Why anxiety sometimes overwhelms us

Anxiety is a universal human experience, but why does it sometimes feel so overwhelming? Psychodynamic psychotherapy offers a lens to understand this question by looking beneath the surface of our conscious thoughts to uncover deeper, often unconscious, processes.

At its core, anxiety is a signal. It alerts us that something feels unsafe or unresolved, even if we can’t immediately identify what that “something” is. Psychodynamic theory suggests that overwhelming anxiety often stems from conflicts between our conscious desires and unconscious fears or memories. These conflicts can be rooted in early life experiences, shaping how we perceive and respond to challenges today.

For example, if as children we learned to avoid conflict to maintain peace, we might now feel intense anxiety when faced with confrontation. Or, if we were taught that success was tied to love or approval, the fear of failure might trigger disproportionate panic.

Modern life adds its own pressures. The constant demand to succeed, stay connected, and project a perfect image can clash with our deeper needs for rest, connection, and authenticity. When we ignore these inner needs, anxiety may surge as our unconscious calls for attention.

Psychodynamic psychotherapy helps us explore these underlying tensions. By bringing unconscious conflicts into awareness, we can begin to understand and work through the roots of our anxiety. In doing so, we can feel less overwhelmed and more able to navigate life’s uncertainties with self-compassion and clarity.

Anxiety is not a sign of weakness but an invitation to better understand ourselves. The question is: are we ready to listen?