ANGST

This term may appear somewhat strange to see but it carries a remarkably interesting meaning.  It first came to my attention many years ago when I was in graduate school and has lingered in my mind.  The word was introduced into English from the Danish, Norwegian, Dutch, and German word angst.  It has been evident since the 19^th century in the English translations of works by Soren Kierkegaard and Sigmund Freud.  Their early ideas carry a specific conceptual meaning used in English to refer to a profound and intense feeling of apprehension, as “dread “or “anxiety”. This deep-seated condition is guided solely in non-human animals by instinct.  Human beings enjoy a freedom of choice that is found to be appealing and yet terrifying.  It is the power of choice that, at times, becomes a real challenge.  Anxiety can occur with a feeling of worry, concern, apprehension, or consternation.

Another way of understanding anxiety is comparing it to fear.

The object of fear is clearly identified.  If one is fearful of dogs one can avoid them.  However, anxiety has no direct object.  It is an emotional condition in which one experiences uncertainty, worry, unease, or tension.  This condition can be very disabling for one to function easily and resolve an issue.

“It has been said that there are three sides to every issue”.

“Yours, the other side and the truth.”