Anxiety FAQ

We humans are built with inherent protection mechanisms to keep us safe.   When a threat is perceived our mind instructs the body to release hormones (Adrenaline and Cortisol) that make us more alert to danger, increase our blood flow and heart rate to help us cope with the perceived threat.  This process has been with us since the early caveman days when we either stood up to the threat or ran away, often referred to as the “Fight or Flight response”.   In the short term this allows us to better deal with the situation and afterwards the body goes into a relaxed mode to help us recover. 

There is also another instinctive response and that is “Freeze” which occurs briefly in a situation where the brain may be waiting for further processing, or the person may be watching the perceived danger.

In modern day life those ancient mechanisms are still present and can sometimes react in the same way to protect us in situations that are not life threatening e.g. presenting to large group of people or meeting strangers for the first time.  The probable cause is that we have not evolved enough yet where our brain can instinctively make the correct decision based on the modern situation it faces.

Is it normal to be anxious most of the time?

No.  Normally people overcome their stress or anxiety in everyday situations which are short term events, however when anxiety becomes more deeply embedded and exists over a longer period of time then it can make you ill.

What is the difference between Anxiety and Stress?

Both can have similar effects on the body, and in my opinion should be treated similarly.  Stress is often associated with external root causes e.g. working too many hours, having financial difficulties etc. and over a long time can lead to anxiety.  Anxiety is usually more internalised i.e. feelings of dread that something bad may happen and can persist even when the origin of the stress has passed.  I treat Stress and Anxiety in a similar fashion in therapy with good results.