Medical Special - Coping With ANXIETY

(Answer to brain teaser: If you keep a goldfish in a dark room, it will eventually turn white).

What's Wrong?
Anxiety is a reaction to a threat or danger that is vague or even unknown. You feel worried but you are not quite sure why. It can manifest itself via any number of symptoms, including sweating, tummy churning, rapid heartbeat, shivering, irritability, poor concentration, shallow breathing and unwanted thoughts or behavior.

Anxiety or Panic Attacks?
Unlike general worry, anxiety attacks come on suddenly and with overwhelming force. The heart begins to race, the blood pressure rises, it becomes a struggle to breathe and the victim may feel dizzy or faint. The symptoms can even be confused with those of a heart attack. Anxiety attacks are most likely to occur after a period of unusual stress, such as a death or divorce. The best way to handle them is to see them for what they are: frightening but harmless emotional states. remind yourself that you're not in any danger; it is only a panic attack, and it will soon end. Stay as calm as you can, try to regulate your breath, and let the attack run its course.

Should I Call The Doctor?
Prolonged, severe anxiety can take a serious toll on your physical health. Seek help if you are anxious for most of the time, can't sleep or concentrate, turn to alcohol, drugs or food to quell your anxiety, or feel as if you might harm yourself or others. It is worth noting that anxiety symptoms can mimic those of serious conditions, such as, hyperthyroidism, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and heart attack, or occur as a side effect of some medications. So it is advisable to discuss your symptoms with a doctor.

Some Useful Remedies

* Soak Away Your Cares
A warm bath is one of the most pleasant and reliable ways to soothe your senses. To enhance its effects, add some lavender oil to the tub and soak to your hearts content. Lavender has been used for around 200 years to relax and soothe the nerves. If you don't have time for a bath, try dabbling a little lavender oil on your temples and forehead then sit quietly for a few minutes.

* Breathe Slowly And Deeply
Regulating your breath can help to bring your anxiety swiftly under control. To slow and deepen your breathing, sit down, put one hand on your abdomen and slowly inhale so that your belly expands under your hand but your shoulders do not rise. Hold your breath for 4 to 5 seconds, then very slowly exhale. Repeat till you feel calmer.

To further relieve anxiety and stress, simply place a drop of lavender essential oil on a handkerchief or tissue and hold it to your nose to inhale as often as desired.

* Sip Something Soporific
Drinking a glass of warm milk - an old fashion remedy for insomnia - really works, and at any time of the day. It's great with a little added malt or honey too. Milk contains tryptophan, an amino acid used in the production of the brain chemical scrotonin, which enhances feelings of wellbeing. Bananas and turkey are also rich in tryptophan. Passion flower is another gentle sedative herb that can be used for relieving anxiety: it is particularly soothing as a settling tea, taken at bed time.

* Don't Make The Symptoms Worse
Limit yourself to a single cup of coffee, tea or cola drink per day. Studies suggest that people with anxiety symptoms may be especially sensitive to caffeine. Watch your intake of wine, beer and other alcoholic drinks. While they seem to subdue anxiety at first, when the alcohol wears off, anxiety can actually increase.

*Speed Up and Slow Down
Aerobic exercise is a good anxiety reliever. Taking a brisk 30-minute walk spurs the release of endorphins - chemicals that block pain and improve moods. Whether it is meditating, praying, pruning the roses or watching your goldfish, do some sort of meditative activity for 15 minutes several times a day.

Improve your resistance to stress and anxiety with Siberian ginseng. Traditionally used in Eastern medicine, it is believed to support the adrenal glands and help the body adapt to physical and emotional stress.

*Try A Natural Anxiety Soother
Take a B-Complex multivitamin each day - the body requires vitamin B6 to make serotonin and not getting enough of the vitamins can contribute to anxiety. Studies also show that magnesium deficiency can worsen a stress reaction. Feeling anxious can deplete magnesium levels, creating a vicious cycle of cause and effect.

* Beat Anxiety With Positive Thinking
Repeat a statement to yourself often enough and you'll start to believe it. This is useful for dealing with life's challenges. Try these or make up some of your own:

- When challenged:
"It doesn't matter whether others think I am right or wrong as long as I make the best judgment I can and express my views honestly".

- Starting a new job/task:
"I am capable of doing this job, and I can master the skills that will allow me to succeed".

- Dealing with setbacks and insecurity:
"I have overcome hurdles like this before and I know I can do it again".

- When faced with rejection:
"I have been given the chance to try new alternatives and take a different path, and I am prepared for whatever new challenges lie ahead".

- Making a public speech or presentation:
"I have something important to say that everyone in this room want to hear".

- Meeting strangers:

"This is a valuable opportunity to get to know someone I've never met before; and I have something to offer".