Each of us, from time to time, experiences fears, anxieties and uncertainties in life. Sometimes things happen which are beyond our ability to control. At other times events result because of choices, good or bad that we ourselves have made.

Although we cannot always control what happens to us or to others, the one thing that we can always control is the way in which we respond or react to things that happen in life. Each of us has a choice in every situation and that choice is whether to allow a particular event to get us down or whether, instead, to deal with it and to learn from it. In other words, it is not so important what happens to us but rather how we respond to what happens to us. The same rainy day that is a huge disappointment to the vacationing beach-goer could very well be a blessing to the farmer. It’s all a matter of perspective.

Victor Frankl, a European psychiatrist who suffered unimaginable hardships while interred in Nazi concentration camps, not only survived his unbelievably horrific ordeal but went on to enlighten the world with his realization that no matter what anyone did to him he was always free to choose how he would respond, how he would interpret the significance of events. His book, “Man’s Search for Meaning” is a chronicle of his life as well as a wonderful insight into the ability each of us possesses to ultimately control our own lives.

You have a choice to enjoy your life or not. We each are granted a short ride on this planet and then it is someone else’s turn. Life is short and truly is what we make of it.

Generally speaking it is healthier to learn to deal with life’s stresses than it is to take a pill. There are hundreds of medications on the market, which can affect how we feel. All medicines have potentially unpleasant and sometimes serious side effects. The greater number of different medications a person is taking the greater the likelihood of an adverse reaction resulting.

Many medications prescribed for “nerves”, for sleep and for chronic pain are addictive. Of course there will sometimes be circumstances in which your doctor might prescribe pills and in which case it would be appropriate to take them. But, generally speaking, if you are having trouble coping with situations in your life you do not want to become addicted to a medication.

Dependence on drugs just adds to your problems. Pills do not change your life situation. Only you can do that by making a conscious effort to do so. Exercise, relaxation techniques, getting out of an unhealthy relationship and life-style changes can help immeasurably.

Taking time to read books that teach coping skills is especially beneficial. After all, if a person is illiterate no amount of medication will allow him to read. He must be taught and learn how to read.

There are many excellent books available at local libraries and at various bookstores, which can be extremely helpful in learning how to deal with life and it’s never-ending challenges. I have personally found a number of these books to be helpful to me and to my family. Your local library has dozens of such books available. Once you start looking you will find lots to keep you busy. It costs no money to borrow from a library. Many books are also available on audio cassettes and CD’s for listening to while you drive, walk or jog.

So read a book or two and learn how to take control of your life. No one and nothing should control your life but you.

Preventing anxiety attacks is the single most important thing that an anxiety sufferer dreams of. Because of how severe these attacks are, people will try almost anything to not have to go through these feelings anymore. The bad part about that is the fact that nearly 30% of Americans are on some form of anti-depressant/anxiety medication. Preventing anxiety attacks does not require medication at all, because medication doesn’t actually prevent it or cure it. As a matter of fact, statistically, medication only works on 50% of the people who take it. What it does do is give everyone that uses them side effects that range from dry mouth and dizziness, to hallucinations, increased feelings of depression and suicide and a complete dependence to the drug itself.

What does prevent anxiety attacks?

The only thing that can prevent anxiety attacks is to cure it at its core. Without curing the core of these attacks, you are truly only medicating the symptoms.

What makes medication so dangerous?

The most dangerous aspect to anti anxiety medication is the addictive nature of it. Because these medications work by altering brain chemistry, it causes a dependency to it. If you try to quit and the brain misses these chemicals that its dependent on, you begin to feel serious and sometimes violent hallucinations, feelings of anger, depression and suicide.

What causes anxiety attacks?

In order to prevent anxiety attacks, you have to know how to cure them, and the only way to cure them is by understanding its birth. Everyone has anxiety, that is a natural and healthy part of our make up. But having an attack is a totally different thing. It usually works in cycles starting with the first anxiety attack. After that, your brain stores those feelings of the attack and the next time you are in a situation where your anxiety begins to rise you begin to feel those same stored feelings which ultimately causes another attack. Breaking this cycle, will literally break anxiety at its core.

Postpartum depression or peripartum depression occurs after a woman gives birth. Within a few hours of giving birth the amount of the two female hormones, estrogen and progesterone, return to their pre pregnancy levels. Many researchers feel that this drop in hormone levels, much like the smaller changes in hormone levels can affect a womans mood just before her menstrual cycle, is one of the causes of postpartum depression. In some women the levels of thyroid hormones decrease as well. This decrease in these hormones can lead to symptoms of depression too. Some of these symptoms include a depressed mood, a loss of interest in daily things, problems sleeping and fatigue, irritability and weight gain. Another factor that can lead to postpartum depression is genetics. This type of depression can be passed down from mother to daughter. There is also a correlation between postpartum depression and women who suffer from severe premenstrual syndrome. Postpartum depression is also known as the baby blues and one in ten new mothers suffer from this to one degree or another. In addition to the drastic changes in hormone levels, the presence of a new baby in the house is also a major factor in postpartum depression. A new baby can be a major stress on a new mom and this can factor into becoming depressed. Some of these factors include: Having less free time then before the baby was born and an inability to control the time needed to get things done. The baby demands all the mothers’ attention, leaving little time for herself. Going through labor is extremely stressful and tiring for a new mom. A new mom does not have time to regain her strength post delivery because of the demands and needs of the new baby. Just getting a good nights sleep is nearly impossible with late night feedings and diaper changes. Many new mothers question their own ability to be a good mom. They become overwhelmed with the care the new baby needs and start to worry that they aren’t providing the care their baby needs. For new moms, postpartum depression can occur with a feeling that they are no longer who they used to be. Their old schedule and ways of doing things have been replaced by the needs of their new baby. They can also feel like they have to do it all and try to take care of the new baby while doing all the things they used to do. This can be very overwhelming because chances are the care of the new baby will not allow them to accomplish all that they think they should. New moms can also become disconnected from their partner and family. They find that their time is limited and they just don’t have time to spend with the rest of their family. For most women the “baby blues” will usually go away as their hormone levels get back to normal. But for some women the depression associated with a new baby does not go away and can steadily get worse. It is very important that women who experience any kind of depression after child birth talk to their doctor right away. Most cases of postpartum depression can be dealt with medication and some counseling.