My mom used to call them “free-floaters,” and that nickname stuck for the constant worrying that plagued us both. The kind of anxiety that made me think that a tiny bump on my wrist was a rare tumor threatening to cut down 13-year-olds in their prime. Or that a scratch from my cat could lead to a terrible case of cat scratch fever. When someone was late, my mind would leap to the worst-case scenario: a fiery car crash instead of simple traffic.
Yes, I’m that person who imagines disaster lurking around every corner, who circles back home to check if the toaster is unplugged, and who hesitates to take aspirin due to worries about Reye’s syndrome (even though that concern is decades past). I even check my pulse to see if I can detect… a heart arrhythmia? Who knows! As a mother, I took it a step further — I actually tethered myself to my children’s stroller with a wrist strap. Clearly, I’m not exactly at ease.
However, it turns out I might actually be a genius. According to research highlighted by Slate, numerous studies suggest that individuals like me—those of us who tend to overthink—may possess higher intelligence than those who nonchalantly navigate life without considering the possibility of being struck by a falling object.
For instance, a study from Lakehead University in Ontario found that students with higher anxiety levels performed better on verbal intelligence tests. Similarly, research from SUNY Downstate Medical Center indicates that individuals diagnosed with severe generalized anxiety disorder typically have a higher IQ compared to those with milder symptoms.
But what’s the connection between my anxiety and intelligence? Is it a matter of whether being smart leads to anxiety, or does anxiety enhance intelligence? Perhaps my constant worrying heightens my attention and alertness, making me a more effective learner, and thus, appear smarter. (I’m leaning towards the latter explanation.)
Either way, I’m beginning to shed the mild embarrassment I’ve felt over the times I texted my husband 16 times in a row after not hearing from him for an hour or when I rushed to my doctor for a strange rib protrusion. It turns out my brain is just wired to be in overdrive. So, if you’ll excuse me, I’ll be diving back into some classic literature before I check on my kids during recess to make sure they’re safe from any bullying. But first, let me check my pulse again!
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In summary, my anxiety, while often overwhelming, might just be a sign of a sharper mind. So here’s to embracing those little quirks that make us unique, and perhaps even brilliant!