Anxiety and Resilence
Session 1: Understanding Anxiety, Stress, and Burnout Main Insight Most people believe: “I am anxious because there is danger.” But often the truth is: “My brain predicts danger even when danger is uncertain.” Anxiety is not a character flaw. It is a protective prediction system that has become overactive. It's just like a false alarm system that rings without fire. Neuropsychology Three major brain systems are involved: 1. Amygdala The brain’s smoke detector. Scans for threat Activates fear response Works faster than conscious thinking In chronic anxiety it becomes hypersensitive. 2. Prefrontal Cortex (PFC) The CEO of the brain. Functions: Planning Reasoning Perspective Emotional regulation Stress decreases PFC effectiveness. 3. HPA Axis Hypothalamus → Pituitary → Adrenal glands Produces: Cortisol Adrenaline Helpful short term. Harmful when chronically activated. Burnout Neuropsychology Burnout is not simply being tired. Research suggests burnout ...