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It Turns Out My Anxiety Might Mean I’m a Genius
You know, my mom always referred to our constant worrying as “free-floaters,” which kind of became our quirky little inside joke. It captured that endless cycle of anxiety we both shared—like when I fixated on the tiny bump on my wrist, convinced it was a rare tumor that only struck down 13-year-olds. Or when I panicked after my cat scratched me, fearing a bout of cat scratch fever. And let’s not even start on the anxiety that would hit when someone was late; my mind would jump to the worst-case scenario, like a fiery car crash rather than just traffic.
Yep, I’m definitely the type who sees disaster lurking around every corner. I’m the one who drives back home to check if the toaster is off, who still avoids aspirin because of that old fear of Reye’s syndrome (even though that’s been a non-issue for ages), and who frequently checks her own pulse wondering if today’s the day I discover a heart arrhythmia. When my kids were little, I even used a wrist strap to tether myself to their stroller. Talk about not being well!
But here’s the twist: it turns out that my anxiety might actually make me a genius. Studies highlighted in Slate suggest that those of us with anxiety might have higher intelligence than those who blissfully go through life without worrying about falling objects. For example, a study from Lakehead University in Ontario found that students with higher anxiety reported better scores on verbal intelligence tests. Another research conducted at SUNY Downstate Medical Center indicated that people with severe generalized anxiety disorder might have a higher IQ than those with milder forms of anxiety.
The relationship between intelligence and anxiety is a bit of a chicken-and-egg scenario—does being smart cause anxiety, or does anxiety drive intelligence? Maybe that constant worrying makes us more alert and attentive, leading to better learning and thus seeming smarter. Or perhaps it’s the whirlwind of thoughts in our heads that triggers the anxiety. I’m leaning toward the latter!
Now, I feel a little less ashamed about the times I’ve bombarded my husband with texts when I hadn’t heard from him or rushed to the doctor over a weird rib. It seems my brain just doesn’t stop running. So, excuse me while I dive back into my book on Remembrance of Things Past before I sneak a peek at my kids at recess to ensure they’re not being bullied—or maybe I’ll just check my pulse one more time.
By the way, if you’re interested in more about parental journeys, check out this post on home insemination kits and learn about the options available. And if you’re seeking expert insights, Make A Mom is a great resource for couples on their fertility journey. For more information on pregnancy and home insemination, Medical News Today is an excellent resource.
In short, while my anxiety might seem overwhelming at times, it could also be a sign of my unique intelligence. So here’s to embracing the quirks of our minds!