Why severe anxiety paralyzes people: How your brain makes it harder for you to make decisions and act when you're anxious

When you're anxious, it's usually time to make some decisions to improve your current situation, but it's really hard to do.

Your brain freezes, and you can't do anything useful or even think of it.

Here's why that happens.

Overwhelming Fear

Anxiety often stems from intense fear or worry about a specific situation, event, or even general life circumstances. 

This fear can become so overwhelming that it triggers a "fight-or-flight" response in the body, preparing it to deal with perceived threats. 

Excessive Thinking and Rumination

Anxiety tends to be accompanied by excessive and intrusive thoughts. 

This constant mental preoccupation can be mentally exhausting, leading to a state of analysis paralysis, where individuals feel stuck and unable to move forward.

Physical Symptoms and Sensations

When anxiety is heightened, individuals may experience symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, sweating, trembling, dizziness, or stomach discomfort. 

These physical sensations can further exacerbate the sense of being immobilized or trapped, as individuals may interpret them as signs of imminent danger or loss of control.

Impact on Concentration and Decision-Making

The constant worry and intrusive thoughts can make it challenging to focus on tasks or process information effectively. 

This cognitive impairment can hinder individuals from taking action, as they may feel unable to assess situations accurately or make decisions confidently.
 

• Related news:
• anxiety
• fears
• personality
• 25 June 2023

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