uncertainty

The Psychology of Uncertainty: Why We Struggle and How We Cope

The Psychology of Uncertainty: Why We Struggle and How We Cope

Uncertainty is an unavoidable part of life. We can’t control everything that happens around or to us. But uncertainty can trigger discomfort, worry, and stress because our brains are wired to crave predictability. From an evolutionary perspective, our brains are designed to seek patterns and predict outcomes. The brain sees uncertainty as a potential threat, triggering the amygdala, the part of the brain responsible for flight-or-fight response, leading to feeling anxious and catastrophizing about worst-case scenarios. Having control over our environment created safety and ensured our survival.  Continue reading →

Posted by Becky McGinnis, MS, LPCC in Anxiety