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