Anxiety Articles
1. Panic Attack Left You Feeling Depressed? Get Panic Attack Help Now
Are you looking for panic attack help? Panic attacks can happen to anyone at anytime. It can cause great anxiety and emotional distress. The most important panic attack help that you can get is that you need to learn to manage your panic attacksso that they do not evolve and turn into something that you cannot handle. You must take charge of your emotions when you have just suffered from a panic attack so that you do not feel depressed. One tip for panic attack help is that you need to distract yourself and concentrate on something else when you have just suffered from a panic attack. This will help to control the effects of panic attacks. Do not think negatively as this will only worsen the way you feel. When you suffer from a panic attack, talk and calm yourself down. You will feel better. Another tip for panic attack help is to relax when you are undergoing a panic attack. Once it is possible, distance yourself from the cause of your panic attack. Stop doing any activity that is intense and avoid standing, if possible. If you want your panic attack to die down fast, then you need to learn to become relaxed fast. Yoga is one of the best panic attack help available. It will help you to relax and regain your composure after a panic attack. Try to sleep more since sleep calms the body down and restores the body's condition. Panic attack help is needed when you suffer from a panic attack. When a panic attack happens, do not feel that you are not in control. You must make yourself believe that you, and only you, control your life and the situation will go away soon. Panic attacks can happen quite suddenly but they do take time to die down. Panic attacks can be stressful but the best panic attack help is yourself. If you give yourself some time out and avoid doing any strenuous activity, you can take back control over your life. Give your body and mind time to get back to normal. The better and faster you can do this, the better will your health be.
2. Childhood Experience and Adult Anxiety
Adult anxiety has many faces, manifestations and levels. The type of anxiety I’ve had the most contact with in my experience as a therapist is Generalized Anxiety and from here on when I speak of “anxiety” I will be referring to this.
3. You Can End Panic Attacks
Some who suffer from panic disorder may wonder if it's possible to ever end panic attacks once and for all. They may have suffered for so long with panic that it has become part of their everyday routine, and some have a hard time picturing their life without such attacks. But it is possible to end panic attacks once and for all, with some help and with the proper tools.
4. What are the characteristics of assertive people?
Asserting yourself in 10 Easy steps Assertiveness is a skill we can acquire over time and a capacity that should be maintained. Assertiveness implies understanding our own individual way of being, accepting it and not being afraid of revealing it to the people around us. Assertive people are not afraid to firmly express their opinions. By hiding our true self we will only generate misunderstanding and a sense of malaise within interpersonal relationships. Here are ten steps to become more assertive: • Express your feelings. Assertive people can share with others what they are feeling, without any sense of shame or fear of being misunderstood or judged. • Don’t offer justifications. When assertive individuals express their opinions or let others know what their tastes, choices and values are, they do not feel obliged to also provide a justification for this choice or preferences. When challenged by someone who contradicts them and expresses disapproval they will be able to respond in a simple and decisive manner (for example, saying, “This is what I think,” or “These are the values I abide by”) • Don’t fear confrontation or comparison. On entering into a discussion with someone, in an assertive manner you should have no fear of measuring oneself with anyone else in relation to the various topics discussed. • Learn to admit one’s mistakes or change one’s opinion. Assertive types know very well that anyone can make a mistake or change their mind. They are thus sincere and honest with themselves and with others, admitting any errors they may have committed and confessing any change in their opinions, without experiencing feelings of excessive inadequacy or incompetence as a result of their action. • Be persistent. When an assertive person says something they believe is important and are simply ignored, they are able to reiterate their ideas until they are given the attention, they feel, they deserved. • Defend your rights. Assertive types do not let others step all over them or exploit them in any way. They will make sure other people respect them, and are not afraid of offending a person who has challenged them first. They are also not stalled by feelings of guilt. • The capability to say “no”. When they disagree with someone, they are capable of expressing their point of view, while maintaining a respectful tone in whatever they say. • Ask for an explanation. If someone says something that is not clear or makes excessive or unreasonable demands, you should seek clarification. Don’t be afraid to admit you have not understood what a person has said or that you need further explanation. • Speaking about yourself. When assertive people want to say something about themselves, such as referring to an important experience or the attainment of a personal goal, they do so without monopolizing or interrupting a conversation. • Accept compliments. When someone makes a positive remark concerning you, accept it without trying to decrease or increase its value, for example don’t say things like, “No, that’s not really true” or “Please don’t exaggerate”.
5. Stress and High Cortisol: What’s the Connection?
Have you been feeling stressed? Feeling tired, irritable, having memory and concentration issues? It could be from too much of the stress hormone cortisol. Too much cortisol can have a detrimental effect on your health. What is cortisol and where does it come from? Cortisol is produced by the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands are two tiny pyramid-shaped pieces of tissue situated right above each kidney. Their job is to produce and release certain hormones and chemical messengers. Adrenaline is manufactured in the interior of the adrenal gland, called the adrenal medulla. Cortisol, the other chemical from the adrenal gland, is made in the exterior portion of the gland, called the adrenal cortex. Cortisol, commonly called hydrocortisone, is the most abundant -- and one of the most important -- of many adrenal cortex hormones. Cortisol helps you handle longer-term stress situations. If stress goes on too long and cortisol levels have stayed too high for too long this can lead to eventual adrenal fatigue and burn-out. How does stress cause high cortisol? The HPA (hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal) axis is the neurohormonal regulator of the stress response. The limbic system of the brain triggers the hypothalamus to secrete CRH (corticotropin-releasing hormone) in response to a physical, emotional, or environmental stressor. The CRH then triggers the pituitary gland to secrete ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone), which activates the adrenal glands to produce cortisol which is then released into the bloodstream. When cortisol blood levels become high, the HPA axis feedback mechanism turns off the corticotropin-releasing hormone which tells the brain and adrenal glands to cut down on cortisol excretion. Continued stress overrides this feedback system leading to continued production of cortisol. You become stuck in alarm mode or “fight or flight”. If our exposure to stress is only for brief periods, and we have a balance in our life between work and play, get adequate rest, and have good nutrition, then occasional stress accompanied by elevated cortisol will not be a problem. Yet if the stress becomes chronic with inadequate nutrition, rest, relaxation and sleep, then we begin to experience chronic excessive cortisol levels. The Consequences of High Cortisol Some cortisol is essential for life. Cortisol is necessary for normal brain, immune, muscle, blood sugar function, and blood circulation. In the beginning stages of adrenal fatigue cortisol levels are elevated. As the stress continues and the adrenal glands further deteriorate cortisol levels begin to decline. Having too little cortisol contributes to a new set of problems. Serious cortisol deficiency such as Addison’s disease, is a potentially fatal illness. Excessive cortisol is equally damaging. A saliva test called the Adrenal Stress Index can determine if your cortisol levels are too high or too low. Too much cortisol causes: Abdominal obesity High blood sugar (“adrenal diabetes”) Muscle wasting Bone loss Immune shutdown Brain (hippocampus) atrophy Poor wound healing Thin wrinkled skin Fluid retention Hypertension Excessive cortisol frequently causes increased: Fatigue/decreased energy Irritability Impaired memory Depressed mood, decreased libido Insomnia Anxiety Impaired concentration Crying Restlessness Social withdrawal Feelings of hopelessness Chronically high cortisol may contribute to many diseases, including cancer, ulcers, heart attacks, diabetes, infections, alcoholism, strokes, skin diseases, psychosis, multiple sclerosis, myasthenia gravis, and possibly Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease . High Cortisol may contribute to obesity not only because of the metabolic disruptions (including insulin resistance) that it promotes, but also because it induces “stress overeating,” especially in women. High Cortisol and Adrenal Fatigue Test An Adrenal Stress Index is a simple saliva test that can determine if your cortisol levels are too high or too low. This consists collecting your saliva collection at four times during the day which determines a diurnal cortisol rhythm. The quicker high cortisol levels or adrenal fatigue is discovered the better your chances are for recovery without more serious health consequences. Ways to Reduce High Cortisol: 1. Use cortisol reducing supplement: There are a variety of herbs to reduce cortisol at peak times. Some of my favorites include: Seriphos, and Calm-PRT. 2. Eat at regular intervals throughout the day: Avoid skipping meals, as this will create a cortisol release. 3. Excessive carbohydrate intake creates cortisol release in response to constantly elevated insulin levels. Eat complex carbohydrates instead. 4. Utilize stress reduction techniques at peak cortisol times: meditation, self-hypnosis, or simply lying on the floor doing belly breathing for 10-15 minutes can work wonders at reducing stress and thus cortisol levels. 5. Get to bed on time. Get at least 8 hours of sleep nightly. 6. Avoid stimulants: Stay away from energy drinks that contain ephedra-like compounds and caffeine. Stimulants shift the body into sympathetic dominance, or "fight or flight". Stimulants can also disrupt your sleeping patterns. If you must drink coffee, be sure that you do not drink any after 12 noon. 7. Keep your workouts under 1 hour: At the 1 hour mark, your testosterone levels begin to decline and cortisol levels rise. Forty-five minute workouts are even better.
6. Is There a Cure for Anxiety?
There is no "quick fix" cure for anxiety. However, there are many techniques and exercises an individual can use to reduce anxiety levels and improve their overall emotional and physical health.
7. Can Anxiety Attack Symptoms Cause Real Physical Illness?
And there is a great deal of evidence that anxiety attack symptoms can cause illness in the body. Many studies have shown a strong correlation between stress and anxiety, and poor physical health. In particular, the negative effects of anxiety on the immune system have been well documented.
8. From Barrington and Algonquin, IL: Anxiety Disorders: The Role of Psychotherapy in Treatment
This is a complete guide about how counseling and therapy can eliminate anxiety.
9. How to Defeat Depression and Anxiety
Depression and anxiety are common ailments, today. Although they have horrible effects on the sufferer's life, they are not undefeatable. With the proper course of action, depression and anxiety can be overcome in a relatively short period of time.
10. Stop Anxiety Attacks - How To Overcome Anxiety Attacks
A anxiety attack is a scary occurrence for anyone who has ever suffered from a this condition. For many people the thought of future anxiety attacks can be a extremely terrifying experience.
11. Anxiety Disorder Treatments: Make Your Pick!
There is a myriad of anxiety disorder treatments available on the market and medication is not the only available option. It still remains the most common one though and patients often add some sort of therapy to complement to benefits of medication. Cognitive behavioral therapy or psychodynamic therapy are amongst the most popular post-medication therapies. Natural remedies such as massage therapy or herbal remedies can also be seen as a suitable alternative.
12. Natural Remedies for Anxiety
Anxiety is often treated by prescribing prescription medications, but unfortunately, many of these drugs have serious side effects or withdrawal symptoms. As an alternative to medications, natural remedies for anxiety, including herbs and natural supplements, have been found by many studies to be just as effective as prescription drugs--without the troublesome side effects.
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