We all experience anxiety in times of uncertainty, although some of us will express it or be overwhelmed by it more than others. Appropriate anxiety and fear are important reactions necessary for our survival, as they alert us to potential danger and warn us to pay attention to our physical surroundings or current situation.

Becoming overwhelmed by such emotions, however, is usually counterproductive to good decision making and effective communication with others. Moreover, if you only focus on fear and the worst possible outcome, life can become unbearable.

Think about a ship in stormy weather. The officer of the deck, whose job is to watch for hazards, needs a modicum of anxiety to stay alert for danger. Once the captain is alerted that action needs to be taken, then knowledge, skill and a calm demeanor will allow clear thinking and effective communication to pilot that ship. We would not want a skipper who is frantic or overcome with anxiety to make decisions.

When you experience fear and anxiety, take a deep breath, and make a conscious effort to switch to your rational mind and intuition. To avoid becoming dominated by the fear within, change your focus from the potential dreaded outcome to taking appropriate action. By getting the facts, learning what is going on, and deciding what steps to take, you will calm your anxiety and become more effective in avoiding harm.

Once safe, remember to nourish other parts of yourself. Find ways to be creative, help others, be productive, connect with people, and have fun.

by Alison Poulsen, PhD Psychology