Anxiety is not only an emotion, it also has biological significance. It is a physiological response to anything that your mind perceives as dangerous or a threat. It prepares your body to either fight off imminent danger or to escape it. This response system is called the ‘fight or flight response.’ It is also the response that works when you are extremely stressed, so it is alternatively referred to as the ‘acute stress response.’ These responses are to blame when you feel jittery during a job interview or panicky when speaking in public.

This response system is valuable, when it is working well. It can allow you to react quickly to keep yourself safe, however, if this system is ‘out of order’ it can become problematic. When our fight or flight response is not working correctly, we can be triggered, even when there is no real danger. This can be dysregulating and downright exhausting especially if it is occurring often. PTSD is often characterized by this type of response loop. When triggered, you may react defensively or even freeze due to overwhelming panic.

An unrestrained ‘fight or flight response’ can pose a risk to your physical and emotional health. Unfortunately, willfully attempting to ignore anxiety does not tend to work out well. It is, however, possible to improve this response and find remission from these intrusive symptoms. This type of response can be overwhelming, counseling can help.

Conquering Fears with Knowledge

Many fears grow from the ‘not knowing.’ It can leave you feeling helpless and hopeless. When we know more about what is affecting us, we can start to look for answers. Understanding anxiety can be the first step in finding remission from your symptoms. Anxiety is powerful but you are not powerless.

Learning more about the signs and symptoms of anxiety can be a great place to start. There are a variety of anxiety disorders, however, some common symptoms that come with the ‘fight or flight response system can include excessive fear, panic, racing heart, sweaty hands and feet, stomach upset and/or shaking. If you experience some of these symptoms on rare occasions you may not be experiencing anxiety in the clinical sense. Though, if you experience these symptoms frequently you may benefit from counseling to explore your symptoms further.

Early intervention can make a world of difference. Without treatment symptoms often worsen, potentially damaging your relationships, work life and even your health. Anxiety is treatable, therapy can help.

What You Need to Know About Anxiety?

• Feeling anxious can be biologically important, but not when your system is ‘out of order.’ The fight or flight response system has an adaptive value when the danger is real and/or imminent. Once this response system is activated, it will allow you to respond to the perceived threat. Hormones are released so that the heart can beat faster, allowing for oxygen to be delivered quickly to your muscles so they can work to either fight or flee. This happens almost instantaneously, often being referred to as an “adrenaline rush.” When the system works overtime or is disordered, the fight or flight response system goes on and on, even when there is no real danger, leading to intrusive and exhausting symptoms.
• There are a variety of anxiety disorders. Anxiety disorders are grouped into six different types, says the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). These types include generalized anxiety disorder (GAD); obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD); panic disorder; specific phobias; social anxiety disorder; and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Recognizing their symptoms can be challenging at times, everyone is different and may experience these symptoms in their own unique ways depending on the type of the disorder.
• Finding peace of mind can be more difficult because anxiety is self-sustaining. Anxiety disorder symptoms can become stronger if you fight them. This is what is meant by being ‘self-sustaining.’ This is linked to the emotional phenomenon of ‘thought suppression.’ The Calm Clinic explains it as “… a phenomenon of the mind that states that when you try to avoid having a thought, you actually have the thought more often than if you never bothered trying to avoid it at all.” This is a fancy way of saying that telling yourself not to worry isn’t going to make you stop worrying.
• Therapy can help. Anxiety is treatable. Early intervention can greatly improve your prognosis. The Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), states that “Anxiety disorders… are treatable, and the vast majority of people can be helped with professional care.” There are a variety of treatment options, don’t wait to get the care you deserve.

Help Is Waiting at CCS

Anxiety can cause you to lose a lot of things you value – peace of mind, relationships, opportunities etc. Anxiety can leave you feeling alone, not knowing where to turn, you are not alone. There is a way out of anxiety. Carolina Counseling Services – Fuquay-Varina, NC (N. Main St.) is here to help you.

Therapy can help you to “turn the tide” on anxiety, learning different ways to cope with and eliminate symptoms. CCS contracts with independent, licensed therapists that know how to treat anxiety. Call today to schedule your first appointment!