Understanding Anxiety: It's Not a Chronic Illness, But a Nervous System Response

Anxiety can feel like an uninvited guest that

overstays its welcome. Many people grapple with the notion that anxiety is a chronic illness, often leading to feelings of frustration and helplessness. However, a more empowering perspective is that anxiety is a natural response of your nervous system, one that can become stuck in survival mode. Understanding this can pave the way for healing and resilience.

Anxiety: More Than Just a Mental State

When we think of anxiety, we often picture racing thoughts and relentless worries. However, it's crucial to recognise that anxiety isn't just in your head it's a holistic response involving your entire body. Your nervous system plays a significant role in how you experience anxiety. It’s designed to keep you safe, reacting to perceived threats with a series of biological responses.

The Nervous System in Overdrive

Imagine a car engine revving without a clear destination. This is what happens when your nervous system is in overdrive. Often referred to as the “fight, flight, or freeze” response, this mechanism kicks in when your body perceives danger. It’s an evolutionary adaptation that has helped humans survive in the face of threats for centuries.

Here are some common stressors that frequently trigger anxiety today:

1. Work-Related Stress

Job Insecurity: Many people experience anxiety due to fears of job loss or instability, especially in industries undergoing rapid changes or redundancies.

High Workloads: Increased responsibilities, tight deadlines, and long hours can lead to feelings of overwhelm and burnout.

Work-Life Balance: Difficulty in balancing professional and personal life can create significant stress, leading to anxiety.

2. Social Media and Digital Overload

Comparison and FOMO: Social media platforms often create unrealistic comparisons, leading to feelings of inadequacy and fear of missing out (FOMO).

Information Overload: The constant influx of news and information can be overwhelming, contributing to heightened anxiety levels.

Cyberbullying: Online harassment can lead to significant emotional distress and anxiety, particularly among younger populations.

3. Global Events

Pandemic-Related Stress: The COVID-19 pandemic previously caused widespread anxiety due to health fears, social isolation, and uncertainty about the future.

Political and Social Unrest: Ongoing political tensions, social justice movements, and global conflicts can create a pervasive sense of anxiety about the state of the world.

4. Financial Concerns

Economic Uncertainty: Fluctuating markets, inflation, and economic instability can lead to anxiety about personal and family finances.

Debt: Concerns about student loans, credit card debt, or mortgages can create significant stress and anxiety.

5. Health-Related Fears

Personal Health Concerns: Chronic illnesses, health conditions, or fears of illness can trigger anxiety, especially in an era of heightened health awareness.

6. Relationships and Social Pressure

Romantic Relationships: Issues such as breakups, conflicts, or the pressures of dating can lead to increased anxiety.

Family Dynamics: Family issues, such as caregiving responsibilities or conflicts with family members, can also be significant stressors.

Social Expectations: Pressure to conform to societal norms, including career success, parenting, and lifestyle choices, can trigger anxiety.

7. Environmental Concerns

Climate Change: Awareness of environmental issues, such as climate change and natural disasters, can lead to eco-anxiety.

Pollution and Safety: Concerns about air quality, water safety, and living conditions can contribute to general anxiety.

8. Academic Pressure

School and College Stress: Students often face intense pressure to perform academically, leading to anxiety about grades, future prospects, and workload.

Standardised Testing: The high stakes associated with tests can create significant stress for students of all ages.

9. Routine Disruptions

Changes in Routine: Life changes, such as moving, job changes, or transitions (like starting or finishing school), can disrupt established routines and lead to anxiety.

Unpredictability: The unpredictability of life events can create a sense of instability and anxiety.

When your body constantly interprets these stressors as threats, it remains in a heightened state of alertness. This chronic state of vigilance can lead to feelings of overwhelm and panic.

The Consequences of Chronic Stress

When stress becomes chronic, your body may start to shut down. This shutdown is a protective mechanism; your body conserves energy by opting for the “freeze” response. During this phase, you might feel disconnected, fatigued, or emotionally numb. It’s as if your body has hit the pause button, trying to protect you from an overload of stimuli.

This is where the misconception that anxiety is a chronic illness can be harmful. Labeling it as such can lead to a sense of resignation, as though it’s a condition you must endure rather than a state that can be changed. Recognising that anxiety is a response to a nervous system stuck in survival mode opens up avenues for healing.

The Key to Healing: Calming Your Nervous System

The pathway to healing involves learning how to calm the nervous system. Here are some effective strategies to help you do just that:

1. Mindfulness and Meditation: Practicing mindfulness can help you reconnect with your body and emotions. Techniques such as deep breathing, body scans, or guided meditations allow you to anchor yourself in the present, reducing anxiety.

2. Physical Activity: Exercise is a powerful tool for regulating your nervous system. Engaging in physical activity releases endorphins, which can counteract feelings of anxiety and stress.

3. Nature Therapy: Spending time in nature has proven benefits for mental health. Nature can act as a calming balm for your nervous system, helping to lower stress levels and restore balance.

4. Therapeutic Practices: Consider therapy practices that focus on the body, such as somatic experiencing. This offers a unique and holistic approach to healing trauma by focusing on the body’s sensations and responses. By integrating the mind-body connection, it provides individuals with effective tools to process and release stored trauma, leading to improved emotional well-being and resilience. If you are considering this approach, it's advisable to seek a trained Somatic Experiencing practitioner who can guide you through the process safely and effectively.

Also EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing). EMDR is a powerful therapeutic tool for processing traumatic memories and reducing the symptoms associated with PTSD and other trauma related disorders. By integrating bilateral stimulation with a structured approach to memory processing, EMDR provides a unique pathway to healing. See a licensed therapist trained in EMDR to explore this effective treatment option.

These approaches can help release stored trauma and allow your nervous system to recalibrate.

5. Healthy Lifestyle Choices: Prioritise sleep, nutrition, and hydration. A well-balanced diet and proper sleep can significantly influence your body’s ability to manage stress.

6. Connect with Others: Social support is vital for emotional well-being. Sharing your experiences with trusted friends or family can help you feel less isolated and more grounded.

Conclusion

Understanding that anxiety is not a chronic illness but rather a response from a nervous system stuck in survival mode can be liberating. It shifts the narrative from one of helplessness to one of empowerment. By learning to calm your nervous system, you can reclaim your life from the grips of anxiety and cultivate resilience. Remember, healing is a journey, and with the right tools and support, you can navigate your way to a more peaceful existence.