Anxiety is hard to overlook these days. We live in a society where the fast pace of life and constant changes are a daily norm. Anxiety can be disturbing and paralyzing, and sometimes it can act as a warning sign, reminding us of the need to pay more attention to what is happening within and around us. Understanding anxiety requires a multidimensional perspective. Its manifestations and causes can vary greatly from one individual to another.
In this article, I have included three perspectives on the phenomenon of anxiety: existential, psychopathological, and psycho-social. The existential perspective views anxiety as a fundamental human experience that contributes to self-awareness and personal growth. In this view, anxiety is not merely a symptom, but a tool for a deeper understanding of one’s existence. The psychopathological approach treats anxiety as a disorder, which experts diagnose and treat through classification. When we observe this perspective through the lens of the psychopathological view, we can detect a focus on the biological and psychological factors that contribute to the development of various anxiety disorders. The socio-psychological perspective recognizes the influence of the social environment and interpersonal relationships on the experience of anxiety, including the concept of basic anxiety. Recognizing and integrating the different perspectives on anxiety leads to a more holistic and effective approach to the treatment and understanding of anxiety. In the following, I will provide a brief overview of each of the three perspectives mentioned.
The existential, psychopathological, and socio-psychological perspectives on anxiety offer different views that complement each other and together allow for a deeper understanding of this complex phenomenon.
The existential perspective on anxiety
Existentialism is a philosophical direction that focuses on the analysis of human existence, freedom, and decision-making, as well as the individual's ability to find meaning in life despite the inherent absurdity of existence. In this context, anxiety arises as a natural response to fundamental existential questions such as death, freedom, isolation, and meaning. Søren Kierkegaard, often referred to as the "father of existentialism," describes anxiety as the "vertigo of freedom," which occurs when an individual faces unlimited possibilities of choice and the responsibility that comes with this freedom. In his view, anxiety is inevitable and even essential for achieving self-understanding and authenticity. In his work, in addition to the philosophical and psychological perspectives, he also introduces a theological one. The key concept he discusses from this theological perspective is the awareness of sin and the ability to sin, which triggers anxiety in the individual (Kierkegaard, 2014). Another key existentialist, Jean-Paul Sartre (1943), explores the idea of anxiety as a response to freedom, emphasizing that freedom does not only mean the possibility of choice but also the burden of responsibility for those choices. Anxiety arises when an individual realizes that nothing is predetermined and that all values are subjectively created. Existential psychotherapy, as developed by Irvin D. Yalom, focuses on confronting four basic existential concerns, which we can also refer to as the 4S: death, freedom, isolation, and meaning. Therapists help clients explore how these concerns or challenges impact their anxiety and life, encouraging them to find their own answers and meaning within their existence (Yalom, 2020). In practice, examples of existential anxiety include clients facing feelings of emptiness after the loss of a loved one, fear of failure in career decisions, or a sense of loneliness and non-belonging in society. Existential therapists work with such clients by exploring these feelings, identifying hidden fears and dilemmas, and finding ways to build a more meaningful and fulfilling life. In summary, anxiety in the existential perspective is not only a negative state but also an opportunity for growth. It encourages the individual to search for meaning and values in a world where external guidance is absent or insufficient. Existential therapy, which stems from these principles, seeks to help clients confront their anxiety, understand its role in their lives, and use it as a catalyst for personal development.
The psychopathological perspective on anxiety
The psychopathological approach to anxiety focuses on understanding how anxiety manifests as a disorder and its impact on an individual’s daily functioning, the identification of symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of anxiety-related disorders. Within psychopathology, anxiety disorders are a group of mental disorders characterized by excessive worry, fear, and avoidance of situations that provoke these feelings. The simplest definition I have encountered so far is: Anxiety can be defined as a type of fear that arises when a person evaluates that a particular life experience exceeds their abilities. They wonder if they will be able to handle the situation (Milivojević, 2008). The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR) and the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) provide frameworks for the classification of anxiety disorders, which include generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, phobias, social anxiety disorder, and others (American Psychiatric Association, 2022). In practice, anxiety disorder cases are often associated with specific situations or objects (American Psychiatric Association, 2022), such as fear of flying, social situations, or specific phobias, such as fear of spiders.
The socio-psychological perspective on anxiety
The socio-psychological approach to anxiety examines how social interactions, cultural norms, and societal structures influence an individual’s feelings of anxiety. This perspective emphasizes that anxiety is not only an individual or internal experience but can also be a response to external social pressures, expectations, and conflicts. Social anxiety, or the fear of being judged or negatively evaluated by others, is one of the most direct examples of how the social context contributes to anxiety (Umek and Zupančič, 2020). The concept of basic anxiety, developed by psychoanalyst Karen Horney, refers to feelings of insecurity and anxiety arising from early interpersonal relationships, particularly in childhood. According to Horney (1950), basic anxiety forms the foundation for many later personality problems and disorders, as individuals develop various defense mechanisms and coping strategies to reduce their vulnerability to rejection and loneliness. This view highlights how early social experiences shape the foundations of an individual’s ability to cope with anxiety. Modern society, with its rapid changes, technological advancements, and social media, presents new challenges and pressures that can heighten feelings of anxiety. An example of this is the phenomenon of "FOMO" (fear of missing out), which is closely linked to the use of social media and the constant comparison of one’s life to the idealized portrayals of others' lives. Additionally, global uncertainties, such as economic crises, political tensions, and environmental concerns, contribute to feelings of helplessness and anxiety on a collective level (Umek and Zupančič, 2020). Interventions can focus on developing social skills, improving self-esteem, and providing coping strategies that help individuals navigate social challenges.
Conclusion
The article outlines three different, yet interconnected perspectives: existential, psychopathological, and socio-psychological. Each offers its own view on the phenomenon of anxiety, its causes, consequences, and ways of coping and treatment. When viewed through the lens of existentialism, anxiety can be seen as part of fundamental human dilemmas and concerns. These include confronting mortality, the search for meaning, the freedom of choice, and responsibility. We can also observe that anxiety is an inevitable part of our lives, which can be directed towards self-awareness and fostering personal growth. The psychopathological approach focuses on anxiety as a disorder that can be paralyzing and a major obstacle in an individual's life. When viewed from this perspective, it provides a greater understanding of the biological and psychological factors (causes, signs, and symptoms) characteristic of the onset and development of anxiety disorders. In this view, professional treatment is offered to resolve these issues, which can be psychotherapeutic, psychiatric, and/or medication-based. The socio-psychological perspective sheds light on the influence of society (social structures, cultural norms, and modern technology) and interpersonal relationships on the experience of anxiety. It can be seen as a systemic model, which views the individual in different systems (family, colleagues, classmates, friends, believers, etc.) and the impact of these systems on the experience/development of anxiety. As interventions, this perspective offers ways of managing anxiety by improving interpersonal relationships and strengthening social support. Anxiety is a multifaceted phenomenon that requires a multidisciplinary approach for a holistic understanding. The integration of different perspectives, both in professional (therapeutic) practice and in everyday life, helps individuals achieve a better understanding and management of their feelings of anxiety. At the same time, it can encourage personal development and improve the quality of life. The main aim of the article was precisely this: by reviewing different perspectives, I aim to create a broader view of the phenomenon of anxiety. It is not only a source of suffering but also an opportunity for growth, deeper understanding of oneself and others. In the context of a new perspective, anxiety can play a dual role, as a challenge and a potential catalyst for positive change in our lives. Regardless of the role it plays, facing anxiety requires compassion, understanding, and adaptation. We must not forget that there is no single "correct" way to address the experience of an individual, as the process differs from person to person. Experiencing one thing does not necessarily mean it is an absolute truth, so it is important to respect the uniqueness of each person (and ourselves) and allow ourselves to explore and develop our own strategies for coping with anxiety.