The essence of anxiety is the fear of losing control

The essence of anxiety is a psychological response to future uncertainty and a sense of loss of control, manifested as excessive concern and physiological arousal towards potential threats.

Anxiety arises from the innate human need for a sense of security and control. When an individual faces an unpredictable or uncontrollable situation, the brain activates defense mechanisms to respond to potential dangers by increasing alertness. This mechanism has protected human survival during evolution, but in modern society, it is prone to over activation due to complex stressors. Typical manifestations include persistent nervousness, catastrophizing thinking, and physical symptoms such as palpitations and sweating, which are essentially preparations made by the body to respond to hypothetical threats. The anxiety response of some populations is related to specific cognitive patterns. The obsession with perfectionism, tendency towards excessive responsibility, or negative beliefs formed from early experiences can amplify the fear of losing control. This type of situation often requires cognitive behavioral intervention to adjust automated thinking. Pathological states such as post-traumatic stress disorder and generalized anxiety disorder involve neurotransmitter imbalances, which may be accompanied by avoidance behavior and social dysfunction, requiring professional medical evaluation. Establishing a regular schedule and mindfulness practice can help enhance psychological stability, while progressive exposure training can reduce sensitivity to uncertainty. When anxiety continues to affect daily life, it is recommended to seek psychological assessment to determine whether professional intervention is needed. Moderate anxiety has adaptive functions, and the key is to control it within a reasonable range through emotional regulation techniques, rather than pursuing complete elimination.