Anxiety is a normal process of the body that people experience for a variety of reasons. Most commonly, if we are in danger our body needs to prepare to deal with whatever may be threatening us.
For instance, as you are driving on the highway, the car in front of you spins out of control. For you to handle the threat, your body needs to react quickly. To do this, your brain tells certain systems of your body to be activated and other systems to shut down.
1) AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM ACTIVATION
This activation of the autonomic nervous system causes andrenalin to be released which speeds up your reaction time. This also causes the symptoms of rapid breathing, feelings of agitation, and restlessness.
2) PREPARATION TO REACT
In addition, your muscles tense to prepare you to react quickly. This creates the pain many people experience especially in their neck, shoulders and chest.
3) SYSTEM SHUTDOWN
Your body will shut down unnecessary systems to prepare to react. You really don't need to be digesting your last meal while you're trying to avoid an accident. However, because the digestive system is shut down people may experience gastrointestinal symptoms such as stomach upset, diarrhea, or constipation.
4) FOCUS ON THREAT
Also, the brain needs to focus on the immediate danger in front of you so it shuts down the peripheral vision which causes the tunnel vision many people experience. is a normal process. In fact, even panic is normal. Most of us will experience a spontaneous panic attack some time in our life. These panic attacks may be due to stress or some physical condition such as sleep deprivation, hormonal imbalance, or asthma. Most people don't worry about the panic attack itself. They focus on dealing with the condition signaled by the panic attack. However, some people become worried about the panic attack itself, start focusing on it, and as a result, create additional panic attacks. This is similar to a computer program getting stuck in a feedback loop: A causes B causes C which causes A again (which causes B and so on). In other words, the initial symptoms of the panic causes the person to worry. The worry is then perceived as a threat which, as I indicated earlier, can cause a panic attack. Therefore, the person becomes stuck in this cycle. When that occurs it is known as Panic Disorder.
