THE UNKNOWN REFLECTION IN THE MIRROR: THE ANXIETY

Résumé

Anxiety is a prevalent psychological disorder that often begins with a fear of the unknown, leading individuals to panic or seek constant companionship. It reflects an internal narrative that is disconnected from reality; one that does not exist, has never existed, and may never exist in any objective sense. This distorted perception is at the heart of the title of this paper. Pinel and Barnes (2021) observe that clients with anxiety disorders often interpret their fears as absolute truths, even when presented with contradictory evidence. These individuals embrace their anxious thoughts as familiar companions—internal realities they believe they can manage independently, without external intervention. The most troubling aspect of anxiety is its tendency to trigger negative thought patterns. Clients often perceive danger in everyday circumstances, whether these dangers are rooted in thoughts, behaviours, or interactions with others. In Jonah’s case, his anxiety led to intrusive worries about his sister becoming ill, his mother falling,and his partner being involved in a fatal accident. Understanding anxiety through a more nuanced lens, specifically by applying the Biopsychosocial (BPS) and Cultural Responsivity and Social Justice (CRSJ) frameworks, alongside therapeutic counselling strategies, allows for a richer and more effective exploration of its causes and impacts.