Mind Visualization

My very first known attack came to my attention very soon after a co-worker made me aware that stress could cause such a thing and it even had a name. She had just come in to work after experienced an anxiety attack on the freeway. For her, anxiety attacks were a common occurrence so she knew to pull over to the side of the road until the sensation passed.

At the time, I thought she was a little whacko until it happened to me and I realized that I had it before. This time, though, I had a name for it and it was called Anxiety Attack.

Social science research has documented approximately 15, to as much as 40, million people in the United States yearly, who experience some sort of social anxiety disorder. This makes it the third largest mental health problem in the country today. However, compared to other mental health disorders, social anxiety is not as yet well understood by both the public and the medical profession.

Unfortunately, anxiety disorders are typically hard to detect as they progress slowly.

Once the habit of irrational fearing has been formed, however, it is a hard to get rid of it. One of the best ways to combat these disorders is to look out for the earliest anxiety stress symptom.

Some symptoms of anxiety disorders can truly be debilitating. An anxiety attack usually results in the individual having shortness of breath, trembling or shaking, lightheadedness, confusion, nausea. Some people have anxiety attacks so extreme that they think they are going mad.

After an anxiety attack, most people are left so exhausted that they are rendered immobile. Many people have lost jobs, relationships, and more because of anxiety disorders.

The most common causes of stress leading to anxiety problems would be environmental. Most of the time, anxiety disorders arising from environmental factors are more subtle.

People who grew up in unstable homes where anxiety runs high are much more likely to develop anxiety problems. The sufferer usually is able to hide the problem from the public. Professional treatment is needed because the problem rarely goes away on its own.

Those who experience traumatic events usually develop anxiety attacks for a short period. In these instances, they may go away on their own. If they don’t, they could develop into a full-blown anxiety disorder.

Typically, these panic attacks develop into some kind of phobia. An event or object that reminds the individual of the traumatic event is triggers the anxiety attack. If the anxiety stress symptom is recurring, professional help is likely needed.

Treatment

Psychotherapy – Anxiety disorders are learned incorrect responses to stimuli. It is quite normal for a person to feel anxiety or fear if the occasion warrants it. However, most people who suffer from anxiety disorders get frightened even if there is no real reason to be afraid. Psychotherapy is a form of treatment where a psychologist helps the patient overcome these anxieties by overcoming their reactions to the things they fear.

A popular method is psychotherapy is desensitization. This involves exposing the patient to the object of his or her fears until the person becomes so thoroughly used to it that the individual no longer feels any anxiety over it.

Some use relaxation techniques to control the anxiety or panic attacks. The psychologist will train the patient to focus on their breathing at the onset of an anxiety attack. The objective is to disrupt the thought pattern that lead to the anxiety and prevent it from escalating.

Exercise – Exercise is one of the best ways to release stress. Just thirty minutes or one hour of exercise a day is good enough to significantly reduce stress. You’ll feel more energized, relaxed and healthy. Weightlifting, aerobics and even yoga are excellent activities.

Alternative Therapy – Lately, more and more people are looking into natural alternatives. Herbal medicine is becoming very popular amongst those who suffer from anxiety disorders. People are also beginning to look into alternative treatments such as acupuncture.

There are many alternatives to anxiety medication that is available, unless the disorder is in its advanced stages. In any case, it is always wise to discuss with your doctor about any treatments.

Stress severely aggravates anxiety disorders. In many cases, anxiety disorders originate from severe stress. Reducing stress is a good way to relieve anxiety.

So was the anxiety attack the cause of stress or was it stress that caused the anxiety attack?

The debate continues.

Related posts:

1. Panic Attacks Can Indicate The Presence Of Panic Disorder
2. Sleep Disorder, Anxiety Disorder And The Cure – An Insight View
3. Anxiety Attacks and Cures