Understanding Anxiety and the Stress Response
According to the Anxiety & Depression Association of America (ADAA), anxiety disorders affect 40 million adults in the United States every year, making it the most common mental illness. Anxiety is characterized by an exaggerated stress response, often triggered by perceived threats. The human body reacts to stress by activating the “fight or flight” response through the autonomic nervous system (ANS). The ANS consists of two components: the sympathetic nervous system (SNS), which initiates the stress response, and the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS), which restores the body to a state of calm. When a perceived threat is encountered, the SNS releases stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, elevating heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate, preparing the body for immediate action. While this mechanism is crucial for survival, chronic activation can lead to various health issues, including anxiety disorders.
Employing the Relaxation Response as an Antidote
The relaxation response serves as an antidote to the stress response. It is activated by the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting a state of rest and recovery. This response reduces the production of stress hormones, lowers heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate, and increases feelings of calm and well-being.
At Boundless, our team equips clients with tools and skills that help them trigger the relaxation response. Including deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and mindfulness meditation. Regular practice of these techniques can help build resilience to stress, balance the autonomic nervous system, and mitigate the impact of anxiety.
Relaxation Response > The Stress Response
What are some things we do to help you develop this response?
Identifying Triggers
Recognizing and understanding your triggers is a fundamental step towards managing anxiety. At Boundless, we support you in identifying patterns, fostering self-awareness, and developing adaptive coping strategies. Understanding your triggers enables the conscious activation of the relaxation response, helping to regulate the autonomic nervous system and reduce anxiety symptoms.
Discover the Boundless Approach to Anxiety Therapy
At Boundless, we believe in empowering you with knowledge and therapeutic tools that foster resilience and self-discovery. Our expert team in New York integrates the latest research and develops personalized interventions to create a safe and nurturing environment, where you can explore and challenge your anxiety. Incorporating somatic therapies, with Dialectical Behavior Therapy in the safety of a strong therapeutic alliance, Boundless empowers you to write your own story.
Why Choose Boundless Therapy for Your Healing Journey?
Comprehensive Assessment
Our journey begins with a thorough assessment to understand the unique intricacies of your anxiety. This enables us to tailor a treatment plan that aligns with your specific needs and goals.
Evidence-Based Therapy
We utilize evidence-based therapies such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Somatic Experiencing informed by Polyvagal theory, shown to be highly effective in treating anxiety disorders.
Building Somatic Wisdom
By integrating mindfulness, somatic awareness and relaxation techniques, we guide you to cultivate a present-centered awareness, enhancing your ability to respond to stress with greater balance and ease.
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