Finding a Depression Treatment That Works for you

November 23, 2009 by · 21 Comments
Filed under: Anxiety Treatments 

Anxiety and depression seem to be on the rise in many parts of the world. The increased anxiety after September 11 has caused many people to look fondly at the past well hoping for a better future. In the meantime, it is necessary for many to seek treatment for anxiety and depression if only to be able to continue to function.

While anxiety is a term used to mean excessive worry or fear and depression is considered feelings of sadness and hopelessness, they’re both very closely related with very similar treatment plans. Although there are a number of options available, it’s important to get an accurate diagnosis from a qualified psychological counselor. It’s also critical that you visit your medical doctor, if only to eliminate physical causes that may have triggered the anxiety depression.

Here’s a few of the strategies that have been successfully used to treat anxiety and depression. Understand that while all have been shown effective to some degree, they don’t all work for all people.

Medications:

Certain types of medications known as SSRI or Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors work to increase the serotonin levels in your brain. These antidepressant meds have been able to be used successfully to treat many of the more common anxiety disorders. Although depression is generally recognized as being caused by low levels of chemicals in the brain, it seems to respond well to medication regimen. This in turn can help with various anxiety symptoms even though anxiety is more closely related to phobias and fears.

The Therapeutic Counseling:

Some of the most effective counseling is known as cognitive therapy. This behavior therapy is a type of psychotherapy that helps a person to recognize the thinking patterns that may have caused the anxiety disorder or depression. Psychotherapeutic counseling is especially effective with various phobias also.

Natural Anxiety and Depression Treatments:

There are many products on the market that all claim to cure various illnesses, disorders and disease. The reality is that many of these claims have not or cannot be verified through independent research. This means that even though it product claims to be the “miracle cure” these claims are based on testimonials. This isn’t to say that there are not some natural mood elevating strategies that one can use.

These mood elevating strategies include getting more sunlight. It’s no secret that in the winter when the days are shorter, there are more of us suffer from depression. I purposely going out into the sunlight for a least 30 minutes a day, it’s possible to help raise your mood level and fight off depression.

Another effective method to change your perspective and elevate your mental state is to exercise. A brisk walk or other exercise program lasting at least 30 minutes can elevate the endorphins. These chemicals in the brain can give you an almost positive euphoric feeling that is also an effective treatment for depression.

Although there are many other treatment methods, these have been found to be the most effective. Many anxiety and depression sufferers find that a combination of treatment strategies is required to effectively feel better and function.

Abigail Franks
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/finding-a-depression-treatment-that-works-for-you-82135.html

Aromatherapy: Gain Some Relief From Anxiety

November 3, 2009 by · Leave a Comment
Filed under: Panic Relief 

Feeling anxious isn’t a comfortable feeling for any of us and the desire to gain some control over our anxiety is understandable. Anxiety can show itself when fear, nervousness, worry and possible paranoia have become fairly common in your life. It’s a state of mind that focuses on negative emotions and could be the result of an underlying traumatic experience. A lot of people who suffer from anxiety live their lives in fear and never truly enjoy many of the pleasures that life has to offer them. Although anxiety starts in the mind, in turn it also affects your body. The fear and panic that you feel can show up physically as shortness of breath, heart palpitations, sweating or sickness.

When a person faces a real fear or threat, they experience what is commonly known as the “fight or flight” response. This response is a natural element of human survival and is an instinctive reaction to a perceived threat. When your body is often in a fearful state, your immune system becomes depressed. If you live with anxiety, panic, and fear for a long period of time, your immune systems is subjected to consistent suppression. This can leave your body open to infections, sickness, and disease.

As well as the physical side effects, feeling anxious stops you from enjoying many of life’s pleasures, both the great one and the small daily ones. In fact, the fear may become so intense that just carrying out normal day-to-day tasks become almost impossible to do. Scientific research shows that nearly twice as many women as men suffer from anxiety, panic, and fear related conditions.

Accompanying anxiety are phobias and fears. A lot of people face normal fears during their lives and this is to be expected as part of life. Its when people develop unhealthy fears for things that aren’t logical, or have a completely over the top response to a fear that the phobia can being interrupt normal life.

There are other anxiety related illnesses such as Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome, it is essential to seek expert help for any anxiety related disorder that you are facing. A course of therapy along with medication might be needed. It could well be a long and tough journey of intensive therapy and other treatments, but the benefits are worth it. Imagine being able to feel peace, stability, security and joy once again.

In addition, aromatherapy is something that can help in many ways and its easy to get started with today. For instance, when you are feeling anxious, an aromatic bath can benefit you both emotionally and physically. Choose tranquil and nerve calming herbs to bathe in so that you’re fighting the feelings of fear naturally and let the tension and anxiety be released. A hot bath with ten drops of Chamomile added gives you a relaxing and anxiety-soothing bath. Make sure that you have the time scheduled just for yourself and soak for at least twenty minutes to gain the maximum benefit.

Another way of relaxing and getting rid of your fear is through massage. The feel of your body gently being massaged helps to relieve tension and can leave you feeling so refreshed. To make your own delightful massage oil, use six drops Bergamot essential oil, 6six drops of Clary Sage along with three drops of Frankincense. Mix these essential oils with 1-ounce carrier oil, and enjoy the massage.

Even if anxiety is a part of your life, you have choices available to handle it.

Wendy Hearn
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/aromatherapy-gain-some-relief-from-anxiety-102469.html

Aromatherapy for Anxiety Relief

August 17, 2009 by · Leave a Comment
Filed under: Other Anxiety Related Articles 

Anxiety is a state of mind that focuses on negative thoughts and emotions. It may also come about because of a previous traumatic experience. Anxiety often happens when fear, nervousness, paranoia, and worry set in.

Many people who suffer from anxiety find it hard to enjoy themselves fully. Sometimes when anxiety becomes extreme, even performing normal day to day tasks become difficult to do. It has been found that nearly twice as many women as men suffer from anxiety, panic, and fear related conditions.

Associated negative emotions are also phobias and fears. Many people face normal fears throughout their lives and this is to be expected, it is when people develop unhealthy fears for things that are not logical, or have a completely exaggerated response to a fear is when the phobia begins to hinder normal life.

Although anxiety begins in the mind, it can affect the body as well. Some of the physical symptoms associated with anxiety are a result of the pressures of fear and panic. These symptoms may include shortness of breath, heart palpitations, and increased perspiration. The fear may also lead to a feeling of an upset stomach or nausea. When someone perceives a threat, they experience what is known as the fight or flight response. This is a very natural response and is part of the instinct for human survival. However, when the body is put in a fearful state, the immune system becomes depressed. If a person faces an inability to cope especially in extreme cases of anxiety and stress, he or she is more liable to become ill.

It is important, therefore to relieve your anxiety and stress level wherever possible. Also, do not wait too long to address them as they will be easier to treat in the initial stages. In less severe cases, you can consider using aromatherapy to help calm and soothe your nerves. Aromatherapy consists of a therapy that involves the use of concentrated essential oils. These oils can be massaged into the skin, inhaled or put into a bath. When inhaled or massaged, the theory suggests that the limbic system, (which is the part of the brain that stores and retrieves learnt memories and controls emotions and relaxes you) is triggered. By stimulating your body senses with pleasant fragrances, negative feelings and emotions will give way to peace and tranquility.

Hence, if you are feeling anxious, take an aromatic bath. By bathing in tranquil and nerve calming herbs, you can fight fear naturally and release tension and anxiety. The appropriate herbal oils should be used according to the emotions or negative feelings that you have and hoping to treat. You can add 10 drops of Chamomile to a hot bath for a relaxing anxiety-soothing bath. Soak for at least 20 minutes to achieve the full benefit.

You can also make wonderful massage oil with 6 drops Bergamot essential oil, 6 drops of Clary Sage, and 3 drops of Frankincense. Blend the essential oils with 1-ounce carrier oil, such as Sweet Almond or Jojoba for an incredible fear relieving massage.

However, if you are suffering from extreme anxiety, it is best to seek proper help. Psychiatrists may recommend a course of therapy along with prescribed medication to help ease the fears. Many of the medications however, often carry side effects and must be taken according to their instructions.

On the contrary, aromatherapy for anxiety relief has little side effects. Nevertheless, be sure to consult with a qualified aromatherapist if you are pregnant or suffering from some major illness or disease. In most cases, however, aromatherapy can really do wonders for anxiety relief and can be easily administered at home. So if you have been feeling a little more worked up lately, try using aromatherapy for anxiety relief!

By: Evelyn Lim (Download Natural Treatment for Anxiety Now!)

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