I keep hearing reports about an “epidemic of anxiety” that is sweeping across America. This conveniently mirrors the “epidemic of drug overdoses”, “epidemic of violence”, “epidemic of partisanship” and other headlines from the past two years.
In a podcast I was listening to, an author was discussing how social media (especially Instagram) has exacerbated this epidemic among adolescents. Then she and the host talked about free-floating anxiety being pervasive across society.
I looked up the definition of free-floating anxiety:
Free-floating anxiety refers to an ongoing sense of dread, fear, or restlessness without a specific cause
source: verywellmind
I don’t have this and have not experienced it in a long, long time. In fact, I rarely even experience regular anxiety.
Anxiety: a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease, typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome.
source: OxfordLanguages
I’m human, so I occasionally experience anxiety. Before my hernia surgeries, I was a bit worried. When my elbow swelled up with bursitis, it made me worry. When either of my dogs displays signs of pain, I feel anxious. Until I do something about it, I’ll experience dreadticipation.
But it never lasts long because I take action. I research, consider my options, make a plan and take the next right step. Then the anxiety dissipates with action (aka dreadlimination)
As for free-floating anxiety, I remember having it before I got sober back in 2004. But after working through therapy and a rigorous 12 step program, I discovered that all of my anxiety had specific causes. It felt like it was free-floating because I was avoiding facing reality by getting drunk every night.
So I wonder if this latest “epidemic” is really free-floating or if it is oversimplification and amplification of something that many of us do – try to live with our demons (or pretend they don’t exist) without doing anything to address them.
If you feel like you are suffering from free-floating anxiety, I recommend making a plan of action. Therapy, medication, life changes, inventories and amends may be required for you to break through.
Being on the other side, I can tell you, it is well worth it.