Does anxiety stem from insecurity?

Question

I've never fully understood anxiety. Just curious on some opinions here.

Answer 1

As some of the others have noted, anxiety is a complicated construct, not simply explained. One thing to keep in mind is that there is most certainly an adaptive component to anxiety. When there is imminent danger or risk, there is an advantage to having the body signal danger. The physiological components of anxiety - the sweating, palpitating heart, hyperventilation, are probably rooted in the primitive parts of the brain. The down side, of course, is when these signals are activated in the absence of true danger. And in contemporary society, these signals can be activated for all kinds of reasons - the perceived threat of taking a test, meeting someone new or public speaking are common examples. The threat does not have to be tangible. Existential anxiety has its own body of literature.

Treatments for anxiety are aimed at controlling the anxious response. Most common are medications, which interfere with the physiological response (lots of people self-medicate with alcohol) and cognitive therapy, in which you basically rethink your anxious response and learn to control it.

Anxiety disorders seem to be on the increase. Probably a sign of our current culture. We certainly live in anxious times and are constantly bombarded by anxiety provoking stimuli. Hmm. Think I'll go have a drink...

Answer 2

Maybe - but insecurity is just way too simple as an explanation for anxiety, which comes in many shapes and sizes, as a Google Search will reveal.

For example, there's Generalised Anxiety Disorder and Panic Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Agoraphobia and other phobias like fear of flying, etc etc.

Fear - whether of something specific, or after an anxiety attack hits is usually integral to any anxiety attack.

As well, anxiety also can be part of other mental and physical illnesses.

There appears to be a lot of evidence that some forms of anxiety disorders are inherited.

Just beware of simplistic answers to complex questions.

Answer 3

I am so happy, it was only a 35 minute drive ( 70 minutes total) but absolutely no sign of anxiety or panic i shopped till I dropped - brilliant! I will now go for the next stage DUAL CARRIAGE way, probably at the weekend, with my husband accompanying me first then the solo drive, if successful the final stage of driving on motorway

Beat Anxiety And Panic Attacks Naturally?

Answer 4

YES! And, it can stem from many years ago. As a child, I was made fun of. I didn't realize until college that all those remarks hurt me so much that it caused an anxiety disorder. Therapy helped me find the answers. It never really goes away either. Meds help, but it never dies.

Answer 5

I've had a couple of bouts with anxiety and I seem to be fine in the security department.
It occurs from too much worry. . .thinking about too many "what if's". . .and chewing on things until there is nothing left but bone.
All you need to do in order to squash it is. . .stop worrying ;)

Answer 6

I guess anxiety can stem from insecurity...but that is such a narrow view of a bigger problem.

Answer 7

There really is only Fear and Love. Anxiety and insecurity would fall under the category of Fear.

Answer 8

For me it very well may have something to do with insecurity...at this point though, I really don't know for sure.

Answer 9

well yeah.