Today is the tomorrow we stressed about yesterday. ~ Unknown
Those in the mental health field would probably agree that anxiety is a response 
to fear that has gone wrong. Of course, fear is normal emotion when a perceived threat is real. It gets our adrenaline going and heightens our senses which in turn make us more aware of what is happening so that we can deal with the threat in an appropriate manner. If however, this fear is imagined and we become anxious for no apparent reason, it inhibits our ability to cope and can make our daily life unbearable. This can lead to extreme isolation because we are unable to relate to others.
I would briefly like to mention the three types of anxiety which will be dealt with in
more detail in other blogs.
to fear that has gone wrong. Of course, fear is normal emotion when a perceived threat is real. It gets our adrenaline going and heightens our senses which in turn make us more aware of what is happening so that we can deal with the threat in an appropriate manner. If however, this fear is imagined and we become anxious for no apparent reason, it inhibits our ability to cope and can make our daily life unbearable. This can lead to extreme isolation because we are unable to relate to others. I would briefly like to mention the three types of anxiety which will be dealt with in
more detail in other blogs.- Chronic Anxiety is constant anxiety, you don't really know why you are tense, it is a general feeling of discomfort.
- Panic Attacks are extreme feelings of fear. You might have physical symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, heart palpitations, and everything may seem to be spinning around.
- Phobias are an extreme sense of dread of an object, act or situation. We all fear certain things, but phobias are not normal fears.
Chronic anxiety, panic attacks and phobias are best treated with the help of a licensed counselor or psychotherapist because these conditions can be debilitating. They can make you feel as if you are being held hostage by your inability to act. A professional may prescribe drugs as well as counseling.
An effective therapeutic treatment is behavior modification which has proven to be effective in the reduction of phobias. It is an excellent technique to use because it is aimed at stopping the inappropriate behavior being manifested. In a nutshell, the patient is exposed to his/her fear inducing object for increasing amounts of time until the phobia subsides.
Now I would like to talk about some alternative techniques that may enhance therapeutic interventions. Please read on.
Exercise is a great way to get those "feel good", endorphins working. Try yoga, or meditation and remember to breath deeply. If you sense a panic attack coming on inhale deeply and exhale very slowly for a few times, the symptoms will hopefully abate.
The supplement Kava Kava is a plant grown in Polynesia that helps to relieve emotional and muscular tension. It doesn't substitute for prescribed medications but it has no side effects. You can find it in many natural health food stores or online
Acupressure is an effective method of alleviating anxiety especially if you are experiencing a rapid heart rate and pulse. Massage the area below the first crease on the outer part of your wrist which is inline with with your pinky. Do this for one minute, it should help you to relax.
Try Aromatherapy - inhale the essential oil fragrances of hyacinth, jasmine, lavender, or spruce needle to help alleviate panic.
You might like to use flower essences over a period of time. Take 4 drops 4 times daily as long as symptoms persist.
Now I would like to talk about some alternative techniques that may enhance therapeutic interventions. Please read on.
Exercise is a great way to get those "feel good", endorphins working. Try yoga, or meditation and remember to breath deeply. If you sense a panic attack coming on inhale deeply and exhale very slowly for a few times, the symptoms will hopefully abate.The supplement Kava Kava is a plant grown in Polynesia that helps to relieve emotional and muscular tension. It doesn't substitute for prescribed medications but it has no side effects. You can find it in many natural health food stores or online
Acupressure is an effective method of alleviating anxiety especially if you are experiencing a rapid heart rate and pulse. Massage the area below the first crease on the outer part of your wrist which is inline with with your pinky. Do this for one minute, it should help you to relax.
Try Aromatherapy - inhale the essential oil fragrances of hyacinth, jasmine, lavender, or spruce needle to help alleviate panic.
You might like to use flower essences over a period of time. Take 4 drops 4 times daily as long as symptoms persist.
- Cherry plum for sudden rage or fear that you might lose contol of yourself.
- Rock rose for extreme panic that stops you from doing anything.
- Mimulus for extreme sensitivity, timidity and phobias.
- Aspen for fears that you can't explain, or unwarranted premonitions of a threat or catastrophe.
- Rescue remedy which is a combination of five floral essences used for extreme mental anguish and or trauma. Put 4 drops in water and drink slowly until you feel better.
- 1 oz. Valerian root
- 3/4 oz. Lemon-balm leaves
- 3/4 oz. Orange blossoms
- 3/4 oz. Passionflower
- Add 1/2 oz. Aniseed or 1/3 oz. Peppermint leaves for flavor and to relieve flatulence and stomach distress that come with anxiety.
Last but not least are some homeopathic remedies that are helpful. Consume 5 pellets 3 times a day until symptoms decrease. They come in the following doses 6C, 12C, 30C.
- Kali Carbonicum for fears manifested at night, fear of being alone, and fear of future sickness.
- Aconitum when you are afraid of large groups, ghosts, dying and you have a rapid heart beat accompanied by the "shakes".
- Argentum Nitricum for test anxiety, fear of vacant spaces, dying, and being isolated from others.
Remember, to think pleasant thoughts and relax!!
References
The Complete Guide to Natural Healing, International Masters Publishers,
Pittsburgh, PA.
Robert W. White; The Abnormal Personality, The Ronald Press Co.,
New York, 1964
Pittsburgh, PA.
Robert W. White; The Abnormal Personality, The Ronald Press Co.,
New York, 1964
