Re: Anxiety (Great Prospsects For Anxieety Recovery)

[Guest guest]

HI..I had the kind of anxiety that interfered with my life for most of

my life..until several years ago. I not only had panic attacks I was

also agoraphobic and had trouble leaving my home. I could not drive

alone and was told by doctors that this was not cureable. For many

years I was given heavy medications that did nothing to alleviate the

symptoms.

I was fortunate enough..(as if there are accidents..LOL) to eventually

come upon a place that was a center put together by recovered anxiety

and agoraphobic patients for anxiety and agoraphobic patients. It is

one of the best centers in the country today and I now drive and no

longer deal with this issue....most people with this severe type of

anxiety learn to control this disorder with cognitive behavior therapy

and can eventually come off medication as well....a major key to

overcoming this disorder is ....changing negative thinking patterns.

Sound familiar?

I would just like to offer this information here for those that may

have be dealing with phobias or anxiety or anxiety disorders including

social phobias and even some OCD...there is a lot of hope and this is

one of the most treatable forms of mental health issues around today

The most important thing is to find the right person to diagnose and

treat it....many doctors will diagnose anxiety as other things such as

bi-polar or more serious disorders so that HMO's will pay for

medications and confuse body symptoms created by adrenaline, cortisol

and other fight and flight chemicals with medical conditions which

they are not.......

So if you think you may suffer from an anxiety disorder have a good

physical by your family MD and then seek treatment for anxiety

disorder if nothing serious comes back..which is usually the case with

anxiety disorders ...I would be happy to give the name of the highly

accredited organization that I worked with to anyone who believes they

might find help there and they can help you evaluate your anxiety or

depression and take steps to get you the proper help also.They have a

huge staff of doctors and therapists trained in psychiatry..but most

of the counsellors got their degrees after recovering from anxiety

disorders.

Much Love and Light to you

Kathy

>

> Anxiety

> Feeling worried or nervous is a normal part of everyday life.

>

> Everyone frets or feels anxious from time to time.

>

> Mild to moderate anxiety can be an effective means of helping you

focus your attention, energy, and motivation.

>

> However, if anxiety is severe, you may have feelings of

helplessness, confusion, and extreme worry that are out of proportion

with the actual seriousness or likelihood of the feared event.

>

> Anxiety that becomes overwhelming and interferes with daily life is

not normal.

>

> This type of anxiety may be a symptom of another problem, such as

depression.

>

> Anxiety can cause physical and emotional symptoms.

>

> A specific situation or fear can cause some or all of these symptoms

for a short time.

>

> When the situation passes, the symptoms usually go away.

>

> Physical symptoms of anxiety include:

>

> a.. Trembling, twitching, or shaking.

> b.. Feeling of fullness in the throat or chest.

> c.. Breathlessness or rapid heartbeat.

> d.. Lightheadedness or dizziness.

> e.. Sweating or cold, clammy hands.

> f.. Excessive startle reflex.

> g.. Muscle tension, aches, or soreness (myalgias).

> h.. Fatigue.

> i.. Sleep problems, such as the inability to fall asleep or stay

asleep, early waking, or restless, unsatisfying sleep.

> Anxiety affects the part of the brain that helps control creative

expression and complex communication.

>

> This makes it more difficult to express yourself creatively or

function effectively in relationships.

>

> Emotional symptoms of anxiety include:

>

> a.. Restlessness, irritability, or feeling on edge or keyed up.

> b.. Excessive worrying.

> c.. Fearing that something bad is going to happen; sense of

impending doom.

> d.. Inability to concentrate; " blanking out. "

> e.. Constant feelings of sadness.

> Anxiety disorders

> Anxiety disorders occur when people have both physical and emotional

symptoms.

>

> Anxiety disorders interfere with personal relationships with others

and affect daily activities.

>

> Women are twice as likely as men to have problems with anxiety

disorders.

>

> Many people, including children and teenagers, develop anxiety

disorders in which many of these symptoms occur when there is no

identifiable cause.

>

> Many people with an anxiety disorder say they have felt nervous and

anxious all their lives.

>

> This problem can occur at any age.

>

> Children who have at least one parent with the diagnosis of

depression are more than twice as likely to have an anxiety disorder

than children with nondepressed parents.

>

> Generalized anxiety disorders often occur with other problems, such

as depression, substance abuse, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and

post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

>

> An anxiety disorder also can be caused by a physical problem, such

as heart or lung disease.

>

> A complete medical examination may be needed before an anxiety

disorder can be diagnosed.

>

> Panic attacks

> Panic attacks occur when a person has distinct periods of intense

fear and anxiety when there is no clear cause or danger.

>

> These symptoms come on suddenly and without warning.

>

> Panic attacks are a common anxiety-related disorder.

>

> Panic attacks can sometimes occur in otherwise normal, healthy

people and will usually last for several minutes.

>

> Physical symptoms that can occur during a panic attack include

feelings of choking or suffocating, chest pain, nausea, shaking,

sweating, pounding of the heart, and feeling dizzy or faint.

>

> Sometimes these symptoms are so intense that the person fears he or

she is having a heart attack.

>

> Many of the symptoms of a panic attack can occur with other

illnesses, such as hyperthyroidism, coronary artery disease, or

chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

>

> A complete medical examination may be needed before an anxiety

disorder can be diagnosed.

>

> People who have repeated unexpected panic attacks and worry about

the attacks are said to have a panic disorder.

>

> Phobias

> Phobias are irrational, involuntary fears of specific places,

objects, activities, or situations.

>

> Most people deal with phobias by avoiding the situation or object

that causes them to feel panic (avoidance behavior).

>

> Phobias are a common anxiety-related disorder.

>

> A phobic disorder occurs when the avoidance behavior becomes so

extreme that it interferes with your ability to participate in your

daily activities.

>

> There are three main types of phobic disorders:

>

> a.. Fear of being alone or in public places where help might not

be available or escape is impossible (agoraphobia)

> b.. Fear of situations where the individual might be exposed to

criticism by others (social phobia)

> c.. Fear of specific things (specific phobia)

> Review the Emergencies and Check Your Symptoms sections to determine

if and when you need to see a health professional.

>

> Emergencies

> Do you have any of the following symptoms that require emergency

treatment?

>

> Call 911 or other emergency services immediately.

>

> a.. Chest pain that is crushing, squeezing, or feels like a

heavy weight on the chest or that occurs with any other symptoms of a

heart attack

> b.. Seriously considering harming yourself or someone else with

a plan that includes:

> a.. Having the means, such as weapons or medications,

available to commit suicide or do harm to another person

> b.. Having set a time and place to commit suicide

> c.. Thinking there is no other way to solve your problem or

end your pain

> Check Your Symptoms

> If you answer yes to any of the following questions, click on the

" Yes " in front of the question for information about how soon to see a

health professional.

>

> Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

>

> Yes

> Does anxiety interfere with your daily activities?

>

> See significance of anxiety that interferes with daily activities if

you need information to help you answer the questions below.

>

> Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

>

> Call your health professional immediately if you answer " Yes " to any

of the following questions.

>

> Yes

> Are you thinking of committing suicide but do not have a plan?

>

> Yes

> Have you had a change in your mental health and you are thinking

about harming yourself or someone else?

>

> Call your health professional today if you answer " Yes " to the

following question.

>

> Yes

> Are you no longer able to perform your daily activities?

>

> You need an appointment within the next 1 to 2 weeks if you answer

" Yes " to any of the following questions.

>

> Yes

> Do general feelings of anxiety interfere with your daily activities?

>

> Yes

> Do you have intense, irrational fears of common places, objects, or

situations?

>

> Yes

> Are you unable to feel certain about things, such as whether you

unplugged the iron, no matter how many times you check?

>

> Yes

> Do repetitive actions that you cannot control interfere with your

daily activities?

>

> Yes

> Are your symptoms severe despite 1 week of home treatment?

>

> If you have answered " No " to the above questions, go back to Check

Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your

Symptoms.

>

>

> Yes

> Do you have sudden, severe attacks of fear or anxiety when there is

no apparent reason to be afraid?

>

> See significance of sudden, severe episodes of fear or anxiety if

you need information to help you answer the questions below.

>

> Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

>

> Call your health professional immediately if you answer " Yes " to the

following question.

>

> Yes

> Are you thinking of committing suicide but do not have a plan?

>

> You need an appointment within the next 1 to 2 weeks if you answer

" Yes " to the following question.

>

> Yes

> Are your symptoms of fear or anxiety severe after 1 week of home

treatment?

>

> If you have answered " No " to the above questions, go back to Check

Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your

Symptoms.

>

>

> Yes

> Do you think your anxiety may be caused or made worse by a medication?

>

> See significance of medications causing anxiety if you need

information to help you answer the questions below.

>

> Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

>

> Call your health professional today if you answer " Yes " to any of

the following questions.

>

> Yes

> Do you think your feelings of anxiety are caused by a medication?

>

> Yes

> Have you experienced new feelings of anxiety after starting a new

medication?

>

> Yes

> Did your anxiety become worse after starting a new medication?

>

> Note: If you answered Yes to any of the above questions:

>

> a.. Call the health professional who prescribed the

medication to determine whether you should stop taking the medication

or take a different one. An appointment may not be necessary.

> b.. If you are taking a nonprescription medication, stop

taking the medicine. Call your health professional if you feel you

need to continue taking the medication.

>

>

> If you have answered " No " to the above questions, go back to Check

Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your

Symptoms.

>

>

> Yes

> Do you suffer from recurrent nightmares or flashbacks of traumatic

events?

>

> See significance of post-traumatic stress if you need information to

help you answer the question below.

>

> Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

>

> You need an appointment within the next 1 to 2 weeks if you answer

" Yes " to the following question.

>

> Yes

> Do you have severe nightmares or flashbacks, even after 1 to 2 weeks

of home treatment?

>

> If you have answered " No " to the above questions, go back to Check

Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your

Symptoms.

>

>

> If a visit to a health professional is not needed immediately, see

the Home Treatment section for self-care information.

>

> Home Treatment

> Home treatment, combined with professional treatment, can help

relieve anxiety.

>

> a.. Recognize and accept your anxiety about specific fears or

situations, and then make a plan for dealing with them. For example,

if you are constantly worrying about finances, set up a budget or

savings plan.

> b.. Don't dwell on past problems. Change what you can to help you

feel more comfortable with present concerns, but let go of past

problems or things you cannot change.

> c.. Be kind to your body:

> a.. Relieve tension with vigorous exercise or massage.

> b.. Practice relaxation techniques. For more information, see

the topic Stress Management.

> c.. Get enough rest. If you have trouble sleeping, see the topic

Sleep Problems, Age 12 and Older.

> d.. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, chocolate, and nicotine. They may

increase your anxiety level.

> d.. Engage your mind:

> a.. Get out and do something you enjoy, such as going to a funny

movie or taking a walk or hike.

> b.. Plan your day. Having too much or too little to do can make

you more anxious.

> c.. Keep a record of your symptoms. Discuss your fears with a

good friend. Confiding in others sometimes relieves stress.

> e.. Get involved in social groups, or volunteer to help others.

Being alone can make things seem worse than they are.

> f.. Learn about resources available in your community:

> a.. Talk with your human resources officer about counseling

benefits that may be available through your employee assistance program.

> b.. Check with your insurance company to see what mental health

benefits are available.

> c.. Contact your public health department for information on

community mental health programs.

> Symptoms to Watch For During Home Treatment

> Use the Check Your Symptoms section to evaluate your symptoms if

symptoms become more frequent or severe during home treatment.

>

> Prevention

> You can help prevent anxiety attacks.

>

> a.. Avoid caffeine, such as coffee, tea, Mountain Dew, colas, and

chocolate. Caffeine can keep you in a tense, aroused condition.

> b.. Do not smoke or use smokeless (spit) tobacco products.

Nicotine stimulates many physical and psychological processes, causes

your blood vessels to constrict, and makes your heart work harder.

> c.. Exercise during the day. Even a brisk walk around the block

may help you stay calm. For more information, see the topic Fitness.

> Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help prevent additional attacks of

anxiety or panic.

>

> Preparing For Your Appointment

> To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of

Your Appointment.

>

> You can help your health professional diagnose and treat your

condition by being prepared to answer the following questions:

>

> a.. What is your major symptom?

> b.. How long have you had your symptoms? Do they come and go, or

are they always present?

> c.. What triggers the onset of your symptoms?

> d.. What makes your symptoms better or worse?

> e.. Do you have other symptoms that may be related to your major

symptom? Symptoms may include:

> a.. Rapid or irregular heartbeat.

> b.. Nausea or vomiting.

> c.. Numbness or weakness.

> d.. Excessive sweating.

> e.. Feeling that you are not able to get enough air (air hunger).

> f.. Restlessness, irritability, or feeling on edge.

> g.. Feeling depressed.

> f.. Have you ever had a similar problem in the past? If so, how

was it treated?

> g.. Has anyone else in your family ever been diagnosed with an

anxiety disorder or depression?

> h.. Has anyone in your family committed suicide or tried to commit

suicide?

> i.. What prescription or nonprescription medications are you

currently using?

> j.. What herbal supplements are you taking?

> k.. Are you using alcohol or illegal drugs, such as marijuana or

cocaine, to manage your symptoms?

> l.. Do you smoke or use other tobacco products?

> m.. Do you have any health risks?

>