Remedies for Depression

Posts Tagged ‘Anxiety Attack’

One of the worst things about a panic attack is that its symptoms often mirror other health conditions, so it might take a while for you to realize that your suffering is caused by anxiety and nervousness and you might not receive the proper treatment. Even if you have never suffered from a panic attack before, it is important that you learn about the symptoms of an attack. This way, should you start exhibiting any of these symptoms you can ask yourself if they are related to your mental or your physical health?

Here is a list of the most common panic attack symptoms

· Chest pain

· Feeling light headed or dizzy

· Feeling intense fear of losing control

· Feeling intense fear of embarrassment

· Feeling like you have lost touch with your surroundings (or the people in them)

· An impending feeling of doom or that something terrible is going to happen

· Feeling like you are about to die

· Heart palpitations

· Heart beats too fast

· Pounding heartbeat

· Cold or hot flashes

· Sweating

· Trembling

· Upset or uncomfortable stomach

· Nausea or Diarrhea

· Tingling or numbness in your feet or hands

· Tingling lips and or/numbness around your mouth

· The feeling of being suffocated

· Hyperventilation

· Cramping and/or curling of fingers and toes

Many of these symptoms are associated with other physical conditions like a heart attack or the stomach flu. When you start to feel these symptoms it is important that you learn how to take a step back and ask yourself why you might be feeling these symptoms. Learn some relaxation techniques and practice them when you feel the onset of panic attack symptoms. If the symptoms go away, you were having a panic attack. If there is still pain or discomfort (but you no longer feel out of control), you are likely having a physical problem and should see a doctor.

If you have a relative that suffers from panic or anxiety attacks on a regular basis, it is likely that you will also experience them in your lifetime as well. Of course, the only person who can diagnose you with an anxiety disorder is a mental health professional. If you think that you might be at risk for an anxiety disorder or you start to notice panic attack symptoms happening on a regular basis, you should find a good counselor.

Together you, your counselor, your friends and your family can work to figure out the best way to help you prevent as well as work through an attack. It is very important that you tell your friends and family about the panic attack symptoms so that they can be on the alert for them. Sometimes you might not be able to calm yourself down, but another person will have success.

Learning to recognize the signs and the symptoms is the best way to stay in control of your anxiety.

Panic and anxiety attacks are problems that affect a large number of people. They can be somewhat scary but for most people they are relatively mild and don’t occur all that often. A panic attack may happen a few times, but it is usually not a chronic problem.
Panic disorders, on the other hand, can be much more severe. People who suffer from these disorders live in constant fear and anxiety, for ongoing periods of time.
The symptoms of isolated panic attacks and chronic disorder are much the same. A disorder is more difficult to deal with because part of what makes it worse is the constant worrying about when the next attack will come. This makes the attack that much more severe, and the viscious cycle continues to get worse.
Panic disorder needs to be treated as quickly as possible. If it isn’t treated properly, it will continue to escalate and can lead to a condition called agoraphobia, where the sufferer remains housebound because of their fear of having an attack while in public situations.
These panic disorders affect a wide age group. They can show up in the teenage years right through adulthood. Major stresses or changes in a person’s life can sometimes trigger them. The effects of panic can range from mild to very serious, in some cases causing social withdrawal and the earlier mentioned agoraphobia.
Symptoms of both panic attacks and panic disorders include the following:
- Chest pains
- Dizziness and/or lightheadedness
- Elevated heartbeat
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea and other stomach problems
- Shaking or trembling
- Difficulty breathing
- Tingling sensation in your extremeties
Panic disorders also often include the following symptoms:
- Lingering worry
- Fear of the next panic attack
- Depression
- Social withdrawal
While the symptoms of panic attacks and disorders are similar, the effect they can have on a person’s life is vastly different. In either case, however, it is best to discuss the problem with your doctor. They will be able to give you a more thorough diagnosis and prescribe the appropriate treatment plan.

Copyright (c) 2007 Kevin Reilly

Where did this monster living inside you come from? What is happening? Between breathing rapidly and cloudy vision and feeling like your heart is racing so quickly and thumping so loudly, why can’t you understand the cause of all of this? And, what is this tingling in your legs, arms and fingers? And now, your throat feels as if it is closing up, your chest is tightening, and your head is spinning. Usually your mind will wander to the absolute worst conclusions. Plus, there is a scary thought of dying or having a heart attack or stroke. Unfortunately, these are not the only horrible thoughts going through your mind. While these negative thoughts are overtaking the brain, symptoms seem to escalate to the point of shock and horror. These overwhelming emotions have caused lack of concentration and movement, and the only thing logical, at this point, is to escape from these fears and from reality any way possible. The scariest thing of all is that it literally feels as if you are dying.

Once the symptoms pass, and you can breathe easier, and you are still alive, all you can do is hope that these feelings never return again. However, they do come back. This fear of impending doom reoccurs again and again. The thought of experiencing these feelings again petrify you to the point that it is endlessly on your mind. This, in turn, causes you to have more panic attacks. Hence, a never ending vicious cycle occurs!

Panic attacks-the most dreadful word to many who have experienced it. Not only is it frightening, but it is numbing. It is numbing to the point that it has wounded your innermost spirit. Depression sets in and sometimes even suicidal thoughts occur. The hope of ever feeling normal again has vanished. You surround yourself with emptiness and abandon those who care for you, so as not to embarrass yourself. The way you used to experience life has disappeared, now your life is empty. Sadly, your existence has drastically changed to the point you just do not want to remain in this life anymore.

There is hope! You can eliminate these sensations or feelings of impending doom from reoccurring. Hope is what you need to conquer these attacks when they creep up on you. Whether this is your first time researching about panic attacks, or you have been studying them and just want to learn more, you have come to the right place. The purpose of this series of articles is to provide information on the true definition of panic attacks, the many different symptoms and causes, and tips for overcoming and controlling them. Although you may have tried many medicines and different kinds of therapy, and still cannot get a handle on them, read on! Evidently, your feelings of hopelessness are what brought you here to read these articles in the first place. Take a few minutes to learn some valuable information that could possibly change your life! ______________________________________________________________________________

In order to overcome panic attacks a fundamental re-haul of the relationship you have with both anxiety and panic is required. Your attitude, judgments and beliefs need to be carefully re-considered in terms of how your react to a stressful situation.

The typical self-help systems in place are those that force you to list your strengths, prioritize your goals, at times adopting new behaviors, whilst also recording any changes in your own behavior. Even though this method does have power it is the attitude, not the technique, that will ultimately relieve you from panic.

Halt your usual instinctive reactions to stressful situations. What you want to do is face your panic head on by lowering your guard and moving into the exact situations you dislike so much. With time you should become less panicked by the same, and possibly other, stress causing situations.

A healthy, positive attitude to panic is essential. Normally people who suffer from panic attacks have the following attitudes:

‘This situation is testing me’
‘I must be alert, and on guard’
‘I want to avoid panic symptoms’
‘Panic is the worst thing that can happen, its my nasty enemy’
‘Nobody should know about my panic attacks’

What the sufferer really needs to be thinking is:

‘This situation is good practice for overcoming panic’
‘I must lower my guard and face my panic’
‘I want to face my panic symptoms so as to gain the necessary anti-panic skills’
‘What is there that I can learn about my panicking’
‘I am not ashamed of my panic attacks’

What is often a problem is the poor image mental health problems have in the general psyche. Employees with standard ailments like colds or funerals, however bereaved, can tell their bosses with confidence that they need some time off. Much more difficult is explaining that you need time off work due to depression, or that you can’t make the meeting in another country due to being scared of flying.

Compounding the problem, many anxiety and panic sufferers get a feeling of inadequacy and uselessness when unable to control their emotions and movements in stressful situations. A feeling of being lesser dominates what you and everyone else were once able to do with the minimum of fuss. All these negative factors act to increasingly promote this mental illness.

Problems with panic are best combated by furthering your own self-worth, self-love and self-confidence. Criticizing yourself actually starts a process of option restriction, interaction with others becomes lessened. As you start to feel a lowered self-worth rejection begins to be something you feel needs avoiding.

To move on in life positive affirmations are required. Two main areas of confidence to work on are:

Ideas on who you are.
Plans on what it is that you’ll need to do to succeed in your life.

Discussions of these issues with good friends or in self-help groups can be hugely beneficial. For problems that don’t seem to disappear a visit to a mental health professional may be just what is required.

At the start of this road to recovery process you might have to initially act as though you believe the positive actions and beliefs you are newly adopting. With sustained practice there should be no reason why you don’t make a full recovery, freeing yourself from your shackles of dread and self-loathing.

Panic attack can sneak up on a person like stealth, bring on an intense and overwhelming feeling of fear and then dissipate. Those who have experienced it for the first time are at a loss to explain what they just went through and will often times be left in a “muck lather” of sweat. It’s a frightening experience simply because there is generally no warning it’s about to happen.
Panic Attack Facts
Agoraphobia can be a complication of panic attacks and is described as a fear of public places. Basically, people with agoraphobia fear having a panic attack in areas which could cause them embarrassment. This can lead to social withdrawal of crowded areas.
Will You Develop Panic Disorder?
Panic disorder can be difficult to diagnose simply because an assessment of other pre existing disorders needs to be made. Before panic disorder can be successfully diagnosed, a doctor will need to rule out other conditions.
This is no reason to continue to ignore the symptoms because unless it is established and then treated, the condition can remain chronic and only get worse. A one time panic attack episode is no reason to be concern about developing chronic panic disorder. In fact, panic attack is common; most who suffer one will have just an isolated incidence of it but continued attacks should not be ignored.
Chronic conditions can severely restrict a person’s lifestyle. Generally, a feeling of being in fear of the next attack will play on the mind which can then lead to withdrawing from certain lifestyle situations. For example, if an attack occurred in a certain place, the answer would be to avoid that place in the future.
Feelings of anticipated anxiety can pervade a person’s thoughts. Without correct diagnosis and treatment other issues could follow such as depression and abuse of certain substances such as drugs and alcohol. The correct course of action is to get help rather than withdrawing from the things you once enjoyed.
Medication As A Treatment Option
There are two types of medication used to treat panic disorder. Your doctor will decide the best course of action with you. Trycyclic antidepressants or reuptake inhibitors and Benzodiazepines may be used either individually or in conjunction with one another.
Antidepressants are effective however, they are not an immediate relief factor while benzodiazepines are fast acting but are not a long term solution as they have addictive qualities and side effects.
CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) has been used effectively and is a course of treatment designed to help a person eliminate damaging thought patterns and better cope with their fears.

When it comes to attacks, it can be tough to diagnose. An panic attack is certainly not a pleasure to deal with. For those individuals who suffer from a panic disorder, you probably already know just how difficult it can be - nausea, shortness of breath, generalized anxiety, fear of losing control, you feel like you’re having a heart attack, etc. are just a few of the symptoms and you just want relief from these kinds of situations.There are many individuals that run away from their panic attacks. Why do they do this? Simply because they believe it is all in their mind. When you have an attack it disrupts your normal way of life. You should find some way to treat those panic disorders as soon as possible. Serious emotional disturbance, depression, shyness, alcohol addiction, behavioral problems and stress can lead to severe problems. In many cases an attack could be mistaken as heart disease or some other type of illness that is similar. Many individuals that have panic attacks are unnecessarily admitted into the hospital. An attack can come out of the blue, but there’s many symptoms that may signal the onset of an immenent panic attack approaching. If you have a fear of losing control, then this could be a symptom. Or in some cases the victim becomes afraid of death happening at any time. Some other symptoms of panic attacks include: Heart palpitations, chest pains, difficulty breathing, lightheadedness, dizziness, sweating and trembling. You may also have chills going through your body and tingling or numbness in your hands. There’s many ways in which you can avoid the anguish and the mental humiliation of a panic attack.What does a panic attack feel like? If you’re feeling any of these physical symptoms and it gets to severe and you think you’re experiencing a panic attack, then you should talk to your physician. Don’t allow it to require emergency treatment, you may have a panic disorder and therapy and medication might be called for. However, many times emegency treatment can be avoided.

The concept of depression is broad and encompasses a number of different phenomena. The term is used in the vernacular to refer to a simple “blue” mood. In a medical sense it can label anything from a long-lingering feeling of hollowness to a critical situation ending in a suicide.

The simple “down mood” or “bad hair day” really isn’t depression at all. It’s merely the experience of normal human emotions in response to external and internal factors. Every case of being sad or lonely is not an example of depression. Low feelings are normal and even healthy. Depression refers to more severe cases where those negative feelings take hold and have a more serious or lasting influence on one’s well-being or ability to function.

There are three types of depression, all of which share that similarity. One is known as dysthymia. Dysthymia is a chronic, low-grade depression that lasts over a long period of time. This type of depression is “sneaky” and may not be spotted easily. Its long-lasting nature allows one to “adjust” to its symptoms somewhat, making a depressed mood seem like the normal every day nature of things.

Dysthymia sufferers have the overall quality of their lives undermined by depression, often without realizing it. They may think they are simply dour people or that life is inevitably something less than enjoyable.

Those with dysthymia are able to function with a high degree of normalcy, but are constantly nagged by feelings of sadness, despair, loneliness and related emotions.

Situational depression can have more severe symptoms. This is the form of depression that rears its head in direct response to external circumstances. Any number of traumas or trying events can trigger a bout of situational depression. The death of a loved one, or the loss of a job, for instance, may produce intense and temporarily debilitating depressive symptoms.

The key to differentiating situation depression from its clinical counterpart is the temporary nature of the symptomology and the fact that it can often be traced back to a specific cause. One should note that traumatic events can also herald the onset of clinical depression, however.

Those suffering from situational depression may find life very difficult for a period of time. They may feel agitated or nervous, have disruptions in sleeping habits, or experience other common depressive symptoms. However, the problem usually passes as the individual learns to cope with the problems that triggered the episode.

Clinical depression is more severe. If one experiences symptoms that interfere with regular functioning for a period longer than two weeks in length, they may be suffering from clinical depression. Clinical depression can last indefinitely and can be quite devastating.

The hallmark of clinical depression is the inability to enjoy almost any aspect of life. In some cases, the sufferer may even begin to consider suicide as an alternative to continuing on in their depressed state. Symptoms can run the gamut from a vague sense of unease to utter and complete hopelessness.

Interventions are usually required for one to overcome clinical depression. These can involve the use of psychotherapy, prescription antidepressants and other strategies aimed at solving the problem. Those who do not seek treatment for this condition may find the problem literally fatal in the long run. Fortunately, these methods can often be successful in helping one overcome the dreaded symptoms of clinical depression.

Depression is a growing problem, and as the epidemic continues to grow, it only makes sense for all of us to gain a better understanding of the disease. The World Health Organization posits that by the year 2020 depression will be second most devastating disease facing humanity, second only to heart disease in its impact. Depression touches the lives of most everyone and all of us should develop a stronger appreciation of what separates depression from simply having a “lousy week.”

Although the term “depression” may encompass many things in popular use, in a strict sense it refers to one of the three variations mentioned in this article. Dysthymia, situational depression and clinical depression represent the three primary types of depression. They share a great deal in common, but can be differentiated from one another by the severity of their symptoms and their longevity.

Because a lot of people today do not like taking medications for their disorders, they often opt for alternate medication for their anxiety.  This includes aromatherapy, acupuncture, herbal supplements and meditation.  These will work well if the anxiety is not severe and there is no severe underlying depression that is causing the anxiety or panic disorder.

We all get anxious once in a while - we wouldn’t be human if we did not have some anxiety in our lives.  But some people have extreme anxiety while others have mild anxiety.  The difference would be someone who suffered frequent anxiety attacks caused by an underlying condition such as obsessive compulsive disorder or panic disorder.  These conditions cannot be mixed with those who suffer from anxiety over taking a math test. 

In cases where the anxiety is not as severe to the point where it is stopping someone from doing their every day business, they may try alternate means of treatment before they resort to medications.  Some of the alternate means of treatment include:

Herbal supplements

Kava , St. John’s Wort, Valerian and Sam-e are all herbal remedies that have been known to quell minor anxiety and depression.  Kava has a very calming effect and can be taken a few days a week to help with minor anxiety.  St. John’s Wort is better in treating depression, that often accompanies anxiety.  Valerian and Sam-e of the newest herbal supplements that have shown promise in helping with anxiety attacks.  However, you should not take these supplements along with prescription remedies and if you find that they are not helping you, you  should talk to your doctor about another option.  These herbal supplements are made for those with mild to moderate anxiety and depression and not for those with severe disorders. 

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is the anxiety healing art of inhaling infused oils that will get into your bloodstream and cure whatever ails you.  Aromatherapy can also be used when mixed with other oils as a massage oil. Many people swear by this type of treatment in that it does them wonders.  Again, this type of alternative therapy is made for those who have mild to moderate forms of anxiety or depression. 

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a way that some people use to rid themselves of all sorts of problems, including anxiety and depression.  Acupuncture has been around for thousands of years and can help heal aches, pains and even headaches.  Some people who suffer from depression or anxiety swear by this healing method which has its roots in ancient China. 

Meditation

Meditation is yet another way that you can help yourself overcome your anxiety attacks.  Meditation is something that has been around for thousands of years and is often associated with Hinduism or Buddhism.  But it is also very good for finding peace of mind when you are trying to relax.  You can take a class in meditation or you can watch a DVD to learn how to master this ancient eastern practice.

IMAGINE GETTING RID OF YOUR ANXIETY AND PANIC ATTACKS WITHOUT GOING TO THE DOCTOR! http://www.nomorepanicstory.net
However first you need to know if you actually suffer from panic attacks.
A TYPICAL PANIC ATTACK
You feel a sudden surge of overwhelming anxiety and fear. Your heart pounds and you can´t breathe. You feel dizzy and sick to your stomach. You may even feel like you are going crazy or dying.
There are 13 symptoms to look out for and if you experience at least 4 of these symptoms culminating within a period of ten to fifteen minutes and then slowly diminishing within a couple of hours you are having a panic attack.
Always go to a doctor to check your heart the first time you experience something like this. It could be a heart attack.
If you experience these symptoms and there is nothing wrong with your heart or you just seem to be too young to have a heart attack you can be sure it is an anxiety attack.
HERE ARE THE 13 SYMPTOMS TO LOOK OUT FOR:
Raging heartbeat.
Difficulty breathing.
Terror that is paralyzing.
Fear of losing control.
Heart palpitation.
Dizziness.
Sweating.
Trembling.
Choking.
Fear.
Hot flashes or cold chills.
Tingling in fingers or toes.
Deathfear.
The key symptom/reason of repeated panic attacks is the persistent fear of getting another panic attack. This fear triggers more panic attacks.
Panic attacks normally appear when you are doing something that is NOT stressful, like sitting watching tv or even when you are sleeping.
Some more interesting facts are that about three fourths of panic patients are women and that most people have their first panic attack as a teenager.
CAUSES OF ANXIETY AND PANIC ATTACKS
The exact causes are unclear but the tendency to have panic attacks seem to run in families. Also there is a connection with major life transitions such as graduating from college and entering the workplace, getting married, and having a baby. Severe stress, sucha as the death of a loved one, divorce or job loss can also trigger a panic attack.
There could also be medical conditions that causes the attacks or other physical causes.
PANIC ATTACKS OFTEN LEAD TO OTHER COMPLICATIONS
Agoraphobia or other phobias, depression, substance abuse, medical complications, even suicide.
A recent study showed that people who suffer from panic attacks:
Are more prone to alcohol and other drug abuse.
Have greater risk of attempting suicide.
Spend more time in hospital emergency rooms.
Spend less time on hobbies, sports and other satisfying activities.
Tend to be financially dependent on others.
Report to be emotionally and physically less healthy than non-sufferers.
Are afraid of driving more than a few miles away from home.
As you can see your quality of life can be severely damaged if you do not treat your panic attacks. This is why it is so very important to decide to take control over your panic.
Did you find this article helpful? If you did, then take a look at some techniques that could help you get rid of your panic attacks for good! http://www.NoMorePanicStory.Net

One-third of the population experiences panic attacks caused by panic disorder according to statistics. The sufferer must first realize that he or she is indeed prone to the condition and seek out professional help to aid in stopping it. A doctor can diagnose the disorder and administer various treatment options to help the sufferer stop the panic attacks. Depending on the extent of the condition, treatment can vary from therapy, medicine, or a combination of the two.
SSRIs or selective serotonin reputake inhibitors that include Prozac and Paxil are medications that may be prescribed to treat anxiety and depression. Others known to decrease the discomfort associated with anxiety and depression are benzodiazepines like Valium and Xanax. There are other measures that can be taken that may also help stop panic disorders aside from these treatment options.
A few modifications and lifestyle changes can aid in stopping the panic attacks. The use of prescription and illegal drugs, several over-the counter medications, and various alcoholic drinks can worsen depression and anxiety. Once the doctor has diagnosed your condition it is best that you stop consuming these items at once.
Also, if you are not eating healthy foods, not exercising regularly, working excessive and extensive hours, and/or not getting enough sleep, you are only increasing your risk of developing a panic disorder. To steer clear of a possible panic attack it is best if you rid yourself of these toxicities and stress.
Changing your diet is a great way to start your lifestyle change. Try avoiding caffeine and alcohol, foods that are high in sugar, and all processed foods, because these are known as major triggers of anxiety and depression. Try including more lean meats, veggies and fruits, whole grains, low-fat dairies, and healthy fat into your diet.
A healthy workout works wonders and benefits your body both inside and out. You should start developing a routine that includes exercise to help alleviate the symptoms of anxiety and depression if you know that you are prone to panic attacks that are caused by panic disorder.
Try using relaxation techniques to keep your stress levels down. We all know how stressful it can be living in todays fast-paced world. Meditation and visualization can help you to calm down and relax during an episode of a panic attack.
Once you are at the brink of having a panic attack, be sure to begin your relaxation and meditation techniques to calm your stress levels and to bring you out of the panic attack. Remember, it is always best to assess your condition right away so you can determine if you need professional or medical assistance.