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An Intro to Anxiety & Stress

A while back, it was commonly believed that most disasters or difficulties were simply part of the natural order of things. People faced challenges and hardships, but they were often seen as inherent aspects of life that individuals were programmed to cope with. However, over the course of the last four generations, progress and advancements have dramatically changed our circumstances, pushing the boundaries of what we were originally equipped to handle.

For some of us there may be many times in our lives when we need to stay or leave a situation that may become a problem There are many situations where anxiety or stress could be a problem for some people. Examples could be Looking after someone who has become unwell, rushing for the only bus, that will get you to your destination on time or the one most school children and students meet on a regular basis; that dreaded exam, or balancing home life with among others.

When I opted to go back to uni. as a mature student I became very aware of the stress of getting my papers in before the deadline reminding me very much of my school days where the anxiety and stress of just going to school became an obstacle to get around.

The feeling produced by any stressful situation could be one of mild anticipation to one of absolute terror. Problems may start when that stressful situation passes but the body’s adrenaline does not return to what is considered a normal level.

A New Generation

A while back, it was commonly believed that most disasters or difficulties were simply part of the natural order of things. People faced challenges and hardships, but they were often seen as inherent aspects of life that individuals were programmed to cope with. However, throughout the last four generations, progress and advancements have dramatically changed our circumstances, pushing the boundaries of what we were originally equipped to handle.

One notable aspect of this progress is the incredible increase in our ability to travel. In the past, the fastest mode of transportation was merely the speed of a horse. But now, we can travel at twice the speed of sound, utilizing supersonic airplanes and other high-speed transportation methods. This rapid advancement in mobility has transformed our world, making it smaller and more accessible than ever before.

Moreover, the environment in which we live has undergone significant changes. Previously, one could find peace in the tranquility of forests and grasslands. However, the modern world is characterized by incessant noise, with urban areas filled with the clamor of traffic, construction, and various technological devices. The constant barrage of noise has become an inescapable part of our everyday lives, affecting our well-being and altering our perception of the world around us.

Additionally, the way we experience and process information has been revolutionized. In the past, grieving the loss of loved ones and close friends was a deeply personal and private experience. However, with the advent of radio, television, satellite links, and the World Wide Web, we are now exposed to global events of carnage and death, which are delivered directly into our homes. The immediacy and ubiquity of media have made it impossible to shield ourselves from the tragedies occurring around the world, amplifying our feelings of distress and overwhelm.

Nevertheless, amidst these challenges, we possess innate capabilities to help ourselves. Anxiety or tension, as a response to danger or stress, is a normal and healthy reaction. When the source of danger or stress subsides, our bodies typically return to a state of equilibrium. In certain situations, our body’s response to danger serves us well.

Fight or Flight

The “fight or flight” response is an ancient mechanism within us that triggers in the face of imminent danger. In an instant, our minds and bodies become alert and ready to react swiftly. This response prepares our bodies for immediate action to ensure survival. When faced with danger, our muscles tense, our thoughts race and adrenaline (epinephrine) is rapidly released into our bloodstream, providing us with an instantaneous physical and mental response. The fight or flight response is essential when our lives are threatened.

Imagine finding yourself in the presence of a charging bull. At that moment, your reflexes kick in, and without conscious thought, your body prepares to fight or flee. You feel the surge of adrenaline, and in a matter of seconds, you swiftly navigate the field and close the gate behind you. Reflecting on this experience, you may be amazed at the speed and efficiency with which you reacted, almost as if it happened automatically.

Thought is so fast it gears the body into action. In the above scenario, you run, and in seconds you clear the field and close the gate. Looking back you become amazed at the speed by which you got out of the field and almost without thinking about it!

For the muscles to react effectively, they require glucose. Oxygen is also necessary to transform glucose into energy. This means that the heart has to work harder to supply the blood carrying these essential elements to where they are needed most. As a result, blood pressure increases. Furthermore, as the lungs take in more air to provide oxygen, more carbon dioxide is produced, leading to faster and sometimes gasping breaths to expel the excess carbon dioxide

Only So Much Blood To Go Round

There is a limit to the amount of blood we have in our bodies. This means to supply large deep muscles with more energy in our moment of danger it must take the blood from other areas of our body. Areas that will not be needing it at that precise moment such as the skin’s surface. In such an event, it may cause a paling of the skin.

In the fight or flight response, certain bodily functions that are not immediately necessary for survival are temporarily shut down to enhance our efficiency in the moment of need. This includes the digestive system and the salivary glands. These and other changes are made so that we are in a state of optimal readiness when faced with the fight or flight situation. The fight or flight response is essential when our lives are threatened.

Now, try to imagine what would happen if this safeguard were triggered without any apparent outlet or resolution. Initially, you would begin to feel less at ease, which can then lead to physical symptoms.

Prolonged Anxiety

The problem arises when these normal and useful reactions to anxiety are prolonged due to negative thinking. As you can see, anxiety and stress can cause both physical and emotional problems, with heart disease being one of the most severe outcomes.

I would like to emphasize that although chest pains are a typical symptom of anxiety, experiencing a heart attack as a result of anxiety is extremely rare. However, a recent study conducted by US scientists at Harvard Medical School has identified a mechanism that connects stress, artery inflammation, and the subsequent risk of a heart attack, as explained by Dr. Ahmed Tawakol, the study leader and an associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School.

Unfortunately, many anxiety-inducing situations in today’s world do not require our bodies to prepare for physical confrontation or a high-speed chase. However, the physical and chemical changes associated with the fight or flight response can still occur in situations that are not life-threatening or require intense physical activity.

For instance, everyday activities like going to the supermarket, catching a bus, taking care of an unwell person, or having a demanding schedule with insufficient time can trigger our body’s defense mechanisms. Even simply thinking that a situation might be threatening can set these mechanisms into motion.

Coping With How You Feel

When someone is faced with these feelings of anxiety or a panic attack they may use similar ways of coping to the ones listed below:

  • Blaming Oneself.
  • Leave The Situation.
  • Seeking Help From Other People. Which is OK. as long as it is not done far too often.
  • Seeking Medical Help.

Anxiety and stress are powerful human emotions with both positive and negative potential. Once the perceived danger has passed, the body should ideally return to its normal state.

Various medications are available to help alleviate anxiety and stress, aiming to reduce the symptoms associated with these conditions. However, the response to medication varies from person to person. Some individuals may experience mild to severe side effects, while others may not be significantly affected by them. You can find information on how anti-anxiety medications work and the potential side effects in the provided link. This link will take you to how Anti-anxiety medication works along with the side effects you may or may not suffer.

Conclusion

In summary, anxiety, and stress can have significant impacts on our bodies and well-being. While anxiety-related chest pains rarely lead to heart attacks, it is essential to acknowledge the potential link between stress, artery inflammation, and heart attack risk. Understanding these connections can help us manage anxiety and stress more effectively and seek appropriate medical guidance when necessary.

Menu Image by Kleiton Santos from Pixabay

  • Post updated 27/05/23