Anticipating the Worst: A Closer Look at Anxiety and its Effects

The nervous system has a fight-flight system (sympathetic system) that sends signals to the brain when danger is coming. In this process, the body gets ready to protect itself and increases blood supply to the organs, causing the heart to beat faster. Once that danger passes, the restoring system (parasympathetic system) puts the body's functions back to normal. For some people, this process is intensified, and in extreme cases they are rushed to the hospital. This extreme fight-flight system is known as anxiety attack.rnAnxiety is the fear of anticipated real or imaginary danger. This fear may be triggered by stress such as work problems, public speaking, and even getting married or having a family. Sufferers experience physical, emotional, and even mental burden that are much more severe that what most people feel. rnPhysical effects When anxiety strikes, a person's heart begins palpitating. He may have difficulty breathing or swallowing because of muscle tension. His mouth gets dry and his palms sweat more. Some sufferers feel numbness in their body, chest pains, and a number of them describe it as a feeling of slowly dying. Some warning signs like trembling or sweating may be observed from someone who's about to have an anxiety attack. Most of the time, people who are prone to anxiety attacks have trouble sleeping because of feeling unsafe. Mental effects Because people who suffer from anxiety attacks almost always anticipate the worst, their mind becomes over-worked. Non-threatening situations for most people would be great peril for them. Their fight-flight system sends over-blown warning signals to the brain which subjects the person to even more stress. They also have difficulty concentrating on a task because their mind is preoccupied with fear. In their desire to protect themselves from danger, they lose focus of things. Negative thoughts already reside in their mind and engaging in productive activities is almost impossible for them. Emotional effects When not treated, anxiety may lead to depression. Constantly thinking of negative thoughts paralyzes a person emotionally because he tends to withdraw himself from the society. Some may feel insecure about their condition. Having to shake someone's hand in a social function may be embarrassing if your hands are sweaty. This insecurity, embarrassment, and even lack of sleep can make an anxiety attack sufferer to be irritable. Without an understanding family and circle of friends, they only go through more agony. Looking fear in the eye Anxiety can be prevented and even treated with the right kind of help. Generally, people who suffer from anxiety attacks must learn the proper way of breathing to help the body slow down and relax. Activities like yoga and meditation are good ways to learn proper breathing. Research more about anxiety. Fear has become an acronym for "False Expectations Appearing Real." Contrary to the old adage, what you don't know will hurt you. When you have more information about anxiety attacks, then you know what steps to take to prevent it or to even treat it. Be aware of the things that your body goes through during an attack. Feel every tremble and sweat. Accept the process your body is feeling and don't fight it. The more you fight it, the more you get stressed, which only makes matters worse. Talking to someone and educating him about your condition will help you lessen your fears and your attacks. Some supplements and herbal remedies like chamomile and valerian root aid in anxiety, too. These have relaxing effects that help calm down the body or induce sleep. Nobody needs to suffer from anxiety attacks. With proper guidance, knowledge and good habits, anxiety can be overcome. Constantly visualize that you're in a safe place. Substitute all the negative thoughts in your mind with positive ones. Conditioning your brain that you are safe will enable your brain to send signals that will relax your body. There are also many programs and courses that can assist you in identifying underlying causes to your anxieties. Once identified there tools and techniques help you keep the anxiety beast at arms distance. Two courses that may be of value are Anthony Robbins and Chris Howard.