Anxiety is a normal response that is necessary for survival.

Anxiety is prompted by a “trigger”, something that sparks a response. Triggers can be events, people, memories, situations, and even things like caffeine, medication or a lack of sleep.

Whatever the trigger is, our mind is programmed to prepare for and evaluate if the trigger is dangerous. The “thalamus” in the brain acts as a “switchboard” and sends signals down two brain pathways.

First, and instantly, the thalamus sends a signal to the “amygdala”, which is our body’s alarm. The amygdala prepares us for danger and produces symptoms to get us ready to “fight, flight or flee.” This response is primitive and happens on an unconscious level. It’s how we have survived as humans. It helps our body take action, before our brain even makes sense of what is going on.

The thalamus also sends a signal to the “cortex.” The cortex is responsible for rational thought, and assesses if the trigger is truly dangerous. Once the cortex evaluates the situation, it then communicates with the amygdala. If the trigger is not perceived as dangerous, the cortex will instruct the amygdala to halt its response. As a result, the alarming symptoms will quickly cease.

Anxiety Disorders

Research indicates that people with anxiety disorders have a larger than average amygdala. They tend to be more sensitive to triggers like sensations, thoughts, and memories. This increased sensitivity leads to a higher arousal level of physical symptoms such as heart rate and sweating. It also causes mental symptoms like worry.

The amygdala can be very sensitive. Sometimes, even emotions like excitement or anger trigger arousal that feels like anxiety. It is our reaction to these symptoms that impact the level of anxiety we experience.

The amygdala’s initial response to perceived danger is an automatic and unconscious process. We become frightened before we even get to assess if the trigger is dangerous. It is impossible to use willpower to stop the initial rush.

To lessen anxiety, we need to train our brain to understand and tolerate it. We should restructure our thoughts around the anxiety. Additionally, we must realistically evaluate the danger of the triggers.