Current Health Articles» Anxiety

Natural treatments for Anxiety

Mark Juffersen — Sat, 01 Jan 2011 01:50:03 +0000

Most of us suffer from occasional stress and anxiety. For some, anxiety can be overwhelming and interfere with daily activities. Severe anxiety can produce physical symptoms, such as insomnia, digestive disorders, tooth grinding, muscle aches, or fatigue. Sufferers of anxiety will frequently treat the symptoms, or ask their doctor for stress relieving medication. However, there are natural remedies for anxiety which anyone can learn to incorporate into their daily routine.

Among the natural remedies, exercise and other body work are excellent ways to reduce anxiety. Massage therapy can be used to reduce physical and mental tension. Exercise such as yoga can be very calming.

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Any exercise will help reduce physical tension, produce good-feeling hormones and combat fatigue. Anxiety sufferers can really benefit from taking advantage of the mind-body connection and the effects of exercise on their mental state.

Aromatherapy, soothing music, natural sounds such as the sound of waves can be very helpful in calming stress. Nutrition can also play a role in treating anxiety disorders. Avoiding caffeine and alcohol will help. Maintaining a fairly consistent blood sugar level will help avoid blood sugar highs and lows. This will help keep your moods stable.

Mediation and visualization can help reduce both the anxiety itself, as well as the symptoms. Hypnosis used in conjunction with hypnotherapy is an ideal natural remedy for anxiety. A trained and certified hypnotherapist can work with you to determine the cause of anxiety attacks, and teach you various coping mechanisms. In hypnotherapy, you can also be conditioned to self-correct when an anxiety attack is imminent. Hypnotherapy can be used to treat the symptoms as well, including reducing muscle aches, tooth grinding and other physical ailments which might stem from sever anxiety.

Those who suffer from anxiety can attempt all or any of these natural remedies before resorting to medication.

How You Can Overcome Fear of Driving

Mark Juffersen — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 05:08:28 +0000

Do you think that you may be suffering from driving fear? Do you feel that every time you get in front of the wheel you just can’t seem to bring yourself to drive? Does the thought of a long journey in the car fill you with dread and worry? If you have answered yes to these questions then you are definitely suffering from a fear of driving. Well you will be pleased to know that you can overcome fear of driving and it’s not as hard as you may think.

It can be a scary thought to overcome your fear and some people may not even want to overcome them. They feel comfortable in the life that they have and are happy to make the sacrifices that they make so they don’t have to drive anywhere. Some people are happy to take the bus everywhere, not to accept a new job because it is too far away from the bus route or can’t be commuted to, are happy to carry a week’s worth of groceries home by foot and even stay at home instead of partying or socializing at friends because the buses stop running at 10pm. The fear of driving phobia is strong for these people that they will never overcome their fears.

For those of you who do want to overcome your fear of driving, don’t panic. There is help out there and it comes in many different forms from medication all the way through to hypnotherapy. If you want to find a way to overcome your fear of driving that will suit you then why not find an ebook online that is filled with information and tips to help you with your problem? They are quite cheap and save you hours of looking at dead end link on the internet. You will be one step closer to overcoming your fear and getting your life back.

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Ways to reduce anxiety and depression

Mark Juffersen — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 11:37:59 +0000

When anxiety goes beyond a certain level and becomes a severe form, help of medication is needed. But even in this type of situations, sports may greatly improve your feelings, reducing symptoms associated with anxiety. Anxiety is described as a non-specific fear: you are always worried for no reason, you can’t sleep and you feel constantly threatened. All these symptoms are manifests without a real basis. “Anxiety is defined as a diffuse fear, without a well-defined object”. The subject lives a continuous tension and is constantly threatened. He is very nervous and often doesn’t realize what scares him so much.

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Anxiety is a non-specific fear with no connection with external situations.

You realize anxiety has exceeded a “normal” limit when the turmoil duration exceeds 6 months, your work and relationships with others are affected and you can’t control the symptoms anymore. It is then recommended to ask for help a psychologist or therapist and talk about symptoms and possible treatments.

How sports can help?

No physical activity can heal severe anxiety states.This needs medical treatment. But you can reduce symptoms and gain improvements in mental status. Studies show that regular physical movement can reduce the risk of suffering depression and anxiety by 25%, improving mental functions and the ability to concentrate. During training the brain release substances that can help you manage stress. This is one of the ways to reduce anxiety and depression.

Research shows that 30 minutes of physical movement done in a 3-5 day period can bring significant improvements. Furthermore studies show that benefits of physical activity are felt a longer period of time.

What exercises are beneficial?

Any physical movement is welcome, but aerobic exercises are most recommended:

* swimming;
* cycling;
* jogging;
* walk;
* tennis;
* dance.

If none of these options is for you, then a combination of meditation with yoga breathing exercises will relax, helping you reduce worries and stress. So it’s up to you to improve your mood. You can control anxiety, so take into account the benefits physical movement bring.

What are the Most Common Anxiety Symptoms?

admin — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 18:12:29 +0000

Anxiety disorder is a state in which a person is in a constant state of worry; so much so that the accompanying anxiety symptoms, whether physical or emotional, limits a person’s day to day functioning. T he symptoms are that serious that someone could think

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he is having a heart attack. It is not very uncommon for a person experiencing his first anxiety attack to call an ambulance and ask for help. This article will give a review on common symptoms and treatment related to an Anxiety disorder.

Anxiety symptoms are primarily of three categories:

1. Somatic Symptoms:
Which relates to anxiety symptoms of the body.

2. Cognitive Symptoms:
Which relates to your ‘thought process’.

3. Emotional Symptoms:
Which relates to your feelings.

Essentially anxiety symptoms are always a combination of these three types of symptoms. For example your thought of-“I can’t stay” alone will be accompanied by feelings of fear panic accompanied by symptoms like perspiration, pounding heart and a fainting spell.

Somatic Symptoms:

Feeling Warmth
Racing heart beat
Tightness in the Chest
Sinking/pit feeling in the stomach
Breathlessness
Generalized weakness
Trembling/Quivering
Faintness/Imbalance
Dry Mouth
Excessive Perspiration
Inability to focus
Racing Thoughts
Undefined fleeting Body Aches
Fatigue

Cognitive Symptoms:

I can never Do It
People think I am a fool
People Are watching me
I am dizzy
I am having a heart attack
I will die here / I’m dying
I am alone
I can’t stay alone
My breathing has stopped
I’m Going mad
I’m locked
I’m Not Going Out
There is something wrong

Emotional Symptoms:

Fear/ Panic
Worrisome
Uneasiness
Feelings Of Doom / Gloom
Feeling of being Caged
Loneliness
Loss Of Control over circumstances
Helplessness
Worthlessness
Dejected/ Depressed
Anger

The above category of anxiety symptoms can later be complicated by superimposed conditions like Depression, Panic Attack symptoms, Obsessive Compulsive symptoms too. These conditions are commonly associated with anxiety disorder symptoms or can be a result of long standing anxiety symptoms.

How to prevent anxiety symptoms: The following steps can help decrease anxiety symptoms though not completely eliminate them

•    Reduce consumption of caffeine, such as coffee, tea, cola and chocolate.
•    Consult doctor before taking any over-the-counter medicines or herbal remedies.
•    Daily Exercise and balanced diet.
•    Professional counseling after a traumatic or disturbing experience.
•    Support from family/friends/peer group.
•    Self-help books/instructional material.
•    Relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga etc.

About 1 in every 75 individuals suffers from anxiety symptoms at some point of time. It most often begins in adolescence, but can begin in adulthood. Anxiety in children is common and phases off with age. It is more common in women than in men. There is treatments available and preventive care for anxiety symptoms.

What are the Anxiety Symptoms of Phobia?

admin — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 18:08:28 +0000

It is most common for a layman to use varied words like stress, worry, fear or apprehension for a clinical equivalent of anxiety. These feelings when backed by a relevant cause of significant importance and in normal proportions are common amongst people. However when such feelings – all a form of anxiety, become a regular causeless feature, it is pathological. In fact anxiety in its severe forms will lead to varied physical symptoms like palpitations, dizziness, muscle pains, diarrhea etc.

Anxiety Phobia is an intense form of anxiety where the person has severe symptoms (mind and body) only when encountered with a particular situation or a thing. For instance a person who is in fear of enclosed places- ‘Claustrophobia’ will be alright when not in closed places, however once he/she is in a closed place it will trigger a phobic episode accompanied by symptoms of mind (feelings) and physical symptoms described earlier.

Anxiety phobia is a fairly common condition with 1 in every 10 person suffering from it at some point of time.

Anxiety Phobia can be a result of temporary stressful situation; it could be in a person’s nature (believed to be inherent through genes), a result of post-traumatic stress or use of drugs like amphetamines/LSD. Invariably it is a combination of these factors (barring drugs).

For most persons, its reasonable to understand that the stressful condition would end and therefore their anxiety symptoms end once the situation is over or once one encounters it for some time like before undertaking an examination. However for a person suffering from anxiety phobia the feelings either keep continuing or they occur even without the situation.

It is important that people with anxiety phobia seek professional help, because it’s a clinical condition and not ‘crazy’ as some might feel and keep it to themselves.

There’s help at hand for people suffering from anxiety phobia:

• You can choose to speak to close friends/relatives whom you trust-talking help.
• One can join self-help groups where you are with people who have suffered from anxiety phobia and can learn how to cope.
• One can opt for educational tapes and CD’s available.
• Meditation can be therapeutic in some cases of anxiety phobia.
• Seeking help of professionals like psychotherapists or psychiatrists.
• Drugs like anxiolitics, antidepressants need to be taken only after a professional consultation.

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Ideally anxiety phobia is best dealt by a combination of Psychotherapy and drugs.

It is time that one understands anxiety phobia is a clinical condition and help be sought for a friend or self and deal with life situations in ways all other people de

What are the Anxiety & Depression Symptoms?

admin — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 18:00:35 +0000

Anxiety and depression are two distinct yet closely associated mood disorders, people commonly experience in their day-to-day life events.

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Their co-morbid state, in which both anxiety and depression are found to be equally present, is also one of the most common mood disorder.

Causes:

Although the exact cause is unknown, family history is an important etiological factor. People with history of past traumatic real-life events or abuse such as rape, separation, accidents, death of relatives are at higher risk of developing anxiety depression symptoms.

Women are at higher risk but no scientific theories have been established yet, but may be associated with hormonal changes during menstruation and menopause.

Alcohol or drug abuse, and drug/alcohol withdrawal are also anticipated etiological factors.

Symptoms:

Anxiety depression disorder constitutes impaired mental ability, and functioning which is not usually due to any underlying medical condition, or medication, or any drug or alcohol abuse.

It is usually more difficult to diagnose anxiety depression symptoms in its early stages in order to institute therapies aimed at its full remission.

Some of the symptoms include:

• Difficult to concentrate
• Difficult to sleep
• Muscle weakness
• Weak memory
• Irritable, nervous, and sobbing nature
• Pessimistic attitude
• Impaired self-esteem
• Low in energy, would not like to engage in any activities
• Feeling of loneliness
• Loss of appetite
• Sexual dysfunction
• Suicidal tendency

Diagnosis.

Depression is easily distinguishable from anxiety, but it is not always easier to diagnose when they are present in their co morbid states. It is thus, always helpful to establish diagnosis as early as possible.

A thorough screening of patient’s real-life events, or any associated physical complaints can be helpful in establishing anxiety depression symptoms.

There may be any underlying medical disease or condition, which should always be looked for, when establishing a diagnosis.

Treatment:

Patients with anxiety depression symptoms are difficult to treat than patients with depression or anxiety alone. They usually tend to withdraw from the therapy in-between. So, it is actually more difficult to institute therapies in such patients.

The possible treatment with anxiolytics would certainly help in its early remission, if instituted in its early stages.

The research suggests that the patients might not respond strongly to traditional anxiolytics therapies when given in later stages. So, in such cases, pharmacotherapy along with psychotherapeutic measures such as individualized cognitive behavioral therapy would essentially be effective in treating various anxiety disorders.

The patients with anxiety depression symptoms develop chronic anxiety and depressive symptoms, and become resistant to therapies.

The treatment should also target residual symptoms which some of these patients continue to have, would lead to its relapse. Hence, sequential pharmaco/psycho therapies should be instituted as early as possible to have a better treatment compliance and longer remission.

The Most Common Anxiety Attack Symptoms listed

admin — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 17:58:48 +0000

Commonly called panic attack, or panic dis

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order, anxiety attack symptom is a short episode of anxiety or fear, which may occur suddenly, and without any real reasons.

The fear a person encounter is unfounded, but the event about which the fear one experiences can be past real-life event. For example, person having a fear of accident etc. Although the fear is not real, but the person perceives it as an event which is going to take place.The anxiety attack symptom attack may debilitate normal day-to-day life, and may become severe over time.

Symptoms:

The anxiety attack symptoms are usually mild, and not long-lasting. They may include:-

• Confusion
• Sweating
• Fear of going to die
• Desire to escape
• Tremors, twitches
• Hot or cold flushes
• Shortness of breath
• Palpitation
• Chest discomfort
• Nausea or distress
• Headache
• Muscle weakness
• Numbness or tingling sensation

Causes:

The exact causes of the anxiety attack symptoms are not clear. But the symptoms may be seen in people who have had an upsetting real life experience. For example rape, divorce, alcoholism, death of close ones. Although it may occur for any reason, even without clinical significant basis.

The anxiety attack symptoms are more commonly experienced at an early adulthood, although no age or gender is free from experiencing such anxiety attack symptoms.

Anxiety attack symptoms can also be seen as part of withdrawal therapy in subjects undergoing alcohol, or drug withdrawal.

Diagnosis:

There is no diagnostic test or examination available that can determine if a person has an anxiety attack symptoms, as these attacks are usually accompanied by long symptom free intervals. The attack is usually not life-threatening unless accompanied by severe and violent reactions.

Treatment:

Repeated anxiety attack symptoms is a health problem that need to be attended to.

It is important to understand the underlying cause of such anxiety or fear in a person, as one person may feel anxious about something, but others might react to it normally. So, having an individualistic plan and going through the significant life-events of the patient is utmost important to identify the cause.

There is no drug therapy for these anxiety attack symptoms. Treatment is usually targeted to decrease the repetition and severity of anxiety attack symptoms.

So, treatment may include counseling, or other relaxation exercises such as yoga and meditation.

What is the best Anxiety Attack Treatment?

admin — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 17:45:31 +0000

Anxiety is one of the most common ailments one encounters in his or her day-to-day life. Although, most of the anxiety events are mild in character, and need no further treatment once the ailment passes by. However, one should think to consult a health practitioner, if these anxiety events occur frequently and without any associated reasoning.

When to seek medical care:

When the symptoms are severe

When the symptoms are interfering with daily life activities

When the symptoms are occurring often, and without any trifling ailment

May be associated with depression, or suicidal tendency

Symptoms of anxiety:

Palpitations

Chest pain

Shortness of breath

Sweating
Suicidal tendency

Depression

Low self esteem

Dizziness

Treatment of Anxiety:The management options available in the treatment of anxiety events are:-

Pharmacotherapy

Psychotherapy

Pharmacotherapy:
The drugs such as benzodiazepines, anxiolytics are commonly used for the treatment of anxiety. Beta blockers are also used to reduce the physical symptoms associated with anxiety.
A constant use of anxiolytics for the treatment of anxiety should generally be avoided, as they can cause addiction. Benzodiazepines which are used to treat include Diazepam, Alprazolam, Lorazepam etc.

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Other class of drugs called SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) include sertraline, paroxetine, fluoxetine, venlafaxine etc. are also used for the drug treatment of anxiety.

Psychotherapy/Non-drug therapeutic options include:
It is also very useful to identify those trifling events that causes anxiety or other mood symptoms.

Relaxation techniques: people who experience anxiety symptoms too often, must practice to learn muscle relaxation exercises which include progressive muscle relaxation, meditation, yoga, and isometric relaxation techniques.

Correct breathing techniques: Anxiety may lead to breathing symptoms due to hyperventilation. So, it is important to learn to develop diaphragmatic breathing than chest breathing to ease the effects of hyperventilation.

Cognitive therapy: It involves identification of those trifling ailments, fears, and beliefs which cause anxiety symptoms and thereby promoting the necessary changes associated which activate the anxiety symptoms.

Dietary adjustments: Magnesium helps our muscles to relax, so, its deficiency can cause anxiety, depressive symptoms. Deficiency of vitamin B, and calcium can also lead to anxiety related symptoms. It is therefore important to eat cereals, green vegetables, processed food, low fat products etc., and intake of caffeine should be reduced to minimum.

Exercise: Physical activity helps to keep anxiety away by reducing the adrenaline level in the blood, and thus inducing relaxation.

Learning to develop self-confidence

Building self-esteem: People with anxiety often have low self-esteem, which make them feel depressive, or suicidal. It is therefore important to reduce isolation, feelings of shame and guilt, mood depression to be able to cope with difficulties at personal or social affairs.

Always remember to seek the advice of a doctor before making any decisons.

Most Common Anxiety Panic Attack Symptoms

admin — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 17:39:17 +0000

Anxiety disorders exist in all forms and severity. Anxiety panic attack is just one such form. At least one out of every 75 persons suffers from Anxiety panic attack symptoms. A panic attack is a sudden rush of fear without any reason or warning signals. One feels physical symptoms such as increased heartbeat, perspiration, sinking feeling, flushes etc. A frequent cyclical occurrence of anxiety panic attacks is called Panic Disorder.

No specific cause is attributable to anxiety panic attack syndrome. However it is known to occur hereditary, as a result of stress and due to neurochemical changes. In fact it’s the ancient human beings’ ‘fright and flight‘ reaction, which manifests as panic attack. To a certain extent it is protective in nature but in its extreme form it’s highly debilitating.

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When does a person know that his/her anxiety panic symptom has become pathological:

When the attacks are frequent.

When the after effect of an attack lasts for more than 20 days.

When your normal life is impacted to an extent that one alters the normal routine to avoid anxiety panic attack symptoms.

Anxiety panic attack syndrome is highly likely to be associated with depression, suicide, drug abuse. Panic attacks are treated with a number of drugs like antidepressants and anxiolytics. These drugs are to be taken under professional guidance as these are prescription drugs. One can also opt for the ‘cognitive behavior therapy’. There are two basics to this therapy. Foremost for a person suffering from anxiety panic attack symptom is to recognize the ‘trigger’ that precipitates the panic attack. Second is to learn to cope with a panic attack. Coping would include breathing exercises and relaxation techniques.