Understanding Anxiety
We can all feel a bit anxious from time to time, but suffering with anxiety is a complex and multifaceted emotion disorder that can manifest in various forms and intensities. By its very nature anxiety is difficult to quantify as, like pain, it is subjective. It’s not just that feeling of worry or unease; it can be a debilitating and distressing condition that can impact every aspect of a person’s life.
Fight, Flight and Freeze
At its core, anxiety often stems from a primal response ingrained in human biology—the fight-or-flight mechanism. When faced with perceived threats, whether physical or psychological, the body initiates a cascade of physiological reactions aimed at preparing for survival. These reactions include heightened alertness, increased heart rate, rapid breathing, and tense muscles. In ancestral times, this response was crucial for evading predators or other dangers in the environment. However, in modern society, where threats are often more abstract and chronic, this primal response can become maladaptive. The primitive brain does not understand the difference between reality and imagination, so when we worry about the past or the future, it believes these imagined scenarios are happening, and the flight or fight mechanism kicks in.
The Biology
Getting science-y, anxiety disorders are associated with abnormalities in neurotransmitter function, particularly involving serotonin, dopamine, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Serotonin, often referred to as the “feel-good” neurotransmitter, plays a crucial role in regulating mood, sleep, and appetite. Low levels of serotonin have been linked to anxiety and depression. Similarly, disruptions in the dopamine system, which is involved in motivation and reward processing, can contribute to heightened anxiety. GABA, on the other hand, acts as a calming neurotransmitter, helping to inhibit excessive neuronal activity. Dysregulation of the GABA system is implicated in various anxiety disorders. I am not a scientist, so let’s move on…..
The Psychology
Beyond biology, psychological factors also play a significant role in the development and maintenance of anxiety. Childhood experiences, such as trauma, abuse, neglect, or overly critical parenting, can predispose individuals to anxiety disorders later in life. These early experiences shape one’s beliefs, perceptions, and coping mechanisms, influencing how they respond to stressors in adulthood. Doctors also recognise that anxiety has a genetic link and can run in families, we are more likely to suffer if a close relative also struggles with anxiety.
Moreover, personality traits like neuroticism, perfectionism, and a tendency to catastrophize or ruminate can exacerbate anxiety symptoms. Neurotic individuals are more prone to experiencing negative emotions like fear, worry, and sadness, making them particularly susceptible to anxiety disorders. Similarly, perfectionists set unrealistically high standards for themselves and fear failure or criticism, which can fuel anxiety about performance or outcomes. Catastrophizing involves magnifying the perceived severity of potential threats or consequences, leading to excessive worry and distress.
The Environment
I am not referring to global warming (unless you find this subject particularly distressing) but the environment we live in can contribute to anxiety. In today’s fast-paced, interconnected world, people are constantly bombarded with stressors from various sources—work, school, relationships, finances, health concerns, and societal pressures. Social media has a lot to answer for and has created a culture of comparison, where individuals feel pressured to maintain a certain image or keep up with unrealistic standards set, or perceived to be set, by others. This constant exposure to stress can overwhelm coping mechanisms, triggering that pesky (but vital) flight or fight mechanism.
Moreover, societal attitudes and stigma surrounding mental health still has a long way to go in normalising and can hinder individuals from seeking help or support for their anxiety. Misconceptions about anxiety, such as viewing it as a sign of weakness or simply “overreacting,” can prevent individuals from acknowledging their struggles and seeking appropriate treatment. This can perpetuate feelings of shame, isolation, and hopelessness and can further fuel the negative looping, feeding the anxiety.
Anxiety is a complex phenomenon. It arises from a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental factors, including genetic predispositions, early life experiences, personality traits, and societal influences. The good news is that our brains are a bit like play dough and just because we have learnt to cope with life with an anxiety response, doesn’t mean we can’t unlearn unhelpful patterns and behaviours. In clinic we support clients to identify and work towards positive change using a combination of solution focused therapy and hypnotherapy. If you would like to know more, why not book in for a free initial consultation with one of our friendly, experienced therapists. In clinic or online.