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by Alex Medin December 02, 2023
Anxiety is a complex and natural human emotion that can manifest itself in various, heathy and unhealthy, ways. One of the healthy ways is its ability to propel us into action, either by solving or removing us from imminent danger. But one of the most intriguing aspects of anxiety is that, when it's unconscious, it can cause us to run away from ourselves and uncomfortable feelings. In this article, we will delve into the fascinating relationship between anxiety and the flight response. We'll also explore the role of unconscious fears, underlying trauma, and how they contribute to our instinctual urge to escape from ourselves, preventing us from healing.
Before we explore the flight response, let's take a moment to understand anxiety. Anxiety is a normal response to stress, alerting us to potential dangers and helping us stay vigilant. However, when anxiety becomes unconscious, chronic or overwhelming, it can lead to avoidance behaviors, such as running away from our own emotions, our goals and ultimate from our longings and desires.
The flight response is one of the body's natural survival mechanisms, alongside the fight and freeze responses. When faced with a perceived threat or danger, our body releases stress hormones like adrenaline, preparing us to either confront the threat or escape from it. In the context of anxiety, the flight response often manifests as an intense desire to avoid or escape situations, people, or emotions that trigger our anxiety.
Unconscious fears can play a significant role in driving our flight response. These fears can be deeply rooted in our subconscious minds and are often linked to past experiences or traumas. When we encounter situations that remind us of these underlying fears, our anxiety can be triggered, leading to a strong urge to run away.
Past trauma can be a key factor underlying chronic anxiety and the flight response. Traumatic experiences from our past can create a heightened state of alertness, making us more prone to anxiety. When anxiety surfaces, it can be a way for our mind and body to protect us from reliving past traumas and emotions. Running away from the source of anxiety can feel like a way to avoid re-experiencing painful emotions associated with trauma.
Understanding the connection between anxiety, the flight response of unconscious fears and trauma is a crucial step toward breaking the cycle. Here are some strategies to help:
Mindfulness and Self-Awareness: Becoming aware of your anxiety triggers and recognizing when the flight response is activated can help you respond more consciously. It's important to create space between our feelings of anxiety and the instinctual flight response.
Therapy: Seeking therapy or counseling can be immensely beneficial in addressing and clearing underlying traumas and learning healthier coping mechanisms. At Health & Light, our holistic and somatic approach encompasses a myriad of different healing modalities to help release and resolve unconscious traumas that might be at the center of chronic anxiety and stress.
Breathwork and Meditation: Practices like breathwork and meditation can help you stay grounded and manage anxiety when it arises and to release it.
Healthy Coping Mechanisms: Engaging in activities that promote relaxation and self-care, such as yoga, exercise, or spending time in nature and with intimate connections can also help reduce anxiety.
Anxiety's ability to propel us into the flight response is a fascinating aspect of human psychology. Unconscious fears and past traumas often contribute to this urge to run away from uncomfortable feelings. By gaining a deeper understanding of anxiety and its roots, we can begin to address these issues and develop healthier ways to cope. Remember that seeking professional help and practicing self-awareness are valuable tools in managing anxiety and breaking free from the cycle of avoidance.
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by Alejandro Medin December 12, 2023
by Alex Medin December 02, 2023
by Alex Medin November 30, 2023
In understanding eating disorders, it's crucial to recognize often-unseen forces at play. In this article we delve into how family dynamics and traumatic, stressful experiences, many of which might not be immediately apparent, may contribute to the development of eating disorders. We explore the intricate link between these experiences, the ensuing anxiety generated from possible unresolved traumas, and the use of food as a coping mechanism.
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Alex Medin
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