Question

How does fear, stress, and anxiety manifest in the brain? What are ways that we can reduce fear and anxiety?

Answer 1

anxiety itself is a natural human response that serves a purpose. Our goal shouldn't be to dismiss it entirely, just to make it a healthy, manageable part of our lives. Even if you don't suffer from an anxiety-related disorder, you've likely had to deal with it and cope the best way you know how. Anxiety is part of our world, the same way stress, sadness, and happiness are, but the key is understanding how to cope with it, and how to keep it from becoming unhealthy.

anxiety is a sense of fear and apprehension that puts you on alert. Biologically, it's meant to put us in a heightened sense of awareness so we're prepared for potential threats. Unfortunately, when we start to feel excessive anxiety, or we live in a constant state of anxiety, we're in trouble. Our bodies never turn off our fight or flight response, and we live with the physical and emotional effects of anxiety on a day to day basis, even when there's no reason or cause for them.

On its face, anxiety can look like stress; but the reality isn't so simple. Anxiety can arise as a result of stress, but stress can manifest in other ways. Stressors can make a person sad, angry, worried, or anxious, while anxiety is specifically that feeling of fear, dread, and apprehension we mentioned. You may never even know what's causing your anxiety, or in some cases, it can manifest on its own, without any real "trigger" or cause. Stress is often caused by external influences, while anxiety is an internal response. That's part of what makes anxiety intrinsically different than stress, and also what makes it so difficult to manage.

Several parts of the brain are key actors in the production of fear and anxiety. Using brain imaging technology and neurochemical techniques, scientists have discovered that the amygdala and the hippocampus play significant roles in most anxiety disorders. The amygdala is an almond-shaped structure deep in the brain that is believed to be a communications hub between the parts of the brain that process incoming sensory signals and the parts that interpret these signals. It can alert the rest of the brain that a threat is present and trigger a fear or anxiety response. The feeling of anxiety is part of your body's stress response. Your fight or flight response is triggered, and your system is flooded with norephinephrineand cortisol. Both are designed to give you a boost to perception, reflexes, and speed in dangerous situations. They increase your heart rate, get more blood to your muscles, get more air into your lungs, and in general get you ready to deal with whatever threat is present. Your body turns its full attention to survival. Ideally, it all shuts down when the threat passes and your body goes back to normal.

WAYS THAT CAN REDUCE FEAR AND ANXIETY:-

1.Face your fear if you can.

2. Exercise

Increase the amount of exercise you do. Exercise requires some concentration, and this can take your mind off your fear and anxiety

3.Relax

Learning relaxation techniques can help you with the mental and physical feelings of fear. It can help just to drop your shoulders and breathe deeply.

4.Healthy eating

Eat lots of fruit and vegetables, and try to avoid too much sugar. Resulting dips in your blood sugar can give you anxious feelings. Try to avoid drinking too much tea and coffee, as caffeine can increase anxiety levels.

5.Avoid alcohol, or drink in moderation.

6.Faith/spirituality

If you are religious or spiritual, this can give you a way of feeling connected to something bigger than yourself. Faith can provide a way of coping with everyday stress, and attending church and other faith groups can connect you with a valuable support network.