Is Medication A “Real” Anxiety Cure?

June 12, 2009 by · Leave a Comment
Filed under: Other Anxiety Related Articles 

“Anxiety and Panic Attack sufferers tend to live lives of quiet desperation.”

As a personal development trainer specializing in anxiety issues, and a former sufferer of

extreme anxiety and panic attacks, I can assure you the above statement is true-I’ve been there. I spent years of my life searching in desperation for an anxiety cure that was effective and would last.

Like many people, I tried the medical route: I was prescribed anti-anxiety medications that doctors assured me would provide a “real” anxiety cure with no severe side-effects or withdrawal symptoms…at least that’s what I was told.

Fast forward two years: I had gained 50 pounds, I suffered with chronic heartburn, fatigue, memory loss (my friends began calling me “Mr Short-Term Memory”) and sexual “dysfunction” (don’t even ask). My relationship was in ruins and I was barely able to function at my job.

And the worst part? My anxiety and panic attacks were still there!

Here’s what the medical community and drug manufacturers don’t really want you to know: anti-anxiety medications are completely ineffective for most people as an anxiety cure. The best anti-anxiety medications available have success rates that are only slightly higher than a placebo (that’s right, a regular sugar pill).

And when you factor in severe side effects like I had, and withdrawal symptoms, it’s easy to see why these medications aren’t really a good idea for many people.

Now, I’m not saying there’s a conspiracy going on (exactly), but I am saying that there is a ton of money to be made by keeping this information quiet. And that’s exactly what the big corporations do. Which is great news if you are a stock holder, but terrible news if you are desperately seeking an anxiety cure, as I was for so many years.

So if medication is not the answer, what is?

A “real” anxiety cure must be sustainable, not a quick fix that makes your life progressively worse over time, creating a type of addiction that keeps sufferers feeling like helpless victims. A “real” anxiety cure is all about empowerment-taking back control over your life.

There is no “quick fix” for an anxiety problem. The only real and lasting cure is in dealing with the issue personally, taking full responsibility for it, and refusing to be a victim that waits for someone “out there” to come and “fix” your life. Because the truth is, no one ever will.

“You will overcome your anxiety problem–no one else will do it for you.”

Of course there are resources out there that can help you along the way and even coaching programs to guide you step-by-step, but you must make the first big step right now, and that is to take 100% responsibility for your situation. This is not about blaming yourself–it’s about taking your power back.

Don’t believe the hype folks. The cure for anxiety is not to be found in a pill. I cured my anxiety and panic attacks years ago by following a number of simple techniques, but the very first step along the way, was to understand that “I” was entirely responsible for my anxiety situation, and only “I” could overcome it.

The sooner you take responsibility and recognize your role in the anxiety–the sooner you’ll take back control of your life.

By: Jon Mercer (Download Natural Treatment for Anxiety Now!)

About the Author:

Jon Mercer, MA, is a personal development trainer and the founder of www.easycalm.com, a leading anxiety resource site. Can this free anxiety coaching video change your life?


Tips for Combating Depression and Anxiety

Depression and anxiety affect more than 20 million adults every year. With depression symptoms ranging from mild to severe, more people are seeking help for the treatment of depression and anxiety than ever before. Treatment options for depression and anxiety include prescription medication, hormone therapy, psychotherapy, and a variety of other specialized therapies.

Since each case is unique, there is no “one-size-fits-all” cure for these sometimes debilitating mental disorders. But when natural remedies are used in conjunction with other types of treatment, treatment success rates can soar!

Regardless of whether or not you are in a professional depression or anxiety treatment program, there are a number of things that you can do to help yourself.

Natural remedies for these mental disorders don’t get a lot of attention so they’re often overlooked as successful treatment options. Fortunately the situation is changing. Natural remedies for depression and anxiety are most effective when used in conjunction with professional therapy. For many patients, that combination is enough and additional treatment methods usually aren’t required.

Here are some proven tips for getting depression and anxiety under control:

Banish Negative Thoughts

Although it’s nearly impossible to prevent negative thoughts from creeping into our minds, negativity makes depression and anxiety worse. Try to offset these thoughts by focusing on the positive things going on in your life. Positive, happy thoughts trigger the brain to release “feel good” chemicals that combat depression and anxiety naturally.

Avoid Associating with Negative People

Sharing your life with people who are negative only strengthens your own negative feelings. Likewise, sharing your life with positive, upbeat people strengthens your positive feelings. The choice is voluntarily so choose the people who can help you and avoid the ones who can’t.

Journal Your Way to Relaxation

Take a few minutes each day to write in a journal. You don’t have to create a novel, just jot down your thoughts on the positive and negative aspects of each day and note what made you depressed and what made you happy. At the end of each week take time to reread what you’ve written. Before you know it you’ll have a clear picture of the things that lift you up and which ones bring you down. As soon as possible, start avoiding the things that affect you negatively and start doing more of the things that make you happy.

Tap Into the Power of Affirmations

Affirmations are uplifting statements that you say out loud. Because affirmations are spoken as if the results you are seeking have already occurred, they work by programming your subconscious to make true that which you have already told it to be true.

Feel free to create your own affirmations or use these:

“I deserve the happiness that I feel every day.”

“I think only positive and uplifting thoughts.”

“I am in control of my moods and outside issues do not affect me negatively.”

“I love myself and I deserve the love of others.”

Summary

You are in control of your thoughts and feelings. Depression and anxiety are not unbeatable conditions that you are powerless to control. Start by following the tips presented in this article and then seek the help of an expert in the field of anxiety and depression management if you require additional assistance.

By: Susan Huebert (Get FREE Anxiety Treatment)

About the Author:

Susan Huebert, L.S.C.S.W., has practiced counseling in Wichita KS for over 15 years. Visit her Wichita Counseling and Coaching Center to find out more ways to relieve depression and anxiety.


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