ABSTRACT
As we have seen, if a child is repeatedly subjected to frightening experiences, he can develop a trigger-happy amygdala (alarm system) in the lower brain. This means overreactions of fear and anxiety in response to even the most minor stressors, which other people would just take in their stride. This can continue throughout life, unless there is therapeutic intervention to help the child work through his fear. In other words, without counselling or therapy, fear, anxiety and agitation can all too easily establish themselves as actual personality traits. This means the child grows into a perpetually anxious adult, never knowing inner calm.
