Curing Your Anxiety And Panic Attacks - A Self Help Book And Anxiety Guide - Part 2

This is the second of 10 articles covering my review of a book called Curing Your Anxiety and Panic Attacks. Chapters 1 and 2 provided an overview of anxiety and panic attacks and some simple techniques for coping with anxiety and panic attacks. Chapters 3 - 4, which are the subject of this article, cover the causes of anxiety and panic attacks, the different types of anxiety disorders and their symptoms, of which there are many, and the side effects of anxiety disorders.

Chapter 3 begins by saying that if you can understand the underlying reasons why you get anxiety or panic attacks then you'll have a better chance of handling your situation and helping yourself find a reasonable cure or prevention. The author lists two major contributory causes for anxiety and panic attacks. First, there's the possibility that you may have suffered from a traumatic event in your life; this could be a recent event or something that happened as far back as when you were a baby.

The other main possibility offered is genes. I think anyone who suffers from anxiety or panic attacks and who has someone related to them that does as well is entitled to believe that panic and anxiety disorders are hereditary. I can't recall any traumatic events in my life but I do know my mother worries an awful lot and gets very anxious at times and my father was hospitalized with a "nervous breakdown" when I was little, so this definitely got me thinking. Unfortunately, however,it appears that medical opinion is currently divided and the answer can go either way depending on what and who you read, which left me feeling a little flat.

The fourth chapter lists all the different types and symptoms of anxiety orders that exist. I have to say, the number surprised me. To summarize, there's panic attack, panic disorder, agoraphobia, generalized anxiety disorder (or GAD), specific phobia, social anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder (or OCD), separation anxiety disorder, selective mutism and post traumatic stress disorder (or PTSD). If this wasn't bad enough, people who suffer from anxiety and panic disorders are prone to depression and substance abuse.

When you consider that, according to some estimates, a staggering 1 in 6 American adults suffer from some form of anxiety disorder every year it made me wonder if anxiety and panic attacks were a recent phenomenon or not. Have anxiety disorders been around for hundreds of years but just not recognized as such, or are they a product of the 21st century? If it is the latter, then this would suggest that environmental factors might have a part to play in causing anxiety disorders. Unfortunately for me, apart from saying that there is evidence in historical documents of the existence of post traumatic stress disorder, the book does not answer this question.

To conclude my review of chapters 3 and 4, I learnt a great deal about the different types of anxiety disorders and the various symptoms of anxiety disorders but came away feeling a little disappointed because my main two questions weren't answered.


To find out more, visit self help book and anxiety treatment guide.

Curing Your Anxiety And Panic Attacks - A Self Help Book And Anxiety Treatment Guide - Part 1

I have recently purchased a book called Curing Your Anxiety and Panic Attacks. The author, who suffered from anxiety and panic attacks for many years, has put together a collection of advice and tips on relieving anxiety and eventually overcoming anxiety based on their own personal experiences. The book is "jam-packed" with information on the various forms of anxiety treatments that are available to prevent anxiety and panic attacks completely. The following 10 articles summarize the main topics contained in this book, together with my own personal observations and thoughts.

Chapter 1 commences with an overview of anxiety and panic attacks. It explains in simple terms the difference between anxiety and panic which, the author concludes, are essentially the same thing. However, he goes on to say that anxiety and panic should not be confused with panic disorder, where people suffer from recurring panic attacks, which is classified by the National Institute of Mental Health as an anxiety disorder.

I particularly liked the section where the author attempts to put anxiety and panic into perspective because it made me sit up and think for a while. I don't know about you, but the extremely hectic lifestyle I lead nowadays (not necessarily by choice I might add), means that I have a tendency to get wrapped up in my own problems to the exclusion of everyone and everything else. I worry about all sorts of things and yet my problems pale into significance when I think about the millions of people in the world who, because of war, famine and persecution, are struggling simply to live another day. Resolution to self - try and keep things in perspective more often, stop worrying about trivial matters and things you can't change and enjoy life more!

In the second chapter, the author provides some great tips and advice on what you can do to relieve anxiety attacks, including how to breathe properly, relaxation techniques and phone a friend (it sounds like Who Wants To Be A Millionaire!). Funnily enough, I was going through a particularly stressful time just the other day and my mother-in-law asked me if I was OK because she'd noticed that I was breathing heavily. She went on to tell me that she'd been taught how to breathe properly by her Yoga instructor many years ago and was convinced that this was the primary reason why she'd been able to cope with all the problems and stress surrounding her three grandsons these past five years. She made me sit upright in a comfortable chair, take a deep breath in through my nose for about 5 seconds, hold my breath for about 5 seconds and then let it out through my mouth. After about five minutes of this, I have to admit that felt much more relaxed and less anxious. Note to self - keep practicing my breathing exercises.

This concludes Part 1 of my review of Curing Your Anxiety And Panic Attacks. So far, I have taken away two strategies for coping with the anxiety and stress I face every day which I have already incorporated into my daily routine to great effect. In my personal opinion, this is essential reading for anyone who suffers, or knows somebody who suffers, from anxiety and panic attacks. I would also recommend this book to anyone looking for self help tips to improve their mental health generally.

To find out more, visit self help book and anxiety treatment guide.

Feeling Anxious About Your Anxiety Symptoms?

It is estimated that a staggering one in six American adults suffer from some form of anxiety disorder every year. As a group, anxiety disorders are the most prevalent type of mental illness in the US. The majority of us, if we're truthful with ourselves, will confess to worrying for a while about something that has happened during our lives. Finally, however, this time of worry comes to a close. Unfortunately, there are many people whose entire lives are spent worrying which can, if not treated, create an anxiety disorder.

Although anxiety disorders are classified as a mental rather than a physical disorder, the symptoms of anxiety can reveal themselves physically and emotionally as well as psychologically. Anxiety disorders happen when we receive a warning message from our brain about a potential threat which is about to occur. Our bodies respond to this warning by creating higher levels of stress hormones and adrenaline to cope which, in turn, causes our hearts, lungs and other parts of our body to work faster. This is the classic "fight or flight" reaction.

The psychological symptoms of anxiety disorders include

* Inability to sleep
* Being easily irritated
* Wrath
* Lack of concentration
* A fear of going mad
* A feeling of being disconnected with reality and
* Not having the ability to control your actions.

The physical symptoms of anxiety and anxiety disorders include

* Abdominal uneasiness
* Looseness of the bowels
* Dry mouth
* Pounding heart
* Abnormal heartbeat
* Tightness and pain in the chest region
* Shortness of breath.
* Giddiness
* A need to urinate frequently and
* Problems swallowing.

In addition to these psychological and physical anxiety symptoms you may encounter a number of emotional symptoms such as

* A constant sense of uneasiness completely unrelated to your present situation.
* Anxiousness about a pressurized situation, such as a relationship or work.
* Anxiety about an disease, real or contrived.

It is almost certain that you suffering from anxiety disorder if:

* You suffer from some or all of the symptoms stated above for a prolonged or severe period of time.
* The feelings of anxiety come into existence when there is nothing dangerous or stressful to bring them about.
* These anxiety symptoms start to interfere with your everyday life and activities like work or social events.

Whilst you might believe that you may be suffering from the symptoms of anxiety it's always best to get your self-diagnosis confirmed by a reputable medical professional. The first time you experience anxiety your medical practitioner must be able to ascertain if your symptoms are a medical condition or if they are a mental problem. Once you have been diagnosed as suffering from an anxiety disorder, then treatment to cure or control your condition may begin.

If you are suffering from anxiety and, like me, prefer not to take medication unless absolutely necessary, then why not check out this excellent self help book for anxiety and OCD guide.

Anxiety Relief

Anxiety Relief By Richard Romando

Anxiety relief is possible in a number of ways. Anxiety, in the normal sense, is just an alarm of the mind. However, in some persons, amygdala, a small part of the brain, is overstimulated. Amygdala perpetuates emotions, which in turn cause anxiety disorders with evident physical symptoms.

Anxiety relief measures have to be formulated taking into account the severity of the disease. Persons with severe anxiety-associated attacks need to consult a psychiatrist immediately. In mild cases, a balanced lifestyle will suffice.

Anxiety relief is commonly attained through different therapies. Behavioral and cognitive therapies are commonly recommended. Literary therapy, conducted with the help of books, is a very effective method of strengthening willpower. Talk therapy involves the enhancement of communication capabilities of the person. Medication is another method of treatment. Medicines help relieve physical symptoms of the disease. A combination of medication and other therapies is generally recommended. Anxiolytic agents such as benzoprenes and some other antidepressants are commonly used for anxiety relief.

Herbs with clinically proven mood-enhancing properties, such as valerian root, St. John's Wort, rhodiola rosea, bacopa, ginseng, and kava kava, also used to relieve anxiety. A balanced diet containing zinc, magnesium, and vitamin B-complex are also used in the diet to relieve anxiety disorders. Some believe that an enriched diet can help an individual avoid many of the anxiety disorders.

In addition to regular treatments, several relaxation techniques are also recommended for anxiety relief. Muscle relaxation techniques and breathing exercises can rejuvenate the brain tissues. Spirituality is ideal for mental relief. Engaging in favorite activities and participating in social activities are also good for anxiety relief.

Anxiety relief measures should be practiced only under expert guidance. Consultation with a physician is essential. Several books and audio and video tapes also offer guidance for recovery from anxiety. Some websites also offer online consultation and email-therapy consultation. Many of companies provide telephone counseling.

Anxiety provides detailed information on Anxiety, Anxiety and Panic Attacks, Anxiety Treatment, Depression and Anxiety and more. Anxiety is affiliated with Social Anxiety Disorder Symptoms.

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