Anxieties affect on the body

We all have a natural survival instinct. This is commonly termed the fight or flight response. When a danger is perceived this survival instinct naturally triggers certain changes within the body, to enable the person to deal with the threat. If there is actual danger these changes could well save the life of the individual as they enable access to greater strength and speed. It enables the individual to either fight or flee the situation. The trouble with anxiety issues is that the perceived threat is not a genuine danger, but that the body is treating as if it is. A typical example of this is a spider phobia. Generally spiders are not dangerous, but many people panic when they encounter them. (Of course if that spider was a tarantula and you felt threatened then this would be fully justified). When the survival instinct is triggered certain hormones are released by the adrenal glands.

Perceived Danger-----leads to hormonal release----adrenaline/ noradrenaline

These hormones have a powerful affect on the body and mind

Effect of Adrenaline and Noradrenaline on the mind/ body

1. Increases heart rate
2. Increases rate of breathing
3. Stops digestion
4. Decreases blood flow to the extremities, hands/ feet
5. Increases sweating
6. Increases sensory acuity- information from the senses such as hearing
7. Widens pupils
8. Increases blood flow to large muscle groups to enable the body to deal with the perceived threat
   

All of the above changes that occur within the body occur for one reason only, to assure survival. They enable the person to be on high alert, increased ability to hear/ see danger. They also redirect strength and energy to where it is needed in the body to enable the person to either fight or run. These bodily changes are accompanied by many changes. One of which is an urge to flee or irritability.