Have you ever wondered why some fears and anxieties repeat themselves over and over, apparently without reason? The answer lies in the deeper layers of our being. Fear and anxiety, though natural reactions, have their roots in how our mind processes information, in emotional patterns, and even in our existential beliefs. In today’s world, where physical threats have largely been replaced by psychological and social challenges, anxiety has become a silent epidemic. Understanding these roots goes beyond simple symptom recognition and allows us to confront the original source of the problem.
Cognitive roots; the ever‑worried predicting mind
The human brain is naturally wired for survival and constantly predicts future threats. But in chronic anxiety, this system becomes hyperactive. You constantly review and reinforce negative scenarios. The result is a spiral of catastrophic thinking that weakens problem‑solving ability. This phenomenon can also be interpreted as a kind of “lack of trust in the natural flow of existence” – an attempt to gain absolute control over the future, which always brings resistance and energy drain.
Emotional roots; contraction in the face of experience
Fear, on an emotional level, means contraction and avoidance of an experience. When you refuse to fully accept life’s difficult experiences – such as your own shortcomings or unpleasant situations – your psychological energy becomes blocked in some way. This denial, often rooted in a need for external approval or perfectionism, pushes the problem into deeper layers of the psyche instead of solving it. Acceptance, however, is not passive resignation; it is observing reality without judgment and extra resistance. This acceptance opens the door to peace.
Avoidance behaviours and the shrinking circle of life
One of the most common learned responses to anxiety is avoidance behaviour. To escape the unpleasant feeling, you gradually avoid anxiety‑provoking situations – whether social, occupational, or even mental. The result is a shrinking circle of life. Every time avoidance appears to succeed, the related neural pathways are reinforced, and you become trapped in an even narrower space. Against this behaviour, gradual exposure and moving toward what is necessary for growth is the main solution. This is the inner effort to overcome the self, often mentioned in ethical texts.
Existential roots; the thirst for meaning
The deepest roots of anxiety often go back to existential questions: What is my purpose? Is my life valuable? In the absence of a strong, internal meaning framework, you become excessively dependent on unstable external factors – such as fame, wealth, or physical health. This dependency itself becomes a permanent source of anxiety, because none of these factors are eternal. Finding a transcendent purpose – whether through serving others, developing your talents, or connecting with the source of existence – brings stability and peace that overshadows transient hardships.
References
[6] Karmi, M. Foundations of Positive Psychology. Tehran: Arasbaran Publications, 2020, p. 156.
[7] Farahani, R. “The Role of Psychological Adjustment in Moderating the Relationship Between Perfectionism and Anxiety”. Research in Clinical Psychology, Vol. 11, No. 2, 2020, p. 45.
[8] Soleimani, A. Stress and Anxiety Management. Tehran: Samt Publications, 2018, p. 134.
[9] Rahimi, H. & Ahmadi, F. “Spirituality and Mental Health”. Journal of Psychology of Religion and Life, Vol. 10, No. 38, 2019, p. 67.
[10] Ibn Qayyim. Self‑Reckoning. Tehran: Dar al‑Ulum Publications, 2011, p. 34.
