Anxiety
Anxiety: you’ve heard of it in the news, media, and streets alike. Anxiety has become a natural part of our lives so much so that some of us have underestimated the control it has on our minds.
What is anxiety?
Look at it this way: anxiety is essentially the vague sense of being in danger, which differs from fear, a state of immediate alarm (Comer, 2015). Basically, one who is anxious feels as though something is wrong the majority of the time but can’t put their finger on it.
What’s going on inside my head?
The body produces these little chemicals called neurotransmitters. The job of a neurotransmitter is to carry an impulse from a nerve fiber to another nerve fiber. The neurotransmitters dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine, and GABA (short for gamma-aminobutyric acid) all play a part in the feedback systems of someone with anxiety.
Dopamine: Regulates mood as well as positive reinforcement. Many people with anxiety have low levels of this neurotransmitter, which can leave them feeling sad, worthless, fatigued, and hopeless.
Serotonin: This neurotransmitter regulates sleep, mood, appetite, and pain. When serotonin levels are low in people, this can cause increased anxiety and feelings of depression.
GABA: This neurotransmitter actually carries inhibitory messages between neurons—meaning once another neuron receives GABA, it’s been told to tell the other neurons to stop firing. Low levels of GABA create a bump in the anxiety feedback system, leaving the brain susceptible to a constant state of fear.
Norepinephrine: Controls the physical stress response. Too much norepinephrine causes anxiety, as it constricts blood vessels and increases blood pressure.
Sound like you? Or a friend? Or a family member?
Unfortunately, since everyone has anxiety to a different extent and is affected so many different ways, there is no cure for anxiety; however, there is some good news. Anxiety can be controlled through the help of a few therapeutic techniques. Others may find their help rests in medicine. Scientists have determined a combination of these two methods is the most effective.
Get Help!
If you find yourself experiencing anxiety on a day-to-day basis, you should reach out to a licensed professional to seek the best form of treatment for you. Realize that anxiety is not uncommon, and your feelings are not invalid when you become anxious. Remember to breathe and think about what you can control rather than getting caught up in the stresses of life.
Always remember you can reach out to a SoulMedic at 494949 and talk about your secret struggle. Here are a few other resources you could look into if you are looking for help:
Written by Madi Turpin
