Decoding “Anxiety” — A Neuroscience Perspective
‘Be the type of a person who can eat at a restaurant alone.’
Easier said than done!
Have you ever wondered why the gallon of anxiety fills you have to go to an event alone?
Or when your mother asks you to greet the guest?
Think of giving a TED talk?
NOO!! I can’t…Nerves shaking, heart racing, cold temperature, numb body — these are the symptoms of anxiety. The above scenarios are ‘anxiety triggers.’
Anxiety is our enemy; it doesn’t let us live in peace. It fills us with fear every time we anticipate something bad happening, whether it’s at work, in relationships, in personal lives or whenever we try at socialising — the perceived threats.
What Is Anxiety?
“Anxiety can be defined as the feeling of nervousness and uneasiness characterised by the perceived threats of our environment.’’
Anxiety As A Part Of Our Defence Mechanism:
Neuroscience says, anxiety is there with us and has defended us since primitive times. Anxiety is a part of our defence system. It warns us against the perceived threats in the environment which is important for survival.
How Is Anxiety Developed?
According to the neurologist, Dr Sid Warrior:
The amygdala activates the fear system in our body whenever it detects something threatening in our environment.
The limbic part of our brain which has been there with us since primitive times has an area called the ‘amygdala’ that triggers a fear network whenever it detects something dangerous and life-threatening in our environment.
You know when you get anxious you can’t focus on anything, at that moment, you just want to escape that place.
It’s your brain telling you, that escape is the only option to survive.
And when you can’t find an escape, a panic attack happens.
Anxiety Is A Part Of Spectrum:
He further added:
Anxiety is a part of the spectrum, we think of fear as an emotion but actually, it is a part of the spectrum of defence mechanisms, we have against the world. Now, on the spectrum of fear lies anxiety but it can also turn into a full-fledged panic attack. Anxiety can often overlap with other mental health issues like depression or obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Intensity Of Anxiety:
From the above sayings of Dr Sid Warrior, we can conclude that the intensity of anxiety can vary. There’s a“Normal intensity of anxiety” and an “Abnormal intensity of anxiety.”
Normal Intensity Anxiety:
Humans experience normal intensity of anxiety on a day-to-day basis.
Suppose, you’re a student and you have an upcoming exam. You have anxiety about it which will motivate you to keep your focus on studying and working hard.
Abnormal Intensity Anxiety(Anxiety Disorder):
Contrary to when your anxiety becomes overwhelming and becomes a barrier between your focus and concentration. Now, all you have is worry, fear and tension which can eventually lead to a panic attack.
What Can Happen If Anxiety Overlaps With Other Mental Health Issues:
Anxiety when coincides with mental health issues like depression and Obsessive Compulsory Disorder(OCD) can have a worsening effect on physical and mental conditions.
It can increase the levels of distress, an individual will feel pessimistic and socially isolate himself.
In extreme cases, this can lead to suicidal thoughts.
Note: If you are facing any of these symptoms, it is advisable to reach professional help.
Controlling Anxiety:
Controlling anxiety can be a task. And this task can be linked to your “Emotional Intelligence”.
Knowing what emotion you are feeling helps regulate that emotion to calm yourself down, easily.
Furthermore, activities like:
1-Journalling.
2-Mindfulness and meditation.
3-Maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
4-Practicing self-compassion.
5-Regular exercise.
6-And, limiting exposure to what triggers you can help.
Your anxiety is unique to you, what triggers your stress levels might not trigger others hence, its cure is specific to your patterns of anxiety.
For example: My trigger is meeting new people and I get rid of it by deep breathing and positive affirmations.
Try exploring your patterns of anxiety. Identifying your triggers can help you figure out its cure easily.
Meanwhile, be mindful that curing anxiety can be a long-term process. And, it is advised to stay patient.
Sidra K.
Note: In case of an anxiety disorder (abnormal anxiety), it’s advisable to seek professional help.
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