How to identify the real cause of anxiety

Hello friends, welcome to all of you on Mental wellness. I am your friend Dr. KK from Jaipur, Rajasthan. If we want to eliminate anxiety completely, we must remove its causes. The root of anxiety is within us and until this root or seed is eliminated, we cannot escape anxiety. A question arises about how to eliminate this root of anxiety, especially when we are trying hard but still cannot get out of it. If we cannot overcome it, it means we are not addressing the true root of anxiety. Therefore, identifying the root and cause of anxiety is crucial.

Anxiety usually comes from imaginary reasons. If our problem is imaginary, it creates anxiety. We need to learn how to tell whether a problem is imaginary or real. If we can differentiate between the two, we can learn how to reduce our anxiety. To help us with this, we can practice Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Understanding this difference allows us to realize what is real and what is imaginary. As our awareness improves, we become more detached from imaginary problems, which helps us feel normal and better.

The first point of difference is simple: an imaginary problem is not real, while a real problem is actual. If a problem is imaginary, the mind tries to solve it; however, since it doesn’t exist in reality, no real solution can be found. In contrast, when dealing with a real problem, we develop skills to solve it. A solution for a real issue can emerge. If a solution to an imaginary problem cannot be found, it can hurt our ego. Our ego may push to resolve it, leading the mind to overthink without any progress since the problem was never real to begin with. This overthinking results in anxiety.

When a solution is found, the mind becomes calm and relaxed. If we are stuck seeking a solution to an imaginary problem, we feel helpless. But when we tackle a real problem and find a solution, we feel empowered and strong. Dealing with real issues leads to confidence and happiness, while imaginary problems produce feelings of helplessness, which create anxiety.

If you are grappling with an imaginary issue and cannot find a solution, you may feel stuck as time progresses. This fixation can make you dwell in either the past or future. In contrast, when working on a real problem, you remain focused on the present. The ability to stay present fosters happiness. Someone who is present enjoys their life and realizes the good things around them, such as family, home, and job. If you're not present, you might feel as though nothing has happened, even with many positive aspects around you. This distinction highlights whether a problem is imaginary or real.