Depression » Mental health

3 Tips Proven to Stop Scary Panic Attacks Whilst Driving – Put the Brakes on Anxiety Therapy.

JOHN PATTERSON — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 16:59:59 +0000

by John Patterson

You know the feeling of the panic attack only too well.

You are in the car, behind the wheel, and the symptoms start. Usually it’s the palpitations first, with the heart going like the proverbial piston. Then the palms get sweaty, in fact within minutes you feel sweaty all over. And so it has started.

You begin thinking about whether you should pull off the road and park up somewhere. So you slow down, and of course on a busy road with traffic all around, this is far from being an easy thing to do.

None of the usual suggestions figure in my 3 proven tips. They do not include things such as winding the windown down, thinking nice thoughts, and breathing deeply, however good those suggestions may be.

These 3 tips are practical and proven to work, and not just for the author of this article.

Tip 1. Fit a hands-free telephone in the car, or get it fitted for you. Then, in the event you are having an attack, give someone a call. Makes no difference who they are, just as long as you know them and it is therefore a familiar voice you are talking to. It can be wife, husband, sister, brother, friend, really makes no difference. Just have a NORMAL conversation with them. This worked incredibly well for me the first time I did it, and we have a family friend who said her attacks whilst driving stopped altogether, simply because of installing the cellphone in her car. She had the normal teror of anxiety sufferers of being stranded on their own and the phone banished that fear from her mind.

Tip2. In the event you do not have breakdown cover within the warranty on your car, then join a National Breakdown service. If your car warranty does cover you, both make sure it never runs out, and also keep reminding yourself that no matter where you are going you have the security of knowing you are not alone should a breakdown occur. I know of people who never travel further than a few miles from their home so strong is their dread of being stranded alone. This one tip will banish that.

Tip 3. Unearth the root cause of the driving anxiety and find out why you are having the attacks whilst behind the wheel. It is usually something very simple, as shown in the first two tips.

I am really PASSIONATE about helping others dispel their anxiety issues. My site will explain to you how they can be unearted and then gotten rid of, and that’s permanently got rid of.

About the Author:

The author has had over 13 years of personal suffering from anxiety disorders and has read and studied extensively on the subject. He offers a considerable amount of free advice and provides information on what form of non-medication Anxiety Therapy helped him. You can discover for yourself exactly how ANYONE can stop scary panic attacks

35 Steps to Start a Christian Depression Support Group

Lisa Copen — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 14:24:05 +0000

by Lisa Copen

Leading a support group can seem like an overwhelming task, but follow along with this simple checklist to cover all of the administrative tasks, and it will run much smoother down the road.

[1] Purpose of the group. Write a mission statement of 1-2 sentences so you are clear on the goal of your group.

[2] Group’s description: Clearly state what problem people are coping with and how your support group will you help fix the problem or at least encourage them.

[3] Personal motivations. Why do you feel called to lead this group? Make sure it’s something you want to do, not something you’re being pressured into or because you are seeking personal glory.

[4] Approval. Do you need to seek formal approval from an organization, church, or company, that you are leading the group on behalf of?

[5] Group’s life expectancy. What do you see as the life of your group? Do you hope it will meet indefinitely until the need fades away, growing and changing as members define it? Or would you rather ask that people commit to the group for a certain amount of time, like four months, and then recommit if they still want to attend?

[6] Frequency of meetings. How often do you want to meet? Weekly, bi-monthly, monthly? Consider the schedules of the participants. Would you rather have seventy percent show up once per month or thirty percent twice per month?

[7] Outline of the group outline. How will you fill the time? Do you want people to network with one another, work their way through a study or workbook, listen to speakers from the community, or a mixture of all of this? What do you believe your members will desire?

[8] Location. Where will your group meet? Will it be a short driving distance for most people? Is it accessible for people with disabilities? Is the atmosphere comfortable or will members feel intimidated? It the lighting good? If it’s in a large building, like a hospital, will there be signs to make sure people don’t get lost? Will a receptionist know when and where your group meets? Do they know where to park and will there be a fee for parking?

[9] Attendance. Is anyone welcome at any time or it is closed? For example, are new members welcome for a certain period of time? Is membership required in another group to attend. For example, if it’s a group that a church hosts, are you expected to attend the church?

[10] Activities. Would the group like to have special times together outside of the group? Would people want to have a picnic or get together with family of the group members? How frequently would you have these outings?

[11] Guest guidelines. May family members or friends attend a meeting? If yes, is this alright with other members? Is it approved for only certain occasions, or any time?

[12] Projects. Would your group like to help plan activities that can help others? For example, would you group want to put together gift baskets for people who are home-bound or provide a holiday party for children of parents who are going through a difficult time?

[13] Policies. Write up some basic guidelines for the group and ask other group leaders what they would suggest you include. Some basics are a statement of privacy, the assumption that everyone will be treated with respect, how conflicts will be handled, explanations about how the group will never be a forum for commercial use, etc. If you are the leader of a support group for those with illness, you may benefit from letting people know from the start how conversations about alternative treatment will be handled. Many times people want to share their most recent “cure.”

[14] Handouts. What brochures or other educational pieces will you have available? Can anyone bring handouts? Do they need approved in advance?

[15] Exchange of personal information. Do group members want their address, phone and/or emails distributed to other members as a directory to do they want it to remain private and give it out to others themselves.

[16] Promotion. What are your plans for letting people know about your group? If your group is formed under an organization, what forms of advertising are acceptable? For example, a classified in the local paper? An announcement in the calendar section of the paper? Flyers? Is there anything not allowed that you should be aware of and do the promotional pieces need approval?

[17] Media exposure. Can you write a press release? If not, be sure to find someone who can help! Explain the logistics about your group meetings, as well as the purpose for the group. If there are certain group members who may be willing to be interviewed by a journalists at some point in the future, keep that in mind.

[18] Videotaping or photos. It can be helpful to videotape the group meetings for people who are not able to attend so they can hear guest speakers, etc. Inform your attendees so they can choose to sit in view or out of view of the camera. Know when conversation is personal and the camera needs to be turned off. If you aren’t sure how you will use the tape, have participants sign a release form. Don’t post it online without permission from those who are on the tape. Are attendees comfortable having photos for the media, for example, if a journalist wants a photo of the group for a local story.

[19] What promotional items could you have to help promote your group and who could design them. You may ask those who do desktop publishing or digital scrapbooking for some assistance in designing things such as flyers, posters, business cards, and stickers.

[20] Online communication. Would your group benefit from a “hub” on the interent, where they can exchange information and encouragement? You can just use an email group to encourage one another, or you can use a social network with many options such as Ning.

[21] Online web site. Would your group benefit from having a web page where you can post a calendar of events, resource links, announcements, etc.? You can set up a web site using free blog software in just a few minutes. A web site can be a great way to share online information with your group from other organizations too. Using RSS feeds, links to online radio programs and more can quickly give your group support that you may not be able to provide.

About the Author:

Read the rest of the 22-35 vital steps visit Lisa Copen’s chronic illness and pain support social network for support group leaders. Find out more in her book, ‘So You Want to Start a Chronic Illness Pain Ministry: 10 Essentials to Make it Work” at Comfort Zone Books or Amazon.com.

A Natural Anxiety Remedy – Is It The Right Choice vs. Prescription Medication?

Bethany Jordin — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 13:51:55 +0000

by Bethany Jordin

When you or someone that you love is suffering from anxiety, it can feel as though your whole life is falling apart, or that you are spinning out of control. Anxiety is a very pervasive problem, and when you find out that it can strike at any time for any reason, it is very easy to feel as though you are a prisoner in your own body. While keeping in mind the that you are allowed to feel frustrated and upset, make sure that you do not lose track of the fact that you are going to need to think about what you can do about it. This is where a natural anxiety remedy comes in. With a natural anxiety remedy, you can get the results that you need, and you can really get better!

What can you expect when you are dealing with a natural anxiety remedy? The first thing that you will discover when you are investigating this option is that it is much, much less expensive than working with prescription medication. Prescription medication can seem like it costs more than the earth itself, and when you are on a budget, or when you are under insured or have no insurance at all, you’ll find that getting the treatment that you are after can be difficult. Make sure that you look for a natural anxiety remedy, as a natural alternative to what you are facing at the pharmacy.

Another area where a natural anxiety remedy can be a better choice than a prescription medication is when you are looking at side effects. Have you ever taken a medication that is simply horrible when it comes to the side effects that you might get? This is the issue with prescription medications. In many cases, they are very powerful and when they get into your system, there is a shockwave. You’ll find that you are getting a number of side effects, some of which you can live with, and some of which you simply cannot! You’ll find that if you can get a natural anxiety remedy that is going to be much better for you, at the end of the day you are going to be much further ahead.

Remember that you are also going to have a wide variety to choose from. There are many herbal supplements and plants out there that can help you beat your anxiety, and the question is just making sure that you can find them. Always make sure that you consult with your doctor regarding what is going to be good for you and your body, but at the end of the day, you may well find that the natural solutions are things that can benefit you a great deal. Consider what your options are and what you can do to get the results that you need. Don’t turn a blind eye to things that can help you!

All that being said, what are some basic remedies that you can look to?

St. Johns Wort – St. John’s Wort has long been used to help people feel better. The ancients knew this, and now we do too, only we know that it has chemicals in it that will help you treat things ranging from anxiety to mood disorders and depression. You will find the results that you get from taking this herb are similar to those of tricyclic antidepressants and SSRI antidepressants like Paxil and Zoloft. You’ll also find that there are much milder side effects for this herb than there are to the ones listed above, though you should be very careful with it if you are going to be taking other antidepressants as well. Always check with your physician first.

5-HTP – 5-HTP is also known as hydroxytryptophan, and you will find that there are people who say that it beats other traditional antidepressants out by a long shot. It has been used to treat insomnia and migraines as well as anxiety, and it is known to be very effective, and to have few side effects. Do be aware that pregnant women cannot use this supplement, and it can cause issues that include nausea and dizziness.

Passionflower – Passionflower is a tropical plant that can help you calm your anxiety down a great deal. There is some uncertainty about how it can really help with anxiety, but the truth seems to be that it does. For instance, it is known that passionflower contains alkaloids and flavonoids that will help you control the neurotransmitters in your nervous system. Because they affect the part that helps you reduce your anxiety and that lowers your blood pressure, both issues can benefit.

Consider how you most want to move forward with your anxiety and make sure that you consider a natural anxiety remedy that can help you. This may be one of the best things that you do when it comes to beating your anxiety.

About the Author:

Visit Bethany Jordin’s website for more information on natural antidepressants, natural anxiety remedies, and anxiety disorders in general. Everyone is welcome to click on www.naturalantidepressants.info

A somewhat whimsical look at how NOT to help someone who is a panic attack sufferer.

JOHN PATTERSON — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 10:07:58 +0000

by JOHN PATTERSON

Firstly, I am a sufferer of 13 years, albeit on the mend now. I have endured everything from panic attacks to real head on the floor depression, all of which can be frightening, really frightening.

This story I hope will make a very good, and important, point. It takes a slightly humourous approach to something which is far from humourous, but I am sure the reader will forgive the latitude I take here. It is an honest attempt to get over something very important.

The story is about a man who trips and falls into a large hole. He is a panic attack sufferer, and starts shouting for help as the hole is too large for him to get out of on his own.

A rich man walking past hears him and drops in some money, saying “there you go, I am sure that will help”, to which the sufferer replies that is no good to him, and asks how can that money get him out of the hole. But the rich man takes no heed, or maybe did not hear him, and walks away.

A priest then walks past, hears his cries for help and drops in a bible telling him that will help, but the sufferer replies that surely will not get him out of his hole either. The clergyman walks on however, believing he has done his act of kindness for the day

A passer-by, hearing the shouting from the hole and realsing the man’s predicament, calls for a therapist. The therapist drops in one of his leaflets and tells the man to make an appointment to come and visit him when he manages to extricate himself, explaining that his fees are on the leaflet, along with his phone number and address.

The man’s response is probably best not repeated, but when the therapist realises that his attempt to help is going to prove futile, he decides to call a doctor.

On arriving at the hole, the doctor drops in some medication for the man. The man’s response is as before i.e. he has no idea how that is going to get him out.

The man in the hole suddenly finds he now has a companion alongside him, as someone jumps into the hole. The sufferer is perplexed and asks his companion why they did such an apparently stupid thing, as they are now both trapped.

But, the man who jumped into the hole replies that help is at help and not to worry any more. He has been a sufferer of anxiety disorders, understands the predicament the man is in and, most importantly, knows exactly how to get out of the hole.

The moral of the story is of course painfully obvious.

Well meaning people most times do not understand, but a fellow sufferer, or ex-sufferer most certainly does. And they know the way out of the predicament.

It took me a long time to realise the moral of this story for myself, but eventually it was through such a source that I found my way out. But for too long I had been seeking a solution in the wrong place.

I listened to the people who had gone to the same source, read their own heartfelt testimonials and decided this was for me.

The quickest way for anyone to get out of their own particular hole is of course to go to the right source as soon as possible. Only there will you find both the understanding of your predicament and the permanent solution you seek.

About the Author:

Prior to seeking help for his own cure, the author suffered extensively from anxiety disorders. Both during this time, and since, he has read and studied widely on the subject. He gives a lot of free advice and talks in detail about the type of non-medication Anxiety Therapy which so helped him. Check this out for yourself, to find how ANYONE can stop scary panic attacks

ADHD Treatments – What Are The Alternative Treatments For ADHD?

K. Rieger — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 05:24:51 +0000

by K. Rieger

If you are a parent of an ADHD child you are most certainly familiar with the physicians choice of using drugs like Ritalin, Stratera or Concerta to treat ADHD. There is more growing concern about the safety of these drugs which lead parents and patients to search out safer and more natural remedies. You can find out exactly what are the alternative treatments for ADHD.

ADHD children and adults typically are hyperactive, can’t focus on school assignments or work tasks, and can be very distracting to their peers. Needless to say parents and teachers hope for a remedy to this behavior and the pharmaceutical companies have provided that. Unfortunately, these drug often carry worrisome side effects and may even bring on new problems.

There is much debate about drugs affecting the brain development of our children. Even the drug companies cannot give us comfort by telling us exactly how these drugs work, nor do they reveal how our kids may be affected in the long term They won’t profit from letting you know what are the alternative treatments for ADHD so its up to you to do the discovery.

Changes in diet, targeted approaches to learning and the use of homeopathic remedies can all have a positive effect on ADHD symptoms and can even address the underlying cause of the condition to produce long term results. Of course, each case is different and so some trial and error will be necessary to find the right approach for each person, but with a little patience it is possible to avoid using prescription meds.

Simply making changes to what the patient eats can vastly diminish symptoms of ADHD. In fact, these change may remove the core cause of the problem. Remove wheat and refined carbohydrates from the diet, stop drinking sugary products and drinks, get rid products containing caffeine and stop consuming artificially flavored foods. In fact, this would be good practice for all of us!

Another way to control behavior without using drugs is through the use of methods such as Auditory and neurofeedback and musical therapy. The use of sound or electronic impulses can help ADHD patients to focus and control their brain activity. Musical therapy is another way to use sound to help improve focus and reduce impulsive responses. Yoga and massage therapy are also quite helpful as tools for helping ADHD patients to remain calm and ease physical twitching.

As for homeopathic remedies, look for products made from natural ingredients like Arsen iod, Tuberculinum, and Hyoscyamus. These ingredients actually treat the chemical and neurological imbalances causing ADHD. They temper the symptoms without all the dangerous chemical toxins found in stimulant drugs.

One thing is clear and that is that medication will not solve everything and you do have other options to controlling ADHD symptoms. Experts now agree at least, that homeopathic medication must be carried out in conjunction with some lifestyle changes. Treatment may be ineffective if you don’t remove some of the negative stimulants in your child’s diet and lifestyle. If this is not done, treatment may not work either effectively or efficiently and the ADHD child will be among the 60% of children who carry the condition into adulthood.

About the Author:

Keep kids off stimulant drugs! K. Rieger is a champion of natural remedies for all our 2-and-4-legged blessings. Learn more about using natural alternatives to keep healthy without costly prescription drugs. Find out what are the alternative treatments for ADHD that are proven safe and effective for treating child ADHD and naturalize your health care today at http://www.Remedies-for-ADHD.com.

Anxiety Attack Relief – Apply This Trick Anytime for Instant Help

Thomas Bardin — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 22:11:23 +0000

by Thomas Bardin

Anxiety attack help comes in all shapes and sizes. From herbal remedies to new age breathing it can be easy to get lost in all the methods. However there is one simple trick that will help no matter who you are.

You have been using the trick your entire life; its just time to realize it.

The next time you feel anxiety building up make a point of noticing your body. You will probably be hunched, head down, arms hanging on your sides, and overall in a sad physical state.

This is because as human beings our mood affects our physiology. Dont believe me? Lets look at how you are when you’re happy.

You will tend to look around, stand upright and generally have a glow of life around you. As you can see mood has a big impact.

So how can this observation help you?

Just as mood can affect physiology the opposite also holds true. The state of physiology you are in can directly affect your mood and emotions. This means its very possible to control your anxiety attack, depression, or general bad mood by changing the state of your physical body.

So how do you go about doing this?

Stop slouching and looking down, make it a point to always stand tall and hold yourself in a positive physical state regardless of situation. This will help alter how you feel.

So next time you need anxiety attack help or are feeling depressed and just cant shake the feeling take a moment, stand up tall, smile, and begin physically acting happy. By moving your physical body out of the state of anxiety your mood will soon follow.

About the Author:

Thomas Bardin overcame to his own severe Anxiety problems and has since helped many others with Anxiety Attack Relief. Get more help and access to his free videos and guides on Anxiety Recovery.

Anxiety Disorder Treatments – Overview Of Effective Anxiety Cure

Adrian Fletcher — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 11:37:05 +0000

by Adrian Fletcher

As anyone suffering from anxiety disorder knows, the experience can be quite debilitating. Thankfully there are numerous anxiety disorder treatments to deal with the problem. Even though medication is the most commonly used form of treatment, there are many other options available. For instance, most people may undergo some form of therapy typically in conjunction with a course of drugs. Some examples would be cognitive behavior therapy or psychodynamic therapy. Natural remedies like herbal supplements and therapeutic massage are also options.

When working with an anxiety disorder, physicians usually try some form of medication first. Drugs help stabilize anxiety issues quickly and offer the patient an opportunity to pursue other therapeutic options for long-term treatment. Commonly prescribed anxiety disorder treatment medications include Paxil or Zoloft. During an acute attack, it may be necessary to use a mild sedative or tranquilizer.

Effective dosage of prescribed anxiety medication is a vital step, but is only the first step to recovery. The patient can begin therapy such as behavioral therapy, which teaches the patient stress-management techniques. New techniques like meditation, controlled breathing, and others combined with controlled exposure to increasingly difficult situations teach the patient how to deal with confrontation and conflict in a constructive manner. Because of the mental and emotional strain, behavioral therapy is only successful as an anxiety disorder treatment if the patient fully commits to putting forth concentrated effort.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a deeper reaching form of psychotherapy for people suffering with an anxiety disorder. The therapy teaches the consumer to identify situations in which they react, and further identify patterns. With this knowledge they can then learn to challenge those reactions, and act differently given a similar situation. CBT is thought to be highly effective when it comes to anxiety disorder treatments.

Psychodynamic therapy is one of the more intangible forms of anxiety disorder treatment through therapy. It is based on the theory that an individual’s problems stem from an unknown conflict buried deep within their subconscious. A patient can only resolve this conflict by bringing it to the conscious mind which will alleviate the anxiety systems.

There are some anxiety disorder treatments that may be different then what most people would normally think of as remedies for this condition. Some of these more obscure remedies are passion flower, valerian root, kava kava. Some treatments entail the use of acupuncture along with massage therapy. There are many other herbal remedies as well that are easily found. With the exception of passion flower which has been known to cause nausea and increased heartbeat, most herbal remedies have few side effects and are well-tolerated.

Chronic anxiety disorder and stress can disable someone both emotionally and even physically. Thus it is vital to seek a treatment that can help the problem. Proper medical attention should be the first order of priority for anyone who is experiencing severe anxiety or stress or is experiencing panic attacks. There are a number of anxiety disorder treatments available. You could go down the route of prescribed medication, all natural, herbal remedies, some form of therapy or a combination of all of these methods. With some professional guidance you can choose the right option.

About the Author:

Get more on how to stop panic attacks now including drug for anxiety .

Anxiety disorders FAQs

JOHN PATTERSON — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 02:17:47 +0000

by JOHN PATTERSON

I had over 13 years suffering from an anxiety disorder, until I found my own cure. It threw just about everything one could imagine at me, but the upside is that it left me with a vast amount of knowledge and personal experiences as a result.

Whereas a lot of this information is naturally because of my own experiences, I also read and studied widely whilst looking for a cure. In addition, I learned a lot from other sufferers, all of whom I sincerely hope have found their way out of their own personal hell.

What is incredible to relate is that it is believed that 1 in 4 people will, at sometime in their life, have some form of anxiety disorder. I call this the “hidden disease” as so few people ever know where to go for help, so few ever talk about it, and yet so many suffer from it, all over the world.

I would hope that the following very simplistic FAQs approach may be of some assistance to some people.

Question. I believe I may have an anxiety disorder. How do I know for sure?.

Answer. This answer can only come from a doctor. List your symptoms, and go visit your doctor immediately so you can discuss this with him or her.

Question. How common are anxiety disorders?.

Answer. Anxiety disorders are one of the most common ailments around, with 1 in 4 people suffering from some form during their lifetime. You are most definitely not alone.

Question. Can it be life-threatening?.

Answer. Asbolutely not. Your symptoms are caused by the body’s natural “fight or flight” mechanisms kicking in, and whereas they can be so awful as to make you feel as though you are at death’s door, they are in no way life threatening on their own.

Question. So what causes the disorder?.

Answer. The principle factors are as follows. Genetics, your childhood environment, lifestyle issues i.e. stress overload or even burnout, your thought processes, and finally biological factors determining whether we overreact to stress or not. A disorder is then brought about by a combination of these factors operating together over time. You will not be absolutely fine one day and then have the disorder the next, and in fact most people will be vaguely aware that “something is not right” and will probably have had this feeling for some time even before they get an attack.

Question. Does that mean I can have more than one type of anxiety disorder?.

Answer. Yes, and frequently most people do. This carries the tongue twisting name of comorbidity.

Question. Can Anxiety Disorders be treated?.

Answer. Yes, and they will generally take 2 forms. The first may be in easing and treating the symptoms, through medication for example. The second, and this is the only way to get a permanent cure, is in finding out the causes of the anxiety and working on getting rid of them.

Question. OK, so can prescriptive medication not then cure the disorder?.

Answer. This is a very important point, as medication can only ever treat the symptoms of the disorder. So if someone is really physically in a bad way, the medication will help them overcome that, but it can never address what is at the root cause of the disorder. You can learn skills and techniques which will both enable you do that and also assist you in ensuring those root causes are permanently out of your life so you can put the disorder behind you.

Question. Can a cure to the disorder be permanent?.

Answer. Yes is the definitive answer here. A permanent cure can be brought about by learning skills and techniques which will at first enable one to find out the root causes of the disorder, and then to banish then forever.

These skills and techniques are not difficult to learn, they simply need to be applied diligently. With the right will power and application, this disease can be beaten by anyone.

Prescriptive drugs are but a part of what can help. However, as they address purely the physical symptoms, it is the root cause which needs addressing, and that is down to the individual.

I made a big mistake in not seeking help, and not even talking to my family. Do not follow this same path. Go and seek help, it is out there. A permanent cure is there for anyone to put into place, it is all down to the individual and their own determination to effect a cure.

ANYONE can permanently get rid of their anxiety disorder, and YOU can do that too. You CAN beat this, just get the right help and advice.

About the Author:

Prior to seeking help for his own cure, the author suffered extensively from anxiety disorders. Both during this time, and since, he has read and studied extensively on the subject. He provides a considerable amount of free advice and talks in detail about the type of non-medication Anxiety Therapy helped him. You can discover for yourself exactly how ANYONE can stop scary panic attacks

Anxiety Self Help – How to Reduce Anxiety in Your Life

Bethany Jordin — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 17:41:41 +0000

by Bethany Jordin

We all know that being anxious is bad for your physical and mental health. It can suppress your immune system and cause mental and emotional problems. Although many people are used to feeling anxious, it is possible to take steps to reduce this stress in your life. Consider the following anxiety self help ideas.

1. Focus on what is going on right now. Forget about what has happened already and can’t be changed. Forget also about what the future holds since you don’t know what is going to happen anyway. Just think about what you are doing now and don’t let anything stop you.

2. Once a day do something that calms you down and removes the stress from your mind. When you feel the anxiety building up during the day, see if you can do this activity again. You might want to read a book or take a relaxing bath – whatever works for you and gets you to be calm.

3. Eat and drink properly and get enough sleep. In any anxiety self help program you will learn that you need to do this. If you don’t sleep enough, or if you don’t eat and drink properly, you will feel a lot of anxiety. If your body is in good shape your mind will also feel better. Cut back on sugar and caffeine and drink a lot of water. Make sure you get some exercise too.

4. Don’t give up hope. Stress can make you want to give up, but hoping for something better is important. If you maintain a positive attitude, you’ll be surprised at how much better things can be. Sometimes, just changing the way you look at the world is all the anxiety self help you need.

5. Breath properly. Make sure that you are not breathing from your chest. If you want to feel less stressed, you need to take deep and smooth breaths using your diaphragm. That way you get more oxygen to your blood and you feel more calm.

6. Smile. Even if you don’t feel happy, the movement of your muscles when smiling will help you feel a little better. It may not fix everything, but putting on a smile can help you get through the day. Avoid gritting your teeth, however. Many people under a lot of stress will grit their teeth or clench their jaws. This can increase your stress levels, causing a nasty cycle.

7. Keep perspective. Rate your anxiety on a scale of one to ten. You’ll often discover that what’s bothering you isn’t a really big deal. Take down lists of what you can and can’t change, and do something about the ones you can change. This can help you cut down your worries and know what it’s possible to do something about. Figuring this out can make a big difference in how you feel.

Everyone feels some mild anxiety at different points in their life. Hopefully these suggestions will help relieve some of the anxious feelings you may encounter. If your anxiety persists, or even worsens, you may want to consider seeking professional help through a licensed therapist or one of the structured anxiety self help programs available online.

About the Author:

Visit Bethany Jordin’s website for more information on natural antidepressants, anxiety self help, and anxiety disorders in general. Please click on www.naturalantidepressants.info

Anxiety: Causes and Effects

Brandon Norman — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 11:31:26 +0000

by Brandon Norman

Anxiety is incredibly common, with up to 5% of the entire population experiencing it at any one time. Statistics also show that women are prone to anxiety than men. In this report, we look at anxiety in close detail; outlining what it is, what it is caused by and what are the results of this mental disorder.

There are various reasons why a person suffers from anxiety. The usual reasons are:

- Inheritance from family members. A person who has a close family member who has suffered from anxiety, panic attacks, phobias or depression in the past may be prone and susceptible to bouts of anxiety in their lifetime. Sometimes, anxiety can be passed on genetically to offspring.

- Serious problems and stress in life can be the cause of anxiety. It is not unusual for anxiety to appear when there are periods of stress and difficulty in life. This means that the anxiety will usually go away when the source of the stress or depression is no more.

- Anxiety is also a side-effect of PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder. Some individuals can be profoundly affected by unfortunate events in life, such as the death of a loved one or an accident that results in disability. Such events can bring about PTSD, and it always occurs from an experience and never naturally.

- Certain drugs. It is a known fact that drugs have a variety of side effects. Determined drugs can result in anxiety and panic attacks. Similarly, withdrawal from certain drugs can also cause anxiety bouts.

Anxiety can lead to other different problems in an individuals physical and psychological health. It’s not unusual for a sufferer to also suffer from breathing and sleeping problems, headaches, and nausea.

If you are experiencing panic attacks, it will not only affect you, but the people around you as well. It can sometimes appear as though you are having a heart attack because you can’t breathe for more than a few seconds. You should be able to explain to your doctor that your had difficulty breathing because you were anxious so that he will get a clear idea of what really happened and what treatment would be best.

Emotional anxiety can also play a part in the disorder, and the emotional effects can be just as profound as the physical and mental ones. Depression, obsessive-compulsiveness, not being able to cope, and a lack of interest in most things are common examples.

What’s worse, sufferers of anxiety also seem to stay away from family and friends, which worsens the feeling of isolation. The sufferer’s loved ones often don’t know why they’re acting that way, and often mistake the condition for mere social phobia. This can make treatment even more difficult.

Anxiety can start a downward spiral of illness in an individual, both emotional and physical. It’s highly advised to see a doctor as soon as possible to diagnose and treat the condition as soon before any major harm can be done.

About the Author:

Author Brandon Norman can help you eliminate people anxiety. For free advice about eliminating common anxieties, including emotional anxiety, visit his website.

Depression » Mental health

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