Curing Anxiety Without Medication...What The Professionals Don't Want You To Know.

As a psychotherapist in private practice for over a decade, I certainly have seen it all: watching my clients suffer through anxiety and stress, watching them go from medication to medication looking for "the right pill", and rarely finding it, spending inordinate amounts of money desperately trying to find the correct method to make their stress go away.

Can Anxiety Be Cured By A Pill or through Mental Health Counseling?

Anxiety is a complex issue...not just something that can be cured through popping a pill, or through one or two visits to a mental health counseling professional. And while a combination of both medication and counseling can be effective, unfortunately it can take years to see results...and often a lot of money.

If I Do Decide To Take Medication And See A Therapist, What Is The Best Type Of Therapy And Medication I Should Take To Help My Anxiety?

I can't answer that for you specifically, because every one is different (for example, you may have an allergy that precludes you from using a certain type of medication; Or you may not take well to a specific model of psychotherapy). That said, I can say that I have seen many of my clients do pretty well with what is known as "Cognitive Behavioral Therapy", in combination with a medication that their psychiatrist prescribed.

Isn't There Any Way To Get Rid Of My Anxiety Right Away, Instead Of Waiting The Years It Can Take For Medication and Counseling to Kick In?

Yes. For every year it takes to go through therapy and anti-anxiety medication, people can actually learn to make their anxiety disappear in 10 to 15 minutes. That doesn't mean that counseling and medication aren't viable options...but they are not the end-all cure-all for anxiety...they are merely supplements to help you get better. The majority of the work is done by "you". Not to mention...you save a great amount of your money and time.

Why Don't Psychiatrists Ever Tell You That You Can Learn to Make Your Anxiety Disappear On Your Own?

Bottom line: Because they need to make a living. If you did not see them for visits, these docs would not be in business. Don't get me wrong...there are some darn good professionals out there in the field of psychiatry.

But, the fact is, if the docs and shrinks let you know that you can learn, in 10-15 minutes, the secrets to curing your anxiety...they would lose a great deal of income.
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Counting our way out of anxiety

Mathematics is still one of the most challenging subjects faced by ordinary grade school and high school students. It is not uncommon to hear of students who flunk at math not just for because the subject is hard to learn, but also because they are afflicted with what is now called by teachers as --- math anxiety.



Math anxiety is referred to as an intense feeling of helplessness or frustration about one's ability (or lack of it) to accomplish mathematical tasks or solve mathematical problems. Some who have this “academic malady” claimed that their minds suddenly go blank and they feel terrified once they look at a mathematical question or test. Many have proclaimed their sworn hate for the subject and have simply resigned to what they consider to be fact --- that they cannot learn to do math.



But what does make math difficult, or at least, different? According to math teachers, their subject of expertise is unlike other courses or subjects taught in school for the following reasons:



1. Math involves the study of various processes. In other subjects, you learn and understand the material without necessarily having to apply it. In math, you have to learn the lessons or processes such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division – and then, you have to move on to a workbook, apply those lessons, and solve math problems.



2. Math is considered to be a linear learning process where one such process is taught and used today, and is used as part of the lessons of the following day, and so forth. Teachers say that when you study history, you can learn chapter 6 even without passing through some of the previous chapters. You can skip some parts of history and choose a specific section as part of the lesson. But in Math, you cannot study algebra without first mastering the four basic mathematical operations. Given this situation, it is easy to understand why some children who failed to master basic concepts find it hard to learn higher math concepts, and, as a consequence, they tend to develop math anxiety.

3. Like a foreign language, math must be practiced daily to retain your skills.

There are other reasons why math is very different from other subjects. But for sure, many children around the world have to grapple with the numbers and concepts that seem like undecipherable codes. Math anxiety has become so serious that some academicians believe it is one of the causes for school dropouts. They said that once the student who is struggling with math feels utterly frustrated in learning the concepts and processes. that student may conclude that going to school is futile. In fact, test anxiety is often linked to the fear of failing math or the fear of actually having to try to solve a mathematical problem. When a student fails to study or does not prepare sufficiently for an examination, nervousness and helplessness sets in. But for a student who suffers from math anxiety, preparing for the examination is already considered “mission impossible” since he cannot even learn the basic lessons. The only conclusion he can make is that he will fail the math exam --- again. Clearly, it can be expected that a student suffering from math anxiety would almost always show signs of test anxiety.

Now, what can we actually do to help children cope with math anxiety?



The first step is to recognize that math anxiety is an emotional response. It is not a permanent condition.

The second step is to know that certain myths and misconceptions have actually reinforced poor math performance. One such misconception is that a student can only be good either in language or in math, and not at both fields of study. A student who performs well in English grammar class may be a dunce at arithmetic, while a good math student would surely stammer during a poetry class. Education experts say that nothing can be farther from the truth. They insist that if schooled well, children can be good in languages and in numbers. They say that a good foundation in arithmetic is necessary to do well in higher level of mathematics. Academicians are also careful to add that teachers play a major role in developing a healthy and positive regard for studying math. If children experience repeated frustration and failure in learning math, it may be the “teacher factor” that is causing the anxiety and inability to learn. Good math teachers are necessary to make the subject more interesting and rewarding for the students. The third and most obvious step is to buckle down to work and try to learn math from the very beginning. As mentioned earlier, it entails a linear, progressive mastery of concepts and processes. As in all things in life, mathematics, too, must be learned one step at a time.

Counteract Anxiety Attacks

Sometimes life is hard and can cause you to feel out of control. Does anyone know what I'm talking about? Things are going well for a while and then it seems like out of no where comes something hard and unexpected that throws you into an anxiety attack? I have had this experience all too many times in my adult life, but it wasn't until recently that I began to be aware of the symptoms before they hit so that I could counteract the anxiety attacks.

Anxiety attacks are brought on by many different things and can affect people in vastly different ways. An event that may send someone into an anxiety attack may be handled with ease by another person. There is no telling what will or will not cause an anxiety attack to occur. We can, however, learn our own bodies and responses so that we can be better prepared when anxiety attacks occur.

For me, anxiety attacks seem the most likely when I am dealing with health issues with myself or my family. For some reason, I have always felt anxious about health related issues and potential health problems in the people I care about most. My husband, on the other hand, takes health related issues in stride yet finds himself dealing with anxiety attacks over financial issues that threaten our family. I am so thankful that while anxiety attacks are a normal part of life, that not everyone deals with them the same or gets them at the same time. Can you even imagine a world like that?

I have learned myself pretty well over the years, so that now I know how to counteract anxiety attacks. The biggest thing that I need to do is to get away and get alone. This could mean walking into another room or getting outside for a walk or run. I know that my anxiety attacks are made worse when I am forced to deal with them in front of people. Another key for me in counteracting anxiety attacks is to get active. Taking time regularly to exercise is one of the best methods of stress control and hence anxiety attack prevention for me. The more active I am, the less the little things seem to stress me out.

Figure out the things that cause anxiety attacks in you and look for good ways to counteract them. Your life will be a lot more manageable if you can learn to take things in stride and to not let small things lead to big anxiety attacks. Talk with a doctor or a counselor for more advice.

Coping with stress and anxiety among teens

Most people see the beginning of life once a baby is born. The process of human development slowly unfolds when that infant grows into a cute little toddler --- “learning the ropes” of speech, walking, eating, and playing. Parents, naturally, add Band-Aid and disinfectants to their grocery list as their children begin to take a more daring, active role at home and in play school. After a few years, that baby is expected to be ready for school. As any parent would say, time flies so fast and before they know it --- the little kid they used to take and fetch from the community kindergarten is now a young man or young lady in high school. In high school, these young people experience new things. They discover new emotions and ways of thinking. Naturally, they have to endure the awkward situation of no longer being kids yet still far from being adults. Most teenagers wonder how being a teen can be so fun yet to full of anxiety. And for most high schoolers, nothing can be more fun and anxiety-filled than have their first serious relationship.



Social and personal relationships are very important to teenagers. At the same time, relationships are among the top issues that cause the stress and anxiety. Problems in their relationships, made worse by their difficulties at home and in school, can sometimes be so serious that it affects their ability to be happy and well-adjusted individuals.



Given this situation, every teenager should somehow be taught how to cope with stress and anxiety --- especially if it's about a boy-girl situation. In a romantic relationship, it is but normal to have petty quarrels and even serious fights that could lead to a cool-off or a total break-up. For adults, these situations may seem to petty or even downright laughable. But for these teenagers, their relationship with their first boyfriend or first girlfriend really do mean the world to them. The newly discovered passion that is almost beyond control can consume most of the daytime thoughts of a teen with raging hormones. Episodes of romantic affirmation, jealousy, and self-doubt takes the teenager on an emotional roller coaster. But aside from love issues, teenagers are preoccupied with their need to have a sense of belonging...the frustration of “not being understood”...and the need to have their own self-identity.



For teens, is done through several ways. To get by through high school, these young people try different things to cope with their stress and anxiety. For the rebels, a beer bash and a night of partying would suffice. The alcohol, loud music, and dancing are considered good enough diversions or means of coping with anxiety. For the “straight A” students, more hours at the library may just do the trick. The books offer not only additional information they can incorporate into their essays and research papers. Books are also an excellent escape from all the stress and anxiety of being unpopular and branded as “geeks.” For the jocks, stress and anxiety are also inescapable facts during basketball championship season.



Being young and inexperienced, young people tend to see life not as a process of learning. The spirit-driven youth take each day as it is --- trying to stuff their entire life into 24 hours of laughter, adventure, and, yes, hours of self-grooming. But on those days that they find little to laugh about or very few things to be inspired about, teenagers are forced to look at themselves face-to-face in a mirror. They revel in the thought that they have outgrown those days when they were too dependent on their parents and elder siblings. Still, they grow apprehensive about what the future has in store for them.



Some who adjust well just accept the fact that adolescence is but part of natural human development. There is no escaping youth --- with all its joys and troubles. For those who have learned the art of coping with stress and anxiety, learning more about life is a truly exciting experience that is worth all the bruises and heartaches.

Coping with anxiety through martial arts

“To win one hundred victories in one hundred battles is not the highest skill. To subdue the enemy without fighting is the highest skill.” -- Sun Tzu, The Art of War



A lot has been said about martial arts. There's a lot punching, kicking, and wrestling involved — all considered as systems and tools of brutal force. This notion or preconceptions about the martial arts were developed, in a large measure, due to films and movies that depicted the combative arts as a means of inflicting violence. But in reality, the true aim of martial arts is quite exactly the opposite. At the core of every fighting philosophy are the values of valor, chivalry, nobility, self-control, and self-sacrifice. This art form is not just about fighting, combat, or self-defense. Martial arts philosophy stresses that people should live in peace and harmony. It also emphasizes respect for self and others, compassion, and a high regard for physical and moral excellence. In its purest form, the martial arts is practiced to achieve strength and enlightenment of the mind, body, and spirit.



For thousands of years, different people from different cultures have practiced and propagated their own system of martial arts. These unique forms of self-defense and philosophies include the following:

· Karate (empty hand)

· Muay Thai (Thai boxing or kick-boxing)

· Tae Kwon Do (foot hand way)

· Wing Chun (forever spring)

· Silat (to fend off)

· Aikido (the way of harmonious spirit)

· Judo (gentle, soft way)

· Yaw-yan (dance of death)

· Jeet Kune Do (way of the intercepting fist)

· Jiu-jitsu (the soft, pliable method)



Spiritual Benefits



True achievement in martial arts is not gaining the force and skill to smash bricks, cement blocks, baseball bats, and blocks of ice. Neither is it the privilege of wearing different colors of belts nor the prestige of winning sparring championship titles or tournament trophies. The real value of martial arts is in helping individuals harness their natural physical strength and innate goodness of character.

The power within— the elevation of the spirit and the mind. The spiritual side of the martial arts is not religious in any sense but more closely related to the practice of ethics and philosophy. Spirituality in the martial arts is manifested in several training methods and techniques which includes breathing and relaxation drills. According to experts, these drills may help reduce stress and anxiety. Engaging in martial arts also helps people in their battle against emotional, physical, and mental stress and ailments. The deep breathing exercises, similar to the techniques of yoga, produce a calming effect on a martial artist. The inhalation of oxygen and the concentration involved in meditative execution of martial arts routines serve to relax the body and provide “stillness” in the mind during practice. In many martial arts schools, the promotion not only centers of the defensive aspects but also for the benefits of martial arts in coping with anxiety. Long-time martial arts practitioners attest that physical training has helped them deal with depression, insomnia, high blood pressure, and other related illness. To some degree, one can even “shout away” both stress and anxiety during a punching or kicking exercise.



Mental Benefits



Today, martial arts therapy is used as an unconventional treatment for children or adults with social anxiety disorders. Also known as social phobia, this condition refers to excessive, long-lasting anxiety due to various fears, worries and apprehensions. In general, people with social anxiety disorder have an intense fear of being judged or ridiculed by others. People with this condition may often be found in isolation or may only have very few friends. Through martial arts training, people with anxieties may be taught to improve their social skills at the same time as they learn self-defense. These individuals are also taught to develop self-respect and respect for others. By attending self-defense classes, people with anxieties slowly gain confidence and develop healthy relationships with other people in and outside the class. Regular martial arts practice not only provides skills in self-defense. More importantly, it restores or improves the self-image of the practitioner.



Some precautions in practicing martial arts



In general, the martial arts is an excellent means to achieve physical fitness and spiritual health. But if it is practiced carelessly or without proper instruction, the physical activities and routines involved in martial arts training may cause harm or injury. Certain very strenuous movements may put a high stress on the muscles and joints. It is also very important to give special attention to stretching. Stretching regularly to maintain or increase flexibility helps lower the risk of injuries.



Indeed, the martial arts has a deep meaning and philosophy. It is a centuries-old way of training a fighter --- how not to fight, which is a paradox in the art and science of combat. These days, it is now one of the most popular means to attain physical health and to control stress and anxiety. But just like everything else in life, martial arts can be used either for good or for bad. For the serious practitioner, determining the proper and safe ways of training is as important as gaining the true, philosophical aims of the martial arts.

Coping with Anxiety

Anxiety is a part of everyone’s life. There are different ways of dealing with different of anxiety owing different causes. Proper treatment and support can help a person to deal with their anxiety in a better way and making living with it better. And with time one can find himself or herself free from the majority of their issues.
Causes and types

Anxiety is mainly of two types. One type is that type of anxiety with which you can deal and the other type is worsened form of anxiety which leaves a mark on your personality. The first type of anxiety is easy to deal with. Support from your near and dear ones can help you to come out of your anxiety or you can always deal with it on your own, without needing any support. But the second type of anxiety requires some effort to make living easy. The first thing that is needed to be done is to determine which the type of your anxiety is and then find out the root cause of it.
Causes for anxiety can be external as well. So in order to deal with your anxiety in a better way you need to find out whether your anxiety is caused due to an external factor or not. Any bitter incident which took place in your past life can be the cause or sometimes it can be an indistinct intuition that something is not right but if your anxiety is due to some external factors then you should work towards dealing with it. However there is no obvious external cause for anxiety reactions to life.

Studies are still conducted to find out the cause of anxiety in people who don’t have any reasonable past traumatic experience which could lead to anxiety. People with deep rooted anxiety may have chemical imbalances in their brains for improper registration of neuro chemicals. However you should be aware that it is not a proven fact with any concrete evidence. A relatively new study conducted in 2005 showed that it is possible to do a normal blood test to find out the chemicals present in the brain which can cause anxiety.

Symptoms

More or less all the anxiety symptoms are quite well known because over the years people have experienced anxiety. The usual symptoms are prolific sweating, ‘lump in the throat’, palpitations, twitching, dry mouth, chest pain and shortness of breath or wheezing. However these symptoms can exist as side effects of some other medicines or some other psychological issues. When linked to a phobia, as opposed to being ‘general’ anxiety disorder, the symptoms normally only happen in reaction to explicit stimuli.

Treatment

Groups like Toastmasters International helps you with specific anxieties that have not yet reached a weakening stage. After you notice the anxiety symptoms in yourself you must consult a psychiatrist or a professional health professional.

A qualified mental health professional can assess your anxiety, diagnose your psychological issues, and plan a course of treatment that suits you best. If you detect that your anxiety is reaching a bad stage then at once you must seek advice from your doctor. So that there are full chances of your recovery. If you have full support from your family and from all those people who understands you can help you treating your anxiety. Thus you can cope with anxiety in a better way and your recovery will be quick and complete.

Journaling, therapy, group sessions, or medication are the various methods of treatment. However cognitive-behavioral therapy is the most common type of therapy. In this kind of treatment the mental health professional aids the patient in shagging the ways of thinking that contribute to the cause of anxiety. The professional then introduce the patient to the situations that helps in controlling their anxiety. Common types of medication include anxiolytics such as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) and Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are the common medicines and also tricyclic anti-depressants, though these days those are prescribed less often. It is seen that over 90% of patients get recovered by availing these treatment options.

Get more information on coping with anxiety here.

Cooking up Stress and Anxiety

Gone are the days when people think of cooking as a task that should be done “only by women.” In the past, women were traditionally relied upon to cook the meals for the family, do the dishes and clean the house, and be in-charge of just about every domestic task there is. But times have changed and women now play very different roles in society unlike what women of the previous decades were accustomed to. This change in gender roles has affected both women and men --- especially in terms of taking the lead kitchen. Today, both men and women now appreciate the art of cooking. People with exceptional culinary skills are highly compensated. For that reason, it is no wonder that the stress that used to part and parcel of cooking is now experienced by both men and women. Food, after all, is about pleasing the senses of people who partake of one's kitchen creations.



Cooking and stress are not often associated with each other. The word “cooking” easily connotes gustatory pleasures and not stress which is often linked to one's work at the office or to problems at home.

But it should not be a surprise to know that stress and anxiety now affect the men and women who do the cooking as much as the salesman who tries to meet his daily quotas or the manager who faces enormous organizational challenges.



In restaurants, for example, there are now more male cooks or chefs. These kitchen experts follow a so-called “chef's ladder” that defines the rankings and specific tasks of each person in the kitchen. There is the head chef or “Chef de Cuisine” who visualizes the dishes in accordance with the restaurant concept of dining. Next would be the Executive Chef, who actually runs the whole kitchen, manage the costs, hire and fire staff, revamp the menu, do certain administrative tasks. Under them would be the Sous Chef who make the daily specials, takes inventory, watches over the staff, and does the hands-on work in the kitchen. Also called the “Expediter”, the Sous Chef makes sure that the food gets to the table in a timely manner, a task that requires coordination and time management. With the same level as the sous chef, the pastry chef is in-charge of the pastry section of the restaurant. Mostly women reserved for women, this job requires preparation of chocolates, souffles, and sweet pastries.



Under these chefs would be the line cooks who are the ones who actually cook the food. The line cooks are divided according to certain cooking specialty. Another key member of the kitchen is the Chef de Garde Manger who manages the cold food section that includes the salads and desserts.



If you have watched an episode of the t.v. cooking show, Iron chef, you would probably know how stressful it is to work as a chef or a line cook. In that show, the cameras usually show the stress and anxiety in the chef's faces as they try to prepare a certain number of meals under time pressure. Anxiety is also seen on the chef's faces when the judges are tasting their dishes.



In another popular reality-based television show called Hell's Kitchen, several people enter as contestants in a game that is supposed to select the next “big chef” in town. Being a reality show, Hell's Kitchen often shows the stress and anxiety on the faces of the contestants while the host shouts and gets mad at them for not doing certain things right in the kitchen. Anxiety grips each contestant as they try to battle out to win the throne of being the next best chef.

Confronting Burnout, Stress and Anxiety

It's like being in a dead end...finally reaching a stage in your career when you come face-to face with a complete sense of disillusionment with your job, and perhaps, with yourself. You no longer get any satisfaction nor fulfillment in everything that you do, and no one can talk you out of whatever decision you have already made. It's the point of no return. It's about time that you give yourself, not just a break, but freedom from stress and anxiety that have been tearing your world apart. It's simply called burnout.

Burnout is a deep-seated sense of disillusionment and exhaustion with a job or career that used to provide so much excitement and motivation. No one is exempted from burnout. It happens even to highly committed and passionate individuals who encounter problems or get involved in situations where their enthusiasm and passion are gradually being stripped away until they eventually lose the drive and will to go on. It can be a situation or a thought that can weigh you down or make you feel frustrated and angry.

Stress and anxiety are normal parts of everyday life. Both can motivate a person to be productive and to rise up to the challenge of tough situations. However, too much stress and too much anxiety can be harmful and may cause physical, emotional, and psychological problems like infection, heart diseases, and depression. Stress and anxiety at workplace can lead to burnout.

Taking a much-needed vacation may help address the problem of exhaustion and boredom but it may not be effective in totally eliminating the sense of disillusionment, stress and anxiety. Here are some ways people resort to in dealing with a stressful situation like burnout:

· Going Through The Motions – Some people deal with burnout by not dealing with it at all. To accept it and not do anything about it is one of the worst way to deal with burnout. Such indifference will soon result to anger and bitterness as opportunities pass you by.

· Career Change – When the passion and drive that used to inspire you to do your best have been snuffed out, disabling you from going on further with your career, it's time to consider making that shift. A new profession will certainly give you a new perspective. However, changing career may not credit some of the precious experiences you have already gained as relevant to your newfound endeavor. Moreover, competition will most likely come from much younger people who are willing to accept lower salaries thus affecting your bargaining power.

· Changing Jobs – a change of job within the same field of endeavor or profession is just like having the same job but in a totally different environment. Your skills and the previous experiences you have acquired will be transferable and allows you to re-dedicate your original goals to start anew, without being reminded of the burdens that come with staying on the same job.

Individuals who were disillusioned with their previous employers may benefit in job change. However, the downside of this response is the possibility that you may end up with the same situation again if the cause of burnout is the job itself and not the other factors such as management and co-workers.

· Wake-up Call – Some people manage through burnout situations by considering it as a trigger to re-evaluate their lifestyles and what they want to achieve. This form of stress management is one of the most positive ways to cope with burnout. It is dealing with the sense of failure by talking with somebody who may have experienced the same situation and help you realized without bias why after all the inputs you have generously given and efforts you have exerted to do well did not worked out to your advantage. This person should not be from the same company to avoid prejudice which may only complicate matters. Sometimes, this is all that is needed to relieve stress and anxiety that leads to burnout. The realization may lead you to yourself or to other people as the one to be blamed. But what is important is to be able to move on without dwelling further on blame and guilt.

Coming to terms with the situation will allow people to learn that hard work is not the only thing that matters, that major achievements need the support of other people, and most importantly, that they are not superhuman to cure all ills. They will learn to spot and communicate problems early on to avoid repeating the same mistakes. Consult with your healthcare providers regarding therapies and stress management programs in order to help you move on from a burnout situation, stress and anxiety to rise above the demands of a new and challenging career.

Choking: performance anxiety in sports

Picture the scenario, if you want.



You're at the big one, playing Madison Square Garden. You're in front of a sold-out crowd, thousands of people chanting your name, with half of them wanting you to choke and the other eager to see you deliver the goods. You're down to the last few seconds of the game and you can feel yourself buckling under the pressure. Then, just as you see the perfect opening you can exploit to land that right cross, take him down for the count, and grab the championship, you choke. Your performance anxiety gets the better of you and you choke. You pass on the opportunity and, for just a split second, leave yourself open. It isn't much of a window, but you're up against an experienced hitter, and he takes the shot. A split second later, you're out.



It is far from pleasant, but for some boxers, this is a harsh and real possibility. The slightest opening you afford your opponent can result in you being taken down for the count. However, boxers aren't the only ones that end up in this sort of situation. Athletes will always experience a certain degree of nervousness while playing, though the reasons may vary. For some, it is the pressure to excel and prove oneself worthy of their place in the team. For others, they have a reputation that they have to uphold. Anxiety can, really, be caused by a number of reasons.



Performance anxiety can literally cost you a championship. However, the problem isn't just a one-time thing that strikes at the most critical point of a match. performance anxiety is at its most annoying when it becomes a constant problem for the athlete while he's performing in that all-important game. It is that twitching in your nerves that causes you to miss that crucial three-point shot. It is that miscalculation in your mind that makes you strike out when your team desperately needs a home run. Performance anxiety is that single mistimed step that gets you trampled by the opposing team as you're going for a touchdown.



Of course, performance anxiety does not necessarily have to be limited to one's performance come the big game. Several of history's greatest sports superstars, from Michael Jordan to Wayne Gretzky, from Muhammad Ali to Babe Ruth, all experienced it at one point or another. For some, it is when facing off against their infamous rival, like that third bout between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frasier. For others, it is that first away game of the season, far from the support of the hometown crowd and right in the middle of what can be considered enemy territory. For some athletes, the anxiety comes when they know that people important to them are watching them in the arena, such as family or a significant other.



For many experts, it is no longer about how to prevent performance anxiety. In many ways, athletes will always be nervous about performing, even if the game is a low-pressure one. The focus right now is finding ways to help the athlete be effective despite the anxiety and fear he's feeling. There is really no way to prevent being nervous, but there are ways that coaches and players can utilize to get around the impediments presented by that anxiety. The most common way is to train the player to see his own anxiety as a challenge, using it as motivation to push him to excel despite his fears that he may not be up to the standards expected of him by the crown and his teammates.

Childhood Abuse and Depression - Anxiety Lives On

It has been established that nature and nurture should not be taken as enemies or total opposites, but as two intertwined realities that function together to make up the human experience. Nature was designed for nurture.

Many recent and notable studies have documented the effects that early childhood experience can have on both the physical and chemical makeup of the brain. In particular, childhood abuse and/or neglect can permanently alter an individual's physiology. These physiological changes may lead to a greater likelihood of the person suffering from depression or anxiety later in life.

Groundbreaking results from a major study of depressed women in the US have shown that women who were abused as children have abnormally elevated hormonal responses to stress compared to women with no history of abuse. It suggests that childhood abuse is associated with persistent hyperactivity of the hormonal system associated with the stress response and this may cause greater vulnerability to psychiatric disorders in adulthood.

The study, headed by Dr. Charles Nemeroff at Emory University, looked at women diagnosed with clinical depression who had been abused as children; depressed women with no past abuse; and healthy women. Each person was given a moderately stressful experience and asked to perform simple mathematic problems aloud for a panel of stalwart non expressive judges.

Cortisol and ACTH (two hormones that play a critical role in a person's response to stress) were measured in each subject while she completed the task. It was found that the levels of these hormones were especially pronounced in women who were abused as children and who also had current depression. In fact, their ACTH response indicators were more than six times those of the healthy women.

In addition to high levels of stress hormones, other studies by the same group found that women who had been abused as children had abnormal development of the brain's hippocampus, which suggests another physical result of early abuse that could lead to permanent brain abnormalities in later life.

Other brain structures can also be affected by early abuse or neglect. While the basic unit of the brain is in place at birth, neuronal pathways for the body's reaction to different experiences are still developing.

There is a critical period of time in a child's first three years of life during which most of these pathways are formed. If a child receives primarily negative stimulation early in life, pathways for forming lasting relationships and responding to positive experiences can be stunted or destroyed. While this may be a reaction to help the child survive, it can cause permanent difficulties for the individual.

Other research shows that the brains of severely neglected children tend to be smaller than average with underdeveloped areas in the cortex. The long term implications of this are still being examined, but it shows one more way in which nurture or lack of it can affect a person's biological make-up.

The knowledge that nature and nurture are two crucial aspects to a person's health will undoubtedly prove to be a very useful tool in the research and treatment of psychiatric illness and may lead to even more effective treatments in the future.

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Thank you
Dr Leo Kady

Change: Major Source of Stress and Anxiety

Article Body:

Almost everyday, new discoveries and inventions take the headlines. Modern day living has caused our lifestyles to adapt to the radical changes brought about by advancement in science and technology. And along with these changes come stress and anxiety.

While change is inevitable, stress is our natural response to any changes in our environment. Normally, people develop anxiety whenever they encounter a situation that they have no control over; or a person or object that causes feelings of uneasiness and apprehension. People are often afraid, worried, or anxious over something that is unrecognized or unknown. That is why change is a major source of stress that causes bodily and mental tension --- which eventually leads to anxiety.

Change poses a challenge let go of the past, especially the comfortable, old ways of doing things. Stress and anxiety are normal parts of everyday life. Both can motivate an individual to be productive and rise to the challenge of tough situations. However, too much stress and too much anxiety can be harmful and may cause physical, emotional, and psychological problems like infections, heart disease, and depression. However, it is important to realize that what can be stressful to one person may not necessarily cause an adverse effect on another person.

There is such a thing as a positive, good, and even beneficial form of stress. Good stress is something that helps a person prepare mentally, physically, and emotionally to confront a certain situation, person, or object. Stress can actually motivate a person to think, develop a strategy, and decide on an appropriate response or course of action. However, when this persists on a long-term basis, it will still cause emotional, physical, and health problems.

There is a difference between anxiety as a feeling or experience, and an anxiety disorder as a psychiatric diagnosis. A person may be anxious without having an anxiety disorder. In the same way, a person facing a clear and present danger or a realistic fear is not usually considered to be in a state of anxiety. In addition, anxiety frequently occurs as a symptom in other categories of psychiatric disturbance.

Anxiety may somehow be related to fear, but they are not the same thing. Fear is described as a direct, focused response to a specific event or object, and the person is consciously aware of it. When someone points a loaded gun at you, it is expected to feel fear. There is a recognition of fear when you are at the beach and you see a tsunami approaching. Anxiety, however, is usually vague and not focused. It is something that's difficult to explain or find a specific cause. Anxiety may be experienced in the present but stem from an event or person that produced pain and fear in the past. The anxious person may not be consciously aware of the original source of the feeling.

To manage stress and anxiety, one must look at the world through new lenses. While there seems to be an illusion that you can manage change by controlling the world around you, on the contrary, change is most effective if it is managed from within.

As the cliché goes, “...the only constant in life is change.” Accept changes with an open mind and a plan. Look at problems in a different perspective. When you think of it as a situation that needs attention, you will be able to set up goals to improve it. Be flexible in the face of life's everyday challenges. Have inner peace and live life one day at a time. Everyone needs time for woolgathering.

Celexa And Cymbalta As Anxiety Treatments

Stress and anxiety have become such an integral part of modern urban life, and it is no wonder that the market now is riddled with numerous drugs designed to lower these all-too-common human problems. It is not exaggeration to say that most people living and working in the city, particularly those climbing up the government bureaucracy or the corporate ladder, have had to take a “chill pill” or two. The fact is, with the modern world's focus on success and the “bottom line,” the average Joe always lacks the time to unwind and vent. Some,with utter resignation, would just point to the mysterious signs on the back of the US dollar and understand why they have to be “slaves” even in the 21st century.



Of course, this particular situation is a veritable goldmine for folks who make the aforementioned “chill pills.” Stress, fear, anxiety, and whatever else might fit into their category all have a drug or two that is designed to help deal with the effects. These drugs, which often tackle certain chemical transmitters in the central nervous system, can sometimes be made to target a number of conditions at once. However, it is generally more common to see drugs that target either specific or related conditions.



A prime example of this would be Cymbalta, an anti-anxiety and anti-depression drug. While by no means an obvious choice, Cymbalta for anxiety is gaining ground for being an effective medication for dealing with anxiety problems. Recent studies have shown that using Cymbalta for anxiety disorders is on the increase, though it is not quite as obvious a choice as cymbalta use for depression. This is likely due to the availability of more prominent medications that are on the forefront, whereas cymbalta for anxiety treatment is relatively new.



Celexa anxiety medication is also gaining ground in terms of commercial use and doctor-preference. Celexa anxiety treatment also works by targeting the central nervous system but the set of neurotransmitters and receptors in the brain are different. Celexa anxiety drugs have not been found to have any noticeable or significant effects on other psychological disorders, though research is still being conducted in this regard. Celexa anxiety prescriptions are really no more frequent than other potential anxiety treatments, though there are several patient testimonials that attest to the efficacy of celexa anxiety pills.



Of course, celexa anxiety and cymbalta for anxiety are not the only anti-anxiety medications on the market. There are still several other drugs out there, with similarities and differences from the examples mentioned above. A vast majority of them affect the chemical component of the central nervous system, which is believed to be the non-mental root of most anxiety-related disorders.

Bulldog Problems: Is It Housebreaking Or Separation Anxiety?

Dear Adam:

I adopted Sophie, a 3-year old 60-lb female English Bulldog, four months ago.

The problem is twofold--one, she pees in the house (and occasionally poops, too), and two, being an incredibly strong dog, she easily butts her way out of ANY crate, from airline-style to an all-metal crate (and I even wired the latches shut, and strapped the crate to slider door handles!). I've tried leaving her in an enclosed space, but she busts up everything in the room in an attempt to get to a window (not a door!). She does have a urinary tract infection, and is on her third week of antibiotics to cure it. She hardly drinks any water. She's taken out twice in the morning, a neighbor takes her out in the middle of the day, and she goes out twice in the evening. She has a very sweet nature, and is definitely insecure about being left alone.

Marilyn

P.S. Forgot to mention--evenings, weekends, or anytime I, or a friend, or any human being is with her, she's fine, and doesn't pee in the house.

Dear Marilyn:

Without knowing the dog, I can only take a shot in the dark. It sounds to me like your dog has separation anxiety.

Please read:
- My article on separation anxiety at http://www.dogproblems.com/articles.htm

- My article on housebreaking at http://www.dogproblems.com/housebreaking.htm

In the meantime, you're going to have to buy a stronger crate. I would recommend doing a search on the internet. There are private companies that make such crates out of metal/stainless steel. I would call them on the phone and see if they feel that their crates would keep your dog confined and prevent him from hurting himself.

Always buy with a credit card, in case the product is inferior and they try to refuse to stand behind it.

That's all for now, folks!
Adam
Dogproblems.com

Beating Anxiety as You Climb the Corporate Ladder

As they climb up the corporate ladder, modern corporate executives normally experience and try to deal with the modern social problem called anxiety. You might be making that “make or break” project presentation in front of the board, and you know that that is the time where you can make your first --- or maybe your last impression. You might be preparing to talk to a new, fresh batch of employees who are, by all indications, better trained than you and only lack the experience in the field. You might end up in a situation that is nowhere near similar to the above. And, ultimately, it won't matter because there are a million situations that could trigger performance anxiety.



Now, being nervous and afraid is perfectly natural, but having performance anxiety is not. This distressful condition is not only confined to the problems in the boudoir. It is experienced by thousands of people every single day who find something to be nervous about. Nervousness is a reaction that can keep you alert and on your toes. Fear can help you focus on the task at hand, as well as providing you with something to take as a challenge. The average human psyche is capable of handling or adapting to both problems. However, performance anxiety is not something that you can deal with on your own, even under the most normal of circumstances. Performance anxiety takes fear and nervousness to an entirely new level. Once struck by it, people can even be psychologically crippled and lose their ability to competently operate on a social and professional level.



Performance anxiety is something that can be overcome with the proper combination of prescription drugs and therapy. Anti anxiety drug options come in a wide variety, which provides people dealing with performance anxiety issues a wide range of options. While all drug variants, as well as most other drugs that a psychiatrist or doctor might prescribe, target the central nervous system, some medications can have therapeutic effects on more than one particular disorder.



Benzodiazepine is one among many key ingredients of drugs concocted to control anxiety, though by no means is it the absolute core component. The relief obtained from drugs based on this particular family of compounds is often short-term. On a positive note, this family of anti anxiety drug is quick-acting and a good way to stave off an anxiety attack at the last minute.



Certain barbiturates have also been said to act as similar to a benzodiazepine-based drug and have longer effects than your typical benzodiazepine, but most studies show that barbiturates are also habit-forming. In rare cases, a barbiturate is actually more likely to cause a person suffering from performance anxiety to form an addiction. For those interested in alternative medicine, there are a variety of herbal treatments that have been known to be used as an anti anxiety drug. However, more research still needs to be done to determine the balance between folklore and science to determine the real effects of these herbal treatments.

















As they climb up the corporate ladder, modern corporate executives normally experience and try to deal with the modern social problem called anxiety. You might be making that “make or break” project presentation in front of the board, and you know that that is the time where you can make your first --- or maybe your last impression. You might be preparing to talk to a new, fresh batch of employees who are, by all indications, better trained than you and only lack the experience in the field. You might end up in a situation that is nowhere near similar to the above. And, ultimately, it won't matter because there are a million situations that could trigger performance anxiety.



Now, being nervous and afraid is perfectly natural, but having performance anxiety is not. This distressful condition is not only confined to the problems in the boudoir. It is experienced by thousands of people every single day who find something to be nervous about. Nervousness is a reaction that can keep you alert and on your toes. Fear can help you focus on the task at hand, as well as providing you with something to take as a challenge. The average human psyche is capable of handling or adapting to both problems. However, performance anxiety is not something that you can deal with on your own, even under the most normal of circumstances. Performance anxiety takes fear and nervousness to an entirely new level. Once struck by it, people can even be psychologically crippled and lose their ability to competently operate on a social and professional level.



Performance anxiety is something that can be overcome with the proper combination of prescription drugs and therapy. Anti anxiety drug options come in a wide variety, which provides people dealing with performance anxiety issues a wide range of options. While all drug variants, as well as most other drugs that a psychiatrist or doctor might prescribe, target the central nervous system, some medications can have therapeutic effects on more than one particular disorder.



Benzodiazepine is one among many key ingredients of drugs concocted to control anxiety, though by no means is it the absolute core component. The relief obtained from drugs based on this particular family of compounds is often short-term. On a positive note, this family of anti anxiety drug is quick-acting and a good way to stave off an anxiety attack at the last minute.



Certain barbiturates have also been said to act as similar to a benzodiazepine-based drug and have longer effects than your typical benzodiazepine, but most studies show that barbiturates are also habit-forming. In rare cases, a barbiturate is actually more likely to cause a person suffering from performance anxiety to form an addiction. For those interested in alternative medicine, there are a variety of herbal treatments that have been known to be used as an anti anxiety drug. However, more research still needs to be done to determine the balance between folklore and science to determine the real effects of these herbal treatments.

Basic Anxiety Information: Understanding its Nature and Treatments

It is normal for a person to be anxious. Anxiety often triggers whenever an individual encounters distressing and aggravating experiences or events in their lives. It is basically a part of a person’s innate response to life problems and worries. Anxiety is also one way of indicating possible dangers that might happen.



However, it is no longer normal if the anxiety condition comes with extreme worrying and fear that prevents a person from living the accustomed life they would want to. When this happens, that person may have developed an anxiety disorder.



Today, having or experiencing anxiety disorders is quite common among stressed individuals. Fortunately for people diagnosed with anxiety disorders, there are already a number of compelling treatments for these types of conditions. As such, knowing the basic anxiety information will aid people in the foremost details of this disorder.



Defining anxiety disorder



Anxiety disorder generally covers different types of aberrant forms of phobias, fears, and worries. One may have sudden worrying attacks for no reason at all. A person may experience consuming panic attacks that often trigger without any warning. Anxiety may also come in the form of compulsions and obsessions, or one may develop a phobia of a situation, event , or object that normally do not bother other people.



Although anxiety disorder comes in many types and forms, it is basically the same in one thing: they are persistent and they trigger quite powerfully. The severity and cycle of these anxiety disorders can be disruptive, immobilizing, and distressing.



Signs of anxiety disorders



One of the most important aspects of basic anxiety information is to know the symptoms and signs of this condition. Anxiety disorders have varied physical and emotional symptoms.



Emotional or psychological signs include:



1. Dread and uneasiness

2. Avoidance

3. Irritability

4. Strong desire to escape

5. Confusion

6. Jumpiness or nervousness

7. Insecurity



Physical symptoms include:



1. Chills

2. Shortness of breath

3. Fatigue

4. Insomnia

5. Headache

6. Muscle tension and aches

7. Clammy hands

8. Heart palpitations



The symptoms enumerated above are only a few of the common emotional and physical indications of having an anxiety disorder. Since there are quite a number of physical symptoms associated to anxiety disorders, some people tend to assume that they have health issues. Hence, it is really best to know the many physiological aspects of anxiety to avoid confusion.



Treating Anxiety



People who are suffering from anxiety disorder have really no excuse for consulting their conditions because there are a lot of acknowledged treatments today that are actually quite effective. Among the top recommended treatments for anxiety are cognitive-behavioral therapy and medication.



1. Medication

Most doctors prescribed medications like anti-anxiety and anti-depressant drugs as short term treatments for anxiety. Medications are recommended among patients suffering from this condition as they act as supplementary treatments once other types of therapies are taken. However, anxiety drugs and medications may become addictive when abused.



2. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy

One very effective form of anxiety treatment is the Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy or CBT. This treatment aims to change the behavior and cognition patterns of a person suffering from severe case of anxiety. This treatment is generally conducted within 12 to 20 weeks, with the patient undergoing either in an individual or group therapy.

A New Cure For Separation Anxiety

I found this while searching for something else, on Google and thought you might find it interesting.

From the Peoria Humane Society website: Melatonin the Marvelous!!!

Amazingly, an effective treatment for thunderstorm and noise phobias may be an over-the-counter hormone used by humans to prevent insomnia. Melatonin, which is produced by the pineal gland, sets the body's internal clock in response to exposure to light. The body creates melatonin only in total darkness (the pineal gland stops production when any part of the body, even the back of the leg, is exposed to light). In humans, melatonin has been shown to calm the nerves, reduce anxiety, relieve panic disorders, prevent migraine headaches and facilitate deep sleep. In birds and other animals in the wild, melatonin levels trigger spring reproduction, fall migration, and winter hibernation. Actually, hibernation is what brought melatonin to dogs with thunderstorm/noise phobias.

Melatonin has helped some noise-phobic dogs go from being panicked to only mildly concerned with thunder or other loud noises such as fireworks and gunshots (it has not been found to be effective in other stressful situations, only when noise is a major factor). It isn't a sedative. Your dog will stay awake and alert. Instead of being extremely afraid during a thunderstorm, a dog may just simply stop being afraid.

It is not quite known how melatonin works, but it has an acute effect on the central nervous system's neurotransmitters, which are chemicals that transmit nerve impulses. It appears that melatonin increases serotonin production and that it is a major inhibitor of dopamine release. Dopamine and serotonin are the important neurotransmitters involved in behavior. It may also have something to do with cortisol levels.

You may find Melatonin in health food stores, pharmacies and some supermarkets. It comes in a number of forms and a wide variety of dosages, so make sure to examine the labels carefully and select a product that contains the proper dosage for dogs. Make sure that it does NOT contain other herbs or nutrients. The usual dosage is 3mg for a dog that weighs over 30 pounds. In a few cases, very large dogs weighing well over 100 pounds needed 6mg, but that's unusual. For dogs that weigh less than 30 pounds, give 1.5mg. For a tiny dog, reduce the dosage even further. Keep in mind that 1,000 micrograms (mcg) is equal to 1 milligram (mg), so a 200mcg pill, which is a common dosage form, contains only 1/15 of the amount recommended for a large dog.

Whenever a thunderstorm is predicted, give the dog melatonin before you leave for the day. The supplement remains effective for several hours. Otherwise, give it whenever thunder seems imminent. If the dog becomes agitated, give the melatonin immediately. It may not be as effective on a dog that is already highly aggitated, however, giving it may prevent the situation form getting worse. Melatonin's benefits may be cumulative with a maximum benefit occurring by the third day.

Are there any dogs that shouldn't take melatonin? It has been said that you shouldn't give melatonin to humans with autoimmune disorders, so check with your veterinarian before giving it to your dog. However, it has been given to dogs with autoimmune disease, elderly dogs that had a number of diseases, dogs with heart problems and dogs with other illnesses, without any serious side effects. So again, you must consult your veterinarian before giving it to your dog if it has an illness.

The long term safety of melatonin supplementation has been debated by physicians and many holistic health experts warn against taking it for more than ocasional, short term use. However, no clinical trials have been conducted on its actions in dogs. Over-the-counter melatonin is not recommended for children because any hormone supplement may disrupt the developing endocrine system, so it is believed that it shouldn't be given to puppies for the same reason. As always consult your veterinarian.

That's all for now, folks!
Adam

Ayurveda As Alternative Anxiety Treatment

Whenever someone speaks of something like an alternative system of medicine, such as Ayurveda, most people think of the physical aspects of health. Most people don't associate things like emotional development, psychology, and anxiety medication to a system like Ayurveda. This is a reasonable assumption to make, mainly because systems like Ayurveda have always focused more on a combination of the physical and spiritual. Matters of the mind were viewed as outside the physical realm and, in a Western context, were seen as affairs to be handled by religious authorities. Other problems, such as anxiety and depression, may not have been recognized and, thus, were not studied under the purview of medicinal systems. Some doctors, most notably neurologist Dr. David Simon of the Chopra Center, believes that Ayurveda might be a legitimate alternative to anxiety medication and treatment.



Anxiety, in the context of Ayurveda, is rooted in movements of things within a person's perception of what he is and what is in his domain. In theory, things that enter into a person's sphere of influence by force, such as a critical comment or pressures from work, can cause an imbalance in the mind and body. In a similar manner, a person would also need anxiety medication if something that was within their sphere of influence was forcibly taken from it, such as their sense of security or ability to perform certain tasks. These unwanted gains and losses can create imbalances in the harmony of the body that will persist until properly treated. Ultimately, the pain caused by this violation of one's sphere of influence causes pain that people must deal with. However, by ignoring it, bottling it up inside, denying it, or not dealing with it, that pain can cause further imbalance. Such imbalances, in the context of Ayurveda, can cause problems like depression, mood disorders, and anxiety.



How, then, would Ayurveda propose to fix this problem? Like Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurveda is about restoring balance to the body. Problems that create the need for medical intervention, whether it come in the form of antihistamines or anxiety medication, are caused by imbalances of certain factors in the body. These imbalances can be corrected using a variety of means, which include herbal tinctures, special massage techniques, meditation, and even the appropriate dietary adjustments. However, anxiety is a problem firmly rooted in things like emotions and thoughts, factors that Western medicine views as being controlled by the chemical balance of the brain. To the average patient, who likely does not have too much knowledge of Ayurveda or how it works, there is very little that any alternative medical system can do to alleviate psychological or psychiatric conditions.



Ayurveda's philosophy with dealing with something like anxiety reflects a staple of psychiatric therapy: release. Practitioners, as stated above, believe that pain caused by violations of a person's sphere of self can cause anxiety – among other mental and mood conditions. This build-up of pain and emotions causes more than just cognitive effects; it also touches upon a person's physical well-being. Ayurveda practitioners help their patients locate this physical manifestation and proceed to attempt to correct it. They also promote finding ways to physically release that pain, but are not specific on how. It could be taking a walk or hitting a pillow, so long as it allows the patient to acknowledge, accept, and release the emotional build-up inside them.

Anxiety? No need to worry.

Reflexes go awry, bodily reactions prove to be dysfunctional, and behavior patterns seems meandering – a blend of these unusual occurrences and, by no doubt, you're having anxiety attacks. Anxiety is characterized to be continuous – and often times poignant - fears and worries that tends to interfere with normal human behavior or activities. Anxiety, as proven medically, though may seem to be inconsequential, may cause severe problems like alcoholism and low self-esteem. These complications, as studies prove, may lead to lethal consequences.



Though anxiety, or its possible repercussions, may pose to be lethal, studies show it's curable in nature and responds to treatment well. Medical breakthroughs and scientific researches offers a wide array of answers that ranges from anxiety treatment to coping with anxiety.



Anxiety treatments can be done through medications such as anti-anxiety drug, anti-depressants, and beta-blockers. Anti-anxiety drugs are prescribed for brief relief against anxiety attacks and it is also used to hamper anxiety's severe effects. Anti-depressants give the brain a boost to let it combat mind-paralyzing effect of anxiety. Beta-blockers, which are fondly used by performers to deal with stage fright and “weak” knees, are good combatants against physical symptoms of anxiety.



These may seem to be the positive contribution of anxiety treatments through medications but medical people wary in too much dependence on it. Anxiety medications can promote drug dependence and, with this, incalculable possible adverse effects are not had to imagine. They also advise people to take precaution by consulting their regular physician or family doctor.



Herbal medication alternatives and other natural forms of anxiety-curing regimen are also encouraged as forms of anxiety treatment. CBT or Cognitive Brain Therapy is one of the leading anxiety treatments. If a person is suffering from anxiety problems, CBT will help that individual to identify and overcome the traumatic experiences and notions that inhibits the individual from working through his fears. Constant exposure with this therapy would help you acquire certain skills that will strengthen your sense of emotional equilibrium and thus, you gain control over of your anxiety dilemma.



Coping with anxiety, however, is not that easy as it sounds. The tricky part here is that you must allow yourself to get ahead of the dilemma when in fact you did not manage to circumvent it. With this, medical professionals enjoin individuals to earnestly seek and religiously abide by a doctor's advice. The practical and medical based pieces of advice will help an individual navigate properly the in's and out's of anxiety dilemma.



They also encourage those relatives of those who are coping with anxiety to offer relentless support and multitudinous amount of patience understanding that this state of recovery is vital for them. Extending extra care and effort just to let them know that they are not alone in this battle. This is very important to know because one major manifestation of anxiety is seclusion.



Coping with anxiety, also, as said by doctors, has no “sure fire” formula. It takes careful planning and constant follow-up to be able to really give the best support and care for people coping with anxiety.



With this, let us put in our minds that, anxiety can be treated and it does respond accordingly to treatments. No matter how critical problem may be, just say, “Anxiety? no need to worry.”

Anxiety, Depression and Defense Mechanisms

Sigmund Freud, the Father of Psychoanalysis, came up with his own theory of explaining the occurrence of anxiety and depression as part of human experience. His explanation of this phenomena traces its origin from the three divisions of the psyche. According to Freud, the human psyche is divided into the id, ego, and superego. These three divisions are only acquired eventually as a person also grows. To have a better understanding of the psyche and its three divisions, one should start with the world and its components.



The world is made up of numerous and different components, and one of those components is the human organism. A human organism has a special ability to survive and reproduce, his guiding force being his needs such as hunger, thirst, fear of pain and sex. It should be noted that these needs are part of a person's unconscious mind. A person's psyche is sensitive to these needs and transforms them into instincts, drives or wishes. This division of the psyche functions with a process called the “pleasure principle” and it is described as the id's responsibility to take care of the needs immediately. This behavior is mostly observed during infancy just like when a baby cries when it is hungry or thirsty. However, when a person's need is not satisfied by the id his or her need just becomes stronger.



This need then enters the conscious mind which is associated to another division of the psyche. This part of the psyche is called the ego and it relates a person's consciousness or reality. This part of the psyche operates based on the “reality principle.” The reality principle is about the belief that the ego will respond to satisfy the need as soon as it finds the appropriate object to satisfy it. However, as the ego continuously responds to an organism's needs, it sometimes experiences obstacles against attaining its goals as well as things that assist it to attain the goals. The ego keeps track of these two types of factors, particularly the rewards and punishments that are given by two of the most influential persons in an organism's life, his or her parents. The records that the ego keep about obstacles to avoid and the strategies it must take are all passed onto the superego, the third division of a person's psyche. It is only when someone is around five or seven years old that this part of the psyche becomes complete.



The superego is divided into two subparts, the conscience and the ego ideal. The conscience is the internalization of the punishments and the warnings while the ego ideal is based on the rewards and positive models that a person had encountered. The superego, together with its subparts, communicate their own requirements to the ego through feelings such as shame, guilt, and pride. Because of the existence of the superego, a person also acquires a new set of needs as well as wishes. However, these new sets of needs are based on social rather than biological origins. These new wishes coming from the superego are sometimes in conflict with the wishes from the id, often leaving the ego overwhelmed or threatened.



This overwhelmed and threatened feeling of the ego is where anxiety comes from. According to Freud, there are three kinds of anxiety. The first kind is called realistic anxiety and it takes the form of human fears which are consequences of threats from the physical world. The second one is known as moral anxiety and it is a result of the threat that the ego perceives from the social world. It usually takes the form of feelings such as guilt, shame, and fear of punishment. Finally, the third kind of anxiety is called neurotic anxiety and it is a result of the fear of being overwhelmed by the impulses from the id.



In order for the ego to deal with these threats without feeling overwhelmed, it sometimes unconsciously blocks the impulses or distorts them into more acceptable forms. This process of blocking and distorting is what Freud called a “defense mechanism.”



Defense mechanisms come in various forms. One mechanism in particular is called turning against self. This happens when a person feels negative impulses such as hatred, aggression, and anger towards others but displaces these impulses to one's self. This explains human emotions of inferiority, guilt, and depression. Depression, Freud further explains, actually results from anger that a person refuses to acknowledge.



As more and more people, nowadays, experience having problems with regards to their anxieties and depression, a better understanding of these concepts from a Freudian perspective can actually help in resolving it. According to Freud, resolution can only be achieved when a person is made aware of those experiences or ideas in the unconscious and therapy be directed to the root of the problems which are most likely rooted in the unconscious.

Anxiety Treatment - The Natural Remedy for Anxiety Relief

L-Theanine, naturally occurring in green tea, proves effective in dealing with anxiety symptoms and providing anxiety relief

Anxiety is a state of intense fear, uncertainty, uneasiness, or apprehension due to anticipation of an imagined or real threatening future event. Anxiety can be both physically and psychologically devastating to the Anxiety sufferer's life. Anxiety is often sub-categorized according to the focus of the perceived threat. There is social anxiety, separation anxiety, dating anxiety, performance anxiety, math anxiety, etc. Stress and anxiety often go hand in hand and can result in anxiety depression as the individual feels powerless to receive any anxiety help.

There are a variety of anti-anxiety treatments to consider in overcoming anxiety. For some, anxiety medications prove to be a source of anxiety relief. Other's prefer not to use any of the anti-anxiety drugs and opt for more natural cures for anxiety management. These may include herbs for anxiety, acupuncture anxiety treatments, anxiety vitamins, aromatherapy for anxiety relief, even hypnosis has has proved beneficial overcoming anxiety.

This article discusses the perhaps little known amino acid L-Theanine as a natural remedy for anxiety relief.

L-Theanine is a unique free form amino acid found only in the tea plant and in the mushrooms Xerocomus badius and certain species of genus Camellia, C. japonica and C. sasanqua. Often drinkers of green tea report a feeling of calmness they feel after ingesting a cup or two even though green tea has roughly half the caffeine of coffee. This is due to the high L-Theanine content.

In addition to reducing anxiety symptoms, studies have shown L-Theanine may be effective in promoting concentration, supporting the immune system, improving learning performance, lowering blood pressure, increasing formation of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA, and increasing brain dopamine levels among other positive benefits with no known downside.

Studies in cooperation with Taiyo Kagaku Co., The University of Shizuoka, and The Family Planning Institute of Japan have shown that women taking 200 mg L-Theanine daily have lower incidence of PMS symptoms. These symptoms include physical, mental, and social symptoms. Overall, a significant alleviation of PMS symptoms by L-Theanine was observed.

While still under investigation, L-Theanine appears to have a role in the formation of the inhibitory neurotransmitter Gamma Amino Butyric Acid (GABA). GABA blocks release of the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin, playing a key role in the relaxation effect.

Everyone knows the effects stress and anxiety can have on an individual's physical state of well-being. Fascinating neurochemistry research has revealed that given a shot of GABA essentially turned back the clocks in the brains of older monkeys, whose brain function briefly operated at levels normally seen in monkeys less than half their age.

GABA, or gamma-amino butyric acid, is a neurotransmitter chemical that is essential for optimizing how brain cells transmit messages to each other and acts to put a damper on unwanted brain signaling activity. Although GABA's age-related decline has not been documented in humans, a host of studies in mammals, including other primates, suggests that a similar process is at work in people.

Monkeys ages 26 and 32 -- considered old age for monkeys -- that got GABA directly delivered to their neurons responded to visual patterns, such as flashing vertical and horizontal lines, in much the same way as monkeys aged 7 to 9 years old did.

Without GABA delivery, the monkeys' aged brains had more difficulty firing neurons that specifically gauge various aspects of depth perception, motion and color. Instead, older monkeys have more random firings that make it difficult to observe visual nuances. In younger monkeys, GABA had no effect since their brains already had optimal GABA functioning.

L-Theanine is considered to be safe based on its historical use as a component of tea and on favorable toxicology studies. Tea is the most consumed beverage worldwide after water, and has been consumed for thousands of years by billions of people. It is estimated that a heavy tea drinker (6-8 cups daily) will consume between 200 to 400 mg of L-Theanine daily.

While dosage for depression and anxiety disorder remain individual, it is recommended to take 100 to 200 mg 1 to 3 times daily for anxiety relief. Based on the results of clinical studies, it has been established that L-Theanine is effective in single dosages in the range of 50-200 mg. It is suggested that subjects with higher levels of anxiety take a dose at the higher end of the effective range (100 - 200 mg) for overcoming anxiety.

Anxiety Symptoms

Anxiety is a part of everyday life in the new millennium. But for people, it expresses itself much worse than for others. Anxiety symptoms that go beyond the typical expressions of unease and nervousness should not be ignored. While many people can expect to suffer an anxiety attack at some point in their life, recurring episodes of extreme anxiety are definitely not normal.

Anxiety itself is good. It serves as the body’s warning system that something may be amiss; that we need to move into a state of preparedness. Among these anxiety symptom are a rapid heartbeat, dry mouth and sudden perspiration. Surely nobody reading this has ever managed to escape those sensations.

But how many have been found themselves in stressful situations in which they became dizzy, grew short of breath, felt pain in their chest and a sudden need to urinate? While these are all common symptoms of everyday anxiety, if you find yourself feeling all of them, chances are you have gone beyond the norm and experiencing an actual anxiety attack. If you experience these symptoms on more than a few occasions, you may be to the point where you should consult a doctor.

Still, even these anxiety symptoms do not definitely mean you are experiencing an anxiety disorder. After all, the human body responds differently to varying situations of stress. For some people, the very thought of walking onto a stage and speaking to a large crowd of people would bring on all of the above symptoms without it necessarily indicating a disorder.

However, if in addition to the above, you also experience one or more of these anxiety symptoms, it is definitely past the point where you should at least be conducting some research. If you begin to experience deep feelings of apprehension, or even outright dread, of certain situations even when you are not anywhere near to being in those situations and you experience the physical symptoms, chances are you anxiety is to the point of a disorder. In addition, isolation of oneself from others can often be a sign of a more serious problem. Nervousness, jittery behavior, irritability, jumpiness; all of these are normal responses under certain circumstances, but if you notice a link between feeling them and either facing or just thinking about stress-inducing environments or events, it may be time to consider professional help.

Anxiety symptoms are a normal part of the day for most of us. Unless you get to work at your dream job and then go back to your dream home life, chances are you will experience a facing pulse, or a dry mouth today. It can be difficult to determine if the anxiety you are feeling is normal or something more. The worst thing to do is compare your reactions to anybody else; what may seem excessive to them might actually be normal for you. However, if you do find yourself experiencing these anxiety symptoms and you are concerned, definitely seek out the advice of friends and family to help locate the possible source of your anxiety.

Anxiety self help

No body has any fun with persisting anxiety problems. No body understands the your situation when you are suffering from anxiety until and unless that person himself or herself has suffered from anxiety. Therefore in such case intake of a pill can help your situation or you can learn a few courses of action of self-help, which would help your deal better when you are anxious. However you must know that if you are taking pills to make living with anxiety better then you might as well become physically and psychologically dependent on pills. So you must not count pills as the permanent solution. You wont gain complete freedom of mind and satisfaction by taking pills. It is recommended that you seek doctor’s advice so that the root cause of your anxiety can be detected at the initial stage.

You can always help your situation although the symptoms will never completely disappear. With the anxiety self help tools many people have learnt dealing better with anxiety.
Here are a few things that will help.

1. Check your diet.

When we have a balanced diet then our bodies tend to function better. If there are no adequate vitamins, minerals in our diet then it might lead to emotional and mental troubles.
Panic disorders can be caused due to deficiency in the regular diet. 200 mg of calcium and 1000 mg of magnesium should be added to your regular diet. Inclusion of iron, potassium, selenium and chromium will help to deal you with anxiety self help. Eating a lot of vegetables, whole grains and nuts can be taken as self help tool in managing anxiety.
You must avoid refined sugar, soft drinks, alcohol, coffee, and any else that has caffeine content like tea, coffee, or chocolate.

2. Get some exercise.

Regular exercising will help your body to relax and relieve it from stress and also help toning your body. Therefore exercising definitely helps in alleviating anxiety.
You must include a 30 minutes exercising program daily. Exercising helps in producing endorphins. You will see you feel better after you exercise.

3. Learn how to relax.

It is important to learn to pursue activities that will help you to relax. Listening to music, talking to a friend, working on a crossword puzzle, read a good book, take a walk, a nap, paint a picture, or some other hobby? Doing things that you enjoy will definitely help to alleviate your stress.
4. Get enough sleep

If you are stressed and suffering from anxiety as a result, then try to get some deep and proper sleep. Sleep is a natural relaxer and sleeping will definitely do good to you when you are suffering from anxiety. Learn to let some of those other things go, and perform some anxiety self help.

5. Remove a negative attitude

There are various external forces that may add a negativity in you, which might lead to stress. Try and avoid developing any negative feelings. Such feelings can only spoil your day. Inorder to avoid such feelings grow in you may take help of the self-help methods and those are bound to help!

In short it is advised that don’t external affairs stress you and aggravate your anxiety and you just make your living with anxiety easier by adopting some self-help measures.

Get more information on anxiety self help here.

Anxiety Medications for the Weary Soul

In a world of busy streets and busy lives, it is very easy to ignore any situation that is unpleasant or even uncomfortable. In this case, what should one do if suddenly one becomes anxious without any known reason? There are people who become housebound due to their fear of being in crowded places or even in open places wherein they might feel vulnerable and more prone to panic attacks. People who have these feelings of worry and emotional instability may be given anti-anxiety medications by a physician.



Today, there is a large amount of anti-anxiety medications available that one might think that any one of these will be a suitable and effective treatment option. One proven effective medication is called Benzodiazepine, an anti- anxiety medication that has an almost instant reaction in the body. You can take this prescription medication 30 to 60 minutes before going engaging in any activity that might become stressful, or simply after one feels worried.



For people who have acute but infrequent anxiety attacks, Benzodiazepine would be the best anti- anxiety medication to take. However, due to its addictive nature it would be best not to use Benzodiazepines for a long period of time. The risk of seizure is raised in cases where the said drug is used for extended periods of time.



Other anti-anxiety medications that are now in common use include SSRIs or serotonin-specific reuptake inhibitors. These antidepressant drugs are very popular due to their low addiction levels; mild side effects; and the fact that they can bring down the feelings of acute anxiety. SSRIs work by maximizing the natural levels of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that can affect a person's moods. By taking an anti-anxiety medication like Paxil, serotonin is inhibited from being reabsorbed by the body. Therefore, more serotonin is produced by the body when necessary. The side effects of this medication are mild, and can range from dry mouth to sleepiness. If one desires fast results, then one should not take any SSRIs as they would need 2 to 6 weeks to infiltrate the system before one would notice any significant improvements.



Another popular anti anxiety medication called dopamine agonists work by increasing the levels of dopamine in the brain. Like SSRIs, dopamine agonists take a few weeks before showing any effects in relieving a person from his or her anxiety symptoms. The side effects of this class of drugs includes insomnia and sometimes extreme excitedness. The last type of anti-anxiety medication that is currently being used would be Buspar. This drug is a mild anti-anxiety medication is non-habit forming. Like SSRIs and dopamine agonists, Buspar takes a while for its medical properties to take effect.



These medications can help one in restoring a sense of normalcy to one's life, but as with all drugs and treatments, one should first talk with a trained medical practitioner who can help in choosing the best anti-anxiety medication for you.

Anxiety In Exams: A Solution

Anxiety over exams is a common thing. Whether it is at the high school, elementary school, or even college level, a lot of people get nervous when it comes time to take an exam. Exam nerves are no small issue, either. They can cause lots of problems in a person’s life. Since college has become so competitive and people are trying hard to stay at the top of their prospective classes, there is a great deal of pressure put upon students to perform. This performance pressure, as well as other mental blocks, is the basic things behind exam nerves problems. It’s important that people get rid of these problems or else they could have serious consequences.



If you feel like exam nerves are causing you severe discomfort when you go to take an exam, then you need to seek out help. Exam nerves can cause many problems in your life. Many times, feeling the pressure of exam nerves can cause severe physical discomfort. Though it’s not the kind of physical anxiety that is likely to cause you serious bodily harm, it will be enough to raise your levels of stress. In addition to that, your mind will go blank when you feel the pressure of exam nerves. When this happens, performing well on a difficult test becomes virtually impossible. You will become overwhelmed and the feeling of anxiousness will certainly multiply.



How do you treat a problem with such deep rooted mental focus? You have to completely change your mindset. You have to tell yourself that exams are not something to stress out about. This is much easier said than done, though. When you have a difficult assignment coming up, it is common to feel anxiety. The problem is in your thinking. With that in mind, you have to come up with a solution to change that thinking. One tool that has become more widely recognized for dealing with mental ailments is hypnotherapy. As a hypnotherapist, I have seen many clients who need help with their exam nerves problem.



If you are wondering what hypnosis is all about, then don’t be afraid to find out more information. There are many theories on hypnosis that people make up when they don’t really know what it’s about. There is no magic involved. It’s simply a process by which your mind is calmed and you can allow positive thoughts to enter. That can change your thinking fairly quickly if it is done right. Get some information on self hypnosis or hypnotherapy today and see your problems disappear.

Anxiety In Dogs

A world without dogs would be crazy. It would be lonely for most of us if we lost our favorite canine companions. Fortunately, almost every household in the US had had at least one dog.



Dogs are animals that need special care and extra attention from us humans. Compared to cats, dogs are more active and showy to their companions. Cats just lie and sleep most of the day. It only moves toward you to get is dose of petting or to ask for food. Most of the time, cats would rather sleep or groom themselves.



Dogs are different. They are playful, they interact with other people and other dogs as well. They show appreciation to their owner, in one way or another. Men and dogs have become ultimate partners, helping each other... enjoying a complimentary relationship.



Dogs are also utilized outside the home, even in law enforcement. The police have canine units that help them in searching for different dangerous substances or objects. Sometimes, K-9 units are also used to search for missing people. If well trained, these special dogs can detect or identify crime suspects by tagging the smell.



Even blind people immensely benefit from dogs. These dogs serve as the “eyes” of their blind master. These dogs enable blind people to live relatively normal lives, allowing them to leave their homes and enjoy the outdoors much like other people who can see.



Dogs have different personalities. It really depends on the breed or the dog's family history. From being a puppy to an adult dog, they are accompanied by their human masters. These people are familiar to dogs and how they live everyday. The dog's everyday routine is usually dependent on their master's lifestyle.



However, some dogs experience anxiety that almost comes instantly when they are left alone by their master. If they are left alone, these dogs can become destructive, which is their means of expressing frustration or loneliness. This is actually called separation anxiety in dogs. Dogs can become restless and bored, and if they see that their master is not around, they may go out to chew on anything that they can get their paws on --- from slippers, to furniture, to other objects found in the house.



In fact, chewing on certain objects that have the master's smell (socks, shoe, the sofa, or even the door) is one of the many symptoms of separation anxiety in dogs. Other symptoms to watch out for would be continuous barking, uncontrolled “pooping”, and various ways to get master's attention.



Probable causes for such behavior often include dogs that were not properly socialized or dogs that have been living in different homes. With this in mind, owners should take a second look at their dogs and see if they exhibit such behavior. This will give them the idea that their dogs might be suffering from separation anxiety.



Dealing with separation anxiety in dogs can be serious if not threatening for your carpet or sofa. Begin with a no “goodbye” technique. Owners should not give their dogs any hugs before they leave the home. This will only make the dog long for more attention from the owner. Another tip would be to leave some toys or goodies that will help your dog consume its time and takes its attention away from its anxiety.

Anxiety Ends With Us

The positive behavior will occur if you practice relaxation techniques. The stress and anxiety free lifestyle you adapt will be a normal part of your life if you eat correctly and hold tight to the conviction that less is most times more. Other wise anxiety can affect us in an unhealthful manner quite rapidly.

Anxiety is not a hidden agenda in our lives. It is powerful, available and gratefully controllable. As a wise man once said we should not ask why we are anxious we should ask why not? With every aspect of modern life being fast paced and overloaded we have to make a concerted effort to slow down. We also have to be careful not to cause anxious behavior to overflow and spill into the lives of the people with which we are in contact.

Coworkers, spouses, and our children can all be affected by the power our anxiety has on us. Sometimes others can see it long before we even notice it is crowding in on us. Sometimes we can inadvertently create anxiety in others merely by our choice of words or actions. If the cycle of anxiety is going to end it has to be recognized, addressed, and extracted from every aspect of our lives.

Coworkers or employees can experience inadequate work performances simply by working in a stress filled workplace. Slowing the pace and considering how people work better in a stress-free environment is a major step in the right direction. It is not a difficult step and has so many great benefits for everyone involved.

Spouses may only realize there is something wrong yet not fully recognized that stress and anxiety are occurring and causing ripples in the marriage. It is very likely that if one marriage partner is anxious due to money problems, working too much, or parenting issues the other partner is also anxious. This vicious cycle can wreak havoc on a typically loving home and the people who dwell within.

Children live what they learn. They may truly believe they are creating the anxious behavior in mom or dad because of something they did. Young children will internalize and reflect their concerns in guilt. Older children will more likely rebel and act out in school to attempt dealing with the emotional overload of dealing with parents who are not relaxed.

The good news is anxiety is effectively treated in various ways. You can choose to treat anxiety medically, holistically, or personally and gain immediate results. The key to successful treatment of anxiety is to recognize it for what it truly is. There are numerous self-help books, web pages, and meetings available to all ages.

Anxiety Disorder of Celebrities and Media Speculation

Take a look at the tabloid scene today and, chances are, you'll see nothing but second-guesses and armchair diagnoses of Britney Spears' mental health problems. Everything from anxiety disorder to depression, from bi-polar disorder to schizophrenia have been blamed for her recent (and not so recent) behavior. Just a few months prior, the tabloids were doing the exact same thing to Tom Cruise, especially after that infamous moment where he jumped up and down Oprah's couch like a hyperactive, spoiled brat on a sugar high. However, according to the American Psychoanalytic Association, this act of “armchair psychoanalysis” may do more harm than good for Britney Spears, or pretty much anyone that is subjected to the same treatment.



One of the many things that the ASA, along with several other mental health professionals, finds disturbing is the fact that most of these diagnoses are invalid. In a number of cases, assigning problems like anxiety disorder or bi-polar disorder to someone other than the therapist or psychiatrist whom one has never met personally is unprofessional and dangerous. Even with the comprehesive coverage by news media, it still can't detail everything that goes on in a person's life, and even if it could, it still couldn't reveal what exactly was going on in a person's head. The ASA is also worried that these diagnoses showing up on the tabloids are being made by uninformed laymen, who have no idea how to properly discern the signs and symptoms of a mental illness. They contend that while Britney's behavior might show “classic” signs of being bi-polar, it might actually be some rare form of anxiety disorder.



The ASA is concerned not only with the impact such accusations might have on Spears' mental health (which they have declined to speculate on), but also on the public perception of psychology and psychiatry as a whole. According to them, a proper diagnosis emerges from several consultations and meetings with the patient, and not merely the observations of “ridiculous” behavior that the tabloids were making. Even licensed, experienced professionals cannot create a final diagnosis without having spent quite a bit of time with the patient. They also state that the behavior displayed by the media, which is selected to entice the largest reaction out of people, is limited and, thus, impossible to develop a proper diagnosis from.

Another problem that worries the ASA is the possibility that these diagnoses will be taken by the general public as fact. This stems from the fact that Britney Spears' celebrity status, combined with the incorrect diagnoses and outright “labeling” by the tabloids, can give the general public drastic misconceptions on the nature of mood and anxiety disorders. It might also cause people to mistakenly attempt to “self-diagnose” their problems and attribute them to one disorder or another.



The ASA, along with the National Institute of Mental Health is concerned that this might lead to the general public developing a viewpoint that over-simplifies mental illnesses, which is not the case. The human mind, as well as all disorders or illnesses that it contracts, is a complex structure. They also point out that attempting to diagnose any mental illness when the patient might have a substance abuse problem is highly improbable during the best of circumstances, let alone under media-controlled scrutiny.