Psychology

 The Psychology of Anxiety: Understanding the Brain’s Alarm System We’ve all felt it—that sudden rush of nervous energy before a presentation, a racing heart during a stressful moment, or the endless loop of “what ifs” in our minds. But what exactly is anxiety, and why does it affect so many of us? What Is Anxiety? Anxiety is your body’s natural response to perceived danger or stress. It's the mental and physical reaction to threats—whether real or imagined—and it’s rooted in survival. While occasional anxiety is completely normal, chronic or intense anxiety can interfere with daily life and may indicate an anxiety disorder. The Brain’s Alarm System At the heart of anxiety is the amygdala , a small almond-shaped structure deep within the brain. It plays a key role in detecting threats and triggering the fight-or-flight response . Here’s how it works: Perceived Threat – You encounter a potential threat (like a loud noise or a stressful situation). Amygdala Activation – The ...