We can often suddenly feel a bit odd or a bit strange, seemingly out of nowhere at all. It can be pretty unsettling, especially if we can’t pinpoint the cause, and in turn can cause more feelings of anxiety, uncertainty and worry. This causes a cycle of stress which causes more physical and behavioural symptoms to occur.
As with a lot of physical symptoms of anxiety, the triggers lie within our caveman brain. This is the survival-driven part of our brain that our newer, rational cortex grew on top of. Its primary concern is keeping us alive, so when our brain perceives a threat, it releases these stress chemicals and activates a response called the fight, flight or freeze response. The stress hormone cortisol or the chemical adrenaline are released and this puts our body on high alert, and as a result, our body prepares to either fight, flight or freeze.
Why Can Anxiety Make Us Feel Odd Or Strange?
When our body goes into fight, flight or freeze mode and releases cortisol and adrenaline, it causes our body to experience something called hyperstimulation which makes us hyper aware of what’s going on around us and in our body. When this happens, it can feel like a very weird shift and other symptoms such as an increased heart rate and quickened breathing start to occur, adding to the strange feeling. This odd feeling could be our body’s way of telling us that something isn’t quite right, our body is intuitive and these symptoms show us that.
How Can I Stop This Symptom?
As this symptom stems from our fight, flight or freeze response and accompanying heightened central nervous system, the main thing that we can do to combat it is to focus on our breathing and keep moving. This should calm our central nervous system, distract our mind from the perceived threat, bringing us back to a balanced and relaxed state.
Of course, in order to prevent the symptoms of anxiety occurring in the first place, you need to manage or build strategies to tackle your anxiety. There are several options available including CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy), mindfulness, medication and group therapy. If you’re unsure, please contact your GP for more information.