Why do we get anxious?
Anxiety is the brain and body’s response to a perceived threat. Though you are not actually in danger, your brain and body are telling you it’s time to seek safety.
There are 2 types of perceived threat which anxiety reacts to:
1. Physical harm: Your mind/body registers “threat” of physical injury or death
When your mind/body registers a threat to physical harm it activates the sympathetic nervous system (SNS). The SNS begins a chain of reactions where the heart begins to beat faster and sends blood flow to legs and arms, breathing becomes shallower and your mind zeros in on the perceived threat to prepare the body to either run to safety or fight in self-defense. Or, if you become overwhelmed with fear you may freeze and become stuck.
Common examples of anxiety concerning physical harm: fear of heights, fear of flying or driving, fear of enclosed spaces, fear of being in crowded spaces.
2. Existential or social harm: Your mind registers threat of disapproval or rejection by peers or loved-ones, loss of social status, or damage to reputation.
With existential or social anxiety, though there is no threat of physical harm, your mind still engages the sympathetic nervous system in an attempt to “protect” you. This can be confusing because, in the absence of a physical threat, it can be hard to understand what is causing your body to react.
Common examples of anxiety related to existential/social harm: fear of public speaking, general social anxiety.
What are triggers?
Triggers are reminders or cues connected to the perceived threat, which elicit a stress response in the body and sets in motion a combination of physical and mental/emotional symptoms which indicate “it is time to seek safety!”
When managing anxiety, it is crucial to identify your triggers and the symptoms they cause, to begin the process of calming your mind/body by distinguishing between perceived and actual threat.
For more information on anxiety symptoms, read our blog titled “What is anxiety?”
How can therapy help?
If you find that your anxiety becomes persistent and begins to interfere with your day-to-day life, a therapist can offer a compassionate and non-judgmental space for you to talk about the challenges you face. A therapist will help you identify your triggers and work collaboratively with you to determine the best and most effective coping strategies to fit your lifestyle.
If you’d like to learn more about how therapy can help and speak to a professional in the Bay Area, contact us at Therapy Now SF to book a free consultation.