As a psychologist who has worked with teens, adults, and families for over 30 years, I’ve seen how powerfully our emotions shape our choices, often without our realizing it. A recent study from the University of Minnesota Medical School confirms something I’ve witnessed in session after session: that anxiety and apathy—two very different emotional states—can quietly but deeply influence how we respond to challenges and uncertainty.
The study showed that anxious people often view the world as unpredictable. They respond to setbacks by trying harder, changing strategies, or overcorrecting—even when unnecessary. On the other hand, people experiencing apathy tend to see the world as random and uncontrollable. They’re less likely to try new approaches or make changes because, in their minds, nothing will help anyway.
When Anxiety Takes Over
Take one of my teenage clients, a high-achieving high school junior. She panicked after getting a B+ on a quiz—something most would see as a perfectly acceptable grade. Convinced her whole study method was flawed, she scrapped everything and started over. Her reaction wasn’t based on logic—it was fueled by anxiety. That anxiety made her feel like she had to act fast or everything would fall apart.
Anxious individuals are known to make overreactive decisions. They constantly brace for the next mistake and try to avoid imagined disasters by tweaking or changing plans obsessively.
When Apathy Creeps In
Then there’s apathy—quieter, but just as powerful. One of my adult clients, a 42-year-old man, had been stuck in a job he found completely unfulfilling. He often told me, “What’s the point in trying? It’s not like anything’s going to change.” Even though he was unhappy, he didn’t update his résumé or explore other options. That wasn’t laziness—it was apathy. It had convinced him there was no use in trying.
Apathy causes people to shut down instead of overreacting like anxiety does. It dulls motivation and erodes hope. Both states can leave people stuck, but in very different ways.
Different Traps, Same Stuckness
Anxiety pushes people to do too much. Apathy convinces them to do nothing. Both create decision-making patterns that aren’t based in the present moment—they’re driven by fear or disconnection.
How to Take Back Control
In my book The Anxiety, Depression, and Anger Toolbox for Teens, I share mindfulness and cognitive behavioral therapy tools to help young people recognize these emotional traps and learn how to respond more effectively. These same tools work for adults, too. With support, people can learn to pause, reflect, and make more intentional decisions without panic or hopelessness.
Final Thought
If you—or someone you love—keep overthinking every choice or avoiding action altogether, it may be more than indecisiveness. Emotions could be quietly steering the ship. But once you see the trap, you can start choosing your way out of it.
