Anxiety is like our internal alarm system

Anxiety is not a disorder; it is our internal alarm system.

The purpose of this alarm system is to let us know that we are likely in danger. 🔥 Metaphorically speaking, our “anxiety alarm” starts howling when we are on the brink of causing a fire in the kitchen or reminds us to lock the door at night.

🐯 Historically speaking, it warns us about hungry tigers or other tribes trying to eat our food or us, for that matter.

llustration from E. Goodman's "Your Anxiety Beast and You" (2020)

Fortunately or not, our alarm systems are highly sensitive, so they tend to overreact or even grow into full-fledged anxiety disorders, especially nowadays when the dangers are less immediate or predictable.

The modern dangers often range from social dangers, such as pressure to conform or public shaming, to geopolitical ones, such as culture wars and cyber warfare.

❓ So what should we do to "hack" this somewhat nutty but relatively adaptive alarm system? According to clinical psychologist Eric Goodman, anxiety is like a wild animal. Yes, the anxiety beast might look or sound gruesome. Yet, it might behave naughtily or bite. But essentially, it wants to be fed and taken care of like any other pet. Therefore, our goal is to understand and embrace anxiety, not ignore or suppress it. Remember, you do not want to set your house on fire or find your car stolen. 🙈

So, if you want to befriend your anxiety beast, read Goodman’s "Your Anxiety Beast and You: A Compassionate Guide to Living in an Increasingly Anxious World"! I already finished half of it, and I am still amazed by the simplicity and value of the book. It’s truly a gem of very useful information balanced with easy-to-understand images and metaphors. Have a wonderful day, and be kind to your anxiety beast. ❤️