The Problems that Plague Us: Anxiety and Stress

By Trevor Mosley

Anxiety and stress have become part of the parcel of our everyday lives. Anxiety is an emotional response that every individual feels and it has a very meaningful purpose. However, when these emotions become uncontrollable, they can have adverse effects that impede our daily routines.

The theory that stress is the contributing cause of anxiety is widely known. Thus, in order to effectively overcome anxiety, stamping out the root of the problem is advised. Knowing what causes you the undue amount of stress is often the optimum diagnosis. The problem is that stress is a subjective disorder and hundreds of factors can lead to the culmination of stress.

Endorphins are the body's natural pain reliever and mood enhancer. But in some, when anxiety and stress give way to panic and terror the release of this neurotransmitter into the brain is inhibited and it's effects go unrealized throughout the body causing an exaggerated sense of dread.

This heightened mental state can cause one to panic and behave irrationally. The fear is so crippling that one is rendered dysfunctional and hysterical. Panic attacks alone are not harmful to the physical body but repeated episodes can have destructive side effects on the individual.

The Start Of The Cycle

The onset of a full blown panic attack brought on by excessive worry is swift and comes without warning. Restlessness becomes prominent and the hands become moist with sweat while their complexion is either pale or flushed but always clammy. They perceive an unrealistic view of the current situation and things quickly deteriorate into a terror that is so crippling that many of the stricken feel as they will die right then and there, the situation is so dire that they will not survive. The attacks can last from minutes to hours but average about 30-45 minutes in length. The experience leaves them physically exhausted and mentally drained.

Anxiety and stress can also cause long term effects that are destructive in nature. The victim is often lethargic as he is unable to fall asleep due to constant worrying. Sleep deprivation can cause physical conditions such as migraines and irritability and clenched jaws and grinding teeth. The victim now also lacks the ability to concentrate as he is easily irritable. In worst case scenarios, he develops an explosive behaviour.

If treatment is not immediately sought, the victim can develop agoraphobia, which is a fear of the outdoors. He will refuse to leave the safety of his house. This only aggravates matters because now he has another problem on his hands, and he will to worry about his anxiety attacks.

Treatment And Recovery

Anxiety and stress can also bring about physiological problems such as hypoglycemia,thyroid disorders and many other myocardial conditions. These conditions can be treated, although the sufferer must tackle them at the root of the problem. People who live with mood disorders usually respond well to treatments such as medications, behaviour modification and psychotherapy. Generally, a combination of these three forms of treatment is advised for a holistic solution.

A lifestyle revamp is also important if one is to cure himself of panic attacks. Adopting a healthier lifestyle and exercising regularly not only have physical benefits but it also eliminates stress and clears one's mind. One's dietary habits should also change, and the consumption of health supplements and healthy food will contribute to mental wellness. Hypnotherapy can also help one to overcome some phobias and it is fast becoming a popular choice of treatment. The key to keeping future episodes in check is to detect the problem early and seek treatment immediately. - 30450

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Coping With Panic Attacks: What You Need to Know

By Trevor Mosley

Coping with panic attacks is a process that does not happen overnight. It requires the victim to devise a treatment plan that comprises of behaviour modification, relaxation techniques, medications as well as psychotherapies. When the treatments are combined, the victim can then manage his stress well. There are factors that cause stress levels to fluctuate: work commitments, family responsibilities etc. With ever mounting pressure, one becomes prone to panic attacks. Here are a few tips you can heed when coping with panic attacks.

Medications

Benzodiazepines type medicine such as Valium, Xanax and Ativan are prescription drugs meant to help a patient deal with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). They are used as a mean to provide short term relief.

For long term treatment, the patient may be given Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI's) such as Prozac, Paxil or Zoloft. In severe cases, patients may be prescribed anti-seizure drugs. It is important that the patient use these forms of drugs occasionally and only when needed because they can impede the body's natural system of coping with panic attacks.

Therapy and Counselling

During therapy sessions, the patient is taught several techniques that will help him to relax. He is also encouraged to make some positive changes in the way he thinks and in his lifestyle. He also learns how to divert these thoughts so that they become positive and rationalised, allowing him to overcome his fears head on.

The patient is also urged to learn more and understand the causes and symptoms of panic attacks. The knowledge that he acquires will prepare him should a panic attack act up again. Yoga and meditation sessions are effective in soothing one's mind as well and are therapeutic sessions where the patient is freed of stress. He can seek solace in support groups where he will find fellow victims.

Natural Remedies

Eons ago, our ancestors have discovered many medicinal herbs that assist one in coping with anxiety. These herbal remedies are available in the form of warm tea or tincture. They can help one sleep better as well as relax his mood.

* St. John's Wort

* Passionflower

* Catnip tea

* Skullcap

* Passionflower

* Skullcap

* Kava

Health supplements and vitamins can be taken if one is determined to attain mental wellness. Popping Bacopin can help to bring down one's anxiety level. Vitamin B-12 helps with the release of essential neurotransmitters into the brain too. Chamomile is also unmatched when it comes to its effects to relieving stress. It is known to have a tranquilizing effect and it inhibits the release of stress causing chemicals.

Best of the Rest

There are several methods that have risen in eminence in recent years. These holistic methods help to improve overall health, which is more effective than isolating and treating a symptom at a time. A person under hypnosis is able to shift his attention away from his fears and onto positive and rational thoughts. Exercising helps to enhance one's mood. A person who exercises regularly is also able to sleep better. Exercising also allows one to let out all his pent up emotions.

Another technique that is fast becoming popular is the stimulation of one's brain to trigger endorphins. They are natural mood enhancers that are produced when one is exercising or having an intense work out. Endorphins are also released after sex. Acupuncture sessions restore one's calmness through the stimulation of endorphins. - 30450

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Overcoming A Fear Of Snakes

By Trevor Johnson

Probably more people than not are afraid of snakes. For the most part, fear of snakes is totally irrational and comes from a lack of true information about snakes. A bad experience with a snake or a fear learned from a parent who was scared of snakes can make you believe that all snakes are to be feared when in fact that is not true at all.

The best way to calm your fear of snakes is to educate yourself about them. While there are some venomous snakes, most are not harmful and they are very useful. Snakes help keep the population of rats, mice and vermin down.

Most snakes are not aggressive towards people and they would rather run and hide from you and they will do so if you give them the chance. Some snakes are territorial towards their home, but they still don't want anything to do with you and will avoid you if at all possible.

A snake will strike if it thinks it's life is in jeopardy. A snake that feels it is in danger of being stepped on or picked up will likely strike. If you are walking outside where there could be a snake, just pay attention to where you step. Snakes like to lay under rocks or logs so take care if you move one. Despite tales you may have been told, a snake will not usually chase a person.

On the off chance that you do suffer a snake bite, seek medical attention, but stay calm. Most snake bites are not harmful and if you keep the bite clean and don't let it get infected, it shouldn't cause you any problems. Even a bite from a poisonous snake is not usually fatal if you get medical attention immediately.

The best thing you can do to help you overcome your fear of snakes is to educate yourself. Snakes might make you a little uncomfortable, but in most cases they aren't a danger to you and we really do need them. - 30450

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