Where Longing and Fear Collide

anxiety (n.)

1520s, "apprehension caused by danger, misfortune, or error, uneasiness of mind respecting some uncertainty, a restless dread of some evil," from Latin anxietatem (nominative anxietas) "anguish, anxiety, solicitude," noun of quality from anxius "uneasy, troubled in mind" (see anxious). It was sometimes considered a pathological condition (1660s); modern psychiatric use dates to 1904. Age of Anxiety is from Auden's poem (1947). For "anxiety, distress," Old English had angsumnes, Middle English anxumnesse.

Anxiety can be a complex and multifaceted emotion that arises when longing and fear collide. It is a robust psychological response to anticipating threats or desiring something out of reach. This collision between longing and fear can create a turbulent inner experience that affects our thoughts, emotions, and behaviours.

Longing: At the heart of anxiety lies a longing or desire for something lacking or missing. It could be the longing for security, love, success, acceptance, or a sense of purpose. This longing can be conscious or unconscious, arising from unmet needs or unfulfilled expectations.

Fear: Anxiety is an emotional response to perceived threats or uncertainties, often accompanied by fear. We fear the possibility of failure, rejection, loss, or the unknown. This fear triggers the body's stress response, leading to physical sensations like increased heart rate, churning in the stomach, faster breathing and restlessness.

The Collision: When longing and fear collide, they create tension within us. On the one hand, we desire or yearn for something, seeking to fulfil our needs or aspirations. On the other hand, we fear the potential consequences or obstacles that might stand in our way. This conflict generates inner turmoil, leaving us restless, agitated, and uncertain.

The interplay between longing and fear can manifest in various forms of anxiety, such as generalised anxiety disorder, social anxiety, or specific phobias. While anxiety is a natural response to certain situations, excessive or chronic anxiety can significantly impact our well-being and functioning. (Rory Singer)