Fight or Flight - Anxiety & Panic

March 8, 2010

What is the fight or flight response?

Well that's what I'm going to explain to you right here right now.

I know some people (mostly anxiety and panic sufferers) almost despise hearing about the fight or flight response, but fact is, it is real, it is what is happening to you.

Once your anxiety levels peak and I'm sure everyone has experienced high levels of anxiety at one point of their life (example: waiting for a job interview) your senses become very sensitive.

Usually one of the first things you will notice is that your heart begins to race, (this extra adrenaline gives you more strength so you're able to run faster or stick around and fight it out), and your vision will begin to sharpen, your hearing and sense of smell will become much more sensitive.

So now that your anxiety is turned on its time for you to choose, do you stick around and fight it out? Or do you run from the danger?

It's a rather handy tool to activate when you really are in danger, it can save your life. However, when it activates in an "unnecessary" situation it can become a hindrance on your daily life.

If you suffer from anxiety and panic attacks then you might already be familiar with the need to run. When I suffered from anxiety and panic disorder I can recall a few trips to the shopping mall and feeling the need to GET OUT as quickly as I could.

I was in no danger so I should not have felt any need to suddenly run, however this is where your signals can get confused and your anxiety levels are switched on 24/7. This is commonly known as "Anxiety and Panic Disorder".

Copyright © 2005 Joanne King

About Joanne: Joanne King is a former sufferer of Anxiety & Panic Attacks. She is the author of "How to Overcome Anxiety & Panic Attacks". She has helped other sufferers Worldwide to eliminate their Anxiety & Panic attacks. http://www.anxiety-panic-free.com

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Fight or Flight - Anxiety & Panic