The components of anxiety, stress, fear, and anger do not exist independently of you in the world; they simply do not exist in the physical world, even though we talk about them as if they do. – Wayne Dyer
Anxiety and Happiness are not good bedfellows.
Anxiety is a common human emotion that is triggered by various stressors in life.
It can be defined as a feeling of fear, apprehension, or unease about an upcoming event or a situation that has an uncertain outcome. Anxiety can manifest itself in various forms, such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Recent studies have focused on the neurochemistry of anxiety and how the brain processes this emotion. The brain's limbic system is responsible for regulating emotions and plays a vital role in anxiety. The amygdala, a small almond-shaped structure in the brain, is particularly important in the processing of fear and anxiety. It is responsible for detecting potential threats in the environment and triggering an appropriate response.
The amygdala communicates with other areas of the brain, such as the prefrontal cortex, the hippocampus, and the hypothalamus, to coordinate a response to a perceived threat. The prefrontal cortex is involved in decision-making and executive functioning, while the hippocampus is responsible for memory and learning. The hypothalamus is responsible for the regulation of the autonomic nervous system, which controls heart rate, breathing, and other bodily functions.
The neurotransmitters that regulate anxiety include serotonin, dopamine, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Serotonin is responsible for regulating mood, appetite, and sleep, and low levels of serotonin have been linked to depression and anxiety. Dopamine is responsible for motivation and reward, and studies have shown that dopamine dysregulation may contribute to anxiety disorders. GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that helps to regulate anxiety by slowing down brain activity.
If you ask what is the single most important key to longevity, I would have to say it is avoiding worry, stress, and tension. And if you didn’t ask me, I’d still have to say it. – George Burns
Research has shown that environmental factors, such as stress and trauma, can alter the neurochemistry of anxiety. Chronic stress can lead to the dysregulation of the HPA axis, which controls the body's stress response. This can lead to an overactive amygdala, which can trigger anxiety and panic attacks. Traumatic experiences can also lead to the development of anxiety disorders by altering the brain's neurotransmitter systems and creating a hypervigilant state.
Understanding the neurochemistry of anxiety is essential in the development of effective treatments for anxiety disorders. Medications that target neurotransmitters, such as serotonin-selective reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and benzodiazepines, have been effective in treating anxiety.
Therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), can also help individuals with anxiety learn coping mechanisms and retrain their brain's response to stressors.
Mindfulness techniques such as meditation and yoga are effective in reducing anxiety.
Mindfulness has the potential to switch off or manage emotional reactivity to anxiety-inducing situations; it helps people pause, rise above the turmoil, see with greater clarity, and respond with freedom.
Two useful techniques are
Mindful pause: creating a moment of PAUSE between the cause of anxiety and your response to it. This helps break the cycle of behaviour-response which is at the core of the anxiety response. In other words, STOP, BREATHE, and PAUSE before reacting to any stimulus.
Witness state: step back and view the situation more objectively. Consider things from a different perspective. This may help you see the situation in a more balanced way.
The truth is that stress doesn’t come from your boss, your kids, your spouse, traffic jams, health challenges, or other circumstances. It comes from your thoughts about these circumstances. – Andrew Bernstein
It’s a toxic cycle: Your thoughts become your worries and your worries become your thoughts. – Lindsay Holmes
Alan /|\