The 6 Stages of Anxiety
Anxiety occurs in six distinct stages. Some of these stages may last for only a fraction of a second while others may endure for years or even decades.
The 6 Stages of Anxiety
- Realization: This is where we become aware that something might harm us and feel afraid.
- Focus: In this stage we focus on what we think might hurt us and look for a way to prevent it.
- Worry: Once the focus fails and there is no obvious way to avoid what might harm us we begin worrying. This is where our mind goes on autopilot seeking a solution to our problem.
- Obsession/Compulsion: Because we cannot find a way to avoid what might hurt us we begin rigidly engaging in behaviors we think will avoid what we fear.
- Panic: When confronted by what we have by now become deathly afraid of we freeze, we have a panic attack. This is a natural survival instinct. In nature freezing helps us remain unnoticed and, therefore, safe. It is what we do when there is not other alternative.
- Dillusion: When anxiety persists for long enough people begin to imagine an alternative reality where they can be safe. This is the equivalent of a waking dream.
Of course, at any stage anxiety can end. However, if it persists and grows our anxiety reaction always goes through these six stages. Unfortunately, the first two stages usually go unnoticed. These stages hold the key to eliminating it.
