I always blame AMY when I am frightened. You know, my right amygdala. In the limbic region of the brain. I was taught in grad school that Amy (as I lovingly call “her”) was responsible for my high anxiety and panic attacks. New research shows that Amy isn’t the only culprit. Here comes PAG, joining in on the fun and games.
The University of Bristol shared this with the world: Neuroscientists have discovered a brain pathway that underlies the emotional behaviours critical for survival.
“An important brain region responsible for how humans and animals respond to danger is known as the PAG (periaqueductal grey), and it can trigger responses such as freezing, a high heart rate, increase in blood pressure and the desire for flight or fight.”
The scientists discovered a brain pathway leading from the PAG to a highly localised part of the cerebellum, called the pyramis. This little baby fires up when our survival networks are activated during threatening situations, real or imagined.
Of course the good scientists now want to find ways to stop the pyramis from giving us the heebie jeebies, stating that the “cerebellum is a promising target for therapeutic strategies to manage dysregulation of emotional states such as panic disorders and phobias.”
I pray the scientists don’t muck up that part of the brain with drugs. You and I, dear reader, have already been the victims of the pharmacological approach to managing anxiety. Since the cerebellum is the seat of movement, I’d be curious to know if movement could turn off a hair-trigger pyramis. A good thirty minute brisk walk (hopefully through nature!) instead of popping a pill. See what that does.
Whether or not movement puts the pyramis in check, walking everyday is a good idea. Some studies suggest that thirty minutes a day will lengthen your lifespan. That may not sound like a welcomed thing right now if you are suffering in withdrawal, but honest injun, once your receptors heal, you are going to want a lot more years to celebrate the return of good things! I know I do.
Next time I get a case of the heebie jeebies, I’ll still have a talk with AMY, but I’ll also give a looksee to PAG, lace up my tennies, and go walk it off.
Keep holding on everyone. Everyday is a day closer to your miracle: RECOVERY!
This is interesting. Way back when I had my first panic/anxiety attacks (1997) and entered the poly-drugging arena, I searched for any med (other than benzos, ADs, APs, and other mood stabilizers) that might help me. At the time, there was a drug called Pagoclone undergoing clinical trials. It was supposed to be a non-benzo anxiolytic. I wonder if the “pag” in pagoclone was chosen because of the PAG mentioned here. Could be a coincidence I suppose. If not, I suspect they will simply attempt to develop drugs to incapacitate this region of the brain just as they have done with benzos.
I know just what you mean. I am really beginning to notice some great changes in the last 7 days. I am totally free of benzos and finally able to handle more things in life that was horrific before.
I am still not symptom free by no means but I feel very hopeful for the future, a feeling that I haven’t had since I can’t really remember. We all will heal, its just a matter of time for all of us!
I. Don’t think you can beat the health benefits of moderate exercise on a daily basis. I was a personal trainer for 14 years and didn’t know the definition of moderate. I’m paying for my obsession to exercise in a lot of ways now. Our bodies are so clean now after withdrawal. Eating clean, staying away from drugs, and getting out there and moving is the healthy way to go. No more poisons for me unless it’s life or death.
It really is truly amazing how moderate exercise benefits our overall health but yet we neglect such a powerful medicine. I never hear Drs. pushing exercise as a treatment plan for many health issues but of course then they wouldn’t make as much money:( How sad it is that virtually everything is centered around money!
Walking is literally a miracle for me. I can be having the worst brain foggy day and taking my walk along the canal not only clears it, but gives me feelings of utter joy. Interesting to see that they’re sussing out more of the science behind it.
The high point oft day today was as I completed my workout at the gym. Treadmill 30 minutes walking and running makes me feel good. Have to be careful not to overdue. balance and moderation.
I have been walking every day for some months. Started out just around the border of my home, then out to the mailbox, then up a 1/2 block. I now walk for 20 minutes and walking faster and farther without really being aware of it. Most days I cry the whole time but find I am looking more at the landscape, mountains, birds, deer. Noticing more. Not perfect, not always enjoyable but I force myself out the door. Use it or loose it is something my hubby always says. I pray that this is helping me though sometimes I feel worse. I know my 69 yr old body has to be built back up after this past year of suffering. But, yes, balance and moderation, good diet, lots of water and trying to stay positive.
Healing to all!
Karen
Karen, I hope God grants you success through this benzo nightmare..
We all going through this benzo withdrawal are very special people, believe it or not
most people don’t have the strength or desire to do what we go through.
Benzo withdrawal is absolutely crazy, Just days ago I was feeling pretty good again, and then suddenly horrible symptoms have returned! I just can’t believe it!! I can handle the mental symptoms, its the pounding heart that I can’t bear inaddition the severe tinnitus!!