Anxious Human Being

Understanding Anxiety

Anxiety accompanies us whenever and wherever we are. It is part of being human. Humans are creatures of anxiety, and this shapes their relationship to the world, to others, and to themselves.

Functions of Anxiety

In order to highlight the different ways in which anxiety manifests, a distinction is proposed between three basic functions: affective fear, felt anxieties, and mental anxiety. Each represents a specific form of vital danger management, encompassing not only physical protection functions but also the mental anticipation of possible risks and threats.

Imbalance and Pathology

However, anxiety—particularly in the form of emotional experiences—can become imbalanced, be experienced as distressing, and even become pathological.

Incorporating Anxiety

Therefore, it is hoped that people possess the mental strength to meaningfully incorporate their anxieties into their lives.

Theoretical Perspectives

To offer a nuanced perspective of the topic, relevant theories from biology, psychology, sociology, and philosophy are considered, with further exploration of the findings in social, political, and ideological-worldview applications.