Psychologist Isa Pašalić on the State of Confusion

By: Psychologist Isa Pašalić

Confusion. A state that can simultaneously encourage the search for meaning, but also paralyze our ability to act.

The state of confusion arises as a result of several different factors. One of the reasons, which we have the most influence over, is ignorance or the inability to properly assess the situation we are in. This state causes stress in a person and hinders their ability to adapt.

Another reason is that we carry multiple thoughts or feelings that are in conflict with each other. If we are unable to reconcile this conflict, so that one idea takes precedence, the friction that arises at the point of collision of these two ideas is the place where confusion originates.

A third reason for feeling confused is the general overload of information and obligations, which creates a feeling in a person that they are unable to focus on solving the problem before them.

In a word, we could say that confusion, in general, arises in a person due to overload, i.e., the inability to direct their energy towards problem-solving.

In some situations, stress can be an extremely positive reaction of the human body, aimed at activating us to solve a problem or achieve something we strive for.

The state of the world we are in inevitably leads a person into a situation where they are unable to focus on what is important, as a result of the presence of a large amount of unnecessary information, underpinned by negative emotions or expressed in an emotionally disturbing way.

Such consumption of media and information leads to an increase in stress in the human body, which we are unable to calm, because we are also unable to find a solution.
Fortunately, we have an extremely good tool to enable ourselves to live a safer life without the confusion that seemingly surrounds us.

This tool is called reality.

The task of psychology, and especially somatic psychology, is to point out reality to a person, whether of an emotional or intellectual nature. Such confrontation with reality truly has a healing effect on a person. Accordingly, our solution to the state of confusion comes in the same way, which is by assessing the real situation and making decisions based on the conclusions that reality offers us.

The moment we are able to see reality, we will be able to decide which worries and information truly serve the purpose of making life easier for ourselves and our loved ones, and which worries and information do the exact opposite.

Our obligation is to turn to reality and assess the path we need to take in order to enable ourselves a life beyond the narrow walls of confusion.