Stress, Anxiety & Panic Attacks

Feelings of anxiety and or panic can be terribly debilitating. The biology behind it is the “fight-or-flight” stress response. This involves a cascade of biological changes that prepare us for emergency action. When danger is sensed, a small part of the brain called the hypothalamus sets off a chemical alarm. The sympathetic nervous system responds by releasing a flood of stress hormones, including adrenaline, norepinephrine, and cortisol. These stress hormones race through the bloodstream, readying us to either flee the scene or battle it out. Heart rate and blood flow to the large muscles increase so we can run faster and fight harder. Blood vessels under the skin constrict to prevent blood loss in case of injury, pupils dilate so we can see better, and our blood sugar ramps up, giving us an energy boost and speeding up reaction time. At the same time, body processes not essential to immediate survival are suppressed. The digestive and reproductive systems slow down, growth hormones are switched off, and the immune response is inhibited. This biological stress response which creates the feelings of anxiety and panic are meant to protect and support us. It’s what helped our stone age ancestors survive the life-or-death situations they commonly faced. But in the modern world, most of the stress we feel is in response to emotional and psychological (rather than physical) threats. Unfortunately, our bodies can’t make the distinction. Whether we’re stressed over a looming deadline, an argument with a friend, or a mountain of bills, the warning bells ring. And just like a caveman confronting a Sabre tooth tiger, we go into automatic overdrive. You may think you experience anxiety or panic for no reason. The problem with the stress response is that the more it’s activated, the harder it is to shut off. Instead of levelling off once a perceived crisis has passed, your stress hormones, heart rate, and blood pressure remain elevated. Furthermore, extended or repeated activation of the stress response takes a heavy toll on the body. Prolonged exposure to stress increases your risk of everything from heart disease, obesity, and infection to anxiety, depression, and memory problems. Because of the widespread damage it can cause, it’s essential to learn how to deal with stress in a more positive way and reduce its impact on your daily life.

Stress & Self Confidence
Some people roll with the punches, while others crumble. The more confidence you have in yourself and your ability to persevere, the better able you’ll be to take a stressful situation in your stride. Confidence is not the same as never being stressed or afraid. Confidence is the knowledge that whatever happens you can deal with it.

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