Anxiety disorders – How the idea that there could be

something ‘wrong’ with you STOPS Recovery

 

Anxiety isn’t an illness!!! So what is it?

You may have been told repeatedly that you have an anxiety disorder by medics, psychologists or other medical professionals, but do you believe this to be absolutely true?

It’s easy to say that you have anxiety but believing it wholeheartedly is another matter altogether!

Beliefs are a vital part of the flight or fight response, as they are formed by the coming together of sensory input, intellect and creativity… but why?

In the fight or flight response, a group of vital bodily changes respond in order to prepare us for making, sometimes life saving, decisions and taking action in a split second. This response is designed as part of the internal defense mechanism designed to react appropriately and quickly when a threat is present.

Imagine this scenario. You are driving along a secluded lane at night time and you are confronted by a burning car on its roof with people inside screaming for help. You have very little time to put your conscious mind into gear so your subconscious mind takes over.

First of all it activates the flight or fight response and adrenalin is released. Your heart speeds up, your sensory organs become more sensitive, blood is diverted to your muscles to carry oxygen and water to them, ready for activity… your mouth goes dry, your digestion slows and you go into ‘emergency mode’.

In an instant your body is ready for action and your mind follows suit. In these situations, your subconscious can’t rely on your slower conscious mind to cope alone so it starts ‘problem solving’, ‘risk assessing’ and calculating the most effective course of action possible.