38 Don’t Let A nxiety Run Your Life
Basic
Emotion SituationWave
Intensity
Rating
(1 – 5)HappinessSadnessA ngerFearExcitementDisgustAs we have discussed, fear and anxiety, at their core, are
emotions. These emotions, along with many others, serve
useful functions. As you might guess from what you have
already read, fear and anxiety serve to motivate your behav-
ior (immediate or long term), communicate to others how
you are feeling, and even help you better understand an
uncertain situation. Emotions are adaptive in that they
guide you toward a more balanced sense of self and a better
quality of life.
Like any emotion, however, fear or anxiety can quickly
become problematic and overwhelming. Many symptoms of
anxiety result from reactive, judgmental, and inf lexible
responses to negative emotions. W hen these occur, it’s often
helpful to consider how you will manage your emotions so