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Quick bits of therapeutic info and learning, ideas, concepts, and quotes.
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3: Keys
2: Concepts
1: Quick Article
"Anxiety is like a rocking chair. It gives you something to do, but it doesn't get you very far."
- Jodi Picoult
Why Aren’t You Doing New Things..?
Fear of the Unknown: Experiencing something new involves stepping into unfamiliar territory, which, for many people can trigger fear and, for some, very real anxiety. People may actually worry themselves sick about potential risks, failure, or the possibility of not knowing how to navigate the situation.
Comfort Zone and Resistance to Change: The only constant is change, yet we humans have a natural tendency to seek comfort and familiarity. Stepping outside of one's comfort zone can be challenging because it requires embracing uncertainty and adapting to unfamiliar circumstances. For many, change can be perceived as threatening or very uncomfortable.
Self-Doubt and Lack of Confidence: Engaging in new activities often brings up self-doubt and a lack of confidence. Individuals may question their abilities, worry about what others will think of them, or fear making mistakes.
A Couple of Concepts:
*What Causes Us to Blush?
The underlying mechanism of blushing involves the autonomic nervous system, specifically the sympathetic nervous system, which controls the body's "fight-or-flight" response. When we feel embarrassed or self-conscious, the sympathetic nervous system is activated, leading to the dilation of blood vessels in the face. This increased blood flow to the facial area results in the reddening of the skin and the sensation of warmth.
*Your HPA- What?
The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis or the HPA axis is a complex system that regulates stress response and controls the release of cortisol, a hormone involved in various physiological processes.
Anxiety
Anxiety can be described as a subjective experience characterized by feelings of worry, fear, or unease about anticipated future events or situations. It's akin to an internal voice persistently warning of potential negative outcomes, even in the absence of immediate danger. Anxiety can manifest in various ways, such as an increased heart rate, restlessness, heightened alertness, and very real physical symptoms like sweating or stomachaches.
It is worth noting that experiencing occasional anxiety is a common human experience.
However, when anxiety becomes excessive and significantly disrupts daily functioning, it may be indicative of an anxiety disorder that requires professional attention (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).
Anxiety disorders are associated with dysregulation in various neural pathways and neurotransmitter systems, including the amygdala, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) system (Etkin & Wager, 2007; Pittenger & Duman, 2008).
If anxiety starts to interfere with your daily life, seeking support from a mental health professional can be beneficial. We can provide guidance, offer coping strategies, and help determine if further intervention or treatment is necessary.
Remember, you don't have to face anxiety alone, and seeking support is a proactive step towards managing and alleviating its impact.
References:
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). American Psychiatric Publishing.
Etkin, A., & Wager, T. D. (2007). Functional neuroimaging of anxiety: A meta-analysis of emotional processing in PTSD, social anxiety disorder, and specific phobia. American Journal of Psychiatry, 164(10), 1476-1488.
Pittenger, C., & Duman, R. S. (2008). Stress, depression, and neuroplasticity: A convergence of mechanisms. Neuropsychopharmacology, 33(1), 88-109.
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