| 5 Tips For Anxiety Attack Self Help Perhaps one of the most frightening things you can experience is an anxiety attack. You will face a number of different symptoms that can be quite worrisome. Fortunately, there are some anxiety attack self help tips that will allow you to get over these chronic attacks. Here are five tips to help you handle the situation on your own. 1. Change your lifestyle Many times panic attacks and anxiety attacks are do to a specific lifestyle or personality of yours. If you tend to surround yourself in a stressful environment such as a high-pressured job, you are bound to have built-up stress. If you tend to worry about a lot and have a great deal of pressure loaded on your shoulders, you may want to consider changing the life you are living. Even taking a few extra hours each week for some fun can have a tremendous effect. 2. It’s in your head One of the last things people want to hear is that the attack is in their head. Unfortunately, this is something that many doctors do agree with. It can be directly related to a chemical imbalance or something similar, but keep in mind that a majority of the time anxiety attacks are mental. Therefore, the greatest anxiety attack self help tip is to learn to control your emotions and calm yourself from any worries you may have. 3. Research The next self help tip is to take the time to learn what happens during an attack and how you can deal with it during the actual attack. Even if you are on medication to prevent attacks, you can still experience one from time to time. For this reason, you want to know what to do to get rid of it as quickly as possible. 4. Breathing exercises As you have probably heard before, a great way to release stress is to practice some breathing exercises. Locking yourself in a calm room with little to no noise whatsoever will eliminate the constant stresses that surround you. It gives you time to clear your head and truly relax. Meditation is recommended with breathing exercises as well. 5. Exercise The last anxiety attack self help tip is to get out and exercise. Sometimes anxiety can be caused by what you believe people think about you and your image. Exercising can help you create the image you desire. As with breathing exercises, this will also allow you to clear your head and feel good about yourself. By the time you are finished with your workout, you will feel relaxed and calm. |
Monday, July 27, 2009
5 Tips For Anxiety Attack Self Help
7 Best Herbs For Anxiety
Nature has given us a remedy for every disease. So is it with Anxiety. Some of the best natural herbs for anxiety are now available and have proved to be very effective as an alternative to prescription drugs. Thus people are gradually becoming more inclined towards herbal remedies for treating anxiety as they are safe and without the danger of any side effects on the body, compared to pharmaceutical medications.
Popular Herbs for Anxiety
For centuries herbs have been used to treat stress, anxiety and depression, along with other health conditions. Herbs deal with the disease at its source while promoting general health and wellness. The natural, non-toxic, non-addictive, safe, and effective properties of herbs contribute to their popularity today.
Let’s take a look at some of the best herbs for anxiety:
Valerian Root
Valerian’s root is a proven herb to reduce anxiety. Valerian reduces anxiety, stress, tremors, agitation and disturbances. Doctors all over the world have trusted and successfully prescribed Valerian as an effective and naturally safe anti- anxiety medication.
Kava Kava
According to research studies Kava Kava is very fast and effective in reducing stress and anxiety. It has been found to show positive effects on the individual within a week of its intake.
Chamomile
It contains certain substances that has a soothing effect and relaxes certain parts of the brain. It also helps in releasing stress and controls insomnia. Roman chamomile and German chamomile are two varieties which are used during treatment.
Ginseng
Ginseng is a superb anti anxiety herb, which has stimulant properties that reduces stress Ginseng is also used as a multi purpose medicinal herb.
Catnip
Catnip has been used traditionally to produce a sedative effect. Catnip is used as an anti anxiety medication, basically to treat nervousness and sleeplessness.
Damiana
Damiana has the ability to elicit an exhilarated response after intake, which makes it valuable and useful in lessening stress and anxiety.
St. John’s Wort
They have anti depressant quality in them and have been used consistently as an anti stress and anxiety medication herb.
Bugleweed
The soothing effect of Bugleweed on nerves helps to relax muscles and promote sleep, which in turn reduce anxiety, stress and tension.
What about Medicines?
Although certain cases of anxiety need the help of antidepressants, they are not always the best solution for anxiety as these medicines tend to suppress the symptoms rather than remove the cause, as soon as you stop taking these medicines, your anxiety will return.
Additionally, prescription anxiety drugs have been found to cause some very serious side effects like stomach trouble and exhaustion, headache, insomnia, abnormal, sexual problems, seizures and manic episodes. Even worse, antidepressants have been found to worsen certain problems to an extent of increasing suicidal tendencies in the sufferer.
Since anxiety problems tend to become chronic if not treated over a period of time, more and more people are turning to a holistic and natural approach to treat anxiety.
A Holistic Cure for Anxiety
If you are serious about taking a better and more natural approach for your anxiety problem then you must try a wonderful treatment option which has been used successfully by over 26,000 users. This is one of the most widely used self-help panic and anxiety attack treatments available online. The program is called ‘Panic Away’
The “The One Move Technique†used in the program helps to break the cycle of panic attacks and takes your general anxiety level back to normal, without the use of relaxation techniques or drugs. This is a completely natural technique that can eliminate anxiety and panic attacks within minutes. Moreover you can use this simple technique in practically any real life situation, by just downloading the whole program from the website.
While the best herbs for anxiety may be very useful to treat the problem, the Panic Away program can be an effective part of an overall program addressing the issues related to anxiety.
Symptoms Of Generalized Anxiety Order
Generalized anxiety disorder is characterized by excessive but unwarranted worries that a person cannot stop having. It may not seem like a serious problem to those that don’t have the problem, but it’s a serious concern for those that do. The symptoms are displayed over an unusually long period of time as opposed to a reasonable period of anxiety immediately leading up to or after a stressful event.
Those afflicted with it will not be able to set aside or suppress their worries even when they realize that the level of their anxiety is much higher than the situation usually warrants.
Anxiety symptoms are important for the diagnosis of the disorder as it helps to determine the underlying factor of the disorder. Once you manage to control anxiety and panic disorders they will be much less a threat to your social life.
Three of the behavioral symptoms associated with generalized anxiety disorder are:
* Inability to relax
* Easily distracted, cannot concentrate
* Startles easily, jumpy or on edge
The physical symptoms are:
* Muscle pain and tension
* Headaches
* Fatigue
* Irritability
* Sweats
* Hot flashes
* Shortness of breath
* Nausea
* Inability to swallow easily
* Tremors or twitches
* Lightheadedness
* Frequent ********* or bowel movement
People afflicted with mild generalized anxiety disorder or who are in its early changes have been known to be able to pursue careers to some success and even function socially. Some individuals may simply suppress their feelings, not even trying to avoid the situations that trigger them.
This is the reason why some cases are not diagnosed until the condition becomes so severe that the patient is no longer able to perform the most basic daily activities without triggering an attack.
In its advance stage, even the thought of having to go through a day can set off the symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder. It is, therefore, best for anyone who notices the above symptoms to seek professional advice at the soonest time possible.
Living with anxiety disorders is not always an easy under taking. When fears of panic attacks loom and symptoms are out of control, many find relief in anxiety medications. A combination of prescription medications and therapy can greatly help people overcome attacks and resume normal, everyday activities. Different forms of therapy are also quite commonly urged to help give people with anxiety disorder the tools they need to face life again. Cognitive behavioral therapy, relaxation techniques, white noise, biofeedback, and hypnotherapy are also suggested as treatment.
Those afflicted with it will not be able to set aside or suppress their worries even when they realize that the level of their anxiety is much higher than the situation usually warrants.
Anxiety symptoms are important for the diagnosis of the disorder as it helps to determine the underlying factor of the disorder. Once you manage to control anxiety and panic disorders they will be much less a threat to your social life.
Three of the behavioral symptoms associated with generalized anxiety disorder are:
* Inability to relax
* Easily distracted, cannot concentrate
* Startles easily, jumpy or on edge
The physical symptoms are:
* Muscle pain and tension
* Headaches
* Fatigue
* Irritability
* Sweats
* Hot flashes
* Shortness of breath
* Nausea
* Inability to swallow easily
* Tremors or twitches
* Lightheadedness
* Frequent ********* or bowel movement
People afflicted with mild generalized anxiety disorder or who are in its early changes have been known to be able to pursue careers to some success and even function socially. Some individuals may simply suppress their feelings, not even trying to avoid the situations that trigger them.
This is the reason why some cases are not diagnosed until the condition becomes so severe that the patient is no longer able to perform the most basic daily activities without triggering an attack.
In its advance stage, even the thought of having to go through a day can set off the symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder. It is, therefore, best for anyone who notices the above symptoms to seek professional advice at the soonest time possible.
Living with anxiety disorders is not always an easy under taking. When fears of panic attacks loom and symptoms are out of control, many find relief in anxiety medications. A combination of prescription medications and therapy can greatly help people overcome attacks and resume normal, everyday activities. Different forms of therapy are also quite commonly urged to help give people with anxiety disorder the tools they need to face life again. Cognitive behavioral therapy, relaxation techniques, white noise, biofeedback, and hypnotherapy are also suggested as treatment.
4 Simple Yet Effective Stress and Anxiety Relief Ways To Get Rid Of Emotional Attachment
Stress, depression and anxiety are part of our life. Virtually no one in this world can avoid themselves from these events. But being stressed out or getting into an anxiety disorder will only occur to those who lack control over their emotional response.
People often have the perception that they have no control about what their minds are doing. Through the events that happened around them, peoples’ emotions are easily involved and they develop a flaw mode of thinking as time goes on.
Stress, depression and anxiety are not just mental hazards; they are physical too. That is why most of us experience feeling lightheaded, short of breath and many other symptoms which may lead sufferers further down the road to mental disorders.
By properly managing one’s skills or changing the way of thinking, anyone can change himself to be the master of his emotions rather than the slave.
Below are 4 powerful tips to help you get rid of any emotional attachment to any event.
o Self-Hypnosis at Pre-bedtime
Self hypnosis is a powerful tool which is able to change your thoughts and the way your body reacts to your thinking. In major situations, people who are suffering under stress have the problem getting a good sleep or worse, they may suffer from insomnia.
Pre-bedtime hypnosis is useful to calm your mind down before sleep and help to attain a sound and deep sleep. All you need to do is to lie down in a comfortable position and spend two to five minutes, reflecting to yourself:
“I have been tired the whole day long.”
“Now it is time to rest. I am not going to think about other things.”
“I am going to get a good night’s sleep.”
“Tomorrow will be another good and productive day.”
“I am resting safely and comfortably now.”
Doing this might not be effective to some people because everyone is different and unique. It depends on each individual case. It is important to understand what causes you to be stressed and find out the magic word that will soothe your mind.
Remember the basic skill to make this work is to concentrate!
o Self-hypnosis at post-bedtime
How we feel in the morning determines the rest of the day. When we wake up feeling stressed or depressed, then the rest of the day will not be better than what we imagine.
In reality, some people may find morning time rather depressing because they might think that it is another stressful day for them to work, having to deal with unexpected events or face difficult problems.
Morning hypnosis is another useful spell. Unlike a fairy tale, it only serves as a spirit booster and helps you to change your thinking for the entire day. Say to yourself:
“Yesterday is over, now is the beginning of my new day.”
“I am the main character of my life; I decide what I want for the day.”
“Okay good, I am full of energy now. I am going to perform my best today.”
“Okay, by end of today I will achieve something I want!”
Close your eyes and isolate yourself from any disturbance. Make this process not longer than 5 minutes.
Same as pre-bedtime hypnosis, concentration is the key to send the magic word deep down into your subconscious mind and let it work for you.
Do not ever be skeptic about your ability to do your own self-hypnosis. Even a professional hypnotist will not be successful in hypnotizing you if you do not believe in him.
o Self-talk
When you are caught up in a distressful situation, self-talk is a great way for you to bring back your direction.
“Okay, I am cool. I am cool.”
“Something bad is happening to me, I know I should handle this consciously.”
“It will be alright. Losing this will not cost me my life. It is not the end of my world.”
By doing this, obviously you are the master of your mind, taking control of the situation and being able to decide what will be your next move. However, most people will have these thoughts running through their heads:
“Why is this happening to me?”
“I am not going to live without this.”
“I do not want this to happen to me, etc.”
You will realize that by suppressing or avoiding these feelings, it will just worsen the situation, and these negative thoughts will linger in your mind.
o Breathing skill
Last but not least, learning a breathing skill is highly recommended when you are having stress, depression or other emotional situations.
Frankly, I myself was an anxious guy. I had experienced shortness of breath, extremities tingling and nausea during an anxiety attack. At first, I thought I was going to die.
That attack brought me to a specialist and he explained what was actually going on with my body and the entire episode was caused by flawed mode of thinking. He later taught me the proper way of breathing should I experience another anxiety attack.
I doubted his answer and solution given to me. Until my next attack, I have no other choices but to learn the breathing skill taught by the specialist. Incredibly, I shook off the symptoms in just a minute and immediately, my body got back to normal.
Then, I found out that when someone is highly distressed or severely anxious, the breathing pattern will change as a physical reflex. Shallow chest breathing can cause your heart to beat faster and your muscles to tense up, hence exacerbate any distressful event.
To deal with this situation, breathing from your diaphragm will oxygenate your blood, which help you to relax almost in a split second. The actual way of doing it is:
oPut your hand on your abdomen just below the navel. oInhale slowly through your nose and watch your hand move out as your belly expands. oHold the breath for a few seconds, and then exhale slowly as your belly sinks in. oRepeat several times.
Try one of these 4 tips, and you will see positive results to help you get rid of emotional attachments.
People often have the perception that they have no control about what their minds are doing. Through the events that happened around them, peoples’ emotions are easily involved and they develop a flaw mode of thinking as time goes on.
Stress, depression and anxiety are not just mental hazards; they are physical too. That is why most of us experience feeling lightheaded, short of breath and many other symptoms which may lead sufferers further down the road to mental disorders.
By properly managing one’s skills or changing the way of thinking, anyone can change himself to be the master of his emotions rather than the slave.
Below are 4 powerful tips to help you get rid of any emotional attachment to any event.
o Self-Hypnosis at Pre-bedtime
Self hypnosis is a powerful tool which is able to change your thoughts and the way your body reacts to your thinking. In major situations, people who are suffering under stress have the problem getting a good sleep or worse, they may suffer from insomnia.
Pre-bedtime hypnosis is useful to calm your mind down before sleep and help to attain a sound and deep sleep. All you need to do is to lie down in a comfortable position and spend two to five minutes, reflecting to yourself:
“I have been tired the whole day long.”
“Now it is time to rest. I am not going to think about other things.”
“I am going to get a good night’s sleep.”
“Tomorrow will be another good and productive day.”
“I am resting safely and comfortably now.”
Doing this might not be effective to some people because everyone is different and unique. It depends on each individual case. It is important to understand what causes you to be stressed and find out the magic word that will soothe your mind.
Remember the basic skill to make this work is to concentrate!
o Self-hypnosis at post-bedtime
How we feel in the morning determines the rest of the day. When we wake up feeling stressed or depressed, then the rest of the day will not be better than what we imagine.
In reality, some people may find morning time rather depressing because they might think that it is another stressful day for them to work, having to deal with unexpected events or face difficult problems.
Morning hypnosis is another useful spell. Unlike a fairy tale, it only serves as a spirit booster and helps you to change your thinking for the entire day. Say to yourself:
“Yesterday is over, now is the beginning of my new day.”
“I am the main character of my life; I decide what I want for the day.”
“Okay good, I am full of energy now. I am going to perform my best today.”
“Okay, by end of today I will achieve something I want!”
Close your eyes and isolate yourself from any disturbance. Make this process not longer than 5 minutes.
Same as pre-bedtime hypnosis, concentration is the key to send the magic word deep down into your subconscious mind and let it work for you.
Do not ever be skeptic about your ability to do your own self-hypnosis. Even a professional hypnotist will not be successful in hypnotizing you if you do not believe in him.
o Self-talk
When you are caught up in a distressful situation, self-talk is a great way for you to bring back your direction.
“Okay, I am cool. I am cool.”
“Something bad is happening to me, I know I should handle this consciously.”
“It will be alright. Losing this will not cost me my life. It is not the end of my world.”
By doing this, obviously you are the master of your mind, taking control of the situation and being able to decide what will be your next move. However, most people will have these thoughts running through their heads:
“Why is this happening to me?”
“I am not going to live without this.”
“I do not want this to happen to me, etc.”
You will realize that by suppressing or avoiding these feelings, it will just worsen the situation, and these negative thoughts will linger in your mind.
o Breathing skill
Last but not least, learning a breathing skill is highly recommended when you are having stress, depression or other emotional situations.
Frankly, I myself was an anxious guy. I had experienced shortness of breath, extremities tingling and nausea during an anxiety attack. At first, I thought I was going to die.
That attack brought me to a specialist and he explained what was actually going on with my body and the entire episode was caused by flawed mode of thinking. He later taught me the proper way of breathing should I experience another anxiety attack.
I doubted his answer and solution given to me. Until my next attack, I have no other choices but to learn the breathing skill taught by the specialist. Incredibly, I shook off the symptoms in just a minute and immediately, my body got back to normal.
Then, I found out that when someone is highly distressed or severely anxious, the breathing pattern will change as a physical reflex. Shallow chest breathing can cause your heart to beat faster and your muscles to tense up, hence exacerbate any distressful event.
To deal with this situation, breathing from your diaphragm will oxygenate your blood, which help you to relax almost in a split second. The actual way of doing it is:
oPut your hand on your abdomen just below the navel. oInhale slowly through your nose and watch your hand move out as your belly expands. oHold the breath for a few seconds, and then exhale slowly as your belly sinks in. oRepeat several times.
Try one of these 4 tips, and you will see positive results to help you get rid of emotional attachments.
What You Don't Know About Panic Attacks Will Hurt You
Fear is an innate feeling of danger to a risky or threatening situation. In event of danger or risk, there would be an adrenaline rush into our body muscles so that we can react defensively to protect ourselves in the survival fight. The brain would decide on the better reaction of whether to fight for our survival or to run and hide away from the danger called fight or flight reaction. This emotion is natural instinct of humans and has evolved and ingrained in our daily lives. For some people, there are cases where the state of emotional fear lingers for so long that it cannot be eliminated as a result of the fight or flight reaction that results in what is known as panic attacks.
Panic attacks are an exaggerated condition due to fear. While some fear is healthy, in panic attacks there is an overwhelming amount of fear. The panic attack can come into our lives with no warning at all. There may be no logical reason why we can get into a state of panic, however once a panic attack occurs it is very intense and there is nothing that we can do about it.
Several physical symptoms of panic attacks can be identified which include heart racing, pounding or skipping heartbeat, tightness or discomfort in chest region, choking sensation, sweatiness, shaking and trembling, butterflies and nausea, hot flashes or chills, numbness in certain parts of the body, erratic breathing or shortness of breath, dizziness, light-headedness and so forth. The psychological emotions felt by these victims can be very damaging and frightening that they, who suffer panic attacks, can feel that they are dying or losing their minds. Things seem unreal to them or may even feel that they are detached from their bodies while some are so fearful that they must escape and flee the situation altogether.
In fact, the symptoms mentioned above are the sensations and feelings that one experiences whenever they are facing impending threats or dangers. As reinstated earlier, these symptoms occur to sufferers of panic attacks in circumstances without presence of danger even in safe environment and under no logical explanation. There is no surprise at all that the panic attack can occur even when the victim is at sleep.
Panic attacks cannot or difficult to stop when it attacks and they normally happen without any potential signals or predictions. This is because the excessive level of hormones imbalances and adrenalines that flood the body and muscles causes such extreme terror and desperation that are so beyond the grasp of the actual situation. It is therefore not only necessary but compulsory to attempt to control the exaggerated emotions of fear using different appropriate means of treatments.
The suffering of panic attacks is very dreadful and agonizing according to many victims of the panic attacks. The feelings of extreme fear and overwhelming terror are very intense that they feel like eternity once the attack starts to kick in.
Terror, to the normal people living normal lives, is part and parcel of our lives and the evolution. To victims of panic attacks, they are constantly and relentlessly facing the fear and terror everyday of their lives. There are a great variety of treatment techniques and therapies available in the marketplace for curing the panic attack and disorder. Do not give up on yourself and start visiting professionals to seek treatment and get rid of the panic attack forever for your lifetime.
Panic attacks are an exaggerated condition due to fear. While some fear is healthy, in panic attacks there is an overwhelming amount of fear. The panic attack can come into our lives with no warning at all. There may be no logical reason why we can get into a state of panic, however once a panic attack occurs it is very intense and there is nothing that we can do about it.
Several physical symptoms of panic attacks can be identified which include heart racing, pounding or skipping heartbeat, tightness or discomfort in chest region, choking sensation, sweatiness, shaking and trembling, butterflies and nausea, hot flashes or chills, numbness in certain parts of the body, erratic breathing or shortness of breath, dizziness, light-headedness and so forth. The psychological emotions felt by these victims can be very damaging and frightening that they, who suffer panic attacks, can feel that they are dying or losing their minds. Things seem unreal to them or may even feel that they are detached from their bodies while some are so fearful that they must escape and flee the situation altogether.
In fact, the symptoms mentioned above are the sensations and feelings that one experiences whenever they are facing impending threats or dangers. As reinstated earlier, these symptoms occur to sufferers of panic attacks in circumstances without presence of danger even in safe environment and under no logical explanation. There is no surprise at all that the panic attack can occur even when the victim is at sleep.
Panic attacks cannot or difficult to stop when it attacks and they normally happen without any potential signals or predictions. This is because the excessive level of hormones imbalances and adrenalines that flood the body and muscles causes such extreme terror and desperation that are so beyond the grasp of the actual situation. It is therefore not only necessary but compulsory to attempt to control the exaggerated emotions of fear using different appropriate means of treatments.
The suffering of panic attacks is very dreadful and agonizing according to many victims of the panic attacks. The feelings of extreme fear and overwhelming terror are very intense that they feel like eternity once the attack starts to kick in.
Terror, to the normal people living normal lives, is part and parcel of our lives and the evolution. To victims of panic attacks, they are constantly and relentlessly facing the fear and terror everyday of their lives. There are a great variety of treatment techniques and therapies available in the marketplace for curing the panic attack and disorder. Do not give up on yourself and start visiting professionals to seek treatment and get rid of the panic attack forever for your lifetime.
What Is Anxiety
ANXIETY
The feeling of anxiety is common to all and we have all felt it many times in the course of our lives. But when anxiety becomes an excessive, irrational dread of everyday situations, it becomes a disorder.
Find out more on Anxiety Disorders and Panic Attacks
Nearly 40 million people above the age of 18 are affected by this disorder in a given year. Anxiety disorder may be caused by a mental condition, a physical condition, the effects of drugs, or from a combination of these.
Some of the common Types of Anxiety Disorders are:
I PANIC DISORDER
This condition is characterized by periods of intense fear or a psychological distress that lasts for about half an hour.
II GENERAL ANXIETY DISORDER (GAD)
This condition is characterized by excessive anxiety and worry, occurring more days than not for a period of at least 6 months, about a number of events or activities. Having this disorder means always anticipating disaster, often worrying excessively about health, money, family, or work. Sometimes, though, the source of the worry is hard to pinpoint.
III PHOBIC DISORDERS
These are persistent, unreasonable, intense fears (phobias) of situations, circumstances, or objects giving rise to anxiety and avoidance. Phobic disorders are classified as general (agoraphobia and social phobia) or specific.
A) Agoraphobia
Agoraphobia literally means “fear of the marketplace”. Therefore, people with agoraphobia are afraid of open or public places. In reality, most people with agoraphobia are actually afraid of having a panic attack in these settings, especially settings in which there will be no one to help in case of panic attack or an actual emergency.
B) Social Anxiety Disorder
The person suffering from this disorder has an excessive and unreasonable fear of social situations. The anxiety in this case arises out of the fear of being closely watched, judged or criticized by people around you.
C) Specific Phobias
A specific phobia is fear of and anxiety about a particular situation or object. Specific phobias are the most common anxiety disorders. Among the most frequent are fear of animals zoophobia), heights (Acrophobia) and thunderstorms (Astraphobia or Brontophobia).
i) Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
OCD is a type of disorder involving two elements: obsessions and compulsions. Obsessions are repetitive unwanted thoughts that make you feel anxious. Compulsions are repetitive behaviors and rituals that the patient feels compelled to perform as performing them temporarily reduces the anxiety.
ii) Separation Anxiety
This form of anxiety is a normal developmental stage experienced by a child when separated from the primary caregiver. It typically manifests itself as crying and distress when the child is away from a parent or from home.
ANXIETY MANAGEMENT & TREATMENT
At Home: In certain cases, it is possible to treat anxiety at home. However, these cases are limited to ones where the attack is of a short duration and where you know the reason for the attack. In such cases, stress can be relieved by practicing activities such as: Meditation, Watching TV, Deep breathing , Resting in a dark room etc.
Click here for information on Drug-free Treatment
Medical Treatment: When the nature of attacks is more serious in nature then the patient has to turn to medical treatment. Medical treatment depends on the cause of the anxiety.
There are cases when the cause cannot be identified. In such cases, the only way to treat is control of symptoms.
Medication does not cure anxiety disorders, but it helps to keep them under control while the person receives psychotherapy.
With proper treatment many people with anxiety disorders can lead normal, fulfilling lives.
The feeling of anxiety is common to all and we have all felt it many times in the course of our lives. But when anxiety becomes an excessive, irrational dread of everyday situations, it becomes a disorder.
Find out more on Anxiety Disorders and Panic Attacks
Nearly 40 million people above the age of 18 are affected by this disorder in a given year. Anxiety disorder may be caused by a mental condition, a physical condition, the effects of drugs, or from a combination of these.
Some of the common Types of Anxiety Disorders are:
I PANIC DISORDER
This condition is characterized by periods of intense fear or a psychological distress that lasts for about half an hour.
II GENERAL ANXIETY DISORDER (GAD)
This condition is characterized by excessive anxiety and worry, occurring more days than not for a period of at least 6 months, about a number of events or activities. Having this disorder means always anticipating disaster, often worrying excessively about health, money, family, or work. Sometimes, though, the source of the worry is hard to pinpoint.
III PHOBIC DISORDERS
These are persistent, unreasonable, intense fears (phobias) of situations, circumstances, or objects giving rise to anxiety and avoidance. Phobic disorders are classified as general (agoraphobia and social phobia) or specific.
A) Agoraphobia
Agoraphobia literally means “fear of the marketplace”. Therefore, people with agoraphobia are afraid of open or public places. In reality, most people with agoraphobia are actually afraid of having a panic attack in these settings, especially settings in which there will be no one to help in case of panic attack or an actual emergency.
B) Social Anxiety Disorder
The person suffering from this disorder has an excessive and unreasonable fear of social situations. The anxiety in this case arises out of the fear of being closely watched, judged or criticized by people around you.
C) Specific Phobias
A specific phobia is fear of and anxiety about a particular situation or object. Specific phobias are the most common anxiety disorders. Among the most frequent are fear of animals zoophobia), heights (Acrophobia) and thunderstorms (Astraphobia or Brontophobia).
i) Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
OCD is a type of disorder involving two elements: obsessions and compulsions. Obsessions are repetitive unwanted thoughts that make you feel anxious. Compulsions are repetitive behaviors and rituals that the patient feels compelled to perform as performing them temporarily reduces the anxiety.
ii) Separation Anxiety
This form of anxiety is a normal developmental stage experienced by a child when separated from the primary caregiver. It typically manifests itself as crying and distress when the child is away from a parent or from home.
ANXIETY MANAGEMENT & TREATMENT
At Home: In certain cases, it is possible to treat anxiety at home. However, these cases are limited to ones where the attack is of a short duration and where you know the reason for the attack. In such cases, stress can be relieved by practicing activities such as: Meditation, Watching TV, Deep breathing , Resting in a dark room etc.
Click here for information on Drug-free Treatment
Medical Treatment: When the nature of attacks is more serious in nature then the patient has to turn to medical treatment. Medical treatment depends on the cause of the anxiety.
There are cases when the cause cannot be identified. In such cases, the only way to treat is control of symptoms.
Medication does not cure anxiety disorders, but it helps to keep them under control while the person receives psychotherapy.
With proper treatment many people with anxiety disorders can lead normal, fulfilling lives.
Information on Anxiety Disorders You May Want to Know
Anxiety disorder is considered a very common form of chronic disorder that hits more women than men. It greatly affects the lifestyle of individuals suffering from it.
People suffering from anxiety disorder have long lasting anxiety not specific to any scenario or object. They often feel worried and nervous but they just can’t explain why. Furthermore, they are usually not able to control their thoughts as the worrying thoughts keep popping up.
There may also be some physical symptoms that include dizziness, headaches, heart palpitations and insomnia. With anxiety and all these physical symptoms, a person’s quality of life is greatly affected and he/she faces more difficulties in dealing with day to day affairs and activities. It may also affect the way a person interacts with other people.
There are several types of anxiety disorders, each of them with different symptoms. Some examples are:
1) Obsessive compulsive disorder
2) Panic Disorder
3) Social Phobia
4) Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
5) Generalized Anxiety Disorder
6) Specific Phobia
If you suspect that you are having any type of anxiety disorder as shown above, it is best that you go for a diagnosis as soon as possible. First, if left untreated, it can grow out of control and become worse. Second, it is important to get the correct diagnosis so that proper treatment can be carried out.
Most probably, one of the main reasons why people with anxiety disorder do not seek treatment is because of the social stigma with regards to anxiety disorder. They are afraid of being judged as abnormal or mentally ill.
If this is your situation, do not let it stop you. Anxiety disorder affects a huge number of the population and you are definitely not alone. Having anxiety disorder does not make you mentally unstable. Anxiety disorder can potentially strike any person.
Don’t deny yourself the chance to be free from anxiety disorder. Seek proper treatment and you will be able to control your anxiety and regain your healthy lifestyle.
People suffering from anxiety disorder have long lasting anxiety not specific to any scenario or object. They often feel worried and nervous but they just can’t explain why. Furthermore, they are usually not able to control their thoughts as the worrying thoughts keep popping up.
There may also be some physical symptoms that include dizziness, headaches, heart palpitations and insomnia. With anxiety and all these physical symptoms, a person’s quality of life is greatly affected and he/she faces more difficulties in dealing with day to day affairs and activities. It may also affect the way a person interacts with other people.
There are several types of anxiety disorders, each of them with different symptoms. Some examples are:
1) Obsessive compulsive disorder
2) Panic Disorder
3) Social Phobia
4) Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
5) Generalized Anxiety Disorder
6) Specific Phobia
If you suspect that you are having any type of anxiety disorder as shown above, it is best that you go for a diagnosis as soon as possible. First, if left untreated, it can grow out of control and become worse. Second, it is important to get the correct diagnosis so that proper treatment can be carried out.
Most probably, one of the main reasons why people with anxiety disorder do not seek treatment is because of the social stigma with regards to anxiety disorder. They are afraid of being judged as abnormal or mentally ill.
If this is your situation, do not let it stop you. Anxiety disorder affects a huge number of the population and you are definitely not alone. Having anxiety disorder does not make you mentally unstable. Anxiety disorder can potentially strike any person.
Don’t deny yourself the chance to be free from anxiety disorder. Seek proper treatment and you will be able to control your anxiety and regain your healthy lifestyle.
Herbal Remedies for Anxiety and Panic Attacks
Many people have touted the effectiveness of herbal remedies to alleviate anxiety and panic attacks. However, when it comes to using alternative methods for treating health-related matters, it’s useful to understand the advantages and disadvantages.
Although many users have claimed that herbal remedies for anxiety can be as highly effective as psychotropic medications and without causing any side effect, these methods have not been approved by the FDA as there is still lack of scientific evidence. Most of the positive results are based on users’ experiences. And different people may also experience different experience.
If you have decided to try herbal remedies for anxiety and panic attacks; we suggest you to inform your doctor first. Ask your doctor to share his or her thoughts on alternative methods for treating anxiety. If you’re currently taking any prescribed medication or other herbal remedies, you also must inform your doctor about it.
Informing and communicating with your doctor is a necessary precaution to avoid undesirable result especially if you’re currently under a medical prescription. This is to ensure that the herbal remedies you’ll be taking do not interact negatively with your medications. Interaction of medications can produce undesirable side effects and can be dangerous to your health as well.
Some of the popular herbal medications for alleviating anxiety and panic attacks include:
• Saint John’s Wort
This herb has been used for centuries to treat mental disorders and as a sedative as well. It acts as a mood stabilizer as well as an antidepressant. For those who suffer anxiety disorder, this herb can be taken everyday to help balance your stress levels and help manage your feelings or moods more effectively. You need to this herb for at least a month before you begin to see improvement.
One disadvantage of St. John’s Wort herb is that it may interact with some drugs. The herb may speed or slow a drug’s breakdown.
• Valerian
A soothing herb that has long been used for sleep disorders and anxiety, this can be taken at bedtime or at any time of the day when you are beginning to feel a little anxious. This herb has also been used for depression, headaches and irregular heartbeat.
A known disadvantage of Valerian is that it may cause some mild side effects such as dizziness, stomach upset, and feeling fatigue in the morning.
• Passion Flower
Passion Flower is a natural plant-based supplement that is used as a mild sedative and sleep aid. It also helps to reduce restlessness, anxiety, and nervousness.
Passion Flower has a disadvantage of causing allergic reaction. Some symptoms of allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. Seek medical attention if you think you’ve an allergic reaction from this herb.
• Chamomile
This herb is effective for treating anxiety, sleeplessness and gastrointestinal conditions such as upset stomach and diarrhea. Chamomile is also used topically to treat mouth ulcers. There is a reason why chamomile tea is used before bed. It helps to soothe your stress and manage your anxiety.
Disadvantage: There are reports of rare allergic reactions in people who come into contact with chamomile herbs. Some of the symptoms include skin rashes, throat swelling and shortness of breath.
The above is by no means the complete list of herbal remedies for anxiety and panic attacks. They are just some popular herbs or natural supplements used to alleviate anxiety, stress and panic attacks.
Although many users have claimed that herbal remedies for anxiety can be as highly effective as psychotropic medications and without causing any side effect, these methods have not been approved by the FDA as there is still lack of scientific evidence. Most of the positive results are based on users’ experiences. And different people may also experience different experience.
If you have decided to try herbal remedies for anxiety and panic attacks; we suggest you to inform your doctor first. Ask your doctor to share his or her thoughts on alternative methods for treating anxiety. If you’re currently taking any prescribed medication or other herbal remedies, you also must inform your doctor about it.
Informing and communicating with your doctor is a necessary precaution to avoid undesirable result especially if you’re currently under a medical prescription. This is to ensure that the herbal remedies you’ll be taking do not interact negatively with your medications. Interaction of medications can produce undesirable side effects and can be dangerous to your health as well.
Some of the popular herbal medications for alleviating anxiety and panic attacks include:
• Saint John’s Wort
This herb has been used for centuries to treat mental disorders and as a sedative as well. It acts as a mood stabilizer as well as an antidepressant. For those who suffer anxiety disorder, this herb can be taken everyday to help balance your stress levels and help manage your feelings or moods more effectively. You need to this herb for at least a month before you begin to see improvement.
One disadvantage of St. John’s Wort herb is that it may interact with some drugs. The herb may speed or slow a drug’s breakdown.
• Valerian
A soothing herb that has long been used for sleep disorders and anxiety, this can be taken at bedtime or at any time of the day when you are beginning to feel a little anxious. This herb has also been used for depression, headaches and irregular heartbeat.
A known disadvantage of Valerian is that it may cause some mild side effects such as dizziness, stomach upset, and feeling fatigue in the morning.
• Passion Flower
Passion Flower is a natural plant-based supplement that is used as a mild sedative and sleep aid. It also helps to reduce restlessness, anxiety, and nervousness.
Passion Flower has a disadvantage of causing allergic reaction. Some symptoms of allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. Seek medical attention if you think you’ve an allergic reaction from this herb.
• Chamomile
This herb is effective for treating anxiety, sleeplessness and gastrointestinal conditions such as upset stomach and diarrhea. Chamomile is also used topically to treat mouth ulcers. There is a reason why chamomile tea is used before bed. It helps to soothe your stress and manage your anxiety.
Disadvantage: There are reports of rare allergic reactions in people who come into contact with chamomile herbs. Some of the symptoms include skin rashes, throat swelling and shortness of breath.
The above is by no means the complete list of herbal remedies for anxiety and panic attacks. They are just some popular herbs or natural supplements used to alleviate anxiety, stress and panic attacks.
Alternative Medicine
Attacks are the most extreme manifestation of panic disorder, an anxiety response resulting from an over-production and under-use of adrenalin, the bodily chemical which cause them. When the anxiety reaction has no use for adrenalin, this powerful hormone can create a group of physical reactions which can peak with the formation of a panic attack. This response is natural and physical – it has nothing to do with mental or physical illness or chemical imbalances, but it can feel very threatening indeed.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy helps people learn to deal with panic symptoms, using techniques like muscle and breathing relaxation. They also gain reassurance that panic will not lead to the catastrophic events they fear, since many people fear they are having a heart attack.
There are many reasons why people have panic attacks. They are often triggered by a specific situation that causes you fear. Some people don’t like crowds. Others experience panic attacks when they know they’ll have to speak in public. It could be anything. It is important that you recognize what triggers your panic attacks and do what you can to reduce or remove these triggers. For example, if your panic attacks are brought on by crowds, you may be able to successfully stop panic attacks by avoiding crowds. You may be able to stop panic attacks by gradually making yourself more comfortable in small groups then larger groups and so on.
Once someone has had a panic attack, for example, while driving, shopping in a crowded store, or riding in an elevator, he or she may develop irrational fears, called phobias, about these situations and begin to avoid them. Eventually, the pattern of avoidance and level of anxiety about another attack may reach the point where the mere idea of doing things that preceded the first panic attack triggers future panic attacks, resulting in the individual with panic disorder being unable to drive or even step out of the house. At this stage, the person is said to have panic disorder with agoraphobia. Thus, there are two types of panic disorder: panic disorder with or without agoraphobia. Like other major illnesses, panic disorder can have a serious impact on a person’s daily life unless the individual receives effective treatment.
Then, with gentle reassurance, progressively tense and relax all the large muscle groups. Tighten your left leg with a deep breath in, for example, hold it, then release the leg muscles and the breath. Move on to the other leg. Move up the body, one muscle group at a time.
Most panic attack sufferers find that some of the best treatment can be found with a panic attack support group. For a panic attack sufferer these support groups can be an extremely valuable resource. Most panic sufferers tend to feel very alone during their panic attacks, even when they have others to talk to. There is something about knowing that there are others out there that experience the same feelings, it can be very reassuring to most chronic panic sufferers.
Before you begin any form of treatment, your GP will discuss all of your options with you, outlining the advantages of each form of treatment, while also making you aware of any possible risks, or side effects. This is because no single treatment is best for everyone, and which treatment is recommended will depend on your general health and the severity of your condition, as well as your personal preferences.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy helps people learn to deal with panic symptoms, using techniques like muscle and breathing relaxation. They also gain reassurance that panic will not lead to the catastrophic events they fear, since many people fear they are having a heart attack.
There are many reasons why people have panic attacks. They are often triggered by a specific situation that causes you fear. Some people don’t like crowds. Others experience panic attacks when they know they’ll have to speak in public. It could be anything. It is important that you recognize what triggers your panic attacks and do what you can to reduce or remove these triggers. For example, if your panic attacks are brought on by crowds, you may be able to successfully stop panic attacks by avoiding crowds. You may be able to stop panic attacks by gradually making yourself more comfortable in small groups then larger groups and so on.
Once someone has had a panic attack, for example, while driving, shopping in a crowded store, or riding in an elevator, he or she may develop irrational fears, called phobias, about these situations and begin to avoid them. Eventually, the pattern of avoidance and level of anxiety about another attack may reach the point where the mere idea of doing things that preceded the first panic attack triggers future panic attacks, resulting in the individual with panic disorder being unable to drive or even step out of the house. At this stage, the person is said to have panic disorder with agoraphobia. Thus, there are two types of panic disorder: panic disorder with or without agoraphobia. Like other major illnesses, panic disorder can have a serious impact on a person’s daily life unless the individual receives effective treatment.
Then, with gentle reassurance, progressively tense and relax all the large muscle groups. Tighten your left leg with a deep breath in, for example, hold it, then release the leg muscles and the breath. Move on to the other leg. Move up the body, one muscle group at a time.
Most panic attack sufferers find that some of the best treatment can be found with a panic attack support group. For a panic attack sufferer these support groups can be an extremely valuable resource. Most panic sufferers tend to feel very alone during their panic attacks, even when they have others to talk to. There is something about knowing that there are others out there that experience the same feelings, it can be very reassuring to most chronic panic sufferers.
Before you begin any form of treatment, your GP will discuss all of your options with you, outlining the advantages of each form of treatment, while also making you aware of any possible risks, or side effects. This is because no single treatment is best for everyone, and which treatment is recommended will depend on your general health and the severity of your condition, as well as your personal preferences.
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