Psychology: Typical warning signs that often indicate fear

It's often said that fear is a bad advisor. It's not quite that simple. After all, from an evolutionary perspective, fear is actually just that: an advisor meant to warn us of danger. The problem is that our brains haven't noticeably evolved since the days when we had to flee from saber-toothed tigers. It can therefore happen that our brains react to an upcoming trip or a stressful situation at work with the same alarming drama as they do to the life-threatening threat of a deadly big cat. And according to "Psychology Today," such fears can lead us to develop unhealthy habits that make our lives even more difficult. These, for example, are just a few examples.

4 self-destructive behaviors that often arise from fear

When we numb ourselves with habits that can be addictive, it's often due to trauma or anxiety. Such coping strategies can include excessive drinking or the use of other drugs, emotional eating or binge eating, or even hours spent scrolling through social media or online shopping—activities that give us a quick dopamine high. We often view such habits as addictions and therefore illnesses in themselves, but they can actually be a symptom of deeper issues, especially anxiety.

2. Saying yes even though you mean no

The fear of being rejected or left completely alone can lead us to be afraid to communicate our true opinions, feelings, or thoughts. We say yes to things we don't really want to do, or say no to something we want because we're afraid of negative consequences.

3. Procrastination

Anxious people often have a strong need for control. They plan everything meticulously and create detailed to-do lists. However, they may still find themselves unable to get started. They procrastinate – out of fear that things won't go as planned. This uncertainty can paralyze people with anxiety to the point where they practically stop doing anything. This, in turn, can increase their suffering – a vicious cycle.

4. Perfectionism

People plagued by anxiety may also have a tendency toward perfectionism. Fearing that we're not good enough, we set unrealistic goals for ourselves and are highly self-critical when we don't achieve something perfectly. Catastrophizing can also be a part of this behavior. We over-dramatize trivial things and assume the world will collapse if we make a mistake.

What can you do if you recognize these anxiety habits?

Recognizing problematic behaviors is an important first step. In moments of acute anxiety or stress, you could try grounding yourself through your body. Focus on your breathing, take a few steps, and mindfully notice what you can see, feel, smell, or taste. This can help you calm down a bit, allowing you to think more clearly and less fear-dominated. In many cases, however, it's a good idea to seek therapeutic help to work through what triggers your fears and find solutions that will help you sustainably.

mbl Brigitte

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