In the video on TED&Talks, Dr. Jen Gunter clarifies everything you think you know about your anxiety.
We live in a society where mental health issues are still not taken seriously. There are too many stigmas surrounding this topic. Some people tell you to just “get over it,” “stop worrying,” or even claim that “it’s all in your head.” But the truth is, anxiety disorders are no different from diabetes – they are a real health problem.
How is anxiety different from anxiety disorders?
Anxiety is a normal emotional response when you face stressful situations. It is related to fear. But while fear is a reaction to an immediate threat that quickly passes, anxiety often lasts longer and is directed towards uncertain threats. This is part of the natural danger detection system that all animals have to protect themselves from predators.
When encountering a dangerous situation, the brain activates a series of responses. The amygdala, a small part of the brain, sends signals to other areas to prepare for the “fight or flight” mechanism. The heart rate increases, muscles tense, and the body is put in a state of high alert. At the same time, the ventromedial prefrontal cortex helps regulate this response, like when you see a tiger but realize it’s in a cage and cannot harm you.
However, in people with anxiety disorders, this danger detection system doesn’t function properly. It makes them worry excessively about the future and their safety, significantly affecting their work, studies, and relationships.
Anxiety disorders are more common than you think.
According to data from the World Mental Health Survey, about 16% of the population has or has had an anxiety disorder. Common types include social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, phobias, and agoraphobia. Research shows that people with anxiety disorders may have differences in how their brain processes stress. The neural connections in the amygdala become stronger, creating an increasingly severe anxiety loop.
Treating anxiety disorders: good news for patients.
The good news is that anxiety disorders can be treated. This is not about weakness or personal failure, but about changing the way the brain works. Research has shown that the brain can reorganize and form new connections throughout life.
1. Basic steps
- Eat a balanced diet
- Exercise regularly
- Get enough sleep
2. Practice meditation and mindfulness
Meditation and deep breathing techniques help reduce stress immediately, calming the “fight or flight” response.
3. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
This therapy helps patients identify and challenge distressing thoughts, rebuilding neural pathways that reduce anxiety responses.
4. Medication
In the short term, anti-anxiety medications can calm the overactive danger detection system. In the long term, combining medication and CBT has been shown to reduce the overactivity of the amygdala.
Anxiety disorders are a health problem, not a weakness.
Just like high blood pressure or diabetes, anxiety disorders can be managed and treated. If you feel anxiety is affecting your life, don’t hesitate to seek support from professionals. Your mental health deserves attention, as it is an inseparable part of overall health.
See full video HERE.
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