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.