Uncertainty weakens a person’s sense of control over their life, shaking their self-confidence and sense of worth. By nature, people tend to avoid uncertainty. When life feels uncontrollable and unpredictable, people feel helpless, and this helplessness leads them to question their own worth. In particular, uncertainty in a relationship increases doubts about whether a person is loved by their partner and where they stand in the relationship. This uncertainty can lead a person to think they are worthless. In this situation, uncertainty becomes a factor that triggers feelings of worthlessness.
Conversely, a sense of worthlessness also affects how a person experiences uncertainty. People who feel worthless perceive uncertainties in their lives more intensely and as more threatening. This is because feelings of worthlessness shake a person’s trust in the world and in themselves, making them more vulnerable to uncertainty. For example, if someone feels inadequate and worthless, uncertainty at work (such as whether they will be promoted) can become an unbearable source of anxiety. Because their self-confidence is low, this person becomes more vulnerable in the face of uncertainty, which further intensifies its effects. The interaction between these two concepts can create a kind of vicious cycle. Uncertainty increases feelings of worthlessness; these feelings, in turn, lead to a more intense experience of uncertainty. For example, when someone thinks they are not sufficiently appreciated at work, this perception may leave them feeling uncertain about their future position. This sense of uncertainty can make them feel even more worthless. Ultimately, the person becomes trapped under the influence of both uncertainty and worthlessness. To break this cycle, they need to strengthen their sense of self and rebuild their self-confidence. This process is important for overcoming the anxiety caused by uncertainty and reducing the effects of feelings of worthlessness. When people value themselves and trust their own abilities, they can cope more effectively with uncertainty. This makes the uncertainties in their lives more tolerable.
Uncertainty creates a deep sense of anxiety and insecurity that takes root in the human mind. This can lead a person to feel worthless and inadequate. Uncertainty shrouds a person’s expectations and hopes for the future in darkness, damaging their sense of self. In relationships in particular, the confusion and uncertainty that arise shake people’s self-confidence, and this disruption can turn into an inner sense of worthlessness. Uncertainty in romantic relationships erodes the partners’ trust in each other, allowing feelings of worthlessness to take root. Faced with their partner’s inconsistent behaviour, a person feels inadequate; at the same time, they begin to think that their love, commitment and effort have no value. This kind of uncertainty manifests itself not only in relationships but also in uncertainties about the future. Faced with life’s unpredictability, people feel as though they have lost control, which causes them to feel worthless. Along with this sense of worthlessness, their emotional fulfilment is also hindered. A person who is emotionally unfulfilled constantly searches for a missing piece, and this sense of something lacking feeds their perception of worthlessness. In an environment where their feelings are not reciprocated, a person feels inadequate and worthless. This turns into an inner anxiety that affects their life and damages their sense of self. As a powerful emotion fuelled so strongly by uncertainty, anxiety also threatens the expectations and sense of control of a person experiencing uncertainty. This threat leaves them feeling unsafe and, consequently, intensifies their feelings of worthlessness. This process triggered by anxiety damages their self-esteem and self-worth.
Ahmet Hamdi Tanpınar’s lines, “Neither am I within time, / Nor entirely outside it; / In the indivisible flow / Of a single, vast moment,” describe a state of mind trapped in uncertainty. These lines emphasise the inner sense of confinement created by uncertainty and the anxiety brought by time. Uncertainty tosses a person about in the flow of time, and this buffeting weakens their belief in themselves. Along with this sense of being tossed about, the concept of ‘belonging’ may also begin to occupy their mind. People who grow up in this kind of uncertain environment struggle to develop self-confidence, and this can lead to the development of “dependent personality” traits. People with a dependent personality structure find it difficult to make their own decisions and need the approval of others. Uncertainty creates a constant search for approval and indecisiveness in these people because it weakens their self-confidence.
Conversely, people who constantly have to face uncertainty may develop an “anxious-avoidant” personality structure. Such people may withdraw from social relationships and emotional bonds to avoid uncertainty. Uncertainties in relationships create deep fear and insecurity in people with this personality structure. These people avoid close relationships to escape uncertainty and may prefer solitude.
Another effect of uncertainty can be seen in the “obsessive-compulsive” personality structure. Uncertainty creates an uncontrollable need for control in people with this personality structure. By triggering a fear of losing control over their life, uncertainty can drive a person into a constant search for control and order. These people develop rigid rules and rituals to protect themselves in the face of uncertainty. However, these efforts are actually attempts to escape uncertainty and may draw the person further into inner conflict.
Psychological upheavals of this kind profoundly affect a person’s overall mood and damage their sense of self. When someone constantly has to face uncertainty, their self-esteem declines and they begin to doubt their own worth. This creates the conditions for depression, anxiety disorders and other mental health problems to develop. People who cannot cope with uncertainty, in particular, become more vulnerable to life’s challenges, and this vulnerability profoundly affects their mental health.
In conclusion, uncertainty is a process that can leave deep wounds in the human psyche, shaking a person’s personality structure and sense of self. Coping with uncertainty is extremely important for protecting mental health. In this process, rebuilding self-confidence, developing healthy relationships and learning to tolerate uncertainty are vital. Being tossed about in the flow of time, as expressed in Tanpınar’s lines, is in fact a reflection of the psyche struggling with uncertainty; this struggle is a process of finding oneself and rebuilding one’s sense of worth.
Clinical Psychologist Solin Çekin
