Scientists have identified a correlation between anxiety and high intelligence quotients (IQs). This connection is attributed to a phenomenon known as ‘sentinel intelligence’, where heightened awareness in stressful situations enhances the capacity for problem-solving. In essence, individuals with high IQs tend to have an increased sensitivity to their surroundings, making them more prone to anxiety.
Furthermore, social anxiety is considered a ‘very rare psychic gift’. This is due to the ability of socially anxious individuals to pick up on the emotional states of others, a trait associated with empaths. Empaths, often misunderstood and misdiagnosed, are individuals with an extraordinary ability to sense the emotions and energies of others. This heightened sensitivity can lead to social anxiety as it becomes overwhelming.
In both cases, anxiety is seen not as a disorder, but as an adaptation that can be beneficial in certain situations. It’s a survival mechanism that has evolved over time, allowing individuals to anticipate danger and respond accordingly. This view challenges the conventional understanding of anxiety, presenting it instead as an evolutionary advantage linked to intelligence and empathy.
Go to source article: http://www.feelguide.com/2015/04/22/science-links-anxiety-to-high-iqs-sentinel-intelligence-social-anxiety-to-very-rare-psychic-gift/