without being paralyzed by fear.
