If you're experiencing anxiety, you're not alone. In fact, the Anxiety Disorders Association of America says that anxiety is now the most commonly diagnosed mental illness in the country ("The Anti-Drug for Anxiety" by Stacie Stukin, Yoga Journal, March/April 2003). There are many reasons to feel anxious these days: the economy, unemployment, and global tensions are just a few. Maybe you have a lot of personal problems that are overwhelming to you that are causing you anxiety. Maybe you never learned how to deal with these issues.

The Problem with Anxiety

The problem with anxiety is the fact that it is perceived fear that something terrible is going to happen. This is due to the Fight of Flight Response not working properly in individuals with Anxiety-especially General Anxiety Disorder and Panic Disorder. An explanation of this phenomenon follows:

The Fight or Flight Response

Do you recall a time when you've been in danger, or feared that you could be in danger? Do you remember how the adrenalin pumped through your body, and how you quickly you went into action? Your heart likely beat rapidly and your breath became faster. This is a primitive response called the "Fight or Flight" response. It is an inborn genetic response which helps us to protect ourselves throughout our lives. The surge of adrenalin gives us the strength we need to either get the heck out of there, or stand our ground and fight off the danger. The fight/flight response is one of survival. The problem is that in our society today there is no way to release this adrenaline surge as fighting and running are not usually viable options when we experience our stressors. In this day and age there are constant stressors encountered on a daily basis. We need to find a way to manage these effectively.

Physiological Responses to Stress

Here are some facts regarding the body's response to stress:

The heart begins to beat faster and has stronger contractions. The lungs breathe faster and result in more shallow breathing. The muscles become harder and tighter. Digestion decreases. The sweat glands produce increased perspiration. The adrenal glands produce more adrenaline and cortisol. The immune system decreases resistance to disease and the pancreas increases production of insulin.

Panic Attacks

You might recognize the description of someone in fight/flight mode if you suffer from panic attacks. People having panic attacks experience the same physical symptoms as a person in immediate physical danger. Panic attacks are a type of fight/flight response. Once this response "kicks in," we tend to perceive anything and everything around us as a potential threat to our safety. When we are in fight/flight mode, our brain chemistry is altered. The part of the brain which controls our rational thoughts is bypassed, and we move right into "attack" or "run" mode.

Feeling anxious often means a racing pulse, sweating, and rapid, shallow breathing. What do you do to alleviate feelings of anxiety? What's the best treatment for anxiety? While prescription medication is often useful, and sometimes necessary, it's not the only treatment. Therapy is often effective and necessary. It is a personal choice on which treatment is for you. Bottom line is if you want and need support, join our support group and find the light.