It’s perfectly normal to feel unsure or concerned about things from time to time. We all experience a range of emotions, and it’s part of being human to have doubts or concerns. It’s important to remember that it’s okay to feel this way and that you are not alone. It can be helpful to talk to someone about your feelings, whether it’s a friend, family member, or a mental health professional. Sometimes just expressing your thoughts and concerns can help you feel better.
Why do we seek reassurance ?
There are many reasons why people might ask for reassurance. Some common reasons include feeling uncertain or unsure about a situation, anxious, or insecure about something. People ask for reassurance to feel more confident or self-assured, want to be reassured that they are making the right decision, or want to know that they are not alone in their feelings or experiences.
People may also seek reassurance to reduce anxiety or worry, to feel more secure, or to gain a sense of control over a situation. For example, someone might ask for reassurance if they are unsure about a decision they have made, if they are worried about how they are perceived by others, or if they are concerned about their ability to do something well. Additionally, some people might seek reassurance to cope with stress or uncertainty, or to feel more in control of a situation.
Ultimately, the specific reason why someone asks for reassurance will depend on their individual circumstances and experiences. In some cases, seeking reassurance can be a healthy way to cope with difficult emotions or situations, but excessive reassurance-seeking can also be a sign of anxiety or insecurity.
Healthy vs unhealthy reassurance seeking behaviours
Healthy reassurance seeking is the act of seeking reassurance from others in a way that is not excessive or obsessive. It can be a normal and healthy part of dealing with uncertainty or anxiety and can help people feel more confident and secure. However, when reassurance seeking becomes excessive or obsessive, it can interfere with a person’s daily life and well-being and may be a sign of an underlying mental health issue, such as anxiety or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It is important for individuals to strike a balance in their reassurance seeking, and to seek support from mental health professionals if they are having difficulty managing their anxiety or OCD symptoms.
How to ask for reassurance – the healthy way
Asking for reassurance is a way to seek confirmation or validation that something is true or correct. To ask for reassurance, you can try saying something like:
- Can you reassure me that [insert concern or question]?
- ‘m feeling a bit unsure about [insert concern or question]. Can you help me feel more certain?
- I’m feeling anxious about [insert concern or question]. Can you give me some reassurance?
It’s important to be specific and clear about what you are seeking reassurance for, so the person you are asking can understand your concern and provide you with an appropriate response. It can also be helpful to explain why you are asking for reassurance, so the person you are asking can better understand your perspective and provide support.
Remember that asking for reassurance is a form of communication, and it’s important to listen to and respect the response you receive. If the person you are asking is unable to provide you with the reassurance you seek, it’s okay to express your feelings and ask for additional support or guidance.
Reassurance can be helpful because it can help reduce uncertainty and anxiety. It can help people feel more secure and confident, which can allow them to better cope with difficult situations. Additionally, reassurance can help build trust and strengthen relationships between people. Overall, reassurance can be a valuable tool for helping people feel calmer and at ease.
