Finding Relief from the Anxiety Attack
November 12, 2010 by Lyle Holmes · Leave a Comment
An anxiety attack, also referred to as a panic attack, is an episode of intense panic and/or fear. Unfortunately, it often occurs suddenly with little or no warning. In some cases, there’s an obvious trigger for the attack–getting stuck in an elevator, for example, or thinking about your big race–but in other cases, the attacks seem to come out of the blue.
An anxiety attack usually hits its worst point within ten minutes, and it rarely lasts more than a half hour. To someone who has never suffered through one, this may not seem very long. But it’s an eternity to the person that’s experiencing it. The terror can be so severe that you feel like they’re about to die or completely lose control. The physical symptoms of a panic attack are themselves so intense that they are often confused with having a heart attack. Common symptoms include: a rush of overwhelming panic, feeling of losing control or going crazy, heart palpitations, chest pain, dizziness, difficulty breathing, choking feeling, hyperventillation, hot flashes, chills, trembling, nausea, stomach ache, and feeling like you’re not really real but looking in on yourself.
If you suffer repeated, unexpected anxiety attacks, and you are also afraid of having an attack again in public, you may suffer from panic disorder. Panic disorder may also be accompanied by agoraphobia, the fear of being somewhere that you can’t get help or a place that would be difficult to leave if you did have an attack.
The exact causes of panic attacks are not yet certain. However, we do know that the tendency to have panic attacks runs in families and there seems to be a correlation with major transitions such as graduating from college, starting the first job, getting married, and having a baby. Severe emotional stress, like losing a loved one or job can also trigger a panic attack.
Panic attacks could also be caused by medical conditions such as mitral valve prolapse (which happens when one of the heart’s valves doesn’t close properly), hyperthyroidism or hypoglycemia, or by stimulant use or withdrawel from medication.
Luckily, anxiety attacks are treatable with cognitive behavioral therapy and/or medication.
Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on the thinking patterns and behaviors that are sustaining or setting off your panic attacks. It helps you look at your fears in a more realistic light and feel that you are gaining control of the situation.
Exposure therapy exposes you to the physical panic feelings while you are monitored in a safe and controlled environment. The point of this type of therapy is to give you the chance to learn ways of coping with your anxiety. You will be asked to do things that bring on your attacks, such as holding your breath or hyperventilating. As you repeat these actions, your fear lessons and you feel a greater sense of control over your panic.
This information does not substitute medical advice given by a health professional.
Anxiety Depression and Panic Attacks- Rise Above It
November 8, 2010 by Lyle Holmes · Leave a Comment
In some cases of anxiety and depression a patient clings to hope by taking anti-depressant drugs in hope that it is the answer to their prayers in relieving them of their symptoms. It has been proven that certain drugs work for some and not for others.
Anti-depressants have an enormous affect on the chemicals in the brain thus changing the mood. Drugs as such are known to help anxiety sufferers to cope with their displeasures but what you have to remember is anti-depressants are not a cure they are there to help control the condition by dealing with the discomforts i.e. symptoms.
The healing process can take a few weeks for the drug to go to work and take affect where you will see changes. It is important to follow through with any course of prescribed medicine dosage from your doctor other wise it will hamper the effects. Anxiety/depression can cause major changes in a persons life where they have no choice but to turn to medication. Not all medical prescriptions of this sort agree with people therefore unwanted side effects. Before continuing with any medication or treatment that you feel is disagreeing with your body then consult your doctor.
Pill popping is an easy way to take away the pain from backache – headache or whatever illness causes misery, but is it the answer to a cure, no it is a temporary fix for pain.
Natural medication and treatments in the form of herbal remedies are taken by many sufferers in the 21st century to help combat the stress and pressure brought on by anxiety – depression and panic attacks. Visit your local herbal store and talk with the herbalist who can advise you on many of natures natural potions. Depression can be a very disturbing mind meddler where lack of control and concentration is lost, due to how it interferes with your well being leaving you feeling low and in some cases at an all time low when in desperation a patient can end up harming themselves
A proven therapeutic method practiced the whole world over for many people with health concerns is Yoga, surprisingly not many people are aware of the benefits that yoga has to offer. It is known with out doubt to ease the mind and has the ability with certain moves to ease physical pain (depending on the condition) If you feel there are no answers behind why your anxious moments erupt and that it is time for a paracetomal, then think again, are you doing more arm than good.
Dealing with anxious moments can prove to be unsettling for many people but then you have those that grin and bear it. Anxious moments should not be ignored if they prolong or outstay their welcome as this could now be recognised as the start of anxiety or depression.
An early grave has been the answer for many a sufferer who found coping alone with anxiety caused more pain and heartache than actually dealing with it.
Are you a sufferer of the type of anxiety that leaves you feeling life is not worth living or wishing you were dead if so I urge you to rise from the grave in your thoughts and seek help. You are not alone and with the right help and medical attention you can enjoy the experiece of feeling on top of the world rather than six feet under.
Fun Ways To Relieve Stress
November 4, 2010 by Lyle Holmes · Leave a Comment
There is no doubt that fun, and engaging in fun events can be the top tonic for any situation. When you remove yourself from the area of stress such as a bad day at work into an activity such as a sport or a social event brings joy into an otherwise dull day. There are a multitude of fun ways to remove your stress.
Jokes help to release any stress related issues such as anger, depression and anxiety. Laughter is a very effective way to thwart the effects of stress. The increase of blood flow that also results adds to your general vitality. Laughter will make you feel better by shadowing the feelings that are causing stress.
Your mood is an influence here. Perhaps music will work for you. Thrash out your best tunes, have a dance with the wife or simply sing to the music. Think about the last time you heard a song that made you feel good. Music has been proven to promote health by providing inspiration and allowing you to calm down from any stressed encounters.
Cooking combined with music can really help. Combining your culinary delights in the kitchen with some background music is very enlightening. Such an activity occupies the mind as you are engaged in fun ways to relieve stress through personal activities that interest you.
Play a game; invite your friends around for a poker night, or monopoly or charades. Perhaps your circles of friends like to battle competitively on computer games. Have a playstation or an Xbox night, or interact socially online with a multiplayer game that you and your friends enjoy. Computer games are very effective here as they literally allow you to step outside yourself and role play another character.
Try a weekend break if you have not been away on holiday for a while. While the above methods work, it’s not a great idea to spend too much time in the same environment as that can promote feelings of boredom and therefore stress. Go visit your distant friends or take the family away to the beach for the weekend. Holidays allow you to get away from it all and are fun ways to relieve stress.
Some may disagree and say those games are couch potato style exploits and too passive. If you are one of a more active nature then go try some sport like squash, or go for a jog or join a club that interests you like martial arts or racquetball. As these promote excitement and therefore fun, you will feel good about yourself and return home refreshed from the experience.
Phone up your friends or use Skype and have chat about the week, past funny events, or any forthcoming social events that make you feel excited. There are many fun ways to relieve stress and each one relates to your personal interests. Look at what excites you and put that into action. If the activity allows you to have fun and enjoy life, then do it at least weekly whether you suffer from stress or not.
10 Ways To Relieve Stress
October 24, 2010 by Lyle Holmes · Leave a Comment
Stress is not a very pleasant experience and unfortunately life throws many curves at us that challenge our ability to remain calm. The reasons are endless from the noisy neighbor to the checkout clerk who always gets everything wrong.
The solution to all this centers on focus and relaxation. The following 10 ways to relieve stress will are going to help you maintain balance between keeping your blood pressure down or blowing up at home, at work or during other social times.
#1. Instead of focusing on the problem, focus on a solution. Replace your negative thought with things that are positive like recent funny moments or something personally enlightening.
#2. When you are work, change a seating position or perhaps go for a stroll around the office when stress is hitting you.
#3. Yoga may help as this teaches you through exercise to focus on being calm.
#4. Go jogging or for a walk in the park. Activities such as this help to relieve stress.
#5. You might get a head massage or do it yourself. Gentle rubbing of the scalp is a very effective way to put you at ease. Meditation and also massage techniques offer great therapy. A great way to meditate is to close your eyes and focus on one thing such as your controlled breathing.
#6. Play a game (if allowed while at work) or do a crossword. Activities like these allow you to easily find at least 10 ways to relieve stress so shift your focus away from whatever is stressing you. It’s a known fact that computer game lovers enjoy obliterating aliens or whatever as a means to alleviate stress.
#7. This is an issue at work though if you can, play some music. Perhaps your employer will allow headphones. Sound that invokes feelings of serenity such as sea waves or forests can act as an excellent reliever.
#8. Perhaps, you have heard the song ‘the drugs don’t work’ from The Verve and it’s all true. Being lethargic or stressed should not mean reaching for the pharmaceutical cupboard. Stimulants cannot remove the problem or help to forget it. Grab a huge drink of water instead and enjoy the feeling of refreshment.
#9. Try Humor! As part of this list explaining 10 ways to relieve stress, this is probably the most effective method. Laughing brings you into the brighter side of your daily life. Read some jokes, or tell them to colleagues.
#10. Get at least 7 or 8 hours of sleep every night. A proper sleep pattern will allow you to feel more relaxed every day and less prone to procrastination and lethargic behavior.
If you will follow these 10 ways to relieve stress you will start leading a healthy life and improve your ways of tackling daily stress to feel better each day.
Dealing With Anxiety
October 19, 2010 by Lyle Holmes · Leave a Comment
Dealing with anxiety is not diffiicult, if you will follow the proper tips. In the following you will be provided with information on how to deal with anxiety. If you suffer from an anxiety attacks, panic attacks, or anxiety in general, one of the best things you can do is to learn the proper way to deal with it. If you are experiencing anxiety in your life, it is a sure sign that something is not quite right.
Stress comes from both the good and the bad things that happen to us. There is stress with everything we do in life. Stressful emotions can inhibit a persons ability to absorb, retain, and recall information. Anxiety creates a kind of interference in the brain that blocks our ability to retrieve the things stored in our memory and also greatly impairs our ability to comprehend and reason. Stress can cause us to lose energy through the unnecessary tensing of muscles. Unfortunately whenever we feel pressured or distressed over something this is the first thing we do.
Feelings of anxiety can be mild or intense (or anywhere in between), depending upon the person and the situation. Mild anxiety can feel like a sense of uneasiness or nervousness. Feeling good is very important, especially feeling good about yourself. People are naturally attracted to others who radiate positive feelings about themselves.
Symptoms such as trembling, dizziness, shortness of breath and rapid increase of heartbeat very often accompany certain types of anxiety. Anxiety often surfaces in adolesence or early adulthood, but they may begin at any time. Anxiety symptoms include: irritability, increased heart raate, lack of concentration, muscle tension, being restless ans sweating. One thing to realize is, an anxiety problem does not denote weakness or personality problems. It is really a normal process that your brain uses to help you out.
Begin breathing gradually from your diaphram, this can allow you to calm your body. These steps help to prevent panic attacks, as soon as an attack is about to start, or is already starting, there are several other alternative preventive measures that an individual can utilize. Breathing is very underated yet effective techniques, that can help you deal with anxiety causing situations. When you do this for a couple of minutes you will find yourself at the very least, a bit relaxed. Breathing gradually from your diaphragm will allow you to calm your body.
Anxiety – Questions Asked By Many People
July 15, 2010 by Lyle Holmes · Leave a Comment
What is anxiety is a question asked by many people who tend to feel confused when trying to decipher the difference between this illness as it is seen and that of others. Is anxiety an illness – is it an ailment or is it a disorder – yes anxiety is classed as all three. Different stages denote whether it is an illness or a disorder.
For the severe cases that show signs of stress which is escalating out of control is a sure way of telling that the patient is suffering from an anxiety disorder.
Anxiety gives out a feeling of uneasiness. At some stage in a persons life there will have been times where they have experienced the discomfort of anxiety with anxious moments. Moments like this can arise when faced with dilemmas otherwise seen as stressful situations, for example before going for a job interview – sitting for an exam or during that worrying time through illness.
Most questions asked once again by concerned people is it normal to feel anxious when faced with something difficult or dangerous, yes everyone can suffer from anxious bouts – it is not an unusual response to stressful situations. It has been known to improve performance in some cases.
However, in the US, the one in ten people that suffer from anxiety are cases of severity where the anxiety interferes with their normal daily lifestyle. Excessive anxiety is notably directed or associated with many other psychiatric conditions, like depression. Anxiety is without doubt considered abnormal when the signs or symptoms hang around longer than necessary – in other words prolonged.
Another strong cause behind prognosis of severity is when the anxiety bouts develop to a stage where it takes hold over on how you live your life – once again meaning how it interferes with day to day activities.
If this being the case then those anxious events is classed as an anxiety disorder – where medical treatment is needed
The physical symptoms of anxiety are identified by how the brain sends signals to other parts of the body preparing for a fight or flight reaction. The human brain releases stress hormones, which includes adrenaline. Common symptoms that can occur are: abdominal discomfort, rapid heartbeat or palpitations, dizziness, diarrhoea, shortness of breath, dry mouth, tightness or pain in chest, frequent urination or finding it difficult to swallow.
Anxiety is seen as the culprit when a mental health problem is recognised, such as depression, alcohol abuse, personality disorder, even withdrawal from the long-term use of drugs or tranquillisers.
The signs to look out for when psychological anxiety is present are: inability to concentrate, fear of madness, insomnia, irritability or anger – even the common feeling of discomfort where loss of control of your actions is evident – which is a familiar symptom high on the list of the psychological side. Some types of anxieties are closely associated with physical illnesses which – can be a thyroid disorder. If treatment takes place for whatever the diagnosed illness is, then the anxiety can improve over time.
If at any time that you or a member of the family even a close friend are showing signs of stress related concerns then please consult with your doctor – especially before buying over the counter medication.
Different Types of Anxiety Disorders
June 20, 2010 by Lyle Holmes · Leave a Comment
Everyone feels anxious once in a while. We may feel anxious about taking a test, going to the doctor or any other situation in which we feel uncomfortable. For some people, however, they are unable to control their anxiety, and they wind up having a full blown anxiety attack. This can often land someone in the ER of the hospital because they feel as though they are having a heart attack.
When you are diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, you have to have several anxiety attacks over at least 6 months. This is chronic anxiety and most doctors will then evaluate you for these conditions. While anti-anxiety medications such as Xanax and Klonopin can help take the edge off of an anxiety attack, they are not the cure. Most doctors will refer you to a counselor or a psychiatrist who will then diagnose you with one of the types of anxiety disorders that are common and treatable.
General Anxiety Disorder
This is an anxiety disorder in which no known cause for the anxiety exists. A person who suffers from this type of anxiety disorder will often have anxiety attacks, triggered by an unknown source. It can be something in their head that sets them off. Doctors will give anti-depressant medication coupled with anti-anxiety medication so that it balances the chemicals in the brain and allows the person to function regularly.
Panic Disorder
Someone who suffers from panic disorder gets frequent anxiety attacks and often winds up in the ER of the hospital thinking that they are having a heart attack. This can be a very disabling anxiety disorder and is the one that is the most pronounced. Like general anxiety disorder, this has no known cause. Again, it is treated with anti-anxiety medication as well as anti-depressants.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Those who suffer from this anxiety disorder have undergone some sort of life threatening stress in their lives that keeps them from functioning at full capacity. While is it often associated with veterans who come home from war, anyone can suffer from this disorder who has been through a great deal of stress or life threatening situation. In this case, the source of anxiety is well known and therapy is often used to alleviate this type of anxiety disorder.
Social Anxiety Disorder
Social anxiety disorder is one where you may have an anxiety attack when you are around crowds of people. The person who experiences this type of social anxiety disorder will feel cold and clammy, may feel heart palpitations and even fainting when they are around crowds of people. Anti-Anxiety medications can help someone overcome social anxiety disorder.
Anxiety disorders are best diagnosed by a professional. If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms regarding anxiety, you should seek out a medical opinion and not suffer in silence. There are many types of anxiety disorders and only a medical professional can give you the proper diagnosis.
Working Your Way Through An Anxiety Attack
June 17, 2010 by Lyle Holmes · Leave a Comment
One of the secrets to minimizing an anxiety attack is to learn to work your way through the anxiety attack. Anyone who has ever undergone the panic and suffering that accompanies an anxiety attack knows the feeling of fear that is pretty much indescribable to anyone who has not experienced this sensation. Follow these tips to help work yourself through the anxiety attack:
Realize that it is anxiety attack
Once you realize that you are having an anxiety attack, you can calm yourself down and think that rationally, this will pass. Anyone who suffers with anxiety understands the sensation comes and goes. When you are having an anxiety attack, realize that this is real, it is a panic attack, but it will go away. Realizing that you are having an anxiety attack is the first step towards working your way through an anxiety attack.
Do something physical
Exercise, clean, cook or do anything that will get your mind off of the attack. Some people report that even cleaning their bathroom will help them through an anxiety attack. Any physical activity releases endorphins and elevates your mood. It can also help you work through your stress, which is usually the underlying cause of an anxiety attack. Do not feel helpless, empower yourself by doing something physical, the more productive the better.
Reach out to your support network
Reach out to friends and family who understand what you are going through. This is not an effort to look for pity, but a chance for your friends and family to help you when you need it the most. You would do the same for them, so give them the chance to help you.
Many people are ashamed that they are feeling anxious and keep this secret from friends and family. This only makes things worse. You will not have anyone to talk to when needed. And when you finally release your secret, you will be surprised to learn how many people actually suffer from the same anxious feelings! You are far from alone when it comes to anxiety attacks. As a matter of fact, the majority of people have experienced some sort of anxiety or panic attack at least once in their lives.
By understanding the anxiety attack, knowing what it feels like and that it will pass, you can help yourself overcome the feelings of a panic attack. Doing something physical and reaching out to your support network will also help you overcome an anxiety attack. Use medication as a last resort instead of at once. You can empower yourself against anxiety attacks and do not have to be held a prisoner of crippling fear of the unknown.
Harmful Habits For Anxiety Treatment
June 3, 2010 by Lyle Holmes · 1 Comment
If you are having an anxiety attack, you may be so desperate for a quick fix that you are willing to do anything to get rid of the anxious feeling. Some of the most harmful habits that will only aid on depression and anxiety are as follows:
Cigarette Smoking
Many people say that they smoke because it “calms their nerves.” Nothing could be further from the truth. Cigarette smoking will not calm your nerves. In fact, it will make your nerves worse than they were before you started smoking in the first place. Cigarette smoking constricts the blood vessels and makes your heart even beat faster. It does not calm the nerves, but merely exacerbates the anxiety attack.
Quitting cigarette smoking is very difficult to do. In fact, it is said that cigarette smoking is akin to heroin addiction. Some say that quitting heroin is easier than cigarette smoking. Many people try to quit smoking to no avail. They try patches and other types of gimmicks so that they can be smoke free. The truth of the matter is that you have to make up your mind to quit smoking and stick with it. Once you go for three days without a cigarette, the nicotine has left your body and the physical addiction is past. You can then move forward to quitting the psychological addiction.
Alcohol
Many people, when they have a problem with anxiety, will start drinking alcohol. Alcohol numbs the mind and makes things seem a bit brighter. But it is a false cure. It may make you feel better temporarily, but in the long run it will end up making you feel worse. And alcohol is a depressant. If you are not depressed by the time you start drinking, you will be after you are finished. And alcohol is a drug. Just like any other drug, it builds up a tolerance in your system. The more you drink, the less it affects you. Pretty soon, you are drinking more an more to get the same effect and to drown your sorrows.
Do not drown your sorrows in booze. Look for another way out. While some people contend that alcoholism is a disease unto itself, others disagree and see it as merely a symptom of a disease. A disease that stems from depression and anxiety. This is why Alcoholics Anonymous encourages people to control what they can control and recognize the fact that they cannot control everything. As anxiety and depression all stem from control (or lack of control), one of the reasons that AA works is that it gives this valuable insight to members who feel that most of life is out of their control.
Street Drugs
Street drugs like marijuana are often used to stop anxiety and make a person feel better. It has the opposite effect. While marijuana may not be as addictive and harmful as alcohol, it is still illegal. And inhaling hot smoke into your lungs is not going to do you any good. There is also evidence that marijuana kills off brain cells. Street drugs are not the answer for depression. While some may say that this drug has medicinal purposes, one of them is not to alleviate depression or anxiety – it merely masks them and doesn’t allow the person taking it to face their own demons.
If you have a problem with depression or anxiety, do not try to self medicate. Look for healthier ways to try to get your body and brain chemicals in balance rather than resorting to nicotine, alcohol and street drugs.
Different Types of Anxiety Disorders
May 15, 2010 by Lyle Holmes · Leave a Comment
Everyone feels anxious once in a while. We may feel anxious about taking a test, going to the doctor or any other situation in which we feel uncomfortable. For some people, however, they are unable to control their anxiety, and they wind up having a full blown anxiety attack. This can often land someone in the ER of the hospital because they feel as though they are having a heart attack.
When you are diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, you have to have several anxiety attacks over at least 6 months. This is chronic anxiety and most doctors will then evaluate you for these conditions. While anti-anxiety medications such as Xanax and Klonopin can help take the edge off of an anxiety attack, they are not the cure. Most doctors will refer you to a counselor or a psychiatrist who will then diagnose you with one of the types of anxiety disorders that are common and treatable.
General Anxiety Disorder
This is an anxiety disorder in which no known cause for the anxiety exists. A person who suffers from this type of anxiety disorder will often have anxiety attacks, triggered by an unknown source. It can be something in their head that sets them off. Doctors will give anti-depressant medication coupled with anti-anxiety medication so that it balances the chemicals in the brain and allows the person to function regularly.
Panic Disorder
Someone who suffers from panic disorder gets frequent anxiety attacks and often winds up in the ER of the hospital thinking that they are having a heart attack. This can be a very disabling anxiety disorder and is the one that is the most pronounced. Like general anxiety disorder, this has no known cause. Again, it is treated with anti-anxiety medication as well as anti-depressants.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Those who suffer from this anxiety disorder have undergone some sort of life threatening stress in their lives that keeps them from functioning at full capacity. While is it often associated with veterans who come home from war, anyone can suffer from this disorder who has been through a great deal of stress or life threatening situation. In this case, the source of anxiety is well known and therapy is often used to alleviate this type of anxiety disorder.
Social Anxiety Disorder
Social anxiety disorder is one where you may have an anxiety attack when you are around crowds of people. The person who experiences this type of social anxiety disorder will feel cold and clammy, may feel heart palpitations and even fainting when they are around crowds of people. Anti-Anxiety medications can help someone overcome social anxiety disorder.
Anxiety disorders are best diagnosed by a professional. If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms regarding anxiety, you should seek out a medical opinion and not suffer in silence. There are many types of anxiety disorders and only a medical professional can give you the proper diagnosis.