The autonomic nervous system then break down into the parasympathetic and the sympathetic nervous system. From here the sympathetic nervous system signal your adrenal gland.

I have so many patients to see today, and I have to speak tonight at a conference!

Amy is starting to feel stress. This activates the amygdala which is the emotional processing center in the brain. It is located in the medial temporal lobe

The amygdala then sends a distress message to the hypothalamus which is the command center.

The hypothalamus then sends a warning sending throughout the body via the automatic nervous system 

The adrenal gland then produces a stress hormone called epinephrine. This can cause the person to have physical symptoms. 

Then what does it do? I can't remember.

UGH! This has been the worst day! I've had the worst head ache, I can't remember what I've eaten today, and I've had to take a double dose of my anxiety medicine.

Hmm... It must be the conference that has you so stressed out. 

I have to go on soon, I'm so dizzy and I might throw up. 

It's okay, just breathe. Take a moment, organize your thoughts, and think positively.