Understanding-how-your-brain-works with Anxiety
The Alarm Bell:
Imagine your brain has a little alarm bell called the amygdala. When something scary or stressful happens, like a big test or meeting new people, the amygdala rings that bell loud and clear. It tells your body to get ready to fight or run away, which is why your heart might race and your hands might get sweaty.
The amygdala's job is to keep you safe, but sometimes it can get a bit too sensitive and ring that alarm bell even when there's no real danger. It's like having a smoke detector in your brain that goes off every time you cook, even if there's no fire. When the amygdala senses danger, it sends signals to other parts of your brain to prepare for action, like releasing stress hormones and increasing your heart rate.
I remember when I was younger, the amygdala in my brain seemed to ring that alarm bell at the smallest things, like speaking up in class or meeting new people. It felt like my body was constantly in "fight or flight" mode, ready to run away from any situation that made me feel nervous. Understanding that it's just my brain trying to keep me safe has helped me cope with those anxious feelings.
The Thinking Cap:
But don't worry, your brain also has a thinking cap called the prefrontal cortex. It's like the boss of your brain, helping you make smart decisions and stay calm in tough situations. Sometimes, when anxiety kicks in, it's like your thinking cap takes a little break, making it harder to think clearly and stay calm.
The prefrontal cortex is like the superhero of your brain, but even superheroes need a break sometimes. When anxiety is high, the prefrontal cortex may not work as well, which can make it harder to focus and make good decisions. It's like trying to think clearly when there's a loud noise distracting you—it's not easy! The prefrontal cortex is responsible for regulating emotions and controlling impulsive reactions, but when anxiety takes over, it can become overwhelmed, leading to feelings of confusion and agitation.
I've noticed that when I'm feeling really anxious, it's like my thinking cap goes on vacation and leaves me feeling scattered and overwhelmed. It's frustrating because I know I'm capable of handling the situation, but my brain just isn't cooperating. Taking a moment to calm down and breathe deeply helps me reengage my thinking cap and approach the situation with a clearer mind.