Dr. Debasmita Psychiatrist

Imagine you are lost in the jungle and suddenly come face to face with a tiger. What would be your response? Naturally, you would panic. While you panic, let’s check out what happens inside your mind and body. The brain senses danger and activates the body’s fight and flight response. Rational thinking shuts down (this is no time for mind games!). The heart beats fast, you sweat profusely, your body starts to shake, you feel short of breath and there is a sudden lump in your throat. This is exactly what happens to a person living with anxiety disorders. Trivial triggers like getting into an elevator, making a public appearance, going for a job interview or facing an examination makes their brain see red. Their brain is wired to sense the same level of danger in these situations as it would in a life-threatening situation. Obviously, the person experiences a panic attack when faced with such triggering situations. With time the brain learns what it must do to avoid such attacks. The b...