There is a definite and often contentious relationship between anxiety and decision-making. We each make decisions of all sizes, all day long. If anxiety is at play, this seemingly normal process can feel like we’re suddenly navigating a minefield.
When you have to factor in the presence of widespread societal anxiety, the degree of difficulty rises exponentially. To manage situations like this, it becomes necessary to first understand the factors you’re dealing with, e.g. anxiety and decision-making.
The Process of Decision-Making
In familiar instances, most people tend to go on automatic pilot when it comes to making mundane decisions. Generally speaking, this is a productive time-saver. In stressful times, however, quickly made decisions can lead to regrets. Still, for the most part, anxiety is not at its most destructive when we feel comfortable with the event.
When we’re asked to make decisions in new or unexpected circumstances, we typically require more input. We need to take some extra time to weigh out our options.
Some of the other factors affecting our decision-making:
- Too many options
- Feeling rushed
- Too many people and opinions being input
- The presence of anxiety
The Impact of Anxiety
Research shows that effective decision-making happens most often when specific neurons in the brain are functioning properly. These neurons are found in the prefrontal cortex (PFC). Anxiety, it turns out, is quite adept at disrupting neurons in the PFC. The result? A marked decrease in the quality of the choices you make. Anxiety can create reductions in
- Your ability to regulate your emotions
- Intellectual flexibility
- How much control you have over your behavior
Further studies have found that the PFC is particularly vulnerable to anxiety before we reach the age of 25. Even so, people of all ages display decision-making issues when they are experiencing anxiety. But how can they know anxiety is the cause?
5 Signs You’re Suffering From the Mix of Anxiety and Decision-Making
1. You Feel Easily Influenced or Pressured
Is it hard to say “no”? You may feel so paralyzed by anxiety and pre-emptive guilt that you automatically allow other people to influence your choices.
2. You Regularly Pass Up Important Opportunities
Even if you feel an initial blast of excitement, you always turn down the chance to do something that a) interests you but b) feels too risky.
3. Everything Feels Destined to be the Worst-Case Scenario
You sit down to weigh out the advantages and disadvantages of a particular choice that needs to be made. Quickly, every conceivable outcome defaults to the worst-case scenario. Like #2, you choose perceived safety over perceived risk.
4. Regrets, You’ve Had More Than a Few
Anxiety is definitely active in your decision-making process if you’re second-guessing every choice you make.
5. You Have Virtually Stopped Making Any Decisions
How often do you ask (beg?) others to make decisions for you? It could be something as benign as where to sit in a restaurant. To you, it feels like an impossible quandary.
Making the Decision to Get Help For Your Anxiety
Okay, you just heard a lot about how tough decision-making can be. That may seem to put a damper on making the important determination to start seeing a therapist. But think of it this way: taking the leap to get counseling will provide the precise guidance you need to reign in anxiety and start making confident decisions.
Anxiety tells us convincing lies. It helps immensely to have a skilled guide assist you in differentiating real dangers from perceived threats. If you feel like you have no more than one decision left in you, let it be the one to seek support. Please read more about anxiety treatment and reach out for a consultation soon.
