Much of the time we worry because we feel that we have little control over a possible outcome. That is to say that there are several choices of outcome and we do not always have it in our power to make sure that the one we prefer comes about.
An example of this could be when we have taken an exam. There are two possible outcomes. Either we pass or we may fail. Worrying itself will not change the outcome but most of us will do so anyway until we get our final results.
The fear of the unknown has always been one of the strongest causes of worry, right through to the feeling of terror.
Children often start out worrying that there is something ‘bad’ and scary lurking in the dark shadows of their bedroom. This worry can grow to massive proportions if the worry cannot be dispelled in some way.
Just as children’s worries can grow, so can adults. We too can see possible trouble lurking in the shadows, or unforeseen, areas of life.
Interestingly, worrying can also serve us in a positive manner when the worries are small. Worries can be a mental nudge to check out that we have done all that we can to get what we want. A constant worry that you have left the oven on when you have gone out, as long as its not a compulsive disorder, could mean that you return home early and find that you had indeed, left the oven on and have arrived in time to avert possible disaster.
Sometimes people worry rather allot when they haven’t got many other things to do with their time. An elderly man, for example, who has spent much of his life gardening but cannot manage to do so anymore, may spend the time which he would previously been gardening in worrying.
In this way worrying would be providing the old man with a focus and a way of filling his time. If he were presented with a more productive activity which he was capable of and had the desire to do, then many of his worries would undoubtedly diminish.
As worrying seems to be a universal activity amongst us humans then I must conclude that it must be important to our lives and perhaps the survival of mankind, as worrying provides us with an outlet for our fears and reminds us to take care.
