If you've seen the Anxiety scene from the new Inside Out 2 movie at cinemas now you will be able to relate to that scene. That feeling where the anxiety starts as a small flutter in the pit of your stomach but over a short period of time, our heart gets involved, our mind starts to think of all things that can go wrong, our stomach starts to twist and turn, our skin feels like its crawling, our breathing increases, our ears start to pound or ring, our body starts to shake, our sweat glands join the party and we begin sweating, our mouth dries up as if in a desert and eventually we have no idea who we are and where we are but all we feel is "I can't do this, I feel like I am going to die".
It is a terrible feeling and believe me I can relate fully. I feel for anybody who is currently feeling this on a daily basis.
Anxiety is a natural response to stress or perceived threats, characterized by feelings of worry, nervousness, or fear. While occasional anxiety is a normal part of life, chronic or excessive anxiety can interfere with daily activities and may indicate an anxiety disorder.
Here's a closer look at what anxiety is and what happens in the body to cause it:
Brain Activity and Neurotransmitters
Amygdala Activation: The amygdala, a small structure in the brain, plays a key role in processing emotions and triggering the body's fear response. When it detects a threat, it sends signals to other parts of the brain to initiate an anxiety response.
Prefrontal Cortex: This part of the brain is involved in decision-making and rational thought. In people with anxiety, the prefrontal cortex may have difficulty regulating the amygdala's response, leading to heightened anxiety.
Neurotransmitters: Imbalances in neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), can contribute to anxiety. These chemicals help regulate mood and stress responses.
Sympathetic Nervous System Activation
When a threat is perceived, the sympathetic nervous system activates the "fight or flight" response. This response involves several physiological changes:
Release of Adrenaline and Cortisol: The adrenal glands release adrenaline (epinephrine) and cortisol, stress hormones that prepare the body to respond to danger. Adrenaline increases heart rate, blood pressure, and energy supplies, while cortisol helps manage stress by increasing glucose in the bloodstream and enhancing brain function.
Increased Heart Rate and Respiration: To supply muscles with more oxygen, the heart rate and breathing rate increase. This can cause palpitations and shortness of breath, common symptoms of anxiety.
Tensed Muscles: Muscles may become tense in preparation for potential physical action, leading to feelings of restlessness or trembling.
Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) Axis
The HPA axis is a complex system that regulates the body's stress response:
Hypothalamus: When a threat is perceived, the hypothalamus releases corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH).
Pituitary Gland: CRH stimulates the pituitary gland to release adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH).
Adrenal Glands: ACTH prompts the adrenal glands to produce cortisol, sustaining the body's stress response.
Chronic Stress and Anxiety
Prolonged or chronic stress can lead to dysregulation of the HPA axis, resulting in consistently high cortisol levels. This chronic activation can contribute to long-term anxiety and associated health problems, such as cardiovascular disease, digestive issues, and weakened immune function.
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