Anxiety Cure Blog

Anxiety Drugs and Treatment Review: Informative Videos

2007-07-11T11:06:00.001-05:00

We found a series of short videos about a Pharmacist's review of the most common FDA approved drugs to treat anxiety: Xanax (Alprazolam), Ativan (Lorazepam), Valium (Diazepam), Klonopin (Clonazepam), Restoril (Temazepam), and some others used to treat insomnia like Lunesta and Ambien (Zolpidem).

A Pharmacist explains how these drugs work, why doctors prescribed them and common side effects of the drugs.

Check these Anxiety Drugs and Treatment Videos, it will help you learn more about the use of these type of drugs.

Mike Morgan.

Articles appearing on Anxiety Cure Blog are written by contributing authors, and the views and opinions expressed are those of the authors only. All News and Press Release information on the pages of Anxiety Cure Blog are cited from public sources on the internet.

Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It is not intended to diagnose a health condition, but it can be used as a guide to help you decide if you should seek professional treatment or to help you learn more about your condition once it has been diagnosed.

Related Anxiety Treatment Information

Diazepam - Anxiety Treatment

2007-03-21T15:34:00.000-05:00

- What is diazepam?

Diazepam is in the class of drugs called benzodiazepines. Diazepam affects receptors in the brain that become unstable. This instability is associated with anxiety, seizures, and muscle pain.

- What is the most important information I should know about diazepam?

Diazepam is a prescribed medication that is used to relieve anxiety, nervousness, and certain types of seizures. This medication should only be taken under the supervision of a mental health expert and or extensive therapy. In almost every study, diazepam has shown to be addictive and or habit forming. Moderate doses in only a three day period of time has shown to produce withdrawal symptoms that can be very serious.

- What are the effects of diazepam?

Diazepam is most commonly prescribed as an anti-anxiety drug or an anti-panic drug, so the effects include calmness, relaxation, and drowsiness. However, there can be adverse side effects which are extreme drowsiness, fatigue, and ataxia (loss of balance). Rarely, diazepam causes a paradoxical reaction with excitability, muscle spasm, lack of sleep, and rage. Confusion, depression, speech problems, and double vision are also rare side effects of diazepam.

- How should I take diazepam?

Diazepam is normally taken in a tablet form, of 0.5mg to 2mg doses. The tables are extended-release (long-acting) capsules. Do not open, chew, or crush the extended-release capsules; swallow them whole. It usually is taken one to four times a day and may be taken with or without food. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take diazepam exactly as directed.

- What special precautions should I follow?

Before taking This medication:

• Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to This medication, alprazolam (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium, Librax), clonazepam (Klonopin), clorazepate (Tranxene), estazolam (ProSom), flurazepam (Dalmane), lorazepam (Ativan), oxazepam (Serax), prazepam (Centrax), temazepam (Restoril), triazolam (Halcion), or any other drugs.

• Tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially antihistamines; cimetadine (Tagamet); digoxin (Lanoxin); disulfiram (Antabuse); fluoxetine (Prozac); isoniazide (INH, Laniazid, Nydrazid); ketoconazole (Nizoral); levodopa (Larodopa, Sinemet); medications for depression, seizures, pain, Parkinson's disease, asthma, colds, or allergies; metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL); muscle relaxants; oral contraceptives; probenecid (Benemid); propoxyphene (Darvon); propranolol (Inderal); ranitidine (Zantac); rifampin (Rifadin); sedatives; sleeping pills; theophylline (Theo-Dur); tranquilizers; valproic acid (Depakene); and vitamins. These medications may add to the drowsiness caused by This medication.

• If you use antacids, take This medication first, then wait 1 hour before taking the antacid.

• Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had glaucoma; seizures; or lung, heart, or liver disease.

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking This medication, call your doctor immediately.

• If you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking This medication.

• You should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.

• Remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.

• Tell your doctor if you use tobacco products. Cigarette smoking may decrease the effectiveness of this drug.

Mike Morgan.

Articles appearing on Anxiety Cure Blog are written by contributing authors, and the views and opinions expressed are those of the authors only. All News and Press Release information on the pages of Anxiety Cure Blog are cited from public sources on the internet.

Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It is not intended to diagnose a health condition, but it can be used as a guide to help you decide if you should seek professional treatment or to help you learn more about your condition once it has been diagnosed.

Related Anxiety Treatment Information

Anxiety Symptoms – Emotional and Physical

2007-02-27T08:43:00.000-06:00

The symptoms of an Anxiety disorder are many. Common symptoms include apprehension, uneasiness, dread, impaired concentration, feeling restless, avoidance, irritability, and cloudy confusion.

However, with some of these symptoms, one could easily attach hypochondria to one or many of the symptoms above. Apprehension and dread, two of the most common symptoms are closely associated with morbid feelings of sickness and death. The symptoms of a panic attack are mainly physical, which is why attaching hypochondria as one of the main attributes to a panic attack is not that far of a stretch.

A panic attack is often mistaken for a heart attack or fear of some serious medical condition.

A panic attack could begin with a number of different physical symptoms; however, the peak fear period usually produces the same feeling. (That you’re going to pass out, and or die.)

It begins with shortness of breath, or sweating, and moves on to hot or cold flashes. After several minutes of uneasiness, your brain begins to wonder just what is going on. Your mind has triggered a release of adrenaline that your body is now responding to. You’ll feel dizziness, general discomfort, and jittery feelings all over. And not understanding what is happening, you get scared. The symptoms just compound on top of each other, your body releases even more adrenaline, and the symptoms get increasingly worse.

After about 5-10 minutes, you begin feeling shortness of breath, and feelings of being detached from yourself. All of this leads to the peak of the attack, where the symptoms are accelerated heart rate, palpitations, and nausea. You are feeling smothered, and you begin to hyperventilate. And right around this point, you may feel a ringing in your ears, extreme dizziness and start worrying that you’re going to drop dead of a heart attack.

Yes, I have had panic attacks this bad. And I know there are tens of millions of people who have had them too. However, after talking to a counselor, he explained certain things to me. A common symptom of heart disease is pain or numbness in the left arm. I’ve felt this many times during a panic attack, and immediately reacted with thoughts of death from a heart attack. However, if you are breathing shallow or your breathing pattern is disrupted because of a smothering sensation, that very same feeling of numbness or pain in the extremities can be caused by a build up of carbon dioxide in the blood. Simply put, you’re not breathing correctly, therefore, the oxygen levels in your blood get thrown out of whack.

If you’re prone to worry, dread, or apprehension, you may feel these symptoms and start self diagnosing for the worse case scenario. And there isn’t a worse case than a fear of dying. Numbness or tingling sensations can lead your mind anywhere from a heart attack, to a blood clot, to cancer.

However, these symptoms are also usually a panic attack. A brutal panic attack doesn’t usually last longer than 30 minutes; however, it is a terrifying 30 minutes. If you feel any of these symptoms frequently, you should seek a mental health professional. Treatment is a very success option, and there’s no reason you should have to suffer. If you experience 4 or more of these symptoms, I would seek help from a mental health professional.

• Shortness of breath or smothering sensation
• Palpitations, pounding heart, or accelerated heart rate
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Trembling or shaking
• Feeling of choking
• Sweating
• Nausea or stomach distress
• Feeling unsteady, dizzy, lightheaded, or faint
• Feelings of unreality or of being detached from yourself
• Fear of losing control or going crazy
• Fear of dying
• Numbness or tingling sensations
• Hot or cold flashes

Mike Morgan.

Articles appearing on Anxiety Cure Blog are written by contributing authors, and the views and opinions expressed are those of the authors only. All News and Press Release information on the pages of Anxiety Cure Blog are cited from public sources on the internet.

Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It is not intended to diagnose a health condition, but it can be used as a guide to help you decide if you should seek professional treatment or to help you learn more about your condition once it has been diagnosed.

Related Anxiety Treatment Information
Anxiety Relief
About Anxiety Medications
Guide to Anxiety Treatment
Combating Anxiety
Anxiety Treatment: Xanax
Anxiety Treatment: Alprazolam

What Everyone Ought To Know About Anxiety Medications

2007-02-20T09:59:00.000-06:00

Alcohol withdrawal, panic attacks, insomnia, anxiety disorders, or simply wanting to calm down from too much stress. What do these classes of drugs known as benzodiazepines do and what do they feel like?

If you are having a panic attack, and you’re having difficulty breathing, and you think you might be having a heart attack because your left arm is numb, then chances are, you’re going to want to take a chill pill.

There are medications that you can take that have an “almost” immediate effect, such as Xanax.

However, what is more likely is that your mind will automatically start to calm itself down just simply knowing that you took the medication.

Xanax, or known also as Alprazolam is readily absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. The peak plasma concentration is achieved in 1-2 hours. So, there is really no “immediate” effect, other than your mind simply telling itself to calm down.

The symptoms of the attack will go away almost instantaneous. Basically, because of too much adrenaline in your system, your breathing pattern has been disrupted…

Well-known benzodiazepines include Xanax (Alprazolam), Valium (Diazepam), Ativan (Lorazepam), Klonopin (Clonazepam), Restoril (Temazepam), and Mogadom (Nitrazepam).

All benzodiazepines have an addictive potential. So use of benzodiazepines should only commence after medical consultation and prescribed the smallest dosage possible to provide an acceptable level of symptom relief.

Anxiety sufferers (or people having an extremely stressful period in life), if you take anti-anxiety medications, this is what they do (in a nutshell), these medications act more of less like a tranquilizer. Of course, depending on the dosage, any of these medications will relax you, and basically make you drowsy and sleepy. In smaller doses, it simply takes the edge off of a panic attack. You feel more relaxed, and it almost seems that what was on your mind that was bothering you, no longer bothers you at all. (That’s about as scientific as I want to get, here, without boring you death with brain functions and chemistry class.)

However, again, all of these medications are habit forming and or addictive. So do consult a medical professional before taking these medications.

They absolutely do work in the regard of calming one’s mind, similar to the effect of alcohol. And they are easily abused in the respect that if you take a large enough dose, you simply numb yourself to anything and everything around you. Normally, you black out, and don’t even remember being awake for several hours, and wake up in a fog.

So, in conclusion, if you do take these medications, or are simply curious as to what they do… they do have side effects, they act like a tranquilizer, and they can be dangerously habit forming.

Mike Morgan.

Articles appearing on Anxiety Cure Blog are written by contributing authors, and the views and opinions expressed are those of the authors only. All News and Press Release information on the pages of Anxiety Cure Blog are cited from public sources on the internet.

Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It is not intended to diagnose a health condition, but it can be used as a guide to help you decide if you should seek professional treatment or to help you learn more about your condition once it has been diagnosed.

Believe it: This will Definitely Help you Relieve your Anxiety

2007-02-13T08:26:00.000-06:00

“Set aside half an hour every day to do all your worrying; then take a nap during this period.”

Yeah, yeah… kids take an afternoon nap, right after cookies and milk. Well, even if our culture does “frown upon” mid-day sleep; most people experience a natural drowsiness in the afternoon, usually about 8 hours after waking. And the drowsiness could be the cause and or effect of stress and anxiety.

Research shows that you can make yourself more alert, reduce stress and improve cognitive functioning with a nap. Scatter brained drowsy thoughts waiting for the day to pass by only ads to your daily dose of anxiety.

Mid-day sleep, or a “power nap”, means more patience, less stress, increased learning, better health, better reaction time, and more efficiency. All of which Many athletes find a daytime nap further increases their body’s ability to build muscle. Napping also benefits heart functioning, hormonal maintenance, and cell repair.

A power nap simply maximizes these benefits by getting the sleeper into and out of rejuvenating sleep as fast as possible. So, a more relaxed mind and body will most likely be able to quickly brush aside stressful mind cluttering devices, ie, anxiety, worry, panic, stress, ect.

No surprise that Lance Armstrong’s coach, Chris Carmichael, says that “naps were critical in his overall training plan.” In Manhattan, napping has become a lucrative business: Metro Naps in the Empire State Building provides darkened cot-like redoubts that attract Broadway actors between shows as well as investment bankers who otherwise would fall asleep at their desks. And in Iraq, U.S. Marine commanders have mandated a power nap before patrols.

So, how to get the perfect nap? Everyone, no matter how high-strung, has the capacity to nap, but the conditions need to be right. Here are some helpful hints:
1. The first consideration is psychological: Recognize that you’re not being lazy; napping will make you more productive and more alert after you wake up.

2. Try to nap in the morning or just after lunch; human circadian rhythms make late afternoons a more likely time to fall into deep (slow-wave) sleep, which will leave you groggy.

3. Avoid consuming large quantities of caffeine as well as foods that are heavy in fat and sugar, which meddle with a person’s ability to fall asleep.

4. Instead, in the hour or two before your nap time, eat foods high in calcium and protein, which promote sleep.

5. Find a clean, quiet place where passersby and phones won’t disturb you.

6. Try to darken your nap zone, or wear an eyeshade. Darkness stimulates melatonin, the sleep- inducing hormone.

7. Remember that body temperature drops when you fall asleep. Raise the room temperature or use a blanket.

8. Once you are relaxed and in position to fall asleep, set your alarm for the desired duration (see below).

How Long Is A Good Nap?
THE NANO-NAP: 10 to 20 seconds Sleep studies haven’t yet concluded whether there are benefits to these brief intervals, like when you nod off on someone’s shoulder on the train.
THE MICRO-NAP: two to five minutes Shown to be surprisingly effective at shedding sleepiness.
THE MINI-NAP: five to 20 minutes Increases alertness, stamina, motor learning, and motor performance.
THE ORIGINAL POWER NAP: 20 minutes Includes the benefits of the micro and the mini, but additionally improves muscle memory and clears the brain of useless built-up information, which helps with long-term memory (remembering facts, events, and names).
THE LAZY MAN’S NAP: 50 to 90 minutes Includes slow-wave plus REM sleep; good for improving perceptual processing; also when the system is flooded with human growth hormone, great for repairing bones and muscles.

Related Anxiety Tips and Humor Articles:

New Anxiety and Stress Busters
Post Holiday Depression
10 Tips during Terrorist Attacks
Anxiety during the Holidays
10 Tips that will not Help at All

Note: The above information is written for informational and/or entertaining purposes only. If you feel the need for expert guidance, please seek the advice of a physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professionals.

New Anxiety and Stress Busters

2007-02-06T10:10:00.000-06:00

What you may have thought to be your de-stressing routine or anxiety wind down just might have been the source of your stress in the first place.

After a long day:
You start in front of the couch and start in on some chips or a loaf of French Bread until you are in a carb-induced coma.
“People tend to go after carbohydrate-rich food because it kicks up the neurotransmitter serotonin, which has a relaxing effect on the body,” says Lisa Dorfman, RD, a spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association and author of The Anti Stress Diet.

New Solutions:
Instead of stuffing yourself with that loaf of bread, take a hot bath or shower to relax your muscles and mind. Or lie down and breathe quietly. If you do decide to eat, make that decision consciously. Ask yourself: what are the consequences? What are the benefits? Eight out of ten times, if you just take the time to ask yourself, you’ll skip the chips.

After a fight with your (whomever):
You turn on the tube, and you zone out. That relaxes you, you just want to go somewhere else, turn your brain off.
“It relaxes you all right, it puts you in a stupor,” says Robert Kesten, executive director of the Center for Screen-Time Awareness, a Washington, D.C. non-profit. That TV trance is callused in part by your falling metabolism, studies that find watching television lowers your metabolism more than sleeping does. Also, not to mention, the emotion goes nowhere. It’s simply being stuffed down, waiting to pop right out probably the wrong moment.

New Solutions:
To release the emotional stress and anxiety of a fight, talk to a friend, write in a journal, take a brisk walk, or get some other kind of exercise. If a mental vacation is what you’re after, pick up a book to escape. Once you’ve re-grouped, then talk to your husband. (And remember, never go to bed angry.)

You freak out over your shrinking bank balance
and decide to go shopping.
Compulsive shopping regulates your mood, says James A. Roberts, PhD, a consumer spending researcher at Baylor University.
And when you’re focused on shopping, you’re avoiding feelings of low self-worth or inadequacy.

New Solutions:
If you’re shopping to make yourself feel better, avoid situations that require you to make buying decisions. Get a different rush: Take a ride on your bike, or go for a run to get the adrenaline flowing. A mental health pro can help you deal with your behavior too, and you may want to consult a credit counselor to get control of your finances.

Since you started caring for your elderly mom, you find yourself reaching for the menthols.
“Nicotine briefly releases feel-good chemicals in the brain, include beta endorphins and dopamine,” says Thomas J. Glynn, PhD, director of cancer science and trends for the American Cancer Society.

New Solutions:
Taking a brisk walk or running for at least 20 minutes can also trigger the release of those feel-good endorphins. And immersing yourself in meditation, prayer, yoga, deep breathing, and even reading can keep you calm. Instead of trying to puff away your feelings, talk to a friend or a counselor. And see Health.com for help on quitting.

Related Anxiety Tips and Humor Articles:

Relieve your Anxiety
Post Holiday Depression
10 Tips during Terrorist Attacks
Anxiety during the Holidays
10 Tips that will not Help at All

Note: The above information is written for information and/or entertaining purposes only. If you feel the need for expert guidance, please seek the advice of a physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professionals.

Post-Holiday Depression

2007-01-18T13:38:00.000-06:00

“The Holiday Hangover”

Cooking, cleaning, working

And the world goes round

Waiting in fear for your credit card bill in January might be enough to sink you into a hole of “not wanting to open the mailbox.” However, a larger issue that I’d like to share is what I like to call (and am suffering through right now) the “Holiday Hangover.” To me, the Holiday Hangover is not so much a dehydrated headache after 2 weeks of company parties and long nights of cutting and cooking while the brandy flows freely. No, no… The Holiday Hangover is much more complex than your body simply needs some rest, plenty of juice, and a chance to “dry out.”

The Holiday Hangover consists of similar elements a normal hangover, dehydration, anxiety, rapid emotional swings (like tearing up at a Telecom commercial). However, the Holiday Hangover also comes with a vicious swath of guilt (What did I do with all these days off?), worry (Did I make enough people happy, did I get the right gifts, who did I forget?), remorse (Did I spend way too much money?), angst (Did I really have a good holiday?), and last but not least, and defiantly the worst… anxiety (Is it all over, and now I have to hunker down for the boring winter and go back to work?)

The holidays are like a 6 week stretch that breaks our routine into a sometimes frenzied rush, yet a pleasant coming of dates and events; we eagerly await for certain nights of the year, hosting parties, and attending events. However, once it’s all over, we face a big let down of “back to old routine.” Throw in there “The New Year” and the week or so that you’ve spent telling yourself all of the things that you’re going to accomplish in the next 12 months, and yes, you’re going to feel a little intimidation mixed with a lot of other things.

There’s no cure for the Holiday Hangover. It’s something that you just need mid January and early February to “ride out.” I found out a few things that actually do help. For starters, you can stop thinking of “the year” as this huge expanse of goals and deadlines. Take things in small steps. Another thing I find helpful is look over the past year and look at all of the good things that have happened. I usually find this comforting, to look back in reflection, than ahead in panic. I find it helpful to notice that the good things kind of just “happened,” without me causing them to do so. And last, to really help me out, I say to myself, “Yes, I enjoyed my holiday. I’m sad that it’s over, but now, it’s back to work.”

It’s hard to say the fun is over, but really, I find it doesn’t have to be that way. After all, spring is coming soon, and the smell of a Summer BBQ does usually ease the burden of “back to work.”

So, relax. Some cases may be worse than others, but I think we all suffer a little from the Holiday Hangover.

The Unknown Relative of Anxiety - Economic Uncertainty

2006-12-04T10:12:00.000-06:00

The Middle Class Is Treading Water

Part 1

A great wave of anxiety is caused by a number of factors, however, one must consider the system as a determining factor.

With laptops, PDAs, cell phones, e-mail and pagers, there is an ever-widening gap between the amount of information people are expected to keep up with and the amount they can reasonably process, says Dr. Kerry Sulkowicz, a psychiatrist and founder of the Boswell Group, a corporate consulting company in New York City. “The technology is outstripping our capacity to use it,” he says.

Management turnover, downsizing and outsourcing are other sources of stress, making workers feel their jobs aren’t secure.

“We’re being squeezed," says Maravelas, author of "How to Reduce Workplace Conflict and Stress." "We’re just burning out.”

Economic risk is something we all know about in our own lives. We know that feeling, when we fear that somehow the bottom is going to fall out, our job is going to disappear, we’re not going to have health coverage, we’re not going to be able to save enough for retirement. But actually, if you look at the debate about our economy, it’s always about static measures, it’s always about things like “Is inflation up or down, is unemployment up or down;” it’s not about the experiences of Americans, the up and down movement of their own lives over time.

We’ve asked this question before, but it can’t be asked enough. One of the founding principles of this community is that the mainstream media and political leaders often seem irrelevant to most Americans, and that issues of real importance go unnoticed in public discourse. Jacob Hacker, a Yale University professor and author of “The Great Risk Shift,” says anxieties created by the new economy need more attention.

Mike Morgan.

Articles appearing on Anxiety Cure Blog are written by contributing authors, and the views and opinions expressed are those of the authors only. All News and Press Release information on the pages of Anxiety Cure Blog are cited from public sources on the internet.

Note: The above information is written for informational and/or entertaining purposes only. If you feel the need for expert guidance, please seek the advice of a physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professionals.

Related Anxiety News/Articles

Inmigration Anxiety
Celebrities with Anxiety
Military Anxiety
Elections: Raising Anxiety

Tips To Ease Anxiety Over the Holidays

2006-11-22T16:43:00.000-06:00

“Over the river and through the woods…”

The Thanksgiving trip home… just the thought is starting to make me anxious.

Grandma, aunt’s and uncles, little cousins, Mom, some strange neighbor, a new boyfriend for my little sister does anyone else out there know what I’m talking about. I haven’t distanced myself from my family, but I always leave in worse mental shape then when I showed up. I began thinking to myself (and halfway convinced myself) that this is the true function of family. To beat you down emotionally and psychologically with strategically placed question and answer sessions as if I had committed some sort of crime that I was unaware of.

It’s the, “so what are you doing, now” questions that get me. They seem to imply, “so, you’re working at some stupid job? Whatever happened to you wanting to become an astronaut?”

I know I’m not alone here. Trust me. I know I’m not alone. I’ve had some, “Get me out of here moments!” of anxiety panic while at my family’s house. So I’ve come up with some handy tips and suggestions that might help you… they’re pretty simple.

1) They’re really not judging you. You’re projecting onto yourself, and you’re being way too hard on yourself.

2) Don’t over eat. That in itself has caused me some anxiety, right there. I don’t know why, but I would stuff myself, and the last thing you feel like doing is talking.

3) If you feel those strange symptoms of panic start to come on, stick close to the TV. Turn the volume up, and put your brain in a mindless football game for a nice hour.

4) Take a walk around the old neighborhood. Go out, by yourself, and take a stroll. It’ll bring back some interesting memories. It always does for me.

5) Have a drink. If you get stuck in a conversation with mom, the annoying aunt, and some one else pegging you with questions you don’t feel comfortable with. Take a slug of that cheap wine, it’ll chill you out.

6) Make a joke of a situation. If they bombard you with, “how’s this and that?” just tell them something completely outrageous, like you don’t see this person anymore, you killed them and ate them. You really don’t want to talk about it.

7) Remember, Thanksgiving is a holiday, not a chore.

So I hope these little tips help you get rid of your anxiety while visiting family, and enjoy your holiday, wherever you may be.

Related Anxiety Tips and Humor Articles:

Relieve your Anxiety
New Anxiety and Stress Busters
Post Holiday Depression
10 Tips during Terrorist Attacks
10 Tips that will not Help at All

Military Anxiety... An Army Recruitment Video Game

2006-11-21T15:01:00.000-06:00

“It's a Video Game, and an Army Recruiter”

This was the title of an article I just read. It seems that Army recruitment is a serious business, and their numbers are at an all time low.

As a parent, I’m rather concerned. A computer game devised by the US Army has come under fire from parents anxious that it glorifies violence.

The army hopes that the game, America's Army, will help it to attract the tens of thousands of young people it needs to join its ranks each year. It is an online, multiplayer video game that they believe will lure teenagers into Army culture, hoping both to educate them about the military and to spark interest in volunteering to serve.

I understand that our military is stretched thin, and we need young men to serve. However, this is just outlandish! We are in a bogus war, and the military is attempting to recruit through an online video game?

In my mind, this is just disturbing. Sure, the military sits behind claims such as “it employs a realistic and team-oriented approach to give players a sense of what it is like to join the Army, to train how to use weapons and then how to work together on missions.” So this is about teamwork? Sure it is.

Let me just say this flat out. I fear and do not trust my government. And I know there are many out there who feel the same way after all the lies. So, we’re recruiting the next generation of innocents to be put in harms way through shooting games?

Am I the only one here who finds this disingenuous and could possibly be causing future anxiety related issues, say, oh, I don’t know… coming home from a war zone!

I, for one, believe in protecting my children. And the United States Military seems to have blatantly gone over the top here with the creation of this game. They say the game is about all its values, including discipline. I say the game is a blatant attempt to get young minds to join the Army so they might get the chance to go and shoot some Arabs.

Here’s what worries me the most. I recently read that so far, there are 11 million logged on to play already. That’s disturbing.

Celebrities with Anxiety

2006-11-13T11:32:00.000-06:00

Sometimes it is just nice to know that we are not alone with this condition. Even celebrities, scientists, and world leaders suffer from anxiety. Late nights, bad dietary habits, money and work stress, long days and jet lag take their toll on anyone regardless of age. Anxiety sufferers are getting younger and younger, the condition can strike anyone at any time.

"There is never any logical reason for despair..."

Depression led veteran actor Stephen Fry to walk out of the West End play Cell Mates in 1995. He said later that he had considered suicide and that it was only knowing the hurt he would cause to family and friends that prevented him taking his own life.

"When you get just a complete sense of blackness or void ahead of you, that somehow the future looks like an impossible place to be, and the direction you are going seems to have no purpose, there is this word despair which is a very awful thing to feel."

But he added, "There is never any logical reason for despair. Reason has absolutely nothing to do with it. You can't reason yourself back into cheerfulness any more than you can reason yourself into an extra six inches in height."

"I had basically taken on too much work. I have pushed the boat out as far as I should in terms of taking on too many things. I'm getting older and I just could not take it any more. I am now monitoring myself very closely and I'm just trying not to get into that sort of state again."

Since undergoing therapy and receiving drug treatment for his depression, he has had a string of film successes, including starring as Oscar Wilde in Wilde, and appearing in numerous films for TV and cinema.

Actress Wynona Ryder has also had her clashes with anxiety and depression. She says, "There was a time when I was 19 when I really, really, really thought I was going crazy. I was exhausted and going through a terrible depression. I had had panic attacks from the age of 12 - probably from the pressure of working and then going through adolescence onscreen. You can be rich, poor, male, female, young, old—it doesn’t matter. Psychological illness can strike anyone, anywhere.”

"My breathing would get labored; everything would start speeding up, and I'd get very scared. The closest I ever came to describing it was that feeling when you almost get involved in a car crash and you swerve, and for a second there are needles in your head and needles in your body. It's that moment, but stretched out."

Winona decided it was time to get help and checked herself into a psychiatric clinic, and she attributes her gradual recovery to the years of intensive therapy.

FAMOUS SUFFERERS
Naomi Campbell (model)
David Bowie (singer)
John Stuart Mill (philosopher)
John Cougar Mellancamp (musician, actor)
Johnny Depp (actor)
Anne Tyler (author)
Shecky Greene (comedian)
Courtney Love (singer - actress)
Sally Field (actress)
Jim Eisenreich (baseball)
Barbra Streisand (singer)
Ann Wilson (singer)
Winona Ryder (actress)
Howard Stern (king of media)
Anne Tyler (author)
Olivia Hussey (actress)
Cher (singer, actress)
Pete Harnisch (baseball star)
James Garner (actor)
Tom Snyder (host)
Kim Basinger (actress)
Earl Campbell (football star)
Donny Osmond (actor)
Marie Osmand (entertainer)
Oprah Winfrey (host)
John Candy (comedian)
Edvard Munch (artist)
Beverly Johnson (supermodel)
John Madden (announcer)
Howie Mandel (comic)
Sam Shepard (playwright)
Lani O'Grady (actress)
Robert Burns (poet)
Isaac Asimov (author)
Alanis Morisette (singer)
Sissy Spacek (actress)
Robin Quivers (radio host)
Barbara Gordon (filmmaker)
Burt Reynolds (actor)
Sir Isaac Newton (scientist)
Charles Schultz (cartoonist)
Michael English (singer)
Sir Laurence Olivier (actor)
Dean Cain (actor)
John Steinbeck (author)
W.B. Yeats (poet)
Leila Kenzle (actress)
Aretha Franklin (singer)
Joan Rivers (actress)
Deanna Carter (singer)
Dave Stewart of the (singer – Eurythmics)
Al Kasha (songwriter)
Charlotte Bronte (author)
Nikola Tesla (inventor)
Roseanne Barr (comedian)
Naomi Judd (singer)
Susan Powter (tv host)
Sigmund Freud (psychiatrist)
Carly Simon (singer)
Willard Scott (weatherman)
Nicole Kidman (actress)
Sheryl Crow (musician)
Anthony Hopkins (actor)
Dick Clark (television personality)
Ray Charles (musician)
Eric Clapton (musician)
Edie Falco (actress)
Barbara Bush (former First Lady - U.S.)
Tony Dow (actor director)
Michael Crichton (writer)
Robert McFarlane (former National Security Advisor - U.S.)
Bonnie Raitt (musician)

Terrorist Attacks & Anxiety - 10 Tips

2006-11-07T15:46:00.000-06:00

10 THINGS I NEED TO PICK UP AT THE WALL MART TO PROTECT MY FAMILY FROM A TERRORIST ATTACK
by Melinda Schroeder

Now, when it comes to my family, the ever present threat of a terrorist attack, and getting the most for my money? Where else you gonna go other than your local Wal-Mart. I mean, when them Al Qaeda could very well target my county of Mason, Ohio; we do have the largest clover shaped highway interchange in the country right here in Mason, so it wouldn’t surprise me at all if that was on their list, okay? I’m just lettin’ ya’ll know that right now, okay? So, I decided to do something about this, and I packed the kids in the van (Brant, Little Bobby, Suzie, Jimmy Jr. and Bobby Jr.), and we headed out to our favorite Wal-Mart. They have the best prices there, the widest selection; I mean a much better selection than that other Wal-Mart that’s just down the road a few more miles on route 13. I don’t really like that one, they never have my size, and this one, they all know me there anyway and they got better sales goin’ on, too, okay?

So, in case of some sneaky gas attack, or a bomb, or one of those, whatever they call them, those “dirty bombs?” I’m gonna make sure me and my family are ready. Because you are not gonna catch me out in the cold, okay? So here was my list of 10 things I needed:

1) Duct Tape (36 rolls - $24.99) You’ll need plenty of this great stuff, I mean, it holds the world together, okay? It’s good for just about anything. You can tape your windows shut, keep out the air, okay?

2) Plenty of Reynolds plastic wrap (50 boxes - $11.99) I even get some that’s colored, the kids seem to like that. It’s a good idea just for extra protection to seal your windows with an extra layer of plastic wrap. Then just put a bunch of duct tape around the edges, that’s supposed to keep the chemicals out and what not, okay?

3) Razor Blades (box of 300 - $2.99) They were the kind that fit in those industrial size box cutters. It’s awfully handy when you gotta cut a lot of duct tape, okay?

4) Snow suits (got all 6 for the kids for under $69.99) I heard a good tip from my neighbor Cathy that those types of nylon snow suits can keep chemicals off my baby’s behind. And besides, they just look so adorable in them little suits that cover them from their toes all the way up to their ears. And like I said, I got ‘em all on sale, okay?

5) Toilet Paper (48 rolls – $14.99) Well, this was a no brainer, cuz thinking that if we was stuck in the house, okay? I mean, Little Bobby can really go, okay?

6) Lysol (12 cans - $6.99) This stuff works great with them there “dirty bombs,” cuz I hear that they’re real dirty, okay? And they can, like, really mess up your house, and Lysol gets rid of germs and odor, okay?

7) Finger Paints and markers (Art Kit - $10.99) See, I thought it would be a fun little activity for the kids to write little messages on the windows, messages to those terrorists, like “Go home!” or “Die Osama!” or just, like, paint little pictures of the American flag, just to show our support, and that we ain’t gonna give up, okay?

8) This cute little blouse, my size (Size 12 - $14.99) Well, I just couldn’t resist temptation this time around. I figured, if we were gonna be under attack, and stuck in the house, what’s the harm in having a new blouse to brighten your mood, okay?

9) Painters masks (10 - $5.99), You know the kinds, right? Those kinds of masks those painters wear. Well, they’re supposed to be real good for those chemicals. Some of them chemicals, they can hurt you, and I’m gonna protect my children, no matter what, okay?

10) Bullets (Box of 100 - $4.99) Just in case, because, you never know, you know? I mean, anything can happen, and I ain’t afraid, and I will go and get me at least a couple of them Osamas, okay?

So all for just $168.99 I was able to protect my home and family from a terrorist attack, and feel safe about their well being. You should, too, okay?

-This article was written a purely satirical nature and should not be taken seriously.

Related Anxiety Tips and Humor Articles:

Relieve your Anxiety
New Anxiety and Stress Busters
Post Holiday Depression
Anxiety during the Holidays
10 Tips that will not Help at All

Note: The above information is written for entertaining purposes only. If you feel the need for expert guidance, please seek the advice of a physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professionals.

Immigration Anxiety - The Bogus Issue

2006-11-02T14:36:00.000-06:00

For your benefit, I just wanted to point out some facts and numbers to you to give you a realistic idea of this “hot button issue” known to us as immigration reform.

I think that lack of pertinent information on this issue causes us to be stunned, confused, and almost worried. I mean, no one is really telling us the truth about this. Well, I’m going to give you some numbers, some facts, some examples, and put your mind at rest. This is really a non-issue. Perhaps this might help you come to more logical, informed, and reasonable conclusion.

With the mid term elections now officially white hot and polarizing the nation even further, how many of you are really on the fence (and yes, a pun intended) on this issue. Is it driving you mad? I think it is for most of us, it is… because it’s a lot of huff and puff, with very little information to back up anything other than hot wind.

First, for conservative republicans, at least 25-50% of the attack ads on the television have something to do with the issue of “illegals” being in our country?

One of the most bogus arguments that border America has (other than the even more BOGUS argument that Mexicans are taking jobs THAT AMERICAN’S DON’T WANT ANYWAY, fruit picking, day labor, ect.), one of the bogus arguments moron America is spewing out is that illegal immigrants put strain on the school, hospital, healthcare, prison and court systems. People go as far to say that they’re causing major harm to these vital infrastructure systems in our country. Some people even GO SO FAR AS TO SAY THAT the extra money saved on this “burden” could be used for our troops serving overseas.

(Now, that’s one of the most intelligent things I’ve ever heard. Spend even more taxpayer dollars overseas on the war, come on people. We’ve already spent close to $780 Billion)

Here’s the real deal. The economic output of illegal aliens outweighs any social costs created by their presence. Regardless of what anyone tells you, illegal immigration is a market issue. Everyone who crosses our borders, legally or not, is a consumer. These people eat, drink, and shop just like every other person here. There are an estimated 12 million illegal aliens in this country. Well, 12 million people can eat a lot of burgers. 12 million people in jail can eat a lot of burgers paid for by state money. The US has jobs; immigrants need jobs. Barriers to entry just restrain a potential labor pool and make illegal immigrants prey to those who would make them virtual slaves.

Constantly worrying about "what's it going to cost me," you would deny a fellow human being the chance to live in better conditions? While we live in a country that holds 2% of the world's population and 98% of its wealth we are going to arrogantly assume it’s our right to step on others?

Here’s a better issue at hand. Last year, WE, THE TAXPAYERS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA paid more for Congressional perks than we did for all 12 million illegal immigrants and the “damage” they did to the healthcare and prison system.
It’s estimated that in the last fiscal year, US taxpayers spent over $325 million dollars on what we term “illegals” in services such as healthcare, schools, and the court system.

Okay, however, we can’t accurately put a figure as to just how many millions if not billions they put back into our economy as consumers, laborers, and people simply trying to raise a family… point blank, THEY BUY THINGS.

Now, think about this. What exactly do Representatives in Washington (I’m not talking local government either, I’m talking Washington D.C.) contribute for US taxpayers to have to spend over $100 MILLION DOLLARS last year in car services and parking spaces, for both them and their staff?

Someone tell me, exactly why do I have to pay for that? Not to mention frivolous trips, endless fundraising banquets, personal trainers, driving services, ect.

What I can put next to the $325 million in what we spent on “illegals” is the roughly $480 million US taxpayers spent on maintaining the lifestyle of a Rep or Senator. Yep, that’s the cost of such things mentioned above, travel, car services, fundraising (yeah, we have to pay for these guys to raise funds, isn’t that a joke?) their housing, I mean, the list is endless and disgusting.

I hope this helps you in understanding this non-issue of illegals which is now a political hot button and perhaps a new look at the distractive non-issue it really is. I'm neither Democrat nor Republican; however, I say lets take a closer look at a different issue, and see exactly who should be thrown out and where, okay?

Honestly, for your sake, the issue at hand is that the American public should watch our representative voices in government, and see the kind of lifestyle they enjoy on our dime.

Does anyone have anything to add to this?

You can find all available information at the National Taxpayers Union website at:
http://www.ntu.org/main/press.php?PressID=343

Are Midterm Elections Raising Anxiety in America?

2006-10-26T11:22:00.000-05:00

Just let the 7th come already and be done with this! The negative ads, the endless stream of polls, the negative ads, the scandals, the what ifs, the fight for power, the negative ads, Michael J. Fox, Rush Limbaugh, the anger, the mud slinging… did I mention those negative ads?

If I could indict some of these guys, I would. The indictment would be almost 400 pages and 600 counts of television harassment in only one hour.

If I had to put the sheer amount of negative ads per hour I see on a scale of 1 to 10… I’d give it a D+.

The United States of America is just a mess, and that alone is a major cause of my anxiety. I’ll admit to that right now. And I think a lot of people should.

We’re living in a country where senior representatives are literally SCREAMING about “illegals” wasting taxpayer dollars, while in 2005, $27,000,000 was spent on car services for Congressmen. That’s TWENTY SEVEN MILLION DOLLARS my friend that you and I paid for in driving around reps.

You would think that a man or woman who has risen to the level of national office, perhaps being the elected representative to be the voice of a hundred thousand people in our government would HAVE HIS OR HER OWN CAR! Or, if they need to rent one, oh, I don’t know, maybe pay for it themselves? Oh, no… look, if you really want to get disgusted, here, Congressional Perks: How the Trappings of Office Trap Taxpayers.

So I’ll just admit it, I find the state of my country, the state of government, and the issues that we face to be disturbing. Disturbing in such a way that it’s a great cause to worry. And I don’t think that I’m alone in this feeling. These are troubling times. I take every ounce of responsibility for my feelings and actions, however, with these midterm elections, the media has created them to be just a big tent circus that I really want to run out of screaming, swallowing as many anti-panic medications as I can. The candidates are the clowns (yes, clowns scare me) we have elephants and donkeys and the master of ceremonies.

I’ll admit that I vote Democrat, I am rather centrist, and I would like to see a change in government. There is no reason for the Republicans to control ALL THREE branches of government, and I think its time for a change. However, I find myself worrying that this might not happen… honest to god worried. I read new polls showing the Democrat edge slipping away just a few weeks before the elections, I fear not enough seats being won, I fear this guy Bush and his entire administration and what they’re doing…

So here are 5 helpful tips that I’m trying to get me through the next two weeks:
1) Turn the TV off, if you can’t do that, mute the commercials.
2) Karl Rove is not the political genius that everyone thinks he is. (Democrat voters, take solace in this article about Rove and his several miscalculations).
3) Meditate, deep breathe, and visualize. Visualization I find to be quite helpful. Visualize a Democrat sweep, and how sweet that would be.
4) Ignore the polls and simply focus on a confident victory that will lead to a Democratic House and Senate.
5) After you’ve seen the Senate and House speakers step down, just ponder the revenge that will be served oh so cold.

So please, November 7th… would you just hurry up and come already !!!

Anxiety: 10 Tips That Will not Help You at All

2006-10-16T15:32:00.000-05:00

1) STOP TAKING YOUR MEDICATION, LIKE IMMEDIATELY

2) DON’T EVEN BOTHER WITH ANY SORT OF MEDITATION OR BREATHING TECHNIQUES

3) EXERCISE? FORGET ABOUT IT

4) HAPPINESS? THAT MUST BE EARNED THROUGH PAIN AND MISERY

5) “WORRYING?” YES, THIS ACTUALLY DOES SERVE A PURPOSE

6) ALWAYS “PUT OFF” OR COMPLETELY AVOID YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES

7) PLEASE, DON’T EVER SEPARATE “FEELING” FROM “FACT”

8) DO YOU FEEL LIKE YOU NEVER HAVE ENOUGH TIME? QUIT YOUR JOB!

9) GO OUT AND SPEND A LOT OF MONEY

10) AGAIN, STOP TAKING YOUR MEDICATION

1) STOP TAKING YOUR MEDICATION, LIKE IMMEDIATELY

a. Not only is this rather dangerous (I really don’t recommend it), it will more than likely trigger a flood of adrenaline through your blood stream that will make a panic attack seem like a cool breeze on a hot day.

b. Some of the physical effects are:

- Shooting pain down the left arm often confused with having a heart attack.

- Numbness in the extremities, this is due to a build up of carbon dioxide in your blood from breathing incorrectly.

- A very interesting withdrawal from the medication that includes sensations of lock jaw, your teeth falling out, and the occasional welling up of tears at television commercials.

c. So, this will definitely not help you with your anxiety. Tip Number 1, okay?

- Write this first one down, it’s probably the most important one.

2) DON’T EVEN BOTHER WITH ANY SORT OF MEDITATION OR BREATHING TECHNIQUES

a. Look, all this calm down, let your mind go, control the path of the ox, deep breath, inhale, exhale… that’s all baloney.

b. Meditation is for Tibetan or Nepalese or Buddha’s or whoever lives on the Steppes of Asia. They hang out in these really cold places and sit wearing nothing other than a towel.

c. They contribute nothing, other than an occasional book on how to die correctly; while you, on the other hand, are a fully functioning member of society with 2 jobs, a mortgage, a couple of kids, and a lot of credit card debt.

d. Breathing is an involuntary muscle function, you’re lungs are bellows, and guess what? You’re mind will do this on its own. You don’t have to remind yourself to breath.

e. If you DO need to remind yourself to breath, you may be suffering from a GSW (Gun Shot Wound) in which you may realize that there are people standing over you holding your hand and yelling at you to “Hold on, you’re gonna make it!”

f. This will definitely NOT help you with your anxiety

3) Exercise? forget about it

a. Okay, now this tip has to deal with physical activity. Worry, anxiety, stress… these are all related, and have similar triggers.

- Taking a brisk afternoon walk, an evening work out (who has time for that!) or simply spending some time outside near a tree. This is really not the way to cut down on your level of anxiety.

- Rather, it’s quite the opposite. Since your body is obviously producing an over abundance of adrenaline, why burn it off? Store that stuff for later usage, like when you really need it, like when you’re on vacation, and you start to worry about how much your neighbor is feeding your dog.

b. This will definitely NOT help you with your anxiety

4) HAPPINESS? THAT MUST BE EARNED THROUGH PAIN AND MISERY

a. Absolutely. This is a proven scientific fact published in every major Western Theological Canon.

- I don’t have to name them. However, here’s the problem in of itself… how do you know if you've endured enough unpleasantness to deserve happiness?

- I mean, you don’t really think you’re Tom Cruise, do you? Wait, are you Tom Cruise? Check that out, before read any further in this tip.

- Yes, there are methods which are much more effective than medication and therapy… they involve aliens and celebrities and churches and lousy science fiction writers… yes, I’m talking to you L. Ron Hubbard.

- Look, join the Church of Scientology, and stop your medication.

- My tip is that you take seriously this thing called Happiness Negation. Why should you be happy in the first place, I mean, don’t you deserve to be miserable, irritable, anxious, dizzy at times, panicky, unhappy, stressed, and frazzled.

b. This will definitely NOT help you with your anxiety

5) “WORRYING?” YES, THIS ACTUALLY DOES SERVE A PURPOSE

a. Yes, I checked it out in Wikipedia, and it’s true. Worrying actually does help. It actually works, it does a lot of good. Yes it does.

- The vast majority of American’s are under the delusion that worrying “actually serves them.”

- What does that mean? “Worrying actually serves me?” Well, it means that they find worrying a useful tool in the combat against anxiety.

- What they need to do next is stop taking all medication. Because, honestly, what happens when the medication gets low, and then you have to worry about getting a refill from the pharmacy, and your car might not be filled up, you might have forgotten your prescription, which means you have to call or see your doctor, AND WHEN DO YOU HAVE TIME FOR THAT!

b. This will definitely NOT help you with your anxiety

6) ALWAYS “PUT OFF” OR COMPLETELY AVOID YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES

a. Yes, this certainly will help. Put the things off that you know you have to do.

- Don’t just procrastinate, that’s for people who might someday have intention of getting something done that they know they have to do.

- Rather, just avoid COMPLETELY the things you know have to do.

- Don’t procrastinate or avoid, simply try this trick.

- Close your mind, and imagine all of your responsibilities you have to take care of in the coming weeks. Now, imagine the things you have yet to take care of that are past due or late. Now, take these two combined.

b. Don’t procrastinate or avoid, simply try this helpful trick.

- Close your eyes, and imagine all of your nagging responsibilities you have to take care of in the coming weeks.

- Now, imagine the things you have YET to take care of that are past due or late.

- Now, combine these two. And say to yourself. Does it really matter? Forget them!

- Imagine your rent payment? Does it really matter? Who cares, anyway? I mean, perhaps you spend way too much time on petty things like rent and bills that you should just forget about them all together.

c. This will definitely NOT help you with your anxiety

7) Please, don’t ever Separate “feeling” from “FACT”

a. Alas, we come to the most intriguing, yet difficult tip to comprehend.

b. Emotion of just about ANY kind will trigger anxiety, panic, or worry. Emotions ranging from happiness, delight, pleasure, sorrow, confusion, anger, annoyance… all of these can lead directly to anxiety.

c. Of course, most people treat emotions as “FACT,” not simply as a temporary chemical response to stimuli. Hence, the FACT will then manifest itself into worry, panic, and general states of anxiety.

- “I’m angry, now I feel bad…”

d. So, for this tip, remember, emotions are FACTS, and they should be treated as such.

- Of course they’re not a chemical reaction created by a synaptic relay of outside stimuli; please, treat your “FEELINGS” as is they were FACTS.

e. This will definitely NOT help you with your anxiety

8) Do you feel like you never have enough time? Quit Your Job!

a. Do this right away.

b. Since your busy schedule might be the “cause” of your anxiety, why not make more time for yourself by simply getting up and walking out of your job.

- Of course, you’re trapped. You feel the pressures of an increasingly shrinking job market. You’ve just added another expense to your monthly budget. There’s a younger, better looking, eager co-worker gunning for your position, you feel under appreciated, and you’re position could any day be outsourced to India (that is of course, unless India or China can find a way to export Democracy, in that case, you’re job is secure.)

- Hey, alleviate your anxiety by simply getting up and walking out. It will help quite a bit.

- Look at the advantages:
1. You never have to worry about “time” anymore
2. You don’t have the pressure of deadlines
3. The kids will always be picked up on time from school, or the neighbors house
4. You’ll feel much better getting more sleep
5. The list goes on and on

c. Now, of course, you won’t have money, but look at tip NUMBER 6. Forget your responsibilities. Just forget about them. Does it really matter? And does it matter that it doesn’t matter?

d. This will definitely NOT help you with your anxiety

9) Go Out And Spend A Lot Of Money

a. Once you’ve left your job, the first thing you should do is max out your credit cards.

b. One thing people often do when they’re feeling sign’s of anxiety is to go on a shopping spree.
This gives them temporary gratification, (“HEY, LOOK AT THIS NEW STUFF I GOT!” and later, gives them a reason to worry, (OH, NO, HOW AM I GOING TO PAY FOR THIS!)

- It’s just a vicious cycle.

- This tip goes along PERFECTLY with stopping your medications, and quitting your job; well, it goes along well with all of the above tips.

c. This will definitely NOT help you with your anxiety

10) Once Again, Stop Taking Your Medication

a. I can’t stress the importance of this tip.

b. Also, pick up smoking, have your self a bunch of drinks every night, perhaps some recreational drugs use, and of course, party hardy.

Anxiety is a vicious cycle. You’re mind emotes some sort of feeling, your psyche reacts with some sort of response, your body begins to release unnecessary amounts of adrenaline, your body then reacts to the adrenaline, you manifest physical symptoms such as tension, physical symptoms, you begin to hyper ventilate, you begin to panic due to these symptoms, your panic causes even more adrenaline to be released, your mind is now in some completely altered state, and the happy cycle goes on and on.

So please, read these tips above if you want ABSOLUTLY NO HELP WHAT SO EVER, and remember, first and last… stop taking those meds.

-disclaimer
In now way was this article endorsed by the FDA, who has recently let everyone know that lettuce is okay to eat now.

Anxiety Treatment - Alplazolam

2006-08-30T16:25:00.000-05:00

Questions and Answers:

- What is the most important information I should know about alprazolam?

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Alprazolam will cause drowsiness and may cause dizziness. If you experience drowsiness or dizziness, avoid these activities.

Avoid alcohol while taking alprazolam. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness caused by alprazolam.

Do not crush, chew, or break the extended-release form alprazolam (Xanax). Swallow them whole. These tablets are specially formulated to release the medication slowly in the body.

Alprazolam is habit forming. You can become physically and psychologically dependent on the medication. Do not take more than the prescribed amount of medication or take it for longer than is directed by your doctor. Withdrawal effects may occur if alprazolam is stopped suddenly after several weeks of continuous use. Seizures may be a side effect of sudden discontinuation of the medication. Your doctor may recommend a gradual reduction in dose.

- What is alprazolam?

Alprazolam is in a class of drugs called benzodiazepines. Alprazolam affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause anxiety.

Alprazolam is used to relieve anxiety, nervousness, and tension associated with anxiety disorders. Alprazolam is also used to treat panic disorders.

Alprazolam may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

- Who should not take alprazolam?

Do not take alprazolam if you have narrow-angle glaucoma. Alprazolam may worsen this condition.

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you:

* Have kidney disease.
* Have liver disease.
* Have a history of alcohol or drug abuse.
* Have asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, or another respiratory disease.
* Are depressed or have suicidal thoughts.
* Have mania, bipolar disorder, or another psychiatric condition (other than anxiety or panic disorder).

You may not be able to take alprazolam, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Alprazolam is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that alprazolam is known to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether alprazolam passes into breast milk. Do not take alprazolam without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

If you are over 65 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects from alprazolam. Your doctor may prescribe a lower dose of the medication.

- How should I take alprazolam?

Take alprazolam exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Take each dose with a full glass of water.

Do not crush, chew, or break the extended-release form alprazolam (Xanax). Swallow them whole. These tablets are specially formulated to release the medication slowly in the body.

Do not take more of the medication than is prescribed for you.

Alprazolam is habit forming. You can become physically and psychologically dependent on the medication. Do not take more than the prescribed amount of medication or take it for longer than is directed by your doctor. Withdrawal effects may occur if alprazolam is stopped suddenly after several weeks of continuous use. Seizures may be a side effect of sudden discontinuation of the medication. Your doctor may recommend a gradual reduction in dose.

Store alprazolam at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

- What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication. A double dose could be dangerous.

- What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.

Symptoms of an alprazolam overdose include sleepiness, dizziness, confusion, a slow heart beat, difficulty breathing, difficulty walking and talking, an appearance of being drunk, and unconsciousness.

- What should I avoid while taking alprazolam?

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Alprazolam will cause drowsiness and may cause dizziness. If you experience drowsiness or dizziness, avoid these activities.

Avoid alcohol while taking alprazolam. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness caused by alprazolam.

Alprazolam may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, sedatives (used to treat insomnia), pain relievers, anxiety medicines, seizure medicines, and muscle relaxants. Tell your doctor about all medicines that you are taking, and do not take any other medicine without first talking to your doctor.

- What are the possible side effects of alprazolam?

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking alprazolam and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:

* An allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, face, or tongue; or hives).
* Sores in the mouth or throat.
* Yellowing of the skin or eyes.
* A rash.
* Hallucinations or severe confusion.
* Changes in vision.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take alprazolam and talk to your doctor if you experience:

* Drowsiness, dizziness, or clumsiness;
depression.
* Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation.
* Difficulty urinating.
* Vivid dreams.
* Headache.
* Dry mouth.
* Decreased sex drive.
* Changes in behavior.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

- What other drugs will affect alprazolam?

Do not take ketoconazole (Nizoral) or itraconazole (Sporanox) during treatment with alprazolam without first talking to your doctor.

Alprazolam may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, sedatives (used to treat insomnia), pain relievers, anxiety medicines, seizure medicines, and muscle relaxants. Tell your doctor about all medicines that you are taking, and do not take any medicine without first talking to your doctor.

Antacids may decrease the effects of alprazolam. Separate doses of an antacid and alprazolam by several hours whenever possible.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with alprazolam. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.

- Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist has additional information about alprazolam written for health professionals that you may read.

- What does my medication look like?

Alprazolam is available with a prescription under the brand names Xanax and Niravam. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It is not intended to diagnose a health condition, but it can be used as a guide to help you decide if you should seek professional treatment or to help you learn more about your condition once it has been diagnosed.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder - What is it?

2006-08-01T17:23:00.000-05:00

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) used to be called shell-shock or battle fatigue. It was first diagnosed in war veterans, notably the soldiers who survived the horrifying trench warfare of World War I and more recently in veterans of the Vietnam War. Since then, the condition has been identified more generally in people who have experienced a terrifying event.

Often, people with PTSD have persistent frightening thoughts and memories of their ordeal and feel emotionally numb, especially with people they were once close to. It can result from traumatic incidents like serious accidents, natural disasters and violent attacks like mugging, rape, or kidnapping.

People suffering from PTSD repeatedly relive the trauma in nightmares and disturbing recollections during the day. They may also experience sleep problems and depression. They may lose interest in activities they used to enjoy and have trouble feeling affectionate. They may feel irritable, more aggressive than before, or even violent. The disorder can be triggered by another personal trauma, or by a traumatic public event, like a bombing, or a plane crash.

PTSD can occur at any age, including childhood. Depression, substance abuse, or anxiety can accompany the disorder. Symptoms may be mild or severe. In severe cases, the person may become easily irritated or have violent outbursts and have trouble working.

PTSD does not afflict every person who experiences a trauma. Those who are affected usually have symptoms within three months of the event, but there have been cases where the illness has only appeared years later.

See also:
- What is Anxiety?
- What is Generalized Anxiety Disorder?
- What are Panic Attacks?
- What is an Obsessive Compulsive Disorder?
- What are Phobias?

Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It is not intended to diagnose a health condition, but it can be used as a guide to help you decide if you should seek professional treatment or to help you learn more about your condition once it has been diagnosed.

Phobias - What are they?

2006-08-01T16:22:00.000-05:00

Many people suffer from phobias, they are intensely and irrationally afraid of specific things or situations, like dogs, tunnels, and needles. A person might have no fear of traveling at high speeds, but panic in the subway.

Some phobics are afraid of social settings. Agoraphobia, a condition that is often related to panic disorder, is a fear of being in any situation that might provoke a panic attack, or from which escape might be difficult if one occurred.

An adult with a phobia may be aware that his or her fears are irrational. But this knowledge does not lessen the fear. Many find that even thinking about facing the feared object or situation brings on a panic attack or severe anxiety.

More than one in 10 people suffer from particular phobias over their lifetime. Scientists do not know what causes them. They do appear to run in families and are a little more prevalent in women.

Phobias usually first appear in adolescence or adulthood. They start suddenly and tend to be more persistent than childhood phobias. Childhood phobias, like a fear of animals, usually disappear over time. But in some cases, for unknown reasons, they may continue into adulthood.

People with phobias do not always seek treatment. Some may have phobias that are easily avoided. Sometimes, however, phobias may force a person to make important career and personal decisions. This can be particularly the case with social phobia, which is an intense fear of becoming humiliated in social situations. This phobia often runs in families and may be accompanied by depression or alcoholism.

Although this disorder is often thought of as shyness, the two are not the same. A shy person can be uneasy around others, but does not experience extreme anxiety when they think about a social situation. A person with a social phobia may not be shy at all. Only in a particular situation, like giving a speech, do they experience intense anxiety. Social phobia can disrupt normal life and interfere with a person's career or social relationships. The dread of a social event can begin weeks in advance, and symptoms can be quite debilitating.

See also:
- What is Anxiety?
- What is Generalized Anxiety Disorder?
- What are Panic Attacks?
- What is an Obsessive Compulsive Disorder?
- What is a Post-Tramautic Stress Disorder?

Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It is not intended to diagnose a health condition, but it can be used as a guide to help you decide if you should seek professional treatment or to help you learn more about your condition once it has been diagnosed.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

2006-07-25T12:42:00.000-05:00

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is characterized by disturbing thoughts or images, called obsessions, and rituals, called compulsions, that are performed to try to prevent or dispel them. The obsessive-compulsive does not take any pleasure from performing the rituals, but is forced to perform them by unbearable feelings of anxiety and unease. Performing the ritual gives the OCD sufferer temporary relief from the discomfort caused by the obsession.

Some OCD sufferers are obsessed with germs or dirt, and wash their hands over and over. A journalist may be filled with doubt, and checks his facts repeatedly, even if it means going out of his way to find a telephone in a remote village. A child may refuse to leave the house without putting his or her toys in a particular place, or going around turning the lights on and off in a particular order.

A lot of healthy people might think that they have OCD, when they find themselves repeatedly checking the stove before leaving the house. The disorder is diagnosed, however, when such activities consume at least an hour a day and the sufferer experiences intense feelings of discomfort and unease if he or she resists performing the required ritual. In addition, the activities appear to be senseless, are very distressing, and interfere with daily life.

OCD affects men and women equally, and afflicts about 2% of the population. It can appear in childhood, adolescence, or adulthood, but on the average it first shows up in the teens or early adulthood. A third of adults with OCD experienced their first symptoms as children. The course of the disease is variable. In some sufferers, the symptoms come and go. In others they ease over time, or can grow worse. There is some evidence that OCD might run in families.

The OCD sufferer might also be depressed, and have other anxiety disorders. Some may avoid situations in which they might have to confront their obsessions, or they may try to use alcohol or drugs to escape their compulsion. Some OCD sufferers have been able to adapt to their condition, and even find that it may help them in a career. An obsessive journalist, for example, may harness his obsession to ensure that his articles are extremely accurate. However, severe OCD can keep someone from holding down a job or from carrying out normal responsibilities at home.

See also:
- What is Anxiety?
- What is Generalized Anxiety Disorder?
- What are Panic Attacks?
- What are Phobias?
- What is Post-Tramautic Stress Disorder?

Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It is not intended to diagnose a health condition, but it can be used as a guide to help you decide if you should seek professional treatment or to help you learn more about your condition once it has been diagnosed.

Panic Attacks

2006-07-25T11:55:00.000-05:00

People with panic disorder have feelings of terror that strike suddenly and repeatedly with no warning. The person having a panic attack experiences physical symptoms, like a pounding heart, weakness and a smothering sensation.

The sufferer may genuinely believe that he or she is having a heart attack or stroke, or is on the verge of death. The sufferer cannot predict when an attack will occur, and many develop intense anxiety between episodes, worrying when and where the next one will strike. In between times there is a persistent, lingering worry that another attack could come any minute.

Most panic attacks last for just a few minutes, but they can last longer. In rare cases, they may last an hour or more.

Panic disorder can strike one in every 10 Americans over their lifetime. It can appear at any age, but most often it begins in young adults, and affects twice as many women as men.

Not everyone who experiences panic attacks will develop panic disorder. This much more serious condition is often accompanied by other conditions such as depression or alcoholism, and may give rise to phobias, which can develop in places or situations where panic attacks have occurred. For example, if a panic attack strikes while the sufferer is out shopping, he or she may develop a fear of stores, and start avoiding them.

Some people's lives become greatly restricted as they start to avoid any situation where they fear a panic attack may occur. When people's lives become so affected by the disorder that they are afraid to leave their homes, the condition is called agoraphobia. This is a fear of public or open places.

See also:
- What is Anxiety?
- What is Generalized Anxiety Disorder?
- What is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?
- What are Phobias?
- What is Post-Tramautic Stress Disorder?

Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It is not intended to diagnose a health condition, but it can be used as a guide to help you decide if you should seek professional treatment or to help you learn more about your condition once it has been diagnosed.

What is Generalized Anxiety Disorder?

2006-07-25T10:26:00.000-05:00

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is much more than the normal anxiety people experience day to day. Chronic and exaggerated worry and tension characterize it, even though nothing seems to provoke it.

Another term for GAD is "free-floating anxiety". This term conveys the generalized nature of the feeling that a dreadful, unknown event is about to befall the sufferer. A person suffering from GAD always anticipates disaster and often worries too much about health, money, family, or work. GAD is diagnosed when a person appears to be affected by excessive worry and anxiety for at least six months.

GAD comes on gradually and most often affects people in childhood or adolescence. It can also appear in adulthood. More women than men appear to suffer from GAD, and it does appear to run in families, either because of heredity, or else because of behavior patterns that are common to a particular family.

People who suffer from GAD can't seem to shake their sense of dread and worry, even if they appear to be intellectually aware that their anxiety is more intense than the situation warrants. People with GAD also seem unable to relax. They often have trouble falling or staying asleep, and their worries are frequently accompanied by physical symptoms like muscle tension and nausea. They tend to feel tired, have trouble concentrating, and sometimes suffer depression, too.

Usually a person who suffers from GAD is able to carry on with normal activities. He or she can function in social settings, or on the job, and does not usually have to avoid certain situations as a result of the disorder. However, severe GAD can be very debilitating and it can make daily life difficult, as well as having a negative impact on the sufferer's relationships with friends and family.

See also:
- What is Anxiety?
- What are Panic Attacks?
- What is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?
- What are Phobias?
- What is Post-Tramautic Stress Disorder?

Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It is not intended to diagnose a health condition, but it can be used as a guide to help you decide if you should seek professional treatment or to help you learn more about your condition once it has been diagnosed.

Anxiety - What is it?

2006-07-14T11:15:00.000-05:00

We've all experienced symptoms of anxiety at some point in our lives. A pounding heart, tense muscles, rapid breathing, perfuse sweating, or an upset stomach characterize a few of the many symptoms associated with the illness.

Perhaps you've felt anxious when you've given a speech, taken a test, or driven in heavy traffic. While this kind of tension may have felt uncomfortable, it also helped you cope. You had a reason to be anxious, and the tension it caused kept you aware and ready to react. Now imagine feeling anxious for no apparent reason.

Anxiety disorders are conditions that have their roots in both human experience and biology. Brain cells communicate with each other by passing signals through the release and uptake of chemicals called neurotransmitters.

Scientists theorize that anxiety symptoms result because the brain produces too much of the neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine. Too much serotonin is associated with tension, while if there are high levels of norepinephrine in the system, a person experiences other physical symptoms that are associated with anxiety, like heart palpitations.

As scientists use molecular biology techniques to advance their knowledge of the brain and the nervous system, understanding of the physiological basis of anxiety disorders is expected to grow substantially.

While anxiety can be a protective response to a perceived threat or danger, it also can become a problem for some people who have no obvious cause. In cases where anxiety is excessive and does not seem to be warranted, it can be debilitating. In addition, a variety of substances, medications and medical conditions can lead to anxiousness; in these cases, the anxiousness goes away when the substance is not taken or changes are made in the medication.

There are five general types of anxiety: (On the next post the definition of each type of Anxiety).

- Generalized Anxiety Disorder
- Panic Attacks
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
- Exaggerated Fears (Phobias)
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It is not intended to diagnose a health condition, but it can be used as a guide to help you decide if you should seek professional treatment or to help you learn more about your condition once it has been diagnosed.

Combating Anxiety: Medication for Treatment

2006-06-23T16:24:00.000-05:00

There are degrees of severity when it comes to anxiety. For instance, it can be mild, lasting only a day or two, or severe, lasting an entire month. You might experience generalized anxiety disorder or something more specific such as phobias, panic, or post-traumatic stress disorder.

Anxiety might be treated with an anti-depressant or an anti-anxiety medication. Generally speaking, there are three categories of anti-depressants: selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs; tricyclics; and monoamine oxidase inhibitors or MAOIs. SSRIs include Paxil, Prozac, and Zoloft. These anti-depressants often have fewer side-effects than the older generation of anti-depressants. Initially, you might feel nervous taking SSRIs, but the feeling often disappears after a few weeks. One of the most important side-effects of these drugs is sexual dysfunction, which can often be corrected by changing the dosage.

Tricyclics tend to have side effects such as sleepiness, dizziness, and weight gain. They are older than the SSRIs, so there has been more research conducted on them. Meanwhile, MAOIs can cause a reaction if mixed with certain foods and drinks, such as cheese and wine. These reactions can include increased blood pressure and other life-threatening problems.

Side-effects of anti-anxiety medications include fatigue, confusion, or drowsiness. The medications may be taken two or three times a day or just when needed. Dosage starts low then increases until symptoms disappear. The amount of medication prescribed varies according to symptoms and a person’s body chemistry. Doctors generally believe that you should not drink alcohol while taking anti-anxiety medication because the combination can create a life-threatening situation.

Because the medication can lead to dependence, the drugs are usually prescribed for only days or weeks at a time. In fact, a user might be directed to take the medication only when symptoms of anxiety occur. In some cases, individuals suffering from anxiety may need treatment for an extended period of time. If you begin taking anti-anxiety medication, it is important that you stay on it until the doctor recommends that you stop taking it. If you stop abruptly, you may experience anxiety, dizziness, or loss of appetite. Common forms of anxiety medication include Valium, Ativan, and Xanax.

At times, physicians may prescribe beta-blockers to combat anxiety. While beta-blockers such as propanolol may be used to deal with heart damage, they have also emerged as an effective treatment for social anxiety. If you face a stressful situation, such as a job interview, your physician may give you a beta-blocker that can keep your palms from sweating, your head from swelling, and treat other symptoms of anxiety.

There are certain steps you should take before you begin a drug regimen for anxiety. For instance, you should do your homework on the drug. Find out what side-effects it causes, and determine whether you can live with those side-effects. Also, you’ll need to inform your doctor of any over-the-counter medications you are using. Be sure to find out how long you will have to take the drug. You should realize that if you decide to stop taking the drug, you could find symptoms of anxiety reappearing.

If you’ve been diagnosed with anxiety, it can be a daunting experience. You may not know where to go or who to turn to. However, it’s best if you begin your search for treatment with your family physician, who can refer you to a psychiatrist if need be. While any type of anxiety medication can lead to side-effects, many people report good experiences, particularly with SSRIs. By working closely with your physician, you can find the medication that’s appropriate for you. However, you should know that medication may be only one part of the treatment puzzle. You may also need to engage in talk therapy or join a support group in order to alleviate your symptoms. The good news is that the prognosis is good for those who’ve been diagnosed with anxiety.

Anxiety and Xanax: Clinical studies

2006-03-01T10:35:00.000-06:00

Anxiety Disorders: Xanax tablets were compared to placebo in double blind clinical studies (doses up to 4 mg/day) in patients with a diagnosis of anxiety or anxiety with associated depressive symptomatology.

Xanax was significantly better than placebo at each of the evaluation periods of these four week studies as judged by the following psychometric instruments: Physician's Global Impressions, Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, Target Symptoms, Patient's Global Impressions, and Self-Rating Symptom Scale.

Panic Disorder: Support for the effectiveness of Xanax in the treatment of panic disorder came from three short-term, placebo-controlled studies (up to 10 weeks) in patients with diagnoses closely corresponding to DSM-III-R criteria for panic disorder.

The average dose of Xanax was 5-6 mg/day in two of the studies, and the doses of Xanax were fixed at 2 and 6 mg/day in the third study.

In all three studies, Xanax was superior to placebo on a variable defined as "the number of patients with zero panic attacks" (range, 37-83% met this criterion), as well as on a global improvement score. In two of the three studies, Xanax was superior to placebo on a variable defined as "change from baseline on the number of panic attacks per week" (range, 3.3-5.2), and also on a phobia rating scale.

A subgroup of patients who were improved on Xanax during short-term treatment in one of these trials was continued on an open basis up to 8 months, without apparent loss of benefit.

Anxiety relief

2006-02-17T10:50:00.000-06:00

What can I do to help myself?

The first step is to understand how anxiety works. Anxiety is a mixture of physical and mental symptoms. They are part of what psychologists call the 'fight or flight' response. When the body is under threat it automatically prepares to either defend itself or run.

Relaxation

To manage your anxiety you must first break the cycle. One way of doing this is to reduce the severity of physical symptoms by practising relaxation techniques.

There are two types of relaxation exercise: guided fantasy and muscle tension. It's best to try them both to find out which one suits you best. Relaxation isn't an immediate fix for the problem. It's a skill that must be learned, and (like all skills) is only acquired through practice.

Exercise

Another strategy for breaking the physical symptoms of the vicious cycle is taking aerobic exercise. This is exercise that's low impact - not involving carrying heavy weights or sudden exertion - and acts mainly on the heart. Any gentle physical activity that leaves the heart slightly racing will help.

By effectively giving the heart exercise it will, like any other muscle, become stronger. A stronger heart will be less prone to the kind of pounding that can make the physical symptoms so unpleasant. Exercise will also help to release some of the tension that builds up and can fuel the anxiety.

Diet

Caffeine is present in many soft drinks, not just tea and coffee. Try to cut out caffeine as much as possible, since it can set up its own vicious cycle. It can have an effect on the heart (speeding it up) and make you pass more urine - both signs of general anxiety. It can also disturb your sleep, another sign of anxiety.

If you're tired you'll be less in control of your emotions and more likely to feel anxious. Trying to overcome tiredness by drinking more caffeine only makes the long-term problem worse.

Say "no"

This can be the very best therapy. It's simply too easy to take on too much. You can find yourself in a situation where you have too many demands on your time. Often, no one thing is causing you anxiety. But as you try to fit more and more into your life, you can become slightly anxious about each task.

This anxiety can build up, bringing you to breaking point. It's as bad to feel a little anxious about a lot of things, as it is to feel very anxious about one big thing. Monitor your mood and thoughts

Sometimes it can be useful to think of your anxiety in the same way that an asthmatic might think of their breathing. We all breathe - just as we all experience anxiety at some point. Just as asthmatics will often check their breath capacity regularly, it can be useful to check your anxiety level regularly. You can do this by using the mood monitoring technique - developing the skill of spotting problems before they become unmanageable.

Treating Anxiety Disorders

2006-02-16T10:26:00.000-06:00

Fortunately, much progress has been made in the last two decades in the treatment of people with mental illnesses, including anxiety disorders. Although the exact treatment approach depends on the type of disorder, one or a combination of the following therapies may be used for most anxiety disorders:

* Medication: Medicines used to reduce the symptoms of anxiety disorders include anti-depressants and anxiety-reducing medications.
* Psychotherapy: Psychotherapy (a type of counseling) addresses the emotional response to mental illness. It is a process in which trained mental health professionals help people by talking through strategies for understanding and dealing with their disorder.
* Cognitive-behavioral therapy: People suffering from anxiety disorders often participate in this type of psychotherapy in which the person learns to recognize and change thought patterns and behaviors that lead to troublesome feelings.

Dummy drugs 'can relieve anxiety'

2006-02-15T10:33:00.000-06:00

Scientists say they have found that the "placebo effect" of dummy drugs can relieve anxiety as well as pain. The effect is when a person is successfully treated by a dummy drug, just because they believe it works.

Swedish volunteers were shown a series of unpleasant pictures and then given an anti-anxiety drug. The test was later repeated, but with a fake drug.The effects on calming the people's nerves were fairly similar, the scientists told the journal Neuron.

You may read the whole story here.

Guide to anxiety treatment

2006-02-14T10:47:00.000-06:00

Anxiety disorders are real, serious and treatable. Experts believe that anxiety disorders are caused by a combination of biological and environmental factors, much like other disorders, such as heart disease and diabetes.

The vast majority of people with an anxiety disorder can be helped with professional care. Success of treatment varies with the individual. Some people may respond to treatment after a few months, while others may take a year or more. Treatment is sometimes complicated by the fact that people very often have more than one anxiety disorder, or suffer from depression or substance abuse. This is why treatment must be tailored to the individual.

Although treatment is individualized, there are several standard approaches that have proven to be effective. Therapists will use one, or a combination of these therapies.

TREATMENT OPTIONS

Behavior Therapy
The goal of Behavior Therapy is to modify and gain control over unwanted behavior. The individual learns to cope with difficult situations, often through controlled exposure to them. This kind of therapy gives the individual a sense of having control over their life.

Cognitive Therapy
The goal of Cognitive Therapy is to change unproductive or harmful thought patterns. The individual examines his feelings and learns to separate realistic from unrealistic thoughts. As with Behavior Therapy, the individual is actively involved in his own recovery and has a sense of control.

Cognitive-Behavior Therapy (CBT)
Many therapists use a combination of Cognitive and Behavior Therapies, this is often referred to as CBT. One of the benefits of these types therapies is that the patient learns recovery skills that are useful for a lifetime.

Relaxation Techniques
Relaxation Techniques help individuals develop the ability to more effectively cope with the stresses that contribute to anxiety, as well as with some of the physical symptoms of anxiety. The techniques taught include breathing re-training and exercise.

Medication
Medication can be very useful in the treatment of anxiety disorders, and it is often used in conjunction with one or more of the therapies mentioned above. Sometimes anti-depressants or anxiolytics (anti-anxiety medications) are used to alleviate severe symptoms so that other forms of therapy can go forward. Medication is effective for many people and can be either a short-term or long-term treatment option, depending on the individual.

Brain structure link to anxiety

2006-02-13T10:39:00.000-06:00

Vulnerability to anxiety may be down to the size of a brain structure involved in fearful memories, say US scientists. The findings may help explain why some people develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) while others bounce back after adversity, say the authors.

You may read the whole story here.

Anxiety causes

2006-02-12T10:03:00.000-06:00

Causes of Anxiety Disorders

The exact cause of anxiety disorders is unknown; but anxiety disorders -- like other forms of mental illness -- are not the result of personal weakness, a character flaw or poor upbringing.

As scientists continue their research on mental illness, it is becoming clear that many of these disorders are caused by a combination of factors, including changes in the brain and environmental stresses. Like certain illnesses, such as diabetes, anxiety disorders may be caused by chemical imbalances in the body.

Studies have shown that severe or long-lasting stress can change the balance of chemicals in the brain that control mood. Other studies have shown that people with certain anxiety disorders have changes in certain brain structures that control memory or mood. In addition, studies have shown that anxiety disorders run in families, which means that they can be inherited from one or both parents, like hair or eye color.

Certain environmental factors -- such as a trauma or significant event -- may trigger an anxiety disorder in people who have an inherited susceptibility to developing the disorder.

Effexor XR Approved in Canada for Symptomatic Relief of Panic Disorder

2006-02-11T10:23:00.000-06:00

TORONTO, ON -- November 24, 2005 -- Wyeth Canada has announced that its serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), Effexor XR, has been approved for the symptomatic relief of panic disorder, with or without agoraphobia.

Previously indicated for the treatment of anxiety and depression, Effexor XR is distinguished from all other antidepressants as the only available "dual-action" treatment that affects the levels of two naturally occurring neurotransmitters in the brain known to affect mood, serotonin and norepinephrine."

"Panic disorder can have long-lasting personal, social and economic consequences," says Dr. Martin Katzman BSc MD FRCPC, Clinic Director of Start Clinic for Mood and Anxiety Disorders. "Evidence supporting the role of Effexor XR in treating Panic Disorder provides hope to those who have been unsuccessfully treated with other treatments."