NEUROPSICÓLOGO ENSINA A COMBATER A ANSIEDADE | Lutz Podcast

Summary

This video explores the nature of anxiety, its physiological triggers, and how to manage it effectively. The speaker explains that anxiety, though a natural force that drives action, becomes problematic when it overwhelms the individual. It covers how anxious thoughts can trigger physical responses like accelerated heart rate and muscle tremors, which are part of the body's fight-or-flight mechanism. The key to overcoming anxiety lies in self-awareness and techniques like deep breathing, meditation, and cognitive restructuring. The speaker also touches on personal experiences, including using CBD for anxiety relief, and emphasizes the importance of training oneself to manage stress proactively.

Takeaways

• 😀 Anxiety is a life force that drives us to work, study, and stay active. It only becomes problematic when it overflows and becomes excessive.
• 😀 From a neurophysiological perspective, anxiety is excess energy, manifesting as electrical currents in areas of the brain where they shouldn't be present at such high frequencies or speeds.
• 😀 Anxiety often stems from constructing imaginary stress scenarios, where the brain creates physiological responses based on negative thoughts about possible future events.
• 😀 The body's physiological responses to anxiety (such as an increased heart rate) prepare for fight or flight, even when there is no actual danger.
• 😀 Tremors during anxiety are essentially warm-ups for muscles, preparing them for potential physical exertion, like running or fighting.
• 😀 Managing anxiety requires intervention in the only physiological system that is both conscious and automatic: breathing. Deep, controlled breaths help disrupt the anxious cycle.
• 😀 Regular practice of calming activities like breathing exercises, meditation, and walking can help train the mind and body to handle anxiety in healthier ways.
• 😀 If anxiety escalates into a full-blown crisis, the symptoms often pass over time, much like a passing storm, and should be endured with patience and controlled breathing.
• 😀 Panic attacks, which are intense, short-lived episodes of extreme fear, can evolve into panic disorder due to the avoidance behaviors that follow these attacks.
• 😀 Training the mind to embrace life’s challenges and avoid avoiding fear can prevent panic disorder and help build emotional resilience.
• 😀 Cannabis, specifically THC, can amplify anxiety symptoms by increasing the intensity of the emotional highs, while cannabidiol (CBD) in controlled doses has a therapeutic effect, alleviating anxiety.

Q & A

What is the role of anxiety in our lives?

Anxiety is described as a force of life that drives us to work, study, and take action. It motivates us to get things done, but when it becomes excessive, it can lead to problems.

How does anxiety manifest in the body?

Anxiety triggers a physiological response, including an accelerated heart rate, muscle tremors, and changes in body temperature. These responses are part of the 'fight or flight' mechanism, even when there's no real danger.

What is the main physiological marker of anxiety?

The main physiological marker of anxiety is the presence of electric currents in the brain, which become predominant in areas where they shouldn't be, and they operate at a higher frequency or speed than normal.

How can we intervene in the anxiety response?

The best way to intervene in anxiety is by using conscious breathing. Deep and slow breaths help break the cycle of escalating anxiety, allowing the person to regain control over their body and mind.

What role does breathing play in managing anxiety?

Breathing is a unique physiological process that can be both conscious and automatic. By controlling it, you can reduce anxiety symptoms and prevent them from escalating into a panic attack.

What is a useful analogy for understanding how anxiety feels?

Anxiety can be visualized as a raincloud on a sunny day—it’s temporary, and it will pass. Just as you wait for the raincloud to move, you can wait for the anxiety to subside while managing your breathing.

How long do panic attacks typically last?

Panic attacks usually last around 10 minutes, with the intensity peaking and then quickly declining, similar to a balloon deflating.

What happens when panic attacks lead to avoidance behaviors?

When panic attacks cause avoidance behaviors, they can become chronic and worsen the problem. People start avoiding situations where they might experience anxiety, which limits their ability to cope.

What is the importance of training in dealing with anxiety?

Training yourself to manage anxiety through techniques like breathing exercises and mindfulness helps you build resilience, allowing you to handle stress and avoid the development of more serious anxiety disorders.

How can substances like cannabis affect anxiety?

Cannabis can amplify anxiety, especially when the THC content is high. However, CBD (cannabidiol) in appropriate therapeutic doses can help alleviate anxiety without causing distorted sensations, as it balances the body's response.