What is the amygdala?
Self preservation has enabled the human race to continue and survive through-out every conceivable trial and difficulty. A small almond shaped part of our brain called the amygdala is the power source of survival. Unfortunately it can get out of control and protect us when we are not in danger at all.
Anxiety
You have an appointment with the specialist at your hospital. A vague tension seems to fill your days prior to the appointment and your sleep is disrupted. You are a little more snappy and have a worried, distracted expression. This is all associated with anxiety. It could be that you are finding out results, or it could be that’s just the way you’ve been about going to the doctor since you were young. Some call it ‘white coat syndrome’.
Understanding anxiety and how it works will help you to cope.
The amygdala in your hypothalamus within the brain is your security guard. He is there to protect you from harm, to provide a quick response in case of pursuit and to prepare your body in case of attack. It has protected humans since we were invented and is therefore a powerful aspect of our anatomy ensuring the preservation of our species. The amygdala is on high alert when your mind detects something you are afraid of. It matters not whether the thing you fear is actually dangerous, or you just perceive it to be dangerous for reasons unexplained. This is why phobias are so difficult to overcome. A moth is nothing to some, but a fire-breathing dragon to others.
Signs your amygdala is busy
Sweaty palms, shallow breathing, increased heart rate, wobbly legs, headache, butterflies in your stomach, disturbed sleep, irritability, can’t eat, outbursts of anger, hyperventilating, thought obsession, nausea and sometimes vomiting, diarrhoea…..any or all of these symptoms are associated with a very active amygdala getting your body ready for fight or flight.
The symptoms may be very mild, they are there but not enough to stop you doing what you have to do.
Anxiety disorder is when these symptoms get out of control and prevent you doing what you need to do.
Calming the amygdala
The amygdala is a physical thing, so it can respond to a physical stimuli. It can be tricked, and this is why a focus on breathing works so well to calm the amygdala. Taking a slow deep breath, holding for a second, then letting it all out, and doing this several times, sends the amygdala a message.
You breathe like that when you are ok, when you are sleeping, when you are resting, and most importantly when you are not in danger. It switches the amygdala off. If you breathe right into your belly, pushing your belly out rather than breathing just in your chest, there are receptors that tell your body to relax. It works, try it.
Think about how relaxed you feel when you are in a yoga class, or meditation. Both classes use a strong focus on breathing to reduce stress, relax your body and mind and allow the body to soften into poses or deeper meditation.
Train your brain
By regular practice of breathing techniques, meditation and peaceful visualisation, you train your brain to respond more effectively and quickly when the amygdala security guard jumps to your protection. The more you do this, the more control you have in any situation that causes the onset of any degree of anxiety symptoms. Whatever your brain learns, a bridge is being built. If you want a strong and stable bridge, work on it daily. You don’t want something rickety and weak that swings over the tree-tops of anxiety.
When to seek help with anxiety
When you are doing all you can without any appreciable relief from the symptoms of anxiety, it is worth visiting someone to act as your mentor or coach. This may include your own Doctor; a Psychologist; Counselor; Life Coach; Cognitive Behavioural Specialist or you could try the alternative pathways of Crystal healing, Reiki, or Hypnotherapy. Group therapy is available via Meditation classes, Yoga, Tai Chi, and Counseling sessions. For online help, visit beyondblue or call
Support. Advice. Action 1300 22 4636
The bottom line is that anxiety is real, the symptoms are uncomfortable but you don’t have to allow your amygdala to protect you to the point of being unable to function normally in ordinary life situations.
Your amygdala needs to be tamed and it is achievable.
