The Roots of Anxiety

They say anxiety is a disorder.

Yet we’re simultaneously told that we must care what others think.

“Which others? And why?” Those questions are not permitted, nor considered.

Young people come of age in a society with their psyches firmly fixed in these contradictions. “Don’t be afraid of being who you are. But be sure not to upset anyone. Be all you can be. But make sure you fit in.”

Fit — into what, and why? That question is never considered, nor permitted.

And we wonder why anxiety paralyzes millions, tempting them into addiction, possible depression, even suicide. We have done this to ourselves, and to each other. Because of the way we think.