While childhood fears of monsters and shadows typically fade with age, anxiety can follow us into adulthood, taking new forms amid global crises and technological overwhelm. But experts suggest an unexpected pathway to peace: embracing creativity and curiosity.
Certainly, children have fears and those fears are normal. The question is about how to distinguish between common fears and excessive anxiety. Many experts explain that the difference is really centered on the frequency, intensity and duration of the fear. Many professions explain that positive reinforcement, encouraging children to face their fears and seeking professional help are all important steps, as needed, to help children with anxiety.
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What about for adults? “Our brains have a negativity bias that makes us hyper-attentive to potential threats,” explains sociologist Martha Beck. “It’s like focusing on one cobra among fifteen puppies.” This survival mechanism, while useful for our ancestors, can trap modern humans in persistent worry cycles.
Unlike healthy fear, which subsides once danger passes, anxiety lingers and feeds on our thoughts. The solution isn’t fighting these feelings head-on, but approaching them with genuine curiosity and compassion. “Listen to your anxiety like you would a frightened creature,” Beck suggests. “Say ‘I hear you, tell me everything.'”
Engaging in creative activities – whether painting, sculpting, or simply coloring – activates different neural pathways that can break anxiety’s grip. The key is focusing on the process rather than the product. “Make art not for the outcome, but for how it affects you,” Beck advises.
This approach, combined with professional support when needed, can help transform anxiety from a persistent threat into a manageable companion, allowing both children and adults to build more balanced, peaceful lives.