Purposes of Anxiety and Panic by Doug Feil, MS, LPC
In this time of high stress and anxiety, you might be wondering what the purpose of anxiety is. And what is the purpose of panic? Can they be helpful, and if so how?
Low-level anxiety can be helpful in a number of situations. It activates us mentally and physically to be extra attentive and aware when that is warranted. There are many positive examples – such as being more attentive when driving on slippery roads or being more on alert when something unusual is happening around us. During the current crisis, it can help us be more alert to do the precautions needed to stay safe by keeping social distance, hand washing regularly, wearing your mask, etc.
The problem with anxiety is that it wants to grow inside each of us to be at a higher intensity level, not being content to stay at the lower, beneficial levels. It tries to take over as much of our thoughts and feelings so that they can keep growing. This in turn is what leads to panic.
Panic is a survival mechanism connected to the flight/fright/fight reflex. It is impulsive, primal, and an intense action geared to help us survive a catastrophic situation. That may be helpful when we come face-to-face with a bear in the wild, but in most cases in the modern world, it is very harmful. Panic triggers huge physiological and psychological overreactions, logic gets abandoned, and the only drive is to survive, even when that is not necessary.
Calming the Storm
Much of Scripture reminds us to lay our anxiety down (Matthew 6:25-34, Philippians 4:6, 1Peter 5:7) and seek God’s direction. When we allow anxiety to run its own course, it will continue to grow and cause much harm. When we “rein it in,” we can then use it constructively in a variety of ways, including trusting in God, keeping out of the unnecessary panic position, and giving us helpful energy to take constructive steps.
Looking for more? My contact information is below:
Doug Feil MS, LPC (720-689-4631) dfeil@feilcounselingandconsulting.com
6112 S. Devinney Way, Littleton, CO 80127