The whole purpose of anxiety is to prepare the body for 'fight' or 'flight' not 'fright'. All animals have anxiety systems which are designed to help them survive. This anxiety system aIerts the body for action and enables us to react swiftly and efficiently when in danger.

Modem man has leamed to use anxiety. It helps us to conquer the unknown and survive. It drives us forward, giving us the impetus to succeed against a challenge.Without making use of anxiety systems, human beings would never have evolved, never explored our world or reached the moon.

It is by making POSITIVE use of the physical reaction - the FIGHTor FLIGHT - of anxiety that the human species has become dominant on the earth. Animals are controlled by anxiety - We have learned to control ours.

HOW DOES ANXIETY WORK?

The physical sensations of anxiety are triggered when the BRAIN interprets a given situation as anxiety provoking. This message passes down the NERVES to the ADRENAL GLANDS which in turn pour ADRENALIN into the BLOODSTREAM.

The process is very similar to what happens when we experience other emotions such as excitement or anger. ln fact, the only difference between these emotions and anxiety is what interpretation the BRAIN places on the stimulus.

For example, imagine two passengers in the back seat of a very fast car. One may interpret the situation as exciting and exhilarating whilst the other may interpret is as frightening and anxiety provoking. However, they would both be experiencing exactly the same physiological changes - the release of ADRENALIN - the only difference would be their interpretation of the situation.

Let us look more closely at aIl the physiological changes that take place in the 'FIGHT or FLIGHT' reaction of anxiety.

An event is experienced that the BRAIN perceives as STRESSFUL and therefore ANXlETY PROVOKING. This may be an external event or an internal worry.

This stimulates the SYMPATHETIC NERVES (S) and two things happen immediately.

1. Nerve impulses are sent along the (S) nerves to aIl parts of the body.
2. Adrenalin is released from the adrenal gland.

These things cause a number of changes in the body which would be essential for a person to have the physical energy and stamina to run away from or fight an enemy! The MUSCLES need to be able to work as powerfully as possible. For this they require OXYGEN and FOOD so:-

• The LUNGS work faster to take in more AIR
• The LIVER releases its emergency store of SUGAR

These things need to be taken quickly to the muscles so the HEART beats faster. This is felt as pounding and sometimes palpitations and skipping a beat. These are quite normal and are just the hearts way of coping with the work it is being asked to do!

The more FLUID there is in the BLOODSTREAM, the greater the amount of SUGAR can be dissolved in it. Therefore any 'spare' BLOOD is diverted from the parts not actively involved to the bloodstream. So:-

• BLOOD is diverted from the muscles of the STOMACH and INTESTINES causing butterflies, cramp and nausea. Digestion slows down and indigestion may be experienced.
• BLOOD is diverted from the BOWEL and BLADDER. To aid this the muscles of these organs shut down and the small ring of muscle (SPHINCTER) at the openings of them tightens automatically. This means they require an absolute minimum of blood, oxygen and sugar. It also has the effect of making the person feel a need to pass water and sometimes, diarrhoea.
• FLUID is diverted from the SALIVARY GLANDS causing a dry Mouth.
• BLOOD is diverted from the small muscles in the EXTREMITIES of the body - fingers,toes, ears, etc. This leads to paleness, coldness and tingling in these parts.

ln anticipation of getting hot through physical exertion, the body starts to SWEAT. This leads to feeling clammy, hot and cold at the same time.

ln anticipation of requiring good vision to see the 'enemy', the pupils of the EYES widen (DILATE), causing blurring of vision and dizziness or even fainting in extreme cases.

ln anticipation of needing to be 'on guard', the SENSES become sharpened, and a feeling of apprehension is experienced. The mind shuts out other thought processes leading to poor concentration on everyday things.

THIS PHYSICAL REACTION REMAINS AS LONG AS THE FIGHT OR FLIGHT REACTION STAYS SWITCHED ON AND ADRENALIN IS BEING PUMPED INTO THE BLOODSTREAM. THIS IS A NORMAL REACTION TO STRESS.