Week 3- Anxiety, Fear, and Stress
Why is it so important to maintain a balance between the parasympathetic and sympathetic
nervous systems?
The autonomic nervous system includes the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.
The fight-or-flight response, which awakens us and prepares our bodies for the perceived
dangers, is controlled by the sympathetic nervous system. accelerating our breathing, heart rate,
and blood pressure, enabling us to escape or combat the threat or stress we are facing. The
parasympathetic system does the opposite: it helps with digestion and calms the body after fight-
or-flight has been activated.
One is not overstimulated for longer than necessary when these nervous systems are balanced. A
person experiences a constant state of fear and anxiety if the fight-or-flight response is activated
on a consistent basis, altering neuropathways and brain chemistry. A natural relationship that
fosters a healthier mental equilibrium occurs when the two are in balance.
Compare the anticipation of an aphotic object in specific phobia to that of generalized anxiety,
which is frequently experienced.
A specific phobia is an unfavorable reaction or anxiety that impairs a person's ability to function
and is brought on by a specific object, experience, or thought. The person will go to great lengths
to avoid that object, experience, or thought. A person with a generalized anxiety disorder worries
more about the day-to-day, but they don't go out of their way to avoid an object or a situation,
even though their anxiety makes it difficult for them to do so.
Give an example of how a therapist might help a patient calm down by activating the
parasympathetic nervous system.
The patient might receive instruction in meditation or deep breathing from a therapist. The
parasympathetic nervous system can be activated by slowing down the release of dopamine and
norepinephrine through meditation and deep breathing. To help the body and mind relax, the
patient could also spend time in a place they enjoy.
How is an anxiety disorder related to any of the programmatic themes listed below?
I believe that emotional intelligence and self-care go hand in hand with anxiety disorder. You
can recognize your emotions and adjust to them and the environment with emotional
intelligence. Self-care is taking time to boost your self-regulation and wellbeing.
Sources:
Hooley, J. M., Nock, M., & Butcher, J. N. (2021). Abnormal psychology (18th ed.).
Pearson.
Bernhard, T. (n.d.). 4 tips for slowing down to reduce stress. Psychology Today. Retrieved
November 10, 2021, from
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/turning-straw-gold/201109/4-tips-slowing-down-
reduce-stress.
