This is what anxiety looks like in your brain | Dr. Wendy Suzuki

Dr. Wendy Suzuki is a renowned neuroscientist and professor of Neural Science and Psychology at New York University. Her groundbreaking work has significantly advanced our understanding of the brain's plasticity and its capacity to change and adapt in response to various stimuli, including physical activity and emotional states. A central focus of Dr. Suzuki's research has been exploring the intricate relationship between brain health, memory, and anxiety.

Through her innovative studies, Dr. Suzuki has shed light on how regular physical activity can profoundly impact the brain's structure and function, leading to improved memory, mood, and overall cognitive function. This body of work has been pivotal in highlighting the potential of exercise as a powerful tool for managing anxiety and stress, offering compelling evidence of the mental health benefits of physical activity.

Dr. Suzuki's contributions to the field extend beyond her research. She is a gifted communicator, dedicated to sharing her knowledge and insights with a broader audience through lectures, books, and various media appearances. Her book "Healthy Brain, Happy Life" combines personal narrative with scientific exploration, making the complex workings of the brain accessible and engaging to readers and emphasizing the critical role of lifestyle choices in brain health and emotional well-being.

Through her passionate advocacy for brain health, Dr. Wendy Suzuki continues to inspire individuals to harness the power of their brains to foster a sense of well-being, manage anxiety, and live fuller, more vibrant lives. Her work not only illuminates the paths through which exercise and mental health are interconnected but also encourages a societal shift towards prioritizing brain health as a fundamental aspect of overall health.

[drewpac]

Crazy right. This mechanism was created to protect my ancestors from threats that could kill them. And I make use of it to freak out over a PowerPoint presentation 😅

[ISayNukem]

I've started working on projects when my anxiety goes up. It takes a minute, but it does help.

[NiMareQ]

The solution is simple. Learning and practice.

[FreedomJane-bxum]

My mother psychologically and physically abusive me until the state took me away, and foster parents weren't much better. After a while the stress never goes away because the memories never fade. I remember being a baby like I remember my twenties, clearly. Please, don't assume that your children will forget traumatic events but hope that they do.

[musonobari]

Wow this is crazy! It perfectly explains why my mind goes numb when I get an anxiety attack when I'm about to do public speaking! 😢😢

[mattynatty]

When I learned that the same portion of the brain that activates anxiety is also the same portion that activates during gratitude, it changed everything for me.

[brooklynnchick]

I love you, BT! You help me understand myself and my world more deeply without telling me what to think. That’s education and it’s getting harder to find. ❤

[MegaAwesomeAnnie]

In psychology this would be an example of a maladaption - an adaption which has happened but not to the benefit of the organism. Being aware of maladaptive processes helps a lot when trying to counter feelings of unease you can't quite put your finger or, or can't quite justify. It's not you, it's your brain and evolution!

[WriteHereWithMe]

Solution, lady! Solution!!!!( And one that doesn’t involve breathing patterns!!)

[fh]

Once the physiology kicks in and you are pumping out cortisols and adrenaline and other stress chemistry, it will take a while to calm back down. That chemistry doesn't just disappear.

In chronic anxiety, you're in this perpetual fight-or-flight mode where it feeds on itself. The amygdala has shut down the thinking part of the brain, even though you are not in an imminent life-threatening situation.

You are stuck there until you burn out - or the deadline for whatever you're afraid of passes. Then, the amygdala waits for something else equally inappropriate to kick it into action again. That's when you need medical or psychological intervention.

[bookmouse]

Thank you for explaining. I remember from biological psychology the amygdala causes anger too...I didn't understand that the front shuts down...perhaps that's why prayer helps. Physically.

[oiqlcdb]

That's why I have come to realise there's a thin line between productive anxiety and paralyzing anxiety. Lately been having paralyzing anxiety so it's all fun 😊

[depravedrogue]

Listening to music and singing along helps my anxiety for some reason. I wonder how that's related?

[clockonawall]

It is intriguing to observe that some individuals exhibit enhanced cognitive abilities and rapid response times under stressful conditions. Notably, certain individuals with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) may experience heightened mental acuity and responsiveness when faced with high levels of stress.

[SuperMrAndersen]

Short but great video, explained a lot 👍

[elizabethtegegnework]

Correct !! It is the automatic stress response mode.

[TomMcHugh-lv]

No suggestions on how to rev up the prefrontal cortex when this happens ?

[ursusursidae]

I think she is talking about normal anxiety. My anxiety is about things statistically unlikely to happen. For example, I have enough medication at home for 12 months. I fear being unable to get a new prescription fast enough.

[sumitbhardwaj]

That is insane, so I have to treat my anxiety in a cool and lighter way

[sundeepmaharshi]

My forehead becomes numb all of a sudden and my tummy has butterflies, legs starts trembling, checked with a couple of psychiatrists who diagnosed it as anxiety disorder
I feel nauseas when my forehead becomes numb, and mild pressure applies on top of front head with out my consent😢