Abstract
In a world increasingly defined by perpetual crises such as wars, pandemics, and climate disasters, individuals are continuously exposed to an atmosphere of uncertainty. This paper examines how global events influence experiences of anxiety and the development of resilience. Rather than occurring as isolated incidents, such crises contribute to a state of chronic psychological tension. Over time, anxiety evolves from a temporary reaction into a normal part of everyday life. Drawing on psychological concepts including vicarious trauma, chronic anxiety, and hypervigilance, this paper explains why individuals may remain in a state of heightened alertness even in the absence of immediate threat. However, anxiety is not solely harmful. It also motivates people to seek collective identities that offer meaning and stability. Social Identity Theory and Uncertainty-Identity Theory demonstrate how group membership can alleviate distress by providing clarity and a sense of belonging during threatening circumstances. Empirical evidence from clinical, social, and organizational contexts confirms that shared identity consistently enhances resilience. Belonging to a group turns feelings of vulnerability into strength, and helps us see anxiety not just as a threat, but as a signal that we need to adapt and connect with others. Ultimately, this paper argues that anxiety and resilience are not opposing phenomena, but interconnected responses. Living in a perpetual state of crisis necessitates learning to confront uncertainty collectively, and to rebuild not by eliminating anxiety, but by discovering resilience through it and within community.
Keywords: Anxiety, collective identity, resilience
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