Friday, February 3, 2012

Anxiety

Perhaps it is that anxiety can reap more than it can sow. As part of the "Fight or Flight Response", what is the role of anxiety? This is to contemplate the matter.

When faced with a tiger, anxiety sets in as an initial response. The Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) is suspended in time such that there is

Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) stimulation: tachycardia, hypertension, mydriasis, perspiration, hyperacusis, increased muscle blood flow, and adrenal gland stimulation. The release of endogenous epinephrine and nor-epinephrine ensue;

Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS)inhibition: delayed stomach emptying, decreased gastrointestinal blood flow, malabsorption, erectile dysfunction, loss of bladder or bowel sphincter control.

This is to propose that anxiety leaves one in a 'Suspended Animation' of combined SNS and PNS input and output, respectively.

In the split second of maximal 'Fight or Flight' response, the tiger notices that at first, his prey has large pupils. When the pupils shrink ever so small, the tiger pounces.

This is the loss of maximal SNS response that leaves the prey vulnerable. It is a short but striking moment in time.

We propose that anxiety may be a chronic extension of this moment. There is neither Fight nor Flight; There is both Fight and Flight. But the imbalance exists.

So perhaps there are only two choices: (1) maintain maximum vigilance and act ~ either Fight or Run; or (2) succumb to defeat. You are facing the tiger.

Perhaps indecision is the culprit.

Perhaps anxiety needs an outlet, a decision, an action. Try to propel that anxiety. Go with it. Let it take you 'outside of the box' and let it make you stronger. If we stay in the same spot, we will not gain momentum.

For with each difficulty that arises, it is a grand opportunity to take action.

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