There are certain things that occur in our brains that cause some people to be more anxious than others.
Talking Points:
- People who cannot cope in social situations suffer from Social Anxiety Disorder. They either worry about being judged by others or about completely embarrassing themselves in public. These feelings of fear can be so overwhelming that it will keep many people from participating in social activities.
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder can be more persistent and excessive than other anxiety disorders. Someone with this disorder may feel overwhelmed with worry without any obvious triggers at all. This may cause some people to have a panic attack without warning.
- Studies suggest that people suffering from Generalized Anxiety Disorder have brains that work a little differently. Their amygdala, which tells the hypothalamus to be afraid and release epinephrine, are less connected to areas in their brains that determine the importance of certain stimuli. Therefore, it is harder for them to distinguish between something that is mildly upsetting and something they should really be worried about.
Discussion:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- What do you get most anxious about? Why does it cause you so much anxiety?
- What are some of your fears or phobias? Where do you think you developed these fears in the first place?
- When have you ever felt like you were having a panic attack? What did it feel like?
- When have you felt overwhelming anxiety for no reason or for some really minor issue? Why do you think that happened?
- What steps do you need to take to deal with your anxiety in productive ways?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
