Most people have a basic idea of what anxiety is. Those who deal with it can talk all about how their anxiety shows up both physically and emotionally. Some of the most common symptoms include a racing heart, difficulty sleeping, and intense feelings of fear. 

However, it’s important to understand how anxiety affects the brain. 

By developing an understanding of what anxiety is really doing inside your mind, you might be able to have a better handle on your symptoms. You might also finally accept your anxiety and seek out the help you deserve. 

With that in mind, let’s look at three things you need to know when it comes to how your brain is affected by anxiety.

1. It Weakens An Important Connection

One of the reasons why feelings of anxiety can seem so overwhelming is that the stress of your fear weakens the connection between the amygdala and your prefrontal cortex. 

The prefrontal cortex is the part of the brain responsible for solving problems and rationalizing decisions. When the amygdala alerts the prefrontal cortex that you’re in danger (even when you’re not), it doesn’t connect properly.

2. You Experience Defensive Behavior

Because that important connection is weakened, your amygdala takes more control over your thoughts and behaviors. 

Have you ever wondered why teenagers tend to react so emotionally toward things, rather than thinking them through? It’s largely because their prefrontal cortex isn’t fully functioning and they do most of their thinking with the amygdala. 

The same thing happens when you’re anxious. 

Your amygdala kicks into high gear, putting you into a “fight-or-flight” state of mind. Everyone is different, so how you respond to your anxiety triggers is unique to you. However, it’s that specific portion of your brain that is contributing to such a rection.

3. Your Brain Is Flooded With Stress

When your brain goes into fight-or-flight mode, a few things happen to prepare your body. 

One of the first things that occurs is an influx of adrenaline and cortisol. These are needed throughout your central nervous system when your body thinks it is in danger. They are your defenders. 

However, when you’re not in any real danger and you’re just fearful, the flooding of cortisol makes it difficult to return to a normal, calm state. Cortisol is known as the “stress hormone” and when you’re in a constant state of anxiety, your brain will keep releasing cortisol to fight back against your fear. 

Unfortunately, that creates a vicious cycle. The more cortisol you release, the more stressed and anxious you’ll feel. 

Eventually, those feelings can become overwhelming, causing your symptoms to flare up to the point where it feels like anxiety has completely taken over. 

What Can You Do? 

Now that you know what anxiety does to your brain, what can you do about it? Is it possible to take back control without feeling overwhelmed?

There’s good news. Anxiety is a very manageable and treatable mental health condition. However, it rarely goes away on its own. Understanding how it affects the brain can make that easier to see. 

Whether you’ve already gotten an official diagnosis already or you’re tired of dealing with symptoms on your own, therapy is one of the best ways to treat anxiety. 

If you’re struggling , anxiety hypnotherapy can help. Feel free to reach out for more information or to set up an appointment. Together, we’ll get to the underlying cause of your anxiety and where it stems from. We’ll also go through skills and techniques you can use to manage your symptoms and take control of your thoughts again. 

The effects of anxiety on your brain can be reversed. Let’s make that happen – together.