Stoic philosophy and psychological insights on managing worry

Philosophical and psychological perspectives offer strategies for managing difficulties and chronic worry. Stoic philosopher Epictetus emphasized the importance of turning inward during adversity to identify personal resources—such as patience, creativity, or the ability to seek help—rather than focusing solely on uncontrollable external problems.

Central to this approach is distinguishing between what is within an individual's control and what is not. While external events like others' opinions or unexpected delays cannot be managed, one can control their reaction and attitude.

Complementing these ancient views, Harvard professor Arthur Brooks discusses the tendency of the mind to construct apocalyptic scenarios. Drawing on the idea from Seneca that people often suffer more in imagination than in reality, Brooks notes that chronic worry can become a substitute for actual problem-solving, leading to a constant state of negativity known as the avoidance model.