Anxiety

Feeling constantly on edge? Racing thoughts that won't quiet down? Your nervous system might be stuck in survival mode.

Why won't my anxiety go away?

What feels like endless anxiety might actually be your nervous system stuck in a state of constant threat detection. When your nervous system is dysregulated, it keeps your body in high alert, making it nearly impossible to feel calm. This shows up as:

Racing thoughts and constant worry
Physical tension and restlessness
Difficulty sleeping despite exhaustion
Overthinking everyday situations
Social anxiety and withdrawal
Panic attacks or fear of having one

Guide to Nervous System Regulation:

How to regulate your body's operating system for better sleep, digestion, mental clarity and emotional balance

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You are stuck in survival mode

When stuck in survival mode (Sympathetic Dominance), your body creates a cycle of anxiety through these mechanisms:

Threat Detection Override

Problem ➜ Your brain's threat detection system (amygdala) becomes hyperactive, while the calming part of your brain (prefrontal cortex) has reduced function. It's like having an oversensitive alarm system that can't be turned off.

Symptom ➜ Constant feeling of being on edge, finding threats in safe situations.

Stress Hormone Cascade

Problem ➜ Your body continuously produces stress hormones (cortisol, adrenaline), creating a biochemical state of anxiety. This keeps your system flooded "fight or flight" with chemicals.

Symptom ➜ Physical symptoms like racing heart, sweating, and shallow breathing.

Neural Pathway Lock-In

Problem ➜ Repeated anxiety responses strengthen neural pathways through a process called neuroplasticity. Your brain becomes more efficient at anxiety and less practiced at calm, making anxious responses your default setting. It's like a well-worn path becoming deeper with each use.

Symptom ➜ Automatic anxious responses to minor stressors.

Body-Brain Feedback Loop

Problem ➜ Physical tension and rapid breathing activate sensory nerves that signal danger to your brain via the vagus nerve. Your brain responds by increasing alertness and muscle tension, creating a self-reinforcing cycle of anxiety. Poor vagal tone means this cycle is harder to break

Symptom ➜ Muscle tension, jaw clenching, difficulty relaxing.

Sleep-Wake Disruption

Problem ➜ High cortisol levels and sympathetic activation interfere with melatonin production and disrupt your circadian rhythm. This prevents access to the deep sleep phases where your brain processes emotions and resets stress responses.

Symptom ➜ Difficulty falling asleep, racing thoughts at night, waking unrested.

Social Engagement Disruption

Problem ➜ Chronic stress suppresses your ventral vagal system (your social nervous system), which normally helps you feel safe with others. This reduces oxytocin and dopamine - hormones needed for comfortable social connection.

Symptom ➜ Social anxiety, difficulty connecting with others, withdrawal from relationships.