In our chaotic, constantly-evolving world, anxiety has almost become our inner voice. We frequently view it as an annoyance or a sign of weakness that needs to be overcome right away. However, in an insightful discussion with Dacher Keltner on the Greater Good Science Center’s “Science of Happiness” podcast, psychologist and author Tracy Dennis-Tiwary questions this conventional wisdom. The ideas presented by Dennis-Tiwary, who expands on them in her book “Future Tense: Why Anxiety Is Good For You (Even Though It Feels Bad),” provide a new and empowering viewpoint on how we might manage and comprehend anxiety.
Anxiety: Not a threat, but an informant.
Dennis-Tiwary encourages us to view fear as a helpful source of information, rather than as a threat. Anxiety indicates that we care deeply about anything in the future. It causes the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter related with motivation and reward, which encourages us to take activities that are consistent with our goals and values. For example, being concerned about an imminent examination may push us to study harder and perform well.
The evolutionary advantage
Anxiety has played an important role in human survival throughout evolution. Dennis-Tiwary compares it to a smoke alarm that warns us of potential hazards, pushing us to investigate and take appropriate actions. Anxiety turns us become “mental time travelers,” allowing us to anticipate and plan for future obstacles. The ability to model future events and outcomes is one of humanity’s greatest evolutionary triumphs, allowing us to handle uncertainty and pursue favourable opportunities.
Differentiating Anxiety from Anxiety Disorders.
Dennis-Tiwary highlights a key distinction between daily anxiety and anxiety disorders. While anxiety might be frequent and intense, it does not necessarily indicate a problem until it causes functional impairment. Anxiety problems impair our ability to live completely and necessitate professional help. In contrast, when managed properly, everyday worry may be a tremendous motivator and tool for personal development.
The Drawbacks of Medically addressing Anxiety.
The medicalization of anxiety has resulted in a widespread perception that all forms of anxiety are bad and should be eliminated. Dennis-Tiwary believes that this strategy is wrong. By treating anxiety as a disease, we overlook its potential benefits and the skills required to navigate it. This perspective not only stigmatises anxiety, but it also denies us the opportunity to develop resilience and emotional strength.
Antifragility: Supplementing Through Difficulties
By properly addressing and managing anxiety, Dennis-Tiwary believes that, similar to how muscles strengthen when faced with challenges, our emotional responses can also become more resilient. She bases this on Nassim Nicholas Taleb’s idea of antifragility. Anxiety only becomes stronger when it is avoided or suppressed. Rather, gaining the ability to manage anxiety and comprehending its significance in our existence might result in increased mental and emotional fortitude.
Realistic Methods for Handling Anxiety
In order to capitalize on anxiety, Dennis-Tiwary proposes a number of useful tactics:
Pay Attention to Your Anxiety: Use your anxiety to reveal important details about your goals and concerns. Consider the insights it provides about your priorities.
Sort Useful Anxiety: Not all forms of anxiety are beneficial. Recognise the difference between anxiety that leads to insightful insights and anxiety that isn’t helpful. For the sake of the here and now, let go of the latter.
Turn Anxiety Into Purpose: Use anxiety to motivate deliberate action when it illuminates something important about your objectives or core beliefs. For example, use your anxiety to spur yourself on to the extra effort required to complete a job at work.
A Self-Developmental Path
A feeling of failure in her career drove Dennis-Tiwary to investigate anxiety. She saw that although mental health knowledge was progressing, overall mental health was not getting better. This insight caused her to reevaluate the prevalent theories of anxiety and investigate fresh perspectives that see anxiety as an ally as opposed to an enemy.
In conclusion, Managing Anxiety
In the words of Dennis-Tiwary, “Anxiety can be an ally.” But you have to bargain, just like with any ally.” We can change worry from a source of discomfort to a strong motivator and guide by reconsidering our connection with it and realizing its potential advantages. This change in viewpoint not only improves our mental health but also gives us the strength and resilience to face life’s uncertainties head-on.
You may read Tracy Dennis-Tiwary’s book, “Future Tense: Why Anxiety Is Good For You (Even Though It Feels Bad),” and listen to the entire episode of the “Science of Happiness” podcast to learn more about these ideas. Accept the knowledge and inspiration anxiety offers, and learn how it may work as a strong friend to help you on your path to a happy, meaningful life.
References
https://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/news/how-we-misunderstand-anxiety-and-miss-out-its-benefits
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/benefits-of-anxiety
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