When Life Feels Out of Control: Finding Peace in the Middle of Anxiety
We all experience anxiety at times, but what can we do about it?
Understanding anxiety and what is causing us to feel anxious is important to getting a handle on it. Anxiety is rooted in fear. A few examples include fear of current conditions, fear of the future, and fear of “what-if “scenarios. The question to ask yourself is, “What am I feeling anxious about?” Anxiety can be rooted in a desire to control a situation that seems out of control or something that is beyond our ability to control. Is it reasonable to expect yourself to control a situation that is not controllable? In other words, if something is not under your control, should you be anxious about it?
Why Fighting Anxiety Keeps You Stuck—and What Actually Helps
If you feel stuck, overwhelmed, or exhausted from trying to control your anxiety, there’s another way—one that helps you respond with clarity and finally feel at peace.
Many people come into counseling with one clear goal: “I just want the anxiety to go away.” While understandable, this goal often keeps anxiety stronger for longer. The paradox of anxiety is this: the more we try to beat it, the more power it gains.
Healing begins when we shift from control to willingness.