People with lifelong anxiety disorders often have genetic polymorphisms that cause abnormal activation of various neural circuitry and changes in neurotransmission, provoking excessive fear. While fear in appropriate situations such as getting attacked by a lion is beneficial in that it helps us survive by giving us superhuman abilities (e.g. endurance, strength, thinking), many people …
In some cases, individuals may experience a traumatic event that triggers such a potent stress response via the sympathetic nervous system, that memory of the event becomes repressed. The potency of the stress-response exceeds their innate ability to cope and other coping resources. Emotions associated with the traumatic event are often overpowering, leading to intense …
On a mission to reduce the amount of anxiety in my life, I initially resorted to antidepressants. When I first started them, I unknowingly thought that they’d cure my condition and allow me to function. The problem was that they eventually not only stopped working, but they made my depression as well as anxiety way …
In a high stress world, nearly everyone is trying to become more relaxed. Relaxation is often considered effective in reducing insomnia, anxiety, and even some types of depression. Feelings of relaxation are brought forth by activation of the parasympathetic nervous system. It is the parasympathetic nervous system that is responsible for helping our body rest, …
In the United States, there are an estimated 18 million people that are unemployed. Much of this is due to economic changes that have occurred within the past decade. In the year 1996, there were an estimated 750,000 households living on less than $2 per day (prior to receiving government benefits). As of the year …
Nearly everyone experiences fatigue on occasion, whether it be from working long hours, high stress, or not getting enough sleep. Although fatigue can be a temporary problem for many, most people are able to overcome it by making some lifestyle changes such as: eating better food, improving sleep, or reducing stress. Unfortunately approximately 1 million …
Panic attacks can strike at anytime and turn a seemingly normal situation into sheer terror. Unless you’ve personally experienced a panic attack, it may be difficult to understand what it feels like. Many panic attacks are caused by a specific stimulus or “trigger” (i.e. person, event, etc.). In other cases they may occur organically without …