I believe things in life happen for a purpose. Because of my encounter with anxiety and in the interest of being a positive influence, I wanted to share my experience in order to provide hope and encouragement to those who are suffering with anxiety or depression. It was certainly a comfort to me to learn that I was not alone in dealing with this problem.

The first anxiety attack I had was at work during a lunch break. It started when I began to have the sensation of choking along with shortness of breath. Along with this I noticed my heart seemed to be pounding and racing leading me to think I may be having the warning signs of an impending heart attack. For the next couple of hours I struggled with wondering what was happening. I became convinced there was a possible heart attack looming. Consequently, this first attack resulted in my boss driving me to the hospital.

In subsequent attacks I had more of the classic indicators like fear of the worst happening, losing control or going crazy and dying. To those who have had these experiences know how completely paralyzing they can be. Those who have had similar attacks will be able to understand that it is not a very fun experience to have an episode like this, let alone having to leave work due to the panic attack.

Causes:

I have always wondered why anxiety attacks happened to me. My wife was diagnosed with cancer a number of years ago and this is when I began having the anxiety attacks. The stress of this diagnosis and fear was probably a contributing factor. My doctor believes anxiety is brought on by low brain serotonin levels caused by stress, lack of rest and proper exercise. Unfortunately, sometimes there are no clear answers to what brings on this condition.

Medical help:

In my case, <a href=”http://www.onlinepharmacylist.net/57/1/Ativan Lorazepam/”>Lorazepam, an anxiety medication helped me get through some very tough times. <a href=”http://www.onlinepharmacylist.net/57/1/Ativan Lorazepam/”>Lorazepam also known by its brand name Ativan is a benzodiazepine drug which is a type of medication known as a tranquilizer with a relatively short to medium time in which it is effectual. It has a sedative or muscle relaxant and nerve calming effect.

Among benzodiazepines, lorazepam has a relatively high addictive potential. For those having repeated panic attacks, this seems like a minor consideration. Unfortunately, in my situation the anxiety medication quickly started to lose its effectiveness. Because of the duties at my day job it was not feasible to keep upping the dosage of lorazepam which would have had a much too strong sedative effect.

The repeated attacks necessitated that I was prescribed anti depression meds, Lexapro to be specific. Lexapro is an antidepressant in a group of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or (SSRIs). The SSRIs appear to relieve symptoms of depression by blocking the re-absorption or reuptake of serotonin by certain nerve cells in the brain. This leaves more serotonin available in other areas of the brain resulting in enhanced neurotransmission which improves the depressed person’s mood. And, for reasons not entirely understood, SSRIs are called selective because they seem to affect only serotonin. Lexapro is one of a number of drugs used to treat anxiety and depression. Other drugs in this class of serotonin inhibitors are Celexa, Prozac, Paxil and Zoloft.

The depression meds definitely stopped the anxiety attacks. For this, I am thankful. Upon more research I am convinced that long term use of these types’ of meds can be extremely dangerous, especially for young people. These meds should only be used under constant supervision of medical professionals.

These meds helped me to function at my day job without experiencing the panic attacks. Over time however the depression meds started affecting my logical thought process and subsequently I found myself to be using an increasing twisted logical pattern of arriving at conclusions devoid of my normal emotions. In my case, these changes were very subtle and are why I believe these types of meds can be very dangerous especially for young people. Being older and having some analytical skills helped me to some extent realize changes were happening in my emotions and thought processes.

Because of the subtle scary changes in my thinking process I began trying to stop using the depression meds. I tried weaning my self of the meds very slowly with my doctor’s supervision. Unfortunately, within a week of discontinuing the meds, the anxiety returned and I had to resume using Lexapro. I felt trapped in what can be described as a vicious circle. Others with panic disorders along with me have described the depression meds like an alien being inside your brain.

General Observations regarding Anxiety and Depression:

A panic attack usually comes without warning. The first time a person experiences a panic attack it can feel like their world is falling apart. Many have found themselves in the hospital’s emergency room because of thinking that you were having a heart attack (as in my case) only to learn later that it was anxiety

Although the first panic attack may take place in a distinct situation, further episodes are unpredictable as to time or place. This was especially true in my case.

Usually, one or more unpleasant physical symptoms will be present in an intense or acute form during an actual panic attack, such as increased heart rate, dizziness, shortness of breath, inability to concentrate, along with varying levels of confusion.

After a number of panic attacks, the individual can become afraid of being a helpless victim of panic. It is common to be afraid of leaving your home, or to be in public places. Even when not experiencing an anxiety attack, the individual with panic attacks will become increasingly tense and apprehensive. It is common to remain psychologically on edge in preparation for the next attack.

Episodes of acute fear or anxiety are the hallmark of panic disorder and include at least several symptoms. Individuals who have suffered with panic attacks can readily relate to the following bullet points which are known to be classic symptoms:

Feeling of choking or suffocating

Racing, or pounding heart

Sweating

Trembling and shaking

Shortness of breath

Chest pressure, or pain, making the person think they may be having a heart attack

Fear of the worst happening, losing control or going crazy

Fear of dying

Nausea or an upset stomach

Dizziness, unsteadiness, lightheadedness or faintness

Numbness or tingling sensations

Chills or hot flashes

Feelings of being detached from oneself or feelings of unreality

Solutions:

Thankfully, I ran across research out of Europe that utilized an amino acid S-adenosylmethionine commonly referred to as SAMe to treat depression and anxiety. I am very happy to be completely free of the depression meds. My thought processes have returned to normal as well as my emotions reawakening to a natural state.

As frightening and paralyzing as panic attacks can be there is always hope. I am convinced there are natural solutions to anxiety. While not necessarily helping during an attack, it is good to know that the actual attack does not do any real damage or physical harm to the individual.

If anxiety is brought on through gradual chemical changes in the brain due to aging, stress or other factors such as poor absorption of nutrition into the brain it seems to me that finding ways to reverse the chemical changes naturally will be most effective.

Natural Solutions:

I would place prayer, counseling and talking with concerned friends along with life style changes as important factors in overcoming anxiety. I personally believe that it was beneficial to be open about what was happening with me. It is a mistake to try and hide a problem with anxiety and depression.

Contrary to initial instincts to pretend there is nothing wrong out of fear of embarrassment, there are many individuals who can be of great encouragement. If your friend or family member is having these problems, don’t act as those they have the plague. Your encouragement and support is vital to assist in situations like this. I personally had people talk me through or at least lighten a panic attack.

As already mentioned, S-adenosylmethionine or SAMe has remarkable promise helping individuals to get off depression meds chiefly because it has proven helpful for many people and also because it is one of the most carefully researched natural products. This research began in Europe approximately fifteen years ago. SAMe works by releasing a substance that is essential to the production of neurotransmitters that antidepressant medications look for such as serotonin. Although the SSRI pharmaceutical drugs block the reuptake of these brain chemicals, SAMe on the other hand encourages the normal production of them. This makes sense if the anxiety is due to low serotonin levels in the brain.

In addition, there are substances such as tryptophan and 5-HTP that are precursors to serotonin that increase neurotransmitter production. In chemistry a precursor is compound that participates in the chemical reaction that produces another compound. It should also be noted that St. John’s wort is a popular herb for treating depression.

Essentials oils have also shown promise in helping with depression and anxiety. Evidence has shown that essential oils particularly lavender oil can increase the release of serotonin and as a result produce a calming effect on the individual. Essential oils are concentrated hydrophobic liquid that contains aroma compounds from plants. The most significant thing essential oils do is to get the pineal gland (a small endocrine gland in the brain) working more efficiently and as a result helps in cleansing toxins from the body. Research shows that essential oils are high in sesquiterpenes which are hydrocarbons with 15 carbon atoms and are especially helpful in this cleaning process. That is because sesquiterpenes have the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, to oxygenate the brain and clear out plaques and toxins that inhibit the release of serotonin.

In addition, there are foods and supplements that can help improve an individual’s mood. A number of vitamins and minerals such as B vitamins, magnesium, chromium and selenium may be deficient when you’re depressed or anxious. Omega-3 fatty acids have also been shown to improve mood in depressed people.

A nutritional program should include standardized high quality supplements made in compliance with good manufacturing practices along with good whole foods and filtered water to help improve the structure and function of new cells your body is making. During the aging process, there is an increase need for certain vitamins and minerals due to less efficient utilization of them for a variety of factors brought on by the aging process. Proper rest and exercise are also important factors in overall health.

Thankfully,

Jack@KettlerWellness.com

Panic attack symptoms can be very intense and quite frightening. If you have ever had a panic attack and were afraid you were losing your mind, having a heart attack or going to die, rest assured you are not alone. Many people have rushed to the hospital emergency room thinking they were in real danger, only to be told they had nothing more than a panic attack.

You would think this diagnosis would come as a great relief, but it doesn’t help panic attack sufferers learn how to cope with an attack and prevent them from happening in the first place. This leaves the sufferer in a constant state of anxiety, waiting for the next attack to occur.

Panic attack symptoms result from a sudden episode of extreme fear and/or feeling of intense dread. Anyone who has suffered from one of these attacks knows they are far more intense than just being nervous in a situation. What’s worse is these attacks can seem to come out of nowhere in common everyday situations where there is no danger.

How to you know if you are really having a panic attack

It can be confusing because the symptoms of panic attacks can mimic other disorders and can vary from person to person, but there are some very common symptoms that distinguish a panic attack from other disorders.

A panic attack occurs when anxiety reaches a peak and the body releases a surge of adrenalin that produces the physical symptoms of intense fear, dread and other frightening sensations. These panic attack symptoms can come on very quickly and generally last anywhere from a few minutes to up to an hour.

It can be confusing because the symptoms of anxiety attacks can mimic other disorders and can vary from person to person, but there are some very common symptoms that distinguish a panic attack from other disorders.

Some of the common symptoms of anxiety attack are:

• Racing, pounding heartbeat
• Shortness of breath or rapid breathing
• Nausea,
• Excessive sweating
• Shaky limbs or trembling
• Chest pains
• Intense feelings of dread
• Fear of going crazy or about to die

Why do I get Panic Attacks

Panic attacks are a form of extreme anxiety. Anxiety is the nervousness we feel in tense situations, such as giving a speech, asking someone for a date, meeting new people or taking an important exam. Anxiety is a normal response and everyone feels anxious at some time in certain situations. However, anxiety becomes a problem when it becomes chronic or when someone experiences intense anxiety in situations where it doesn’t really make sense to be nervous.

Panic attacks can be fightening because they often hit when you are in situations where there is no real danger present. Many people suffer from these attacks after a very stressful event in their lives, such as the death of a loved one, where the anxiety builds up to the point of anxiety attacks. Others suffer from chronic anxiety for long periods of time and eventually develop anxiety attacks.

Can you stop these unpleasant panic symptoms

Yes! Panic attacks are not fun and not something you want to just live with. Many people try to cope with their anxiety in many ways that are destructive and prevent them from living full, happy lives. Fortunately this does not have to happen. Regardless of why you have panic attacks or how long you have suffered, there is a way to stop them. You can finally find lasting relief and stop living in fear of the next attack.

Learn more about how you can learn to quickly stop panic attack symptoms and and permanently prevent them from coming back.

Music plays an important role in every one’s life. It has a soothing effect. It takes you to a different world. Such is the effect of hypnosis music on your hypnosis session. Hypnotherapists play hypnosis music or healing music using CDs or MP3 during hypnotherapy to cure patients. This music is not played on radio because its soundtrack evokes highly relaxed trance. This melody makes you rock into alpha state.

You might not be familiar with the term alpha state. This is a state that you enter in when you find yourself in a hypnotic trance. This is a level of attention which facilitates higher inner awareness in you by blocking elements in your surroundings. Some hypnosis music or healing music melodies are specifically created to lull you into this state with more ease.

It is not difficult to enter into alpha state. A very common example of this state which you unknowingly enter into most often is the Internet surfing; you go on surfing for hours and yet feel that only a few minutes have passed. People who watch television for hours are also said to be in the alpha state. This is the reason why television ads are so powerful!

Hypnotic music or healing music follows a pattern created by your body and mind. This impacts on your mental and physical condition, and puts you in the rhythmic pattern of song. Your heart rate and breathing patterns start following healing music’s pattern and lead you to healing dance. This is an important aspect of trance and some people fall into relaxing mode after listening to healing music or hypnosis music. You don’t need hypnotic suggestions in this type of healing meditation.

Hypnosis music can be found in a number of places, but this kind of composition should be left to hypnotherapists. There are many composers, who offer melodic hypnosis music or healing music for harmony with body and mind.

You will have realized how important is the role of hypnosis music, or healing music in self hypnosis and healing meditation. Hypnosis music helps in reprogramming your mind into effective behaviour.

Apart from healing music and hypnosis music, there are certain factors that play important role in self hypnosis. These include: consent, trust, emotions and your attire i.e. clothing.

For self hypnosis you need to give full consent and cooperation to hypnotherapist. You must trust him/her and respond to suggestions.

Emotions play important role in enhancing effectiveness of self hypnosis. Association of good feelings with every hypnosis session puts you in receptive mode to accept changes that take place. You will feel more satisfied with the session if you remove feelings of doubts and anxiety.

While attending hypnosis session or healing meditation, do not wear tight clothes as they impair ability to breathe or relax. Put on loose soft clothing.