ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION
Fight, Flight or Freeze
Early man and woman would have faced many threats including wild animals and other tribes. They would have had to hunt for food and protect their families. Early man's primitive brain would have responded to these factors with either anxiety, anger or depression. We also know these as the flight, fight or freeze responses.
When we are stressed chemicals are released into our brains and bodies to help us cope with any threat or danger. Signs this is happening include an increased heart rate and sweaty palms. The primitive part of our brain is therefore responsible for our stress response. If the primitive brain thinks we are in a time of crises it will automatically step in to help and override our rational and logical brain. In the short term this is fine. Short term stress is often useful and the primitive brain is only in charge for a short period of time.
Moving away from fight, flight or freeze
The primitive brain is excellent at protecting us in a time of crises. Automated responses, such as running away from danger, evolved to protect us. However, sometimes the primitive brain thinks it needs to protect us even when we are not in real danger. Stress leads to the primitive brain to look for coping mechanisms to help us survive. This can be as simple as a 'duvet day', or our favourite food or drink or an unhealthy habit. In the short term, these coping mechanisms might be useful but prolonged reliance on them can lead to you being 'stuck'. Low mood or anxiety about what might happen can leave you feeling helpless and unmotivated.
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Intelligent Mind
The other part of the brain, the rational and logical part is sometimes referred to as the Intelligent Mind, When you are using your Intelligent Mind, you can make a thorough assessment of the situation and find ways to move forward and replace the coping mechanisms with more useful behaviours. These useful behaviours will help you get back on track and start moving again. I help you find your solutions that will help you utilise
your Intelligent Mind and move towards the useful behaviours. You might already know what they are, its just sometimes you need help getting back to them or finding new ones.