Uncertainty has a peculiar way of making us feel uncomfortable. It's as if our brains are wired to seek out stability and clarity, avoiding the murky waters of the unknown whenever possible.
Humans are creatures of habit and routine. We seek patterns, predictability, and a sense of control over our environment. Uncertainty, on the other hand, disrupts these comforting rhythms. It introduces doubt, potential danger, and challenges to our perceived control. The way we have evolved across history plays a significant role in this aversion. Historically, we needed to be in control. As early humans, we needed to anticipate threats and gather resources efficiently to survive. This is not always the case now, however this natural inclination towards certainty is deeply ingrained in our psychology.
When faced with uncertainty, our brains are like detectives on a mission. They initiate a flurry of activities to fill the gaps in our understanding and minimise the discomfort of uncertainty. The brain's predictive abilities, honed through years of experience, are put to the test. Our brain is wired to do this. It tries to construct scenarios, simulate outcomes, and generate predictions to make sense of the situation. There are situations when this is really helpful and adaptive. However sometimes it is unhelpful to try to predict the future, as often our predictions are wrong, and it distracts us from what is happening in the present moment.
Control and certainty often go hand in hand. The less control we perceive, the more uncertainty creeps in. The more uncertain we feel. Our brains respond by seeking ways to regain a sense of mastery, even if it means overestimating potential negative outcomes. This is what we call “catastrophising”, where we think of the worst case scenario possible. This is where anxiety can slip in, as heightened vigilance and worry become strategies to regain control over uncertain situations. The brain's attempt to resolve uncertainty paradoxically feeds into the cycle of anxiety, leading to a self-perpetuating loop.
To ease the discomfort of uncertainty, we employ various coping mechanisms. Some of these mechanisms are adaptive, like seeking information or support. However, others can be counterproductive, such as avoidance or unhelpful thinking styles. Avoidance, while providing temporary relief, reinforces the brain's belief that uncertainty is dangerous, thereby intensifying anxiety over time. Negative thinking patterns, on the other hand, can limit our ability to adapt and find creative solutions, trapping us in a cycle of rumination and worry.
Understanding the intricacies of our brain's response to uncertainty is the first step towards managing anxiety. Identifying the unhelpful patterns of thinking we can engage with when we are faced with uncertainty can be a helpful approach. Additionally, exposing ourselves to situations of uncertainty without avoidance can help us confront and gradually learn to tolerate uncertainty. In doing this, we can rewire our brains to view uncertainty as a manageable challenge rather than an insurmountable threat. At the end of the day, given that uncertainty is an inevitable part of life, these are worthwhile and valuable skills. While uncertainty may always remain a part of our journey, our response to it is within our control.
If you would like some support in learning to tolerate uncertainty and managing anxiety, give our team a call on (03) 9882 8874 to book an appointment with one of our team
This blog was written and prepared by Hannah Gersh – Clinical Psychologist at Melbourne Wellbeing Group.