November 2008
Monthly Archive
Monthly Archive
Anyone who has suffered from panic attacks or the other general anxiety disorder symptoms understands how great the need is to find a solution to the problem as soon as possible. Any of the anxiety disorders can cause severe interruptions and problems in daily life. They are serious disorders that should be treated with care.The general anxiety disorder symptoms can turn so uncontrollable that it is nearly impossible to take part in normal activities. These disorders quickly move from a problem with mental well-being to one that can cause problems with a person’s physical health, family, or employment.
General Anxiety Disorder Symptoms
Panic attacks are just one of the many symptoms that can plague sufferers of anxiety disorders. They can be one of the biggest interruptions to life, with symptoms such as sweating, difficulty breathing, pain in the chest cavity, dizziness, trembling, nausea, or stomach cramps. It is suggested that three-quarters of people will experience a panic attack at least once in their lifetime, but for people dealing with anxiety disorders they can be a common occurrence. The fear of the attacks can be just as problematic as the attacks themselves, especially if you worry that they might happen in dangerous situations, such as while driving.
Some people who suffer general anxiety disorder symptoms and panic attacks may become so afraid of having another attack that they stay in their home as much as possible. They might limit contact with their friends and families and skip favorite events because of this fear. It is a debilitating disease to all parts of life.
However, there is hope for people who suffer from general anxiety disorder symptoms. A variety of techniques can be used to help release the tension and reduce the intensity of panic attacks. Learning how to control your breathing and relax muscles are two of the first steps that you will need to take to overcome anxiety.It is useful to remain positive during any attack.You may find yourself feeling like you are going to die or that the attack is never going to stop, but you have to remind yourself that these things are not true. Panic attacks are just a temporary problem and you will regain your breath shortly. If you find yourself worrying about the possibility of an attack, tell yourself that you are going to be fine and you have things under control.
When dealing with general anxiety disorder symptoms, one of the best ideas is to enlist the help of a professional.They can help you customize the way you respond to panic attacks and other symptoms. Not only that, you may be able to permanently rid yourself of this condition.Seeing a therapist or counsellor might help you discover the roots of your disorders and a variety of techniques to get rid of it. Some medications are available, although they are not always a necessary step.
While panic attacks and general anxiety disorder symptoms are terrifying, the good news is that they can be treated and even eliminated from your life. Seek help to deal with this problem and you can begin to use simple techniques to help regain your control.
0 comments Monday 24 Nov 2008 | admin | General
Have you ever suffered shortness of breath, trembling, racing heartbeat, dizziness and sweating? If so you may have suffered a panic attack. Some people had the added stress of pain in their chests, this causes further panic as the symptoms appear the same as a heart attack. Unlike a heart attack, panic attacks are not fatal and with the correct treatment they can be controlled. If you are suffering panic attacks frequently your conditions may have developed into a panic disorder. Whatever the degree of your panic attacks, these are the signs and symptoms of anxiety, an anxiety which is getting out of control. This is your body telling you to stop and consider you stress levels.
Panic attacks are a very personal experience, no two people will ever have exactly the same experience.If you look at how you respond to stress you will start to be able to build up a picture of your signs and symptoms of anxiety.For example, if you're irritated what is the first thing which usually happens? Do you sweat, get sweaty palms? Does your heart race and do you get flushed? Do you tremble or feel sick?Once you have had panic attacks is the likely that any future ones will follow the same pattern. By looking at the signs and symptoms of anxiety in mild situations you can start to see how these accumulate to form a panic attack. One of the most disconcerting aspects of a panic attack is the apparent randomness of their arrival. Many people suffer panic attacks in the night, when they should be at their most rested.
One big step in treating panic attacks is understanding what causes these signs and symptoms of anxiety. Sometimes professional help is required to help deconstruct the environment, both mentally and physically which is causing the panic attacks. Sometimes an apparently relaxed environment can induce a panic attack because of the association which the suffer has with this situation. On the whole there are reasons for all signs and symptoms of anxiety and by breaking these down and rationalizing the irrational the anxiety can be reduced.It is essential to understand how and why you react to anxiety in certain ways as it will help you to use your bodies warning system when the stress levels are increasing and will help you to keep your stress under control.
If you find it difficult to understand the signs and symptoms of anxiety it is still worth persevering with as panic attacks rarely stop on their own. Signs and symptoms of anxiety are not something you should try to work through on your own.It is important to understand how and why you react to anxiety in certain ways as it will assist you to use your bodies warning system when the stress levels are increasing and will help you to keep your stress in check.
0 comments Sunday 23 Nov 2008 | admin | General
Panic attacks come in many different forms but anxiety and panic attacks seem to be intrinsically linked. For those who have never experience a panic attack, it is hard to catch your breath, your heart races and you start to sweat. This combination of symptoms can also induce dizziness and the body can start to quiver.
The feeling of a panic attack
The stress caused by a panic attack is extreme, the feeling of being out of control can lead to you believe that you are loosing your marbles. Equally scary is the feeling that whatever is happening to your body is fatal. These feelings are typical of extreme anxiety and panic attacks.
Living with a high level of anxiety and panic attacks is miserable, but it is not all bad news. Firstly, panic attacks are not fatal and they are more common that you would imagine, so don’t be embarrassed and suffer on your own. There are some statistics which suggest that as many as seventy five percent of people suffer from anxiety and panic attacks at some stage during their life.
One of the major difficulties of panic attacks is the fear of a repeat performance. Having suffered a panic attack many people will go on to suffer more, especially if they do not take action to change or prevent the situation which lead to the attack.This fear of additional attacks can trigger a panic attack which would otherwise never have happened.It is central to understand what has happened and to try to keep it in perspective.
Anxiety is not a bad feeling. Like most emotions it has its place.Anxiety is like a warning scheme, it is your brain passing on to your body that there is something threatening. Anxiety and panic attacks combined is when the problem arises and the warnings get out of control and the rational, useful side of anxiety is overwritten.
If you are interested in learning further about anxiety and panic attacks then there are other types to consider, which although they have other names, are all forms of the same thing: phobias, post traumatic stress disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder.
To try to reduce the chances of your anxiety and panic attack reoccurring it is important to analyse what sparked off your attack. Being proactive about the condition will help you to prevent further attacks, also and importantly not being scared of an attack will help. To live in fear of further attacks will only increase your stress levels and hence this must be avoided. Remember that however these feel at the time, they are not life threatening and you will survive.
0 comments Friday 21 Nov 2008 | admin | General
Sufferers of panic attacks are very aware of the disturbing and traumatic nature of these. The fear which can be felt during a panic attach is often accompanied by irrational and illogical distress.The first signs of a panic attack can be a trembling sensation, accompanied or quickly followed by breathlessness. A panic attack is different for everyone one, but if they usually will last for about half an hour.
What is the connection between low blood sugar and a panic attack? Each panic attack which a suffered experiences may be different and have differing levels of intensity. The higher the intensity of the panic attack, the longer it will take for the sufferer to recover. There are been many studies of the causes of symptoms of panic attacks and these have produced several interesting points. Firstly, it is believed that there may be a link between low blood sugar levels and the onset of a panic attack. Secondly, there may be a link between puberty and the start of panic attacks.
It is hard for sufferers of panic attacks as the causes cannot be defined. Dealing with this illness is more about management than cure. As with most illnesses medication is available to help with panic attacks; antidepressants are often prescribed.There are also lifestyle changes which are recommended to help handle panic attacks, such as relaxation exercises. There is no medication or technique which can be guaranteed to prevent further panic attacks, but lowering stress levels in your everyday life will certainly be a big step towards managing these attacks.
Alas, panic attacks don't go away by themselves. They must be acknowledged and treated, rather than left to continue and possible worsten.
For people who have suffered panic attacks, there is always the peril or them returning.This does not mean that anyone who has suffered a single panic attack will be affected for the rest of their lives, it is merely to suggest that they are aware that there is a tendency which could return, especially during high stress times, or shifts in lifestyle.
Panic attacks are certainly not a life sentence. It is always good to see these as a warning that you are under too much stress and that it is your bodies way of requesting a change. Taking control of the panic attacks through the correct medication and techniques will be a positive for your way of life.
0 comments Thursday 20 Nov 2008 | admin | General
Have you been diagnosed with either panic attacks or panic disorders? This is more common that you would think. It appears that the pressure of modern living are causeing more and more people to become victims of this stress and anxiety bases illness. There is a difference between raised stress levels and a panic attacks. One of the defining aspects of a panic attack is the way in which it takes you by surprise and the extreme physical reaction. A panic attack is not only being overhelmed by fear and anxiety it is also a selection of physical symptoms, often including trembling, shortness of breath, a racing heartbeat and possibly chest pains. Many people suffering a panic attack, especially if it is their first, will think that they are having a heart attack.
The feeling of total despair during and after a panic attack is indescribable to anyone who has never suffered one. The good news is that these are controllable with a combination of medication and therapy. Stopping panic attacks is possible, but you will need to take positive action, without making an effort to stop panic attacks they are likely to get worst and lead to panic disorders.
The first port of call in stopping panic attacks is to visit your doctor. He will be able to prescribe medications such as beta blockers, although these are not the solution to stopping panic attacks they will help to control the racing heart beat and other physical symptoms associated with panic attacks. If you are looking at stopping panic attacks altogether then you will have to consider cognitive behavioral therapy as well. Once you have been referred to a psychotherapist or psychologist they will try to work with you in stopping the panic attacks by finding out what the triggers are for the attacks and then trying to rationalize the irrational emotions which cause the physical reaction of a panic attack.
During therapy designed specifically for stopping panic attacks you will learn to identify the situations and triggers for your panic attacks and then you will learn to change your reaction in these situations. You will learn to react to these situations with and emotion which will not lead to a panic attack. This change in behavior will help to prevent panic attacks and will be a technique which you will be able to use in any stressful situations.
There is no actual remedy for stopping panic attacks, but the treatments do have a good success rate. Do not delay in seeking help if you have suffered a panic attack, the sooner you deal wit the situation the less likely you are to develop a panic disorder.
0 comments Wednesday 19 Nov 2008 | admin | General
For most of us, modern life is more stressful than ever. For many people, stress often leads to sleepless nights.
In this article, we’ll review some tips on helping a person fall asleep. How long might it take for a person to fall asleep?That can depend on a number of factors, including what the person ate before they went to bed, how tired the person is, and numerous other factors.If you have sleep problems, it could seem like hours before you fall asleep. Here are some more; insomnia tips, insomnia information and insomnia articles.
Insomnia means you find it extremely hard to go to sleep.It also can mean that you are struggling to stay asleep. Most people who battle with insomnia say that they remember tossing and turning all night long, or remember being awake at night. Nights when I have insomnia I just can’t seem to turn my mind off; often I can’t even close my eyes. It normally takes me about a half hour to fall asleep, but my son is asleep as soon as his head hits the pillow.
The TV helps me fall asleep so I have it on a timer so that it shuts off after a half hour.I also need total darkness, and my bedroom must be ice cold – even in summer. Naturally, this doesn’t help save energy!
There are behavioral, or natural, treatments for insomnia. One relaxation technique is to tense different muscle groups and then relax them. Another method is repeating a set of visualizations to produce a state of relaxation. My favorite visualization is lying in the sun on a Bahama beach.
Another helpful method is to associate the bedroom with sleeping and only sleeping, by limiting the time spent in the bedroom for non-sleep activities.So take your television, office, and computer out of the bedroom. Also reduce the use of stimulants (such as caffeine) and avoid big meals just before bed; this can help reduce insomnia. One can also try soaking in a hot bath to relax, or listening to some soft music before bedtime.
Melatonin assists people in falling asleep. It is especially helpful for people who suffer from insomnia caused by jet lag or shift work. Melatonin occurs naturally in the body; this happens when serotonin is exposed to a reduced quantity of light.
Other common over-the-counter sleep aids such as Sominex or Nytol can also be tried by adults but, again, a person should discuss with their doctor before taking any of these sleep aids especially if you suffer from Parkinson’s disease, or are being treated for depression or other mental health problems. But it is also buying into the mindset of turning to a pill to solve a problem, which can then lead to problems in other areas of a person’s life.
It is advised that if you have trouble falling asleep and have tried all the natural tips in this article, then perhaps you should see a sleep management specialist. So many people have sleep problems, there is now a sub-specialty in medicine for such complications. Since insomnia might be a symptom of other medical problems, it is best to get a consultation with your doctor and discuss your sleeping problems with him.
Even with all these tips on falling asleep, each person must discover their own best way to fall asleep. It is important that you do, because proper rest helps you feel able to handle life’s other stresses.
0 comments Monday 17 Nov 2008 | admin | General
Apparently, my mom tells me, that everyone the Christmas sadness one time or two in their life. For me, I always thought that that’s impossible.Christmas is my favorite. It is the holiday that I look forward to the most. But they’re right. the Christmas blues have hit me. I am officially experiencing Christmas stress. I can’t even bring myself to hang the flocked garland.
I don’t know what’s gotten into me. I am wiped out recently. I was supposed to get gifts for everyone this week but I just can’t seem to find the right kind of cheer I need.I always try to my best to have a cheerful demeanor because I believe that when you shop happy you buy gifts that make people happy. As if things couldn’t get any worse, mu husband Jim was talking to his boss who mentioned how much fun he had at last years dinner party so essentially invited himself.It must have slipped my husbands mind to tell me again yesterday.
On top of everything else like the gifts I still have left to buy, and the Christmas stress I have going on, I still have a dinner party to get ready. I’d like to switch the toggle to turn myself into Superwoman. There’s nothing going on. I am overly tired. I hope I’m not coming down with the flu or something. It’ll be a blow for the kids. They’re really expecting my usual upbeat self during Christmas season. I wouldn’t want to hamper their festive mood.
Ugh. I really, really don’t feel so good. Excuse me…. WHAT!? I’m officially out of my Christmas stress.
I just got the news that me and my husband are having a baby! Bring on the party! I guess the red garland might get hung this year.
0 comments Thursday 13 Nov 2008 | admin | General
Tai Chi is an ancient martial art, one that was practiced for centuries in China as an exercise, a martial art, and a way to better the internal flow of energy in the body. It emphasis correct form and feeling with each and every movement, which is why it is always taught to be practiced in a slow and relaxed fashion.
By involving the entire body with little to no impact, Tai Chi chuan promotes strength, flexibility, and stamina. With the entire body being taught to move as a whole, Tai Chi combines the link among the mind and the body, helping to strengthen one’s coordination and balance. It can also assist with the joints as well, especially if an individual is very stiff in the joints.
Although it was created to be a martial art, it involves very little hitting, offensive, or even defense techniques. Tai Chi is a movement and breathing art that involves all of the major muscles and joints in the body, helping to move around internal energy, or chi. The Chinese believe that internal energy, or chi is what prevents or halts diseases.
When practicing the art through tai chi classes, the body will remain very soft and relaxed, just like it was suspended from the top of the head with the joints being similar to that of a puppet. The mind of the student is alert on each movement, focusing on the flow of energy. By being relaxed and focused, you allow the energy to flow through your entire body.
Even though you are soft and relaxed, you are still constantly moving. The energy that moves through your body never stops, it keeps you moving. It takes a small amount to no energy to make a movement when moving in reality. By using your chi, everything you do seems as if it is weightless.
In combat Tai Chi movements, the student uses his opponent’s energy against him. The stylist is quite relaxed, as they believe that the energy from the opponent is used against them. There is little to no strength involved. When the opponent becomes weak and tires himself out - the stylist attacks. This way, there is very little energy left for any more type of movements.
Tai Chi is one of the oldest styles of martial arts, and one of the hardest to find these days. Just like other martial arts, such as Tiger Claw and Ninjutsu, it can be very hard to find a dojo that teaches the art. If you can encounter a dojo that teaches the art of Tai Chi, you really shouldn’t pass it up. It can teach you a lot about internal energy and your spiritual well being - learning more about yourself than you ever thought possible in the process.
0 comments Tuesday 11 Nov 2008 | admin | General
Lots of people think that the stress of the Holidays comes from the Christmas rush, or that people stress out from the pressure of the season, like decoration, the Christmas turkey or ham, or picking out the perfect present to make family members happy. For some of us we aren’t so lucky as for our main source of stress to be what goes around the lighted christmas wreath, but a lot of other considerations. But for us doctors, Christmas stress never ends when the clock strikes twelve, and the 26th of December was marked on the calendar. For doctors the holidays last 365 days a year, or really the holiday stress follows us everywhere.
Christmas is about giving, and changing lives. Physicians like myself make life changing decisions every day, not just for ourselves, but for our patents as well. Physicians are supposed to give hope to their patients that they can recover. Doctors do everything in their power to make clients feel better, when when recovery is near impossible, we just do our best to help them accept their situation and make them make the best out of the time they have left.
That is what makes everyday of our life a Christmas celebration, and it is stressful enough in our part, especially is we will be witnessing the last breath of our clients. It gets really hard some times to be tough in front of someone who is dying, and all that you can really do is be sympathetic, or most of the time just letting them be with family is best. This is the reason why being a doctor can overload one with stress. It’s true when I say that holiday stress can be very different when you’re a doctor, because you can’t run away from it, it becomes a part of everyday normal life. So this year when you’re sitting around the lighted christmas garland just relax and think it could be worse.
0 comments Tuesday 11 Nov 2008 | admin | General
Christmas can bring happiness, joy and stress, that is, for sure. Annually, I get myself all stressed out over the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season. Sometimes for me, I see Christmas just like the usual depressing and happiest holiday of the year. Why? Because it makes me think about something that I haven’t achieve for this whole year, and another year is about to come and make me struggle to get into that goal. It’s the fact of having a baby, is the thing that is so depressing for me. My husband Labron, just always keep it cool for me and make sure that I don’t think about it too often during these times. Everything down to picking up my new upside down christmas tree stresses me out!
I always believe though that maybe it’s the only time of this year that I get to notice some of the things I don’t possibly have, that’s why I go to this some sort of Christmas stress. Every year when Christmas eve arrives things seem like they will be ok. There are people who I see that I rarely get to, my parents for one, since they live in Maine and we are all the way in Florida, also I like to see my 3 nieces. That being said, on occasion we don’t push them to come to our house over the holidays for the reason that I know they have a lot of stuff to do as well.
Due to everything, I try to do a few things I’ve learned over the years to distract myself. Often I try to look into the future and write down everything I need to get done for Christmas day. My hubby tries his hardest to help me by making suggestions on how we can stretch our dollars even further during the holiday seasons. Next year my hope is that we will be able to spend Christmas away from home, the hope being the stress levels would be lower. I like to think of the things I’m looking forward to purely for my enjoyment like my chandelier christmas tree.
0 comments Sunday 09 Nov 2008 | admin | General