THE PSYCHOLOGY OF SURVIVAL-ANXIETY

Associated with fear is anxiety. Because it is natural for us to be afraid, it is also natural for us to experience anxiety. Anxiety can be an uneasy, apprehensive feeling we get when faced with dangerous situations(physical, mental, emotional). When used in a healthy way, right or wrong, anxiety urges us to act to end, or at least master, the dangers that threaten our existence or the existence of those we care for or love. If we were never anxious we could not really care, there would be little motivation to make changes in life Anyone in a survival setting reduces his anxiety by performing those tasks that will promote reaching his intended goal or goals. As we reduce our anxiety we are also bringing under control the source of that anxiety--our fears. In this form, anxiety is good; however, anxiety can also have a devastating impact. Anxiety can overwhelm--to the point where we become easily confused, and have difficulty thinking. Once this happens, it becomes more and more  to make good judgements and sound decisions. To survive Canadians must learn techniques to calm our anxieties and keep them in the range where they help, not hurt.