Why do we get nervous?

I certainly don’t like it when it happens to me, and I don’t think that other people enjoy it much either.

Humans developed this panic reaction for a good reason. It kept them alive.

Let’s say you lived a thousand years ago. While hunting with your family, you saw members of an enemy tribe heading your way.

Your body would release panic hormones. Your heart would pound faster, you would breathe harder. Your muscles would get extra blood flow. That would make it easier for you to run away fast. The exercise of running would help keep you from staying upset and anxious once you had reached the safety of your village.

In modern America, we are less likely to be in that type of danger.

In our modern world, when you get that type of panic reaction, you usually can’t just get up and run. The panic feeling may stick around longer. In most people, that is all that happens. However, some people get regular panic attacks or fears. (phobias)

Phobias are fears of specific things such as spiders. ( arachnophobia) or of a situation such as being in high places (acrophobia) Sometimes a person might have a bad experience with a dog and go on to develop a fear of all dogs. Sometimes phobias gradually get better. Otherwise, a few sessions with a psychiatrist or psychologist may teach you how to get rid of the phobia.

If you are spending a lot of your time worrying or if you are having panic attacks, let someone know.

Even today, anxiety is not all bad. Small amounts of anxiety can motivate us to get things done, like studying for tests, or winning a soccer game.

Carol E. Watkins, MD