Monthly Archives: March 2011

Panic Disorder With Agoraphobia

Agoraphobia anxiety disorder is a phrase used to to describe those that have extreme or recurring anxiety attacks. Many will encounter a sense of worry and panic sooner or later within their life, specifically when put into hazardous or intimidating conditions. When these worries often feature no apparent cause, they develop into what’s termed a panic attack, though they typically come with instances of strong emotional stress in our day-to-day lives (such as important deadlines at the job or school).

When anyone has repeated anxiety attacks, ordinarily about every week or even more, and with out a apparent cause or tense stimulus, the person might have what’s referred to as an anxiety condition. They can begin to get worried that they may have an anxiety attack at the drop of a hat. They worry that the usual warning signs (lightheadedness, rushing heart, trembling, sweating, phobias of going into cardiac arrest or dying) may become too much for them and escalate into a all-out panic or anxiety attack.

For this reason, they may begin to keep clear of locations where they think they can not be able to get away from if an anxiety attack starts. They could keep away from crowds of people, driving a automobile in intense traffic, public transit, compact or claustrophobic spaces, and in serious incidents even steeping out of the house. This is what we refer to as an agoraphobia panic disorder.

Once, many years ago, I was in a automobile wreck and destroyed my automobile while going along a rather busy road in Glendale, Arizona. I remember the screeching wheels and the noise of crunching metal upon collision. Luckily, I was physically fine. However in the weeks that followed, I started to find myself feeling uneasy when it was time to go to the office, or right at the end of the day when I would drive back to my house. At some point, I was at lunch one weekend with a group of close friends and out of nowhere my palms began getting sweaty, and I found myself breathing rather quickly. Soon my arms began to seem numb like they were just hanging dead at my side and I felt lightheaded. My best friend, seeing something was wrong, got me to any medical center. The lab tests showed I was altogether fine.

I had something similar a couple weeks later and began to wonder if the medical doctors at the medical center for some reason skipped anything when they were examining me. I began to feel anxious about to the spots where my attacks had taken place. I had a handful more anxiety attacks and started to worry when the next one would happen. Suppose it had been on the freeway? Imagine if my automobile went out of control and crashed into someone? I soon could hardly push myself step out of my house even for essential things such as grocery shopping. I had a bad case of agoraphobia panic disorder.

I assumed I must be going insane! I was trapped in my life and I was drifting away from friends because I was so scared of heading out and presumably experiencing agoraphobia panic attacks. I was nervous when I left home, I would have an anxiety attack. If I got an anxiety attack, I could be left vulnerable and totally at the mercy of the predicament I would be in and also the strangers that could be nearby.

I assumed that I would be at less risk in the house where I did not have to bother about experiencing agoraphobia panic attacks for the duration of threatening predicaments like getting behind the wheel or suffer from the mortification of going crazy” near others.

What I have consequently come to realize, is that my life was closing in on me and getting to be smaller and smaller because of the thinking that there is a “protected area. ” Frankly, I assumed that I was secure in the house and somehow stepping outside, I would for some reason be less secure. I now know there really is no safe zone. Sitting down in my house is just as safe as travelling on a crowded street. I have suffered from anxiety episodes in a lot of situations and in many different locations, and I am still living at well. Granted time every one of my agoraphobia panic attacks would have gone away on its own with or without professional care. I could even have experienced one out in the wilderness and even though definitely might be frightening, it would ultimately go away and I would be fully alright-with no medicine, no doctors, and no safety anywhere to be seen.

What about you? Even following your most severe agoraphobia panic attacks, where you were entirely certain you were about to die, aren’t you still here alive?

Sure, you should seek medical consideration if you are developing a significant physical difficulty like an asthma attack, diabetic issues, or other severe physical disorder, but no physician on earth will tell you that you’d be more safer at home than at the grocery store or the shopping mall. There is absolutely no safe zone.

Believe me I have already been through it and I have had to cope with all the fear and anxiety. Once you can comprehend this idea, and believe it on a instinctual level, it will transform the way you comprehend the world and it will grant you back your freedom. This little principle was truly life-transforming when I felt it deep down inside. It started the process that helped me get my agoraphobia panic attacks at bay by transforming how I looked at the world.

I believe you can recover. How? Mainly because I got over it, myself. Nowadays, I am a solid advocate in the concept that what one person is able to do, someone else can do. The trail won’t always be exactly the same, nevertheless, you can take control of your life as well.

Relieving Anxiety

Not everything goes smoothly in life, but when you hit a personal bump in the road like anxiety disorder, it can all but derail you. Everyone has periods of anxiousness or experiences raw nerves and sleepless nights from time to time, but for some of us anxiety hangs on, seemingly without any rational cause. So, are there any herbs that can relieve anxiety?

My very first piece of advice is to seek professional help if you experience this anxiety for more than a few months. Anxiety disorder may be very intense, and if you have ever experienced it, then you know all too well how debilitating it can be. When I do believe there are herbs that can help relieve symptoms, your best bet is to research these herbs beyond this article, then find a trusted professional (osteopathic doctors are commonly open to herb usage) and ask them if they think it will help. Another wonderful option that has given several help is neurofeedback. I highly recommend looking into this option as a chemical-free way to deal with many mental issues.

There are several herbs that have been used through the generations to relieve the symptoms of anxiety. Although it may sound rather simple, chamomile tea can certainly help calm an anxious person. Taken one to three times daily, it even helps relieve allergy symptoms which have been known to exacerbate anxiety. (Asthma is another anxiety and panic attack trigger. )

We’ve all seen those drug company commercials about how depression causes physical pain. But this symptom is very real for many people. Anxiety can cause physical pain as well. Some people find a natural cure to this pain with kava, not to mention relief from anxiety and sleeplessness. Maybe you have heard adverse things about kava, but these concerns are finally being put to rest. Kava is in fact a very helpful herb when taken in moderation. (When using kava, avoid alcohol as the effects of the alcohol will most likely be heightened in an unpleasant manner. )

Another widely seen herb for anxiety, as well as depression, is St. John’s wort. I love this herb for many reasons and have harvested this plant in the wild. Dried St. John’s wort that isn’t very fresh will have a rather unpleasant smell, but freshly dried (within the last year) has an almost pine-like, woodsy scent. If you’re not prone to traipsing through the woods in search of your own herbs, St. John’s wort is readily available at health food stores. Give it a good sniff before purchasing. The plant should not contain lots of woody stems and twigs, but should contain plenty of leaves, even blossoms which are considered the best part. As with any herb, make sure you let your doctor know if you’re taking it. If you’re already on any medications, in particular antidepressants, ask your doctor before you try any herbs.

When relieving anxiety may not always be simple, nature does provide several wonderful medicinal plants to aid us on our journey. Learning what we can about these plants and natural remedies allows us to not only help ourselves but to pass that help onto others as well.

Panic Anxiety Disorders

I worked at my hometown nursing home for 2 years, loved my job, and I quit in march for a new job. Thats when my panic attcks started, I stuck it out til june, but by then , I was not able to leave the house anymore. I have been outa work since, the nursing home keeps beggn me to come back and I want to so bad, but I am so scared and dont know why, it is like home there. I started on celexa 3 weeks ago, they make my anxiety milder. I just hope it takes away my panic attacks so I can go back to work at the nursing home, I miss that place so much, but am so scared my anxiety wil take control over me and I will not be able to work . Help. Any advice will be greatly appreciated, dont tell me to suck it up though cuz I tried and I physically cannot. I was so glad to find this — Unfortunatly, medication cannot work by itself. You should also probably be speaking to a therapist. My anxiety has made it so I have not gone to work for several days, but I cannot say that I have quit because of it. Unfortunatly, it appears as though the Anxiety has taken over your life. You need to try to get control back. It could be possible that if you went back, since it was a great place, your attacks will deminish. If you wake up in the morning, and say you will be ok. . your day will be better. If you wake up, and say. ok. . When is the next attack going to happen, it will happen.

Dealing With Anxiety

I'm just wondering your views on option options for dealing with anxiety and depression. Any thoughts or suggestions. From what I can tell… I'll reiterate a lot of what previous posters have offered: 1. Regular exercise has been shown to be highly effective in managing depression – walking is fine. 2. Eat a healthy diet – stay away from refined sugars, white flour, etc. Minimize caffeine consumption. 3. consider supplements such at St. John's wort, which has been found to be as effective as some antidepressants in treating mild to moderate depression. 4. Consider fish oil supplements – because they contain omega-3 fatty acids, which can help combat depression. 5. Practice relaxation and meditation – sit quietly and focus on your breath coming in and out. when your mind wanders, just bring it back to your breath. just a few minutes a day can really help calm and focus your mind. 6. journal 3 things you're grateful for each day – the practice of looking for and writing down positive events (even if they're really minor.) can help shift your outlook Finally, just wanted to encourage you. I've dealt with depression and anxiety off & on for more than 15 years, and for most of that time treated it with medication and counseling. They worked, but the meds had a lot of side effects. When faced with continuing them indefinitely, I knew I wanted to try a different approach. I turned to SJW, regular exercise, and a healthy, sugar-free diet as cornerstones. I'm happy to report I'm getting the SAME results without the side effects. It might take a little more diligence, but for me it's worth it. Best of luck to you and hope this was helpful

Symptoms Of Anxiety

Do not let your fears stop you from being in a relationship. Some people may be afraid of getting into a relationship because they may not be able to handle the stresses and anxieties in the relationship. Well here are some tips to help manage these stresses and fears.

Don’t anticipate what may or may not happen in a relationship. Take it one thing at a time. Some people may be afraid of what could happen. Instead, focus on what is happening now. If a problem does arise, then you can try to figure out what you can do to fix the problem. Until then, take it one step at a time.

Try to learn why you are feeling anxious. Ask yourself what is it about relationships that scare you or makes you anxious. Think about it and try to figure out what is the basis of your fears and anxieties. If you don’t know, then ask a professional.

Once you know what is causing your fears, you’ll become better in dealing with these stresses. Practice makes perfect. As you learn to deal with these certain fears, you’ll gain the confidence in being in a relationship.

Remember that being a relationship with someone doesn’t mean that you have to marry the person. There are all kinds of relationships. There are friendships, dating relationships, more serious relationships, and others. Find the type of relationships that make you feel comfortable and go from there.

If you still have trouble in dealing with the stress and fears of a relationship, then talk to a counselor. A counselor can provide much helpful advice on how to handle your fears and anxieties. He or she’ll also work with you as long as it will take for you to feel comfortable in managing your stresses and anxieties.

Remember that managing the stresses and fears of a relationship might be managed with a tiny effort and persistence.

Symptoms Of Panic Attack

If you are like me and have suffered from the debilitating and frightening effects of panic attacks (and seek a panic attacks treatment), you’ll probably cringe when you think about the following symptoms.

If you suffer from. . .

* Palpitations

* Your heart pounding and/or accelerated heart rate

* Excess perspiration

* Trembling or nervous shaking

* Shortness of breath

* Feel like you are choking

* Tight chest

* Nausea or stomach cramps

* Derealization (a feeling of nonreality)

* Fear of losing control or going crazy

* Fear of dying

* Numbness or a tingling sensation

* Chills or hot flashes

. . . then you know first hand the experience and common symptoms of a panic attack or anxiety attack.

You might alternatively be reading this article because you know of a loved one or family member whoever suffers from panic attacks and you want to try to understand the complexities of this form of anxiety with the hope of finding panic attacks treatment options.

If you have never experienced a panic attack yourself here is an idea of what it’s like for us. .

Imagine you are standing in a store queue and you are almost at the checkout after waiting behind other customers in the line. Seemingly out of no where, you can feel it rising, a sense of impending panic? An unpleasant and sickening feeling forms in the base of your throat, your chest tightens, your breath becomes fast and labored and your heart starts racing. You are think oh no please not here not now!

You do a quick scan of the surroundings to establish the “threat level”? You all of a sudden feel claustrophobic and surrounded by strangers. Pins and needles invade your limbs, you fell lightheaded and dizzy, followed by a huge rush of fear as you dread what you fear the most. Here comes your next panic attack.

You have doubt in your mind that this is likely be a big one. You think, okay just remember the pattern interrupting steps that you have been taught – you start to apply your coping techniques. The first is usually deep breathing exercise panic attacks treatment recommended by doctors. Breathe In through your nose, out through your mouth.

You focus on relaxing thoughts, and again, although breathing correctly, think “Relax,” then exhaling. But it does not seem to make any positive difference; if anything, concentrating on breathing just makes you feel more self-conscious and more uptight.

You move on to coping technique 2:

Progressive muscle relaxation. You start by tensing both shoulders, holding for 10 seconds, before releasing. You give it another go but there is still no difference. The more you try, the greater the level of anxiety builds and this is compounded by the fast that you have used all of the coping techniques you know further driving you into your panic. You feel alone and wish there was someone to help you get through it.

This is the point where you can feel the adrenaline pumping through your system, saturating your body with uncomfortable sensations. You feel the dreaded loss of complete control overriding your emotions. No body surrounding you has a clue as to the level of sheer terror you are experiencing. The worst they are feeling is the annoyance of a frustrating slow queue they are having to deal with in the supermarket.

Your options are looking scarce. Time for Plan C.

The most primal coping skill is the fight or flight human response of “fleeing. ” You escape the queue feeling rather embarrassed as you hurriedly deposit your pieces at the counter unpaid for. The cashier watches you leave your shopping behind and make a break for the door. You just cannot wait to get out of there and find a place to suffer your attack alone. There is always the thought that comes to the forefront of your mind that this could be the one that “drops you”. Could this be the one you are terrified will push you over the edge mentally and physically. Another 10 minutes along and the momentum of the panic attack and energy disperses.

If its only 9am you think to yourself how am I going to get through the balance of the day?

If you are a regular sufferer of panic or anxiety attacks, the scenario I just described probably sounds all too familiar. Just reading this may well have induced familiar feelings of dread and discomfort. The specific circumstances that trigger your panic and anxiety might be different and unique to you physically or mentally. You may have even had some really benign place and time that your experienced a panic attack, still the sensations are all too familiar.

If this is you and have had what is commonly known as a “panic attack,” you may be assured that you are by no means alone in your plight.

Panic attack sufferers often report an acute sense of impending doom. It is common to feel close to losing your mind or like your body is in crisis mode like your body is speeding up of shutting down.

You are one of hundreds of thousands of people. In the USA, it is estimated that almost 5% of people suffer from one of more forms of anxiety disorder. For many they are sporadic panic attacks that are situation specific e. g. public speaking. For other people they may be a daily occurrence which may be very debilitating. Frequent panic attacks are deemed medically as “anxiety disorders”.

The key is to get the right advice from someone whoever understands fully the psychology and options that have been proven to work, not just the theory.

You can start right now by understanding the vital and surprisingly simple methods you can implement to stop the cycle of panic or anxiety attacks in your life. It is by applying a few simple strategies that followed correctly will give you back your life and confidence to live life fully again.

You might be surprised to know. . . ?

The difference between someone whoever is an “ex panic attack sufferer” and a current one is quite simple. If you step over the barriers that you can easy overcome, you will no longer fear panic attacks.

Would you be shocked if I told you that the key to ending panic and anxiety attacks is to wish for one. Yes I know that sounds contradictory and ridiculous, but allow me to explain.

The fact that you are calling an panic attack to you actually repels it. If I demanded that you have a panic attack right this minute you’d probably be hard pressed to achieve it right?

If you’ve heard of the saying “what you resist, persists” then this principle applied to panic attacks as well. If you resist your situation because of fear, the fear surrounding it will also persist. This is one of the secrets I learned about that totally surprised me but transformed my life and freed me forever from panic attacks.

In essence this means that if you are trying to have a panic attack – it will evade you. Try right now to create a panic attack in yourself and I can bet you’ll have difficulty. Deciding to panic is a subconscious decision and you are essentially giving it power by saying this is beyond my control. That’s all about to change if you decide to apply what I learned!

If you can imagine having a panic or anxiety attack like being at the edge of a cliff. Your anxiety is the thing that seems to be forcing you closer to the edge.

The key is to take and leap and take a metaphorical jump over the edge – despite your fear!

How does this relate to panic attacks? Wanting to have a panic attack is like jumping. You ask for anxiety and panic attacks to show up.

This sound totally contradictory and maybe even scary – that’s quite normal, but hidden in this seemingly ironic action is the key to completely eliminating panic attacks from your life – in less than a week for many so far!!

It doesn’t matter how bad a panic attack feels, the truth is they cannot hurt you. You are not in harms way despite your body and mind screaming otherwise. Your leap becomes a 2 foot drop instead of a huge chasm. . . . and it’s not as scary when you do it the right way with the right guidance. Remember you are not alone and thousands of other people have left panic attacks behind!

This is the concept I learned that changed my life by following the advice of Barry Mcdonagh. Barry is not only a technical expert on Panic Related disorders, he also understands the human emotional impact panic or anxiety attacks have on one’s life. It is extremely freeing having the capability to master my own mind instead of being at the mercy of what used to be emotionally crippling panic attacks.

Anxiety In Children

Most toddlers orchestrate a major tsunami or volcanic meltdown whenever it is time to separate them from their parents; babysitter be d-mned, they don’t intend to lose the battle over who gets to keep the parent! Most parents on the other hand attribute this behavior to the child’s unfamiliarity with the babysitter or their absence. Well it might not be the case; children need to get used to not having their parents around 24/7 and they need to be helped along. Crying, begging, throwing temper tantrums, grabbing your hands and so on are just indications that they may suffer from separation anxiety. If this is the case then you and your child will need to get used to this phase of his or her development.

This article will reveal seven ways to deal with separation anxiety in children. . .

1. Establish goodbye rituals. . . You need to create a series of “comforting” actions for your child so that whenever you need to be away the child already knows what to expect and that “what” becomes something comforting to them, for example; Whenever my sister in-law drops off her three year old son in school, they go through this routine; two kisses, one on each cheek, a grand hug and words of affirmation, then blown kisses as they depart from each other.

2. “I’ll Be Back. . . “You know similar to Schwarzenegger would say as the Terminator. Always tell say “I’ll be back” to your child and when you do always return on time every time. Remember that a routine is always comforting to your child and try to build and stick to one. If your child is too little to grasp exact time, you could use “referential” timing like; “I’ll be back before dinner,” that way your child will use dinner as a reference point.

3. Consider Separation Distress As A Learning Phase. . . Learning to separate and unite is a phase that you and your child must go through, so you might as well use it to teach your child this reality. Instead of scolding your child, you should understand that they s/he is strongly attached to you that is why they become clingy and tearful when you separate. If you are reassuring, then your child will get through this phase successfully.

4. Manage Uncomfortable Feelings. . . The point here is this; learning to separate is a two-way street, you and your baby need to learn to manage the uncomfortable feelings linked with separation. Once your child begins to discover that s/he can manage without your presence s/he will begin to feel better about your leaving, their level of self-confidence will increase. This is a skill that you can allow them learn with practice.

5. Separation Anxiety Is Normal. . . This is both true for children and parents because parents also suffer from this type of anxiety disorder. Acknowledge this and move on to the way to help you and your child get over this condition. Take care not to complain as that’ll only add fuel to an already inflammable and stressful situation.

6. Calm Yourself. . . Remember that fear of separation is basic human nature, we really don’t like being apart from loved ones if we can help it. But try and calm yourself down whenever this situation presents itself – it will gradually become easier to do so when you begin to realize that they also enjoy being with other people.

7. Prepare In Advance. . . Let your child know what to expect. Try not to spring surprises at them. If you know that you will need to travel in two weeks, don’t wait until the last moment to tell them. You want to ensure that you break down that info gradually to them so that they can be prepared mentally for your day of departure.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder Treatment

I just discovered I have Generalized Anxiety Disorder and I don't know what to do. I have fatigue and my body hurts all day long. I'm very shy and have no friends and get mad very easily. I feel really depressed and feel alone. I heard that I need to exercise more often and try a relaxing activity like yoga. But what else can I do? How long will it take for me to heal? I'm 15 years old. After speaking to others on the web, I found the answer. First off, if you really want to get better, you can start by trying the advice you've already been given. There is no magical cure for GAD or overnight fix. You are young, so I can understand you impatience and wanting a quick fix. But the longer you search for one–the longer you will be putting off what really works. There are also other tools to help besides medication. Since you don't have a specific phobia, it's harder to pinpoint a trigger. However, anxiety feeds anxiety. You should try to identify negative thinking trends and focus on dismissing negative thought. You can, I know because I have along with a countless number of other people. It takes commitment to getting better. Do searches on positive affirmations and RBT. The most important thing is to commit yourself to change and understand that it will take time. Don't waste your time looking for quick fixes–some work–such as medications, but it's not a permanent solution and you will become dependent if you don't address your core issues. You have an opportunity to change the direction of the rest of your life. Put in the work now so you won't regret it later.

Social Anxiety Disorder Treatment

I'm taking a psychology course, and for a project I am to take a survey. For it I chose Social Anxiety. I'd like to ask people with this disorder what type of occasion or childhood experience brought it on? Thanks a bunch. Well, I have your answer right here. Some people had overbearing authority figures in their lives that told them to be perfect or unacceptable; some were abused and have low self-esteem, some have been picked on in school, others may have deformities. . Others have learn through experience that people are dangerous and can't be trusted.

Alcohol And Panic Attacks

. Essentially — This never happened to me. But I've felt a lot of anxiety after I sobered up. That's why I like to remain sober from alcohol. It makes me act like an extroverted jerk when I'm really an introverted nice person.