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fear of lions often did not live very long at all. Today, a fear of
fire or a fear of crossing busy streets can keep you safe in just
the same way.
Anxiety can do more than just save lives. We
now know that a little anxiety sparks extra
brain activity. Being a bit nervous about a test
is actually a good thing: studies have found
that a little anxiety can help your memory.
Many skilled performers still feel nervous
before they step out on stage. That little jolt
of anxiety can create a better performance.
However, when it comes to anxiety, there can
be too much of a good thing. Large amounts of
anxiety actually cause
less
brain activity. That’s probably
why people talk about being so nervous that they “freeze up”
and “can’t think.” Scientists believe that a little anxiety speeds the
brain up, but a lot of anxiety slows the brain down.
Too Much Anxiety?
Feeling anxious is part of being human. If you are going
through a difficult time in your life—if your mother or father
just lost a job, for example, or if you are moving to a new
town—you might feel anxious a lot. And that’s okay. When
the difficult time passes, you will feel better.
But sometimes, people don’t feel better. Sometimes the
feelings of anxiety are so strong that they can’t do what they
want to do. Some people become so nervous that they begin
to sweat and shake, have trouble breathing, and feel sick.
These experiences are called
panic attacks
, and they can be
very frightening.
?
Did You Know?
About 25 percent of all
teenagers struggle with
anxiety at some point. More
than 5 percent of teenagers
have severe anxiety.
Opposite page: If life
is stressful in your
home, it’s natural
that you might feel
anxious.