What is anxiety
What-is-anxiety-
By Wee Dilts
What is anxiety?
Anxiety is an unpleasant complex of emotions that includes fear, apprehension and worry. It is often accompanied by
physical sensation such as:
palpitations, nausea, chest pain and shortness of breath.
An anxiety attack is brought about by our instinctual Fight or Flight reaction. Symptoms triggered can be:
Racing heartbeat
Difficulty breathing
Obsessive thinking
Nausea
These are normal reactions when you're facing real danger; the problem is that the paranoia aspect of anxiety
triggers these same fight or flight reactions when we are in no real danger.
The body's reaction to real or imagined danger is to cause: Chest and other muscles to tense up, causing
discomfort Heart rate increases, causing palpitations and chest pain; you may fear you're having a heart attack
Blood pressure increases, creating lightheadedness.
Fast or shallow breathing, causing a sensation of dizziness. A rush of adrenaline to all the major muscle
groups; to prepare for fleeing or fighting. Reduced blood flow to the brain due to tension in the arteries.
Increased sweating. Inhibited action of the immune and digestive system.
These symptoms can cause you to feel like you are going crazy; that you are out of touch with reality.
In our modern day living we are rarely in a real life threatening situation where we need the fight or flight
reaction; however, the brain views many things as stressors such as:
Rush hour traffic
Road rage Work deadlines
Self-imposed deadlines
Domestic tiffs with our significant other, family or friends Meeting new people
Negative thinking Bills coming due Taxes Etc.
The brain sees these as real life threatening events and triggers our revival response. Everyone experiences
alarms like these once in awhile; the person with an anxiety
disorder experiences the triggering of alarms ranging from often to constantly.
While you may be in no real danger, your brain thinks you are. The solution is to calm the mind and learn to
distinguish between a real threat and a perceived threat.
Symptoms;do you experience any of these?
Excessive worry
Tension Restlessness
Irritability
Muscle tension
Paranoia Fear of failure, peoples opinion of you, new experiences
Apprehension Dread Feel nausea
Chills
Panic
On going worry or unrealistic view of problems
Edgy
Headaches
Sweating
Difficulty concentrating
Need to go to the bathroom frequently
Tiredness
Trouble falling or staying asleep
Trembling Easily startled
Racing, negative thoughts
Obsessive thoughts
Sensitive to light and noise
Do You Experience Any Of These Common Emotions? Fear, sadness and depression.
Anxiety may leave you wanting to be left alone or you may feel trapped.
Treatment Options like medication can be a helpful tool in reducing anxiety. It can help reduce physical
symptoms and get the body functioning a more normal level.
Medication is not a cure-all and does not address the root of the anxiety. Medication should be used in
combination with other treatments. Consult your doctor to determine what treatment plan is necessary.
Counseling or therapy will focus on the causes of the anxiety and are quite effective when combined with other
treatment options.
Alternatives Combining natural supplements with other forms of treatment options such as natural, holistic
approaches as well as other treatment options has proven quite effective.
Supplements such as Valerian has been reputed to have anti-anxiety and sedative properties there is little
scientific evidence to support the claim; However many people feel better when using Valerian.
Kava is a popular herbal treatment. Small doses taken regularly through the day or when symptoms are noticed.
Other Supplements include: St. Johns wort Chamomile magnesium B-complex L-tyrosine 5-HTP
Self Help:
Proper diet Reduction of caffeine and sugar. Caffeine reduction should be gradual. Generally improved eating
habits.
Exercise relieves stress by reducing cortisol build up. Gradually develop an exercise routine.
Laughing Proper breathing Diaphragmatic breathing as opposed to chest breathing.
Proper sleep Meditation Relaxation techniques. There are many tapes and methods available, including yoga and
stress management.
Releif may require lifestyle changes and learning time management skills.
Coping strategies such as breathing exercises and reassuring self talk.
Search for meaning and purpose to your life.Some experts have indicated that generalized anxiety can be the
result of "boredom." Feelings of lack of self worth. Find meaning for your life.
What is the anxiety about? Many people feel anxious but they don't know why. It is worthwhile to sort out what
the anxiety is over.
Avoid alcohol. Alcohol is a powerful depressant and has a plethora of dangerous side effects in addition to
being addictive. It is probably best to avoid alcohol during treatment. Proper time management can provide you with
direction and help eliminate the feelings of hopelessness.
Copyright (c) 2009 Wee Dilts
Article Source: http://www.upublish.info
About the Author:
Wee Dilts
Wee Dilts is the originator of Flat Fee FSBO MLS. Helping for sale by owners save commission since 1983. Get her
series of Free FSBO tips at http://www.fsbofriend.com
Keywords: anxiety, anxious, anxiety attack, rid yourself of anxiety, stop anxiety, why worry
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