Do You Have These 4 Telltale Signs? You May Have Thyroid Disease

 

Unexplained weight gain is a common symptom that sends a person to the doctor to get their thyroid checked. When levels of thyroid hormone get too low, the body’s processes start to slow down, which can result in weight gain. But there are other, less well-known signs that the thyroid is not doing what it is supposed to do.

 

Thyroid disease occurs when the butterfly-shaped gland located in the lower front of the neck isn’t working properly. A healthy thyroid gland secretes thyroid hormones that are sent to every tissue in the body. These hormones help you to use energy, stay warm, and keep all of the body’s organs working the way that they should. When the thyroid is not working properly, there is a wide range of symptom that can occur. The symptoms differ based on whether the thyroid is secreting too much thyroid hormone or not enough.

 

Sensitivity to Cold

Are you always the person in the office who is complaining that it’s too cold? Sensitivity to cold can be a sign of an underactive thyroid, especially if it’s something that you are noticing more lately.

 

Aches and pains

Have you been experiencing muscle aches, pains or cramping? This is another sign of a possible thyroid problem. Joint pain, especially in the shoulders and hips, is a possible sign of thyroid disease.

 

Memory Loss

Do you feel like you are experiencing brain fog? If you are finding your job more difficult to perform than it used to be, or feel like you are more forgetful, this can be due to an underactive thyroid. According to the American Thyroid Association, many older people ignore these signs thinking they are just a normal part of aging, when actually they are symptoms of a treatable thyroid problem.

 

Anxiety

Have you tried to treat anxiety without success? According to the Chicago Weight Loss Clinic, anxiety that doesn’t respond to medication can be a sign of an overactive thyroid.

 

If you suspect that you have signs of thyroid disease, the only way to know for certain is to take a blood test that measures your thyroid hormone levels. Some of the signs of hyperthyroidism overlap with the signs of hypothyroidism, and some symptoms of thyroid disease are also present in other illnesses. Talk to a doctor to find out whether or not thyroid disease is the cause of your symptoms.

 

Categories: anxiety, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, memory loss, thyroid, thyroid disease

Why Are You Afraid? 3 Reasons You Shouldn"t Be Afraid of the Dentist

 

Visiting the dentist is probably not one of your favorite things to do. Although many people try to put off dentist visits, some patients have strong fear and anxiety before dental appointments. If you are dealing with fear of the dentist, here are three reasons why you don’t need to be afraid.

 

Preventative Dental Visits Improve Your Overall Health

As anxious thoughts start to enter your mind, it’s important to counteract these thoughts with the truth. When you’re thinking of how much you don’t want to go to the dentist, you need to remind yourself why dental visits are so important.

A bright, white smile is a good motivation for some people, but visiting the dentist is important for more than just cosmetic reasons. If you neglect your dental health, you can suffer numerous negative effects to the health of your entire body.

When you’re tempted to cancel that appointment, read through the positive impact of preventative dental treatments. You can even remind yourself that taking care of your teeth now reduces your risk of needing emergency dental treatments in the future.

 

Today’s Dentists Have Plenty of Ways to Make You Relaxed and Comfortable

If you haven’t been to the dentist in a while, you might be surprised by how much dental care has improved in recent years. Although dentists have always been focused on providing top notch medical treatments to their patients, many are also now focusing on new ways to make their patients comfortable.

In today’s offices, it’s not uncommon to find patients watching their favorite movies or TV shows while their procedures are being performed. Being able to choose music or other entertainment that you enjoy is a great way to stay distracted while the dentist and staff members are working. You might even consider sedation techniques if you are still a little jumpy. In addition to this technique, there are many topical creams that help dull pain if you are in severe discomfort.

 

A Dental Procedure Does Not Have to Equal Pain

If you ask most people what they fear about dental visits, the most popular answer will be pain. Some people have had negative experiences with dentists in the past, while others remember the pain of other dental procedures. A Polo Park Dental Centre dentist can help with any fears you may have in reserve as their preventative care is known for being great and doesn’t hurt a bit.

The thought of someone working in your mouth sounds uncomfortable, but there are many different options for pain management. If your anxiety is severe, many dentists provide sedatives that allow you to relax without having to go under anesthesia. After your procedure, your dentist will provide information regarding pain relief if necessary.

 

Thanks to the advancements in comfort and pain management, you don’t have to fear your next dental visit. If you’ve been postponing making an appointment, remind yourself about all of the positive benefits of dental care, and pick up that phone today!

 

Categories: anxiety, dental anxiety, dental visits

6 Helpful Tips for Reducing Hospital Anxiety

 

Many people get anxious when they need to go to a hospital for treatment. Although this is a normal reaction, it is important to know that nervousness and anxiety doesn’t always have to accompany a visit to the hospital. Keep reading to learn about a few simple strategies for reducing hospital anxiety in people of all ages, and making the experience more tolerable.

 

Practice Relaxation Techniques

Relaxation techniques like progressive relaxation (tensing, then relaxing each group of muscles in turn), deep breathing and visualizing being somewhere pleasant and peaceful can reduce anxiety before and during hospital visits and medical procedures. These techniques are easy to learn and even children can practice them.

 

Use iPads, Music or Games

According to ScienceLife, a study found that using an iPad, listening to music, coloring, playing games or even just blowing bubbles reduces anxiety in children undergoing medical procedures in an emergency room setting. While the study didn’t include children outside an emergency room setting or adults, the article suggests these techniques or similar ones would probably be effective for other ages, as well.

 

Bring a Friend

Having a friend or family member present during procedures at the hospital often reduces anxiety in patients, according to the Nursing Times website. Patients can request to have a family member or friend remain with them and hospital personnel can make changes to hospital policy when needed in order to accommodate those requests and relieve anxiety.

 

Talk about the Anxiety

Talking about the source of the anxiety also helps with nervousness. Sometimes, our fears and anxiety related to the hospital visit are based on the unknown. If you are anxious about a procedure or treatment, asking the doctor or nurse about it will likely calm your fears. You might be worrying unnecessarily, and getting more information about what is going to happen can help you feel more at ease. Discuss your concerns with the doctor, and get all the facts before you start to worry about your hospital visit.

 

Don’t Be Shy

Aside from asking questions, it can also be helpful to form a bond or relationship with the nurses or doctors who will be caring for you. We tend to feel more at ease when we are around people that we are comfortable with, so if you let your doctors or nurses know about your anxiety, they will likely make efforts to help you feel more at ease. Don’t be shy about asking questions, or even asking for items that will comfort you. Of course, you don’t want to be demanding, but most hospital staff will be happy to get something for you if it will help you to feel more comfortable. Speak up about anything that is bothering you, and you won’t have to suffer through anxiety and discomfort while at the hospital.

 

Keep Parents Calm

An article published by the American Society of Nurse Anesthetists explains how children display less anxiety in hospital settings when their parents stay calm. Many of the tips for reducing hospital anxiety in patients will also help reduce anxiety in parents, like talking about the anxiety and staying informed about what is going to happen. If you are trying to keep a child calm about their hospital visit, it is important that you stay calm yourself. This is also true if you are accompanying a friend or family member on their visit.

 

As you can see, while hospital anxiety is common, you don’t have to succumb to it. By getting more information on the procedure or treatment, getting to know your doctor, openly talking about your anxiety, and finding distractions, you can let your worries wash away and be more at ease in the hospital. The information for this article was provided by the professionals of 911 Industrial Response Inc., who specialize in ambulance services in Calgary.

 

Categories: anxiety, Emergency Room, family member, hospital, hospital anxiety, hospital visit, medical procedures, reduces anxiety, reducing hospital, room setting, Tips, visit nbsp

Dental Office Anxiety? 3 Simple Ways to Help Get Over Your Fears

 

Millions of people suffer from dental office anxiety, and there are many different reasons why. In certain cases, dental office anxiety can be so severe that it prevents a person from visiting a dentist for multiple years. If you’re battling an intense fear of going to the dentist, there are strategies that you can use to help alleviate the distress. These are three simple ways that will help you overcome your dental office anxiety.

 

Always Schedule Early Appointments

Appointment time doesn’t seem like a big deal, but for the anxious patient, it is. When you schedule a dental appointment for later in the day, you have much more time to worry and ruminate over it. Essentially, the more time you spend worrying about something, the more your anxiety will grow. Schedule appointments as early as possible to avoid overly obsessing about them.

 

Find a Great Dentist

It might come as a surprise that your anxiety could heavily hinge on who you choose as your regular dentist. Some dentists, like those from Health Centered Dentistry, are better than others at helping their patients feel comfortable when undergoing checkups or procedures. The best way to find the right dentist for you is to ask around with friends and family. You might even want to visit a healthcare facility to find out about the different dentists in your area. Online reviews will also likely allude to whether or not a dentist works well with patients who have anxiety.

 

Agree Upon a Safe Word or Signal

Before allowing your dentist to get started with your checkup or procedure, talk to them about using a safe word or signal to indicate that you want them to stop what they’re doing. This signal can be as simple as a wave of your hand. This method not only grants you a greater sense of control over the situation at hand, but it also provides comfort for you in knowing that you won’t ever become too overwhelmed while in the dentist’s chair. Simply enough, if you don’t feel comfortable, you can quickly force a break to process your anxiety.

 

It’s important to keep in mind that no strategy will alleviate your anxiety overnight. However, as you put these strategies to use on a regular basis, your comfort level with visiting the dentist will gradually increase. Anxiety of any type is virtually never easy to work through, but with determination and effort on your part, you can equip yourself with the tools to overcome it.

 

Categories: anxiety, anxiety nbsp, Dental, dental office, Dentist, fear, feel comfortable, nbsp, office anxiety, safe word, simple ways

How To Cope With Depression And Anxiety After A Debilitating Injury

 

We all face challenges in life, but how do you recover when a debilitating injury has left you unable to enjoy life the way you once did? After a major injury, you may experience feelings like sadness, anger, denial, worry, and fear. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to help yourself recover and get back to the life you once enjoyed.

Acknowledge Your Emotions

Acknowledging that it is normal for you to feel sad, helpless, or anxious, can go a long way in helping you recover. Try not to hold these feelings back. Surround yourself with supportive people who will listen to you and help you work through these feelings without judgment. Allow yourself time to accept what has happened, and do not try to rush the recovery process.

Don’t Push Yourself Too Much

It’s natural to want to do the same things as before the accident as quickly as possible, but it’s important to understand that it won’t happen soon, and things may never be the same. Don’t be afraid to say “no” to things you could have easily done before. Don’t push yourself physically or emotionally to avoid more stress.

Talk to a Counselor

Counseling can be a very effective tool in helping you deal with your emotions after the injury. However, many people feel uncomfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings with a complete stranger. Remember, talking to a third party can help you get an objective look at your situation and show you what steps to take to improve your condition. Your counselor can also advise you of any beneficial support groups you can attend.

Stay Active & Healthy

Staying active has proven to help the symptoms of depression and anxiety. Talk to your doctor about what kind of physical activities would be beneficial for you to enjoy while recovering from your injury. Also, make sure you are eating a well-balanced diet and avoid the use of alcohol or drugs. It can also be beneficial to engage in some of the hobbies you enjoyed before the injury such as painting or reading.

Consider Speaking to a Lawyer

After an injury, the last thing you may want to endure is a long legal battle. However, if the injury is no fault to your own, you deserve a chance to rectify the wrongdoing. There are lawyers in your area who are committed to helping their clients cope with life after the accident and receive any compensation they may be entitled to.

 

Depression and anxiety after a major injury can cause normally productive, socially active, independent people to withdraw into a world of emotional pain that is often far greater than the physical pain they are experiencing. However, by following a few of the suggestions above, it is possible to find yourself enjoying life again free of your psychological handicaps.

 

Informational credit to Howard Yegendorf & Associate.

 

Categories: anxiety, cope, depression, Injury

Five Ways to Relieve Your Child"s Anxiety At The Dentist

 

By Karleia Steiner

 

A visit to the dentist doesn’t need to be synonymous with a visit to see the boogeyman. The fear that comes with dental visits is a learned one. If practiced while children are young, dental visits can be as cool as the mint mouthwash at the end of a cleaning. Listed below are five ways to relieve your child’s anxiety at the dentist.

 
1. Dental Hygiene Habits


As soon as a child receives their first tooth, make a big deal about it. Celebrate it as a milestone that marks their growth. Allow them to take a picture and proudly smile to show it off. While the excitement lingers, stress the importance of taking good care of the teeth. A child should own (and use) their special toothbrush, toothpaste and floss. Make it an unavoidable part of their daily routine. This will help oral health be viewed as a priority and a joy!

 

2. Regular Visits


As often as recommended by the dentist, make regular visits a priority. The more a child visits the dentist, the more they’ll get used to the environment and the anxiety will eventually dissipate.

 

3. Conversation 

A child will naturally ask questions about a visit to the dentist. Keep the conversation as positive and upbeat as possible. It’s important not to lie to a child but don’t use words that might scare them out of the chair like needle, drill, or bloody mess.

 

4. Choice of Dentist


Do personal due diligence and find a dentist that will cater to the needs and sensitivities of a child. Not all dentists know how to be kind and pleasant to little clients. Sometimes, dental visits for children might arrive with the infamous meltdown. Dentists with good bedside manor like Dr. Bryan Murrayare expectant of these situations from children and are well-equipped to handle them. Selecting the perfect dentist can literally make or break the situation so choose wisely.

 

5. Special Event


When it’s time to visit the dentist, make it a special event the child learns to be excited about. Create an itinerary for the day so that the dentist is just a stop in between other fun places like the zoo and the child’s favorite restaurant. With such a fun-filled day, it’s hard to make the dentist seem like a chore or an unwanted place to visit!

 

While these tactics can help relieve a child’s anxiety about a visit to the dentist, keep in mind that things may go south just because children are creatures of unexpected behavior. One minute, they might be excited. After sitting in the chair for a while, they might get frustrated. As the parent, be supportive, loving and compliant with what the dentist requests so that the experience can be a smooth as possible for everyone involved!

 

Categories: anxiety, child's, Dentist, general dentist

How to Use Acupuncture to Improve Your IVF Treatment

When you’re going through IVF treatment, it can seem like your overall wellness and wellbeing are taking a huge hit in the quest for successful reproduction. The stress of these types of treatment, alongside all the hormones used, can be quite difficult to deal with, and that is why many people are turning to complementary therapy, such as acupuncture, to help them get through. Acupuncture may even help to improve the success rate of IVF by boosting fertility, and has been proved to help reduce stress.

IVF is short for invitro fertilisation, which occurs when a woman’s eggs are collected, fertilised in a laboratory and then reimplanted into the woman’s uterus. It costs a lot of money and is highly invasive, leading to strong feelings of stress to both the male and female, but largely to the woman whose body has to cope with the demands of the process.

Acupuncture is a part of the practice of traditional Chinese medicine, and it consists of inserting long, thin needles into certain points around the body (also called meridians) which are linked to certain organs or conditions.

Recent studies have been carried out, which involve trial groups being split into two halves, one being given a course of acupuncture and the other being given sham acupuncture, where needles are inserted into the body but not into the correct point.

Researchers found that women who had been given traditional treatment showed much lower levels of anxiety than those who were not given real acupuncture. In addition to this, women who had had proper acupuncture actually showed reductions in anxiety scores of up to 30 percent on their pre-treatment scores.

All this shows that when used alongside IVF, acupuncture can help women to feel calmer and better during their treatment, which can help with the process and even help to boost fertility, leading to better success rates.

Categories: acupuncture, anxiety, IVF

The Secrets to Having the Best Chance of Beating Depression

Those whose mental and emotional wellness is being compromised by depression will do whatever it takes to help restore their wellbeing.

 

The  number one thing that you must do if you are suffering from depression, or even suspect that you may be, is to make an appointment and go and see your GP. Your doctor will be able to talk to you about how you are feeling and discuss potential treatments that you could try to help you feel better.

 

It can also be useful to try to put some coping mechanisms into place. There are many different things that you could try.

 

First of all – be active. The temptation with depression is to withdraw from life and to stop talking to family and friends. In fact, you should do quite the opposite. Socialising with others can help to improve your mood, and keeping the lines of communication open between your family and friends can be useful when you find yourself in need of someone to talk to in the future.

 

Taking up exercise is also really important. There is a lot of evidence around which proves that taking exercise can help to lift your mood. Even if you haven’t exercised for a while, you can still start out gently, such as by going for a 20 minute walk every day for 20 minutes. Exercise relaxes you and releases ‘happy hormones’ in your body.

 

Facing your fears is also really important. Those with anxiety or depression often find themselves shying away from situations that make them feel uncomfortable. For example, some people lose their confidence about doing things such as driving or socialising with friends. Running away from these situations does not make them better, however, it actually makes them worse. The only way to make things easier for yourself is to face up to the things that you find difficult and keep doing them.

Categories: anxiety, depression, emotional, exercise, feel, Friends, nbsp

Doggie Dread: Can You Leave Your Pet Home Alone?

Separation anxiety can really influence a person’s wellbeing, but what about man’s best friend? A happy dog is an important part of family wellness, because a panicky pup can end up destroying your household belongings, as well as slowly damaging his own mental and physical wellness. It’s essential to note the difference between separation anxiety and misbehaviour, as your dog isn’t simply miffed about being left alone, and taking it out on your furniture. At best, he’s bored, but the worst case explanation is that your dog is in a state of serious panic.

 

There are many causes of separation anxiety, but it sometimes involves a traumatic experience. Your dog may have been caught in a traffic accident, lost in unfamiliar surroundings, or become saddened by the death of a person or pet in your home. In most cases, no single event causes separation anxiety; it’s just your dog’s genetic predisposition. It’s hard to tell whether or not your dog is affected, as you’re not there to witness his behaviour, but certain signs can give you a clue as to whether or not you should be concerned:

 

1. Destructive behaviours: Your dog may have been chewing pillows or furniture, mutilating plants, or relentlessly scratching at doors and windows while you’ve been out.

 

2. Nervous noises: When you leave the house, your dog constantly barks, whines or howls.

 

3. Unpleasant odours: You come home to find an unwanted present on your carpet, be it the smell of urine or something worse, when your dog is fully-trained to urinate or defecate outside.

 

4. Worried walking: Your dog may pace intensely and persistently when he’s kept in another room away from everyone.

 

5. Harmful Houdini: If you keep your dog in a separate room or crate, he may try to escape to the point that he injures himself.

 

6. Anxious body language: Your dog may show certain physiological responses, such as dilated pupils or excessive panting.

 

Remember, there’s a difference between the disorder and just nuisance behaviour. Your furry little friend may just enjoy chewing on your slippers from time to time – he’s not doing it as a cry for help. The way to tell the problem is serious is if the behaviour occurs every time you leave, the behaviour occurs only in your absence, and if the anxious behaviours begin even before you go. Your dog may start acting out as soon as you put your shoes on, as he knows this means you’ll soon be leaving.

 

Your vet may recommend medications if your dog’s separation anxiety is serious. A new drug, Reconcile, is based on Prozac and can help pets to relax. However, the most commonly used separation anxiety treatment is desensitisation, or gradually getting your dog used to your departure. If you think this is the best treatment option for your pet, it’s highly recommended that you seek assistance from a reputable behaviourist or your vet. The process can usually be successful within eight weeks, but rare cases have taken much longer.

 

If you’re starting with a puppy, it is possible to prevent separation anxiety as long as you teach him that leaving him alone actually means good things. Follow these tips to get your pet associating your departure with something positive:

 

• Leave Kongs filled with peanut butter or cottage cheese so he has something to dig up when you’re gone.


• Hide treats in his crate or around the house.


• Hide his toys in places he knows to search.


• Tire him out with plenty of exercise so he’ll be more content to sleep or just take it easy when you leave.

Categories: anxiety, behaviour, behaviour occurs, Dogs, leave, nbsp, prevention, separation, Separation Anxiety

How to Deal With Your Child’s Separation Anxiety Disorder

Many children go through a phase of struggling with the mental/emotional aspects of separation. Often referred to as separation anxiety, this can occur at any age and can also affect their wellness and wellbeing at recurring stages throughout their childhood. Some children are naturally more anxious than others, so you may find that whilst one child seemingly sails through without a care in the world, another is far more reticent and anxious about situations.

 

Children are also generally bonded to one person in a strong nurturing relationship, usually to their primary caregiver (who is often their mother). It is common for children to display nervous or anxious characteristics when they are not around that person. It is normal up to an extent, but for some children the fear takes hold and they start to have irrational fears that something bad will happen to their caregiver or that they will not come back for them.

 

One of the best ways to help reduce separation anxiety disorder (SAD) is to develop ritualistic ways of saying goodbye. Anxious children often struggle to say goodbye to a parent, and these ‘goodbye rituals’ help them to feel more safe and snug. It can be something as simple as a kiss, a big hug and then leaving. Don’t delay or come back for more kisses and cuddles as this actually makes your child more anxious in the long run, as they don’t know when it is ‘really’ goodbye.

 

It is also important to make a clean break, so if you are going out for a reasonable period of time, do not lie to your child and say that you will be back soon. Instead be clear that you will be away for some time, but say that you will both do something fun later. This stops your child from having false hopes about you coming back sooner.

Categories: anxiety, anxiety disorder, anxious, Child, Children, Disorder, goodbye, separation, Separation Anxiety

Is Anxiety Normal and What Can You Do About It?

Anxiety over that looming interview or a stressful situation is normal, but when you suffer with anxiety for no reason and regularly it can be very debilitating. If you find that your anxiety interferes with your everyday life, you could well be suffering with an anxiety disorder. There are a number of different types of anxiety disorder, as well as a number of treatments and self-help strategies. The first step to combating your problem is to identify the type of anxiety disorder you have, then you can find the right kind of treatment for you. You don’t need to fear that having an anxiety disorder is something you’ll need to cope with for the rest of your life – there are ways to overcome them so that you can lead a normal happy life.

Anxiety is a natural response to fear or danger, which automatically occurs in the body when you’re stressed or worried. It isn’t always a bad thing but it can begin to overtake your life if you’re not aware of it – when this happens, a disorder can develop. If you’re constantly worried or tense; if you find that your anxiety interferes with your work, school or social life; if you’re plagued by irrational fears that you can’t stop worrying about; if you avoid everyday situations because of your anxiety or if you believe that things need to be done in a certain way to avoid bad things happening, you could be suffering with an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders vary from person to person, so it can be difficult to attribute symptoms to each person. Some people suffer attacks of anxiety suddenly and without warning, whilst others get panicky with certain situations and events. Some have constant feelings or worry or tension, whilst others worry at certain times of the day, such as on the way to work or when they’re driving. The most common feelings surrounding anxiety include feelings of apprehension, irritability, feelings of restlessness, trouble concentrating, watching for signs of danger all the time, feeling tense or anticipating the worst. There are also physical signs, such as muscle tension, pounding heart, sweating, fatigue, stomach upset or dizziness, headaches and tremors.

Panic or anxiety attacks usually peak within ten minutes and it’s very rare for them to last longer than thirty minutes. You will feel very frightened, as it feels as though you’re going to lose control completely, but anxiety attacks aren’t usually physically harmful or damaging. When an attack is over, you may worry that you’ll have another one straight away – especially if you’re in a place where you can’t easily escape or find help. There are six types of anxiety disorder, which each have their own profiles and list of attributing symptoms. These are generalised anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorders, phobias, post-traumatic stress disorders and social anxiety disorders. If you’re concerned that you’re suffering with anxiety, you should speak to your GP as soon as possible.

 

There are a number of ways to treat anxiety, from stress relief to therapy, and your GP will be able to help you find the right treatment for your specific disorder. In order to help yourself, you can also get plenty of rest, avoid smoking and alcohol as these increase anxiety rather than soothe it, get plenty of exercise as this has a calming effect on the mind and body, and try relaxation techniques which can help to calm you down – yoga and meditation, and deep breathing exercises can be useful.

Categories: anxiety, anxiety attacks, anxiety disorder, Anxiety Disorders, anxiety interferes, Disorder, disorders, feelings, life, Mental Health, Symptoms

How to Deal with Social Anxiety Disorder

A teacher, Sara, is absent again today. In fact, she’s been on leave since she skipped her first lecture because she was afraid to introduce herself and speak to the class. Sara hates being the center of attention, and meeting new people and speaking in front of others are her worst nightmares.

Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is the most common type of anxiety disorder. It is more than just the occasional nervousness or shyness nearly everyone faces in social situations. SAD is described as an intense fear that causes distress and weakens a person’s ability to function normally in daily life. The sufferer can’t help feeling fearful and anxious, even when they consciously understand that such fears are unreasonable. People with SAD avoid social situations because they fear being watched, judged, and evaluated by others. They feel inferior to others, and they also fear becoming a laughingstock for being thought of as inferior. Such people are overwhelmed with negative thoughts, such as “People will judge my communication skills because I can’t speak well”, “I will look like a fool”, “They all think I am a looser” or “ I will make mistakes and they will laugh at me because I am not as good as they are.”

SAD is very prevalent in the United States. According to National Institute of Mental Health, as many as 15 million adult Americans have struggled with social anxiety disorder in their lifetime. The intensity of the disorder varies from person to person. While SAD causes some to avoid a wide range of social situations, others may only avoid specific situations in which they have to perform for others.

There is a lot of help available for the person suffering from SAD. All it really takes is a little understanding, persistency and effort to overcome SAD. Currently, the most effective and successful method of treatment being used is Cognitive-Behavior therapy (CBT), which is used to identify the faulty thought patterns responsible for producing anxiety. For instance, if a person decides not to attend a wedding ceremony, the negative thought behind this might be, “I’ll look stupid when I talk to people,” or “I feel so ugly, and everyone at the wedding will be beautiful.” CBT seeks to analyze and challenge these thoughts. The SAD sufferer first has to ask whether or not such thoughts are realistic. Is he so unattractive that people will actually laugh at him? Is he really too unintelligent to hold the type of conversation that occurs at a wedding? Such a realistic and logical evaluation of his thoughts will make him realize that he is mistaken, and he can try to replace such negative thoughts with more realistic and positive thoughts and perceptions about himself, which should ease his anxiety.

Relaxation exercises also can be used to control anxiety symptoms. An anxious person tends to breathe rapidly, which can often lead to more anxiety symptoms, such as increased heartbeat or hyperventilation. Breathing exercises can help return control and instill calm during an anxiety-triggering situation. Sit comfortably and start inhaling slowly through the nose for four seconds, hold it for two seconds and exhale slowly through the mouth for six seconds. Keep doing this for several minutes, and the anxiety will lessen.

Another way to overcome SAD is simply to face fears. Avoiding things one fears causes those fears to stay and become even more powerful. Facing fears straight on is not easy, but using proper methods, one can certainly do so. Systematic desensitization is used to eliminate anxiety disorder systematically and gradually. Take one step at a time, be patient, stay calm and gradually face one challenging situation at a time. In a group therapy session, one learns about the social skills and participates in role-playing, mock interviews and practices confronting those situations that make one anxious in real life. These sessions give everyone a chance to speak, share and listen to others who may be facing the same sorts of problems and fears. While this approach may not completely eliminate your fears, it will certainly make them more manageable.

Building better relationships, participating in outdoor activities, having a healthy and balanced diet and adopting positive lifestyle can help you to get rid of your anxiety disorder. If one can stay motivated and persistent, it’s possible to conquer fear. But if self-help doesn’t work well, seek the support and help of a psychotherapist or psychologist.

*This article has been contributed by Dr. Tali Shenfield, Clinical Psychologist

Categories: anxiety, anxiety disorder, anxiety symptoms, deal, Disorder, fears, overcome sad, social, social anxiety, social situations

How Can Ayurveda Help You to Restore Your Emotional Balance?

Is your emotional wellbeing affected by imbalance, depression and anxiety? It may be time to take control of your life. Ayurveda is a complementary wellness therapy that offers many solutions to emotional wellness issues, giving you a holistic approach to a happier life.

 

Today, depression and anxiety affect nearly everyone you know, as it has become an almost intrinsic part of modern life. Stress is there in your working week, your home life and even in your bed at night, which makes it hard for you to handle your emotions and consequently you end up entering an anxious or depressive state of mind. These psychological states have physiological repercussions, leading to such symptoms as excessive fatigue, muscle weakness, nausea, palpitations, headaches, sweating, tremors, shortness of breath, indigestion, stomach upset, interrupted sleep, nightmares, feelings of dread, easy irritation and nervous habits like foot tapping or walking up and down out of restlessness. The question is, then; could Ayurveda be the answer?

 

Ayurveda is an ancient Indian healing system, developed by yogis and vaids as a means for treating any and every ailment on earth. John Douillard, a famous professor of Ayurvedic medicine, explains that, according to Ayurveda, your self resides in your heart, which is the seat for the blissful sheath or Anandamaya Kosha. Your mind is another kosha that governs you strongly, which is the seat for the Manomaya Kosha. Shock or sad incidents cause you to use your mind to construct a protective barrier around yourself, which, in some cases, leads to a loss of access to the essential ‘self’ in the heart. In this circumstance, you also restrict your flow of energy or Prana Shakti, which means you gradually lose interest in life, and develop depression and anxiety.

 

In treating depression and anxiety, Ayurveda takes a different approach to Western medicine. Whereas your GP might prescribe you antidepressants, Ayurvedic practitioners take steps to strengthen the nerves instead of suppressing them. Through holistic herbs, minerals, massages and external therapy, Ayurveda aims to correct the imbalances created amid your doshas, taking both your physical and mental wellness into consideration while doing so. Gradually, you move into a state in which your doshas are balanced, known as your natural Prakriti, and the Mansikrog (anxiety & depression) vanishes. However, your progress will depend greatly on your willingness to abide by the guidance of the Ayurvedacharya (Ayurvedic teacher/healer) and to make the necessary lifestyle changes.

 

In Ayurveda, little lifestyle changes can make a huge difference – especially when it comes to depression or anxiety disorders. Therefore, aside from your depression or anxiety treatment, you also need to make sure that you follow these simple Dos and Don’ts to help alleviate your emotional problems further:

 

1. Exercise regularly: Even taking a brisk walk can do wonders to fight depression.

 

2. Expose yourself to bright sunlight: This promotes a life force in your system known as Prana.

 

3. Meditate or listen to soft music: This calms your mind.

 

4. Avoid bad foods: You should avoid alcohol, sugary foods and processed foods and limit your caffeine intake and calorie consumption.

 

5. Take a long hot bath: When stressed, immersing yourself in hot water relax your muscles and soothe your nerves

 

6. Try massages: These help to promote better blood circulation and the soothing scents and aromas of natural oils also bring relief if you’re suffering from emotional imbalances.

 

7. Fight constipation: If you’re not regular, this can cause headache, dullness, fatigue and depression. Regularise your motions by drinking two to four glasses of lukewarm water as soon as you wake up.

Categories: anxiety, Ayurveda, depression, life, Lifestyle Changes, nbsp

How to Get on Top of Any Workplace Stress and Anxiety

Stress in the corporate workplace is a serious problem. When people feel stressed, this can have a direct impact on their emotional wellness and wellbeing. Stress leads to physical problems too, and can cause absenteeism, which costs companies millions of pounds each year.

 

Feeling anxious about work is never a normal response. It’s natural to get keyed up before big events, presentations, interviews and so on, but if you are finding that you feel anxious about going into work on a day-to-day basis, then something is wrong, and you need to look at making a change.

 

You may find yourself worrying obsessively that people are noticing your nerves, or you may have physical symptoms such as shaking, racing pulse, feeling short of breath, gastrointestinal upsets, cold hands, blushing, stammering, sweating and feeling faint. This can lead to you habitually avoiding situations that cause you stress, which can actually have a very serious impact on your job and, indeed, your future career.

 

The key to managing stress is to find a balance inside your own head. Throw away any idea that you have to be perfect, or that people are looking at you or that you are somehow not good enough. Instead, think about the words you would say to a friend in your situation and actually say them (whether out loud or just in your head) to yourself. Say things like ‘You are really good at your job’, and ‘You have done this before and it went well’, and you will find that you start to believe yourself.

 

Provide constructive criticism to yourself. So instead of saying ‘I’m useless at this’, instead feedback to yourself in a positive manner, such as ‘I did ABC very well but I need to work on XYZ’

Categories: anxiety, feeling, nbsp, people, Stress, work, workplace

Panic Disorders: Could You Be Suffering?

Panic disorders occur in many people and are categorised by recurring and regular panic attacks, usually for no real reason at all. Anxiety is common and can occur at any time in life, not just when we are exceptionally stressed, and it is a perfectly natural response to stress, emotional trauma or danger. However, in people who suffer from panic disorders, stress and anxiety are a more regular occurrence. Anxiety is the term used for feelings of unease and this can be quite severe at times, including feelings of fear and worry. There are a number of conditions which can increase the likelihood of anxiety occurring, which involve phobias and generalised anxiety disorder (GAD). The latter of these is a long-term conditions which leads to excessive anxiety and worry relating to a number of situations and events in the person’s life. Post-traumatic stress disorder can also cause anxiety – this is a condition caused by extremely stressful or distressing events, and can actually lead to psychological and physical problems. If you’ve experienced a stressful event or gone through something very distressing, it’s likely that you may develop anxiety and stressful symptoms. You may wish to speak to your GP about this in order to limit the risk of you developing a panic disorder.

A panic attack causes your body to produce a number of physical and mental symptoms. You’ll feel overwhelmed by fear and worry, as well as feeling nauseas, sweaty, trembling and feel as though you heart is beating irregularly. Depending on how severe your disorder is will determine how often you feel this way – some people only have one or two a month, while others have attacks several times a week. They can be very frightening, particularly if you’ve not experienced them before, but they aren’t dangerous. The attack is not going to cause you any physical harm and it’s very unlikely that you’ll need to be admitted to hospital for a panic attack. If you’re worried about panic attacks or feel that you’re getting them more regularly, you should speak to your GP who can advise you of how to deal with them.

Panic attacks affect one in 10 people, and they’re usually the result of a stressful event. It’s believed that one in 100 people in the UK have a panic disorder; they’re often developed when the individual is in their twenties. It’s also twice as common in women than men. Researchers still aren’t sure what triggers panic disorders. The main form of treatment for them is to reduce the number of panic attacks you suffer from, to ease the severity of your condition. There are two types of treatment for panic disorders – medication and psychological therapy. The former is something that your GP will be able to discuss with you, to find the right type of medication for your condition. The latter can either be arranged privately or through your GP. Your counsellor will be able to discuss the reasons behind your panic disorder, delve into why you feel so stressed, and help you to find ways to combat your problem. Generally, trying to avoid stressful activities and remain calm can help to set you on the right path for treating panic disorders. You may find calming activities helpful, such as yoga and meditation. General calming techniques such as deep breathing and counting to ten can also help you to ease an attack when it strikes.

Categories: anxiety, Disorder, disorders, emotional, panic, panic attack, Panic Attacks, panic disorder, panic disorders, Stress, stressful event

Understanding Depression and its Symptoms

Depression is a term which gets attributed to a number of mild emotional episodes, such as when we’re feeling a bit down about life in general. However, for those suffering with depression, this common mistake can undermine genuine conditions which are debilitating and difficult to live with. If you’re feeling low a lot of the time, struggling to find the motivation to get on with everyday tasks, feeling the need to withdraw from people, and feel sad regularly, it could be a sign that you have depression, in the medical sense. In a mild form, depression can just be a bout of low spirits – this won’t stop you leading a regular life, but it makes things harder to do and everything will seem less worthwhile. As a severe condition, major or clinical depression can be life-threatening as it makes you feel suicidal and you quite literally lose the will to live.

There are various types of depression, which are determined by the symptoms you have. Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, is a seasonal depression which is determined by the length of days. Generally, people experience symptoms around autumn and winter, when there is limited good weather and the days are shorter. This often goes away as the days lengthen and get brighter, but you can buy SAD lights which can reduce your symptoms. Postnatal depression generally occurs in women who have just given birth and experience what is sometimes referred to as ‘the baby blues’. This can be a serious problem if it doesn’t pass within the first few days after labour, and it can in some cases occur up to two years after giving birth. Bipolar disorder, also referred to as manic depression, leads people to alternate between periods of mania and extreme depression. Symptoms include bouts of extreme over-ambition and feeling the need to carry out plans and ideas, which is often closely followed by severe depressive periods.

Depression affects around two in three adults at some point in their lives – for most, this is just for a few weeks and is mild. However, depression can be severe enough to require treatment in one in four women, and one in ten men. Some people even experience regular bouts of depression in their lifetime. Many people may not spot the signs of depression, as they can often be attributed to other heath problems. The core symptoms include persistent sadness and a low mood, which may or may not be coupled with feeling teary;  they may also have a marked loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed. Other symptoms include a change in appetite, disturbed sleep pattern (both sleeping too much and difficulty in sleeping at all), fatigue, and feelings of worthlessness. They may also have recurring thoughts about death, which may manifest itself as feeling as though life isn’t worth living or that they don’t care if they don’t wake up.

Depression can be caused by a number of factors – some people are more prone to it than others. It may be triggered by a life event, such as a loved one passing away or an illness; it may be a combination of a variety of lifestyle changes, or you may simply have been under immense stress for a long period of time which develops into depression without you noticing. If you think you may be depressed, it’s important you seek advice from your GP as soon as possible in order to determine if this is the case, and the get the right treatment for it.

Categories: anxiety, depression, feeling, life, mood, people, Symptoms, symptoms include

Pain, Fatigue and Anxiety: Could You Have Fibromyalgia?

Categories: anxiety, Fatigue, fibro fog, fibromyalgia, neurotransmitter chemicals, Pain, psychological symptoms, sides, sleep, Symptoms

What Are the Best Herbs to Help You Get Some Sleep?

A lot of people have trouble sleeping, and ongoing sleep shortage can be really damaging to your wellness and wellbeing. What many people don’t know, however, is that lack of sleep can be directly improved by correct diet and nutrition.

 

There are a lot of reasons for lack of sleep, including changes in routine, having anxiety or depression and travel, but whatever the reason, getting enough sleep is really important for your health – both physically and emotionally. When you sleep, your body relaxes and heals. Your immune system is also boosted when you get a good night’s sleep, and so you can find that you fall ill more often if you are not getting enough sleep.

 

If your lack of sleep is a once off, you can try an over-the-counter medicine, but it is important not to use conventional medicines for sleep on a long-term basis. Instead, you can opt for herbal remedies that you add to your diet to help improve your sleep.

 

Kava is one such herbal remedy, and it’s great for those whose sleepless nights are being caused by anxiety. Kava should be used with caution, however, as there are some links to adverse effects on the liver. If you have any kind of liver problems, steer well clear of this remedy. Take only the amount that is recommended, and never use it alongside alcohol. It helps you to sleep deeply and release anxiety, and it is also rumoured to enhance and help you to remember your dreams.

 

Valerian is another popular herbal remedy for sleep. It promotes deep relaxation and has been widely researched. It has been proved to be safe and effective so you can take it safe in the knowledge that it will help you sleep and that it does not cause any negative side effects.

Categories: anxiety, herbal, herbal remedy, herbs, nbsp, remedies, remedy, sleep, sleep nbsp

The Joy of Diwali May Not Be Experienced By Animals

No matter how lovable, gentle and friendly your pets are, celebrations can make animals irritable and unpredictable. You may notice that they become scared more easily or do things that are out of character. They may not eat as well, or want to stay indoors all of the time. It’s often because of the fireworks or loud noises which make them fearful and worried. It’s difficult for any pet owner to see their beloved animals in a scared and anxious disposition, but it can be hard knowing what to do for the best. After all, how can you put a stop to lively and fun events purely for the sake of a few pets? Besides trying to shield them from the noise, how can you help animals to feel less worried during such times. Altered behaviour, changed eating patterns and irritability are all common patterns in animals around Diwali, according to pet owners and vets. Because dogs have such an acute sense of hearing – a range of 20-40,000 Hz compared to 20-20,000 Hz in humans – they are the worst affected during this festival, which is celebrated on a Friday. The noise is so much louder for animals and this leads to them becoming anxious and scared so much more easily.

Veterinary admissions rise by up to 10 percent a few days before and after the festival, due to the commotion everywhere and the need for animals to be comforted. It’s vital that during the festivities, pet owners are near their animals to ensure that they are comforted and reassured. In bigger animals, such as dogs, you can always sedate them if really necessary but this isn’t an option for smaller pets, such as birds. In this case, you simply need to try and keep them away from the noise wherever possible. Doctors also suggest giving birds their food early and their cages covered with a dark cloth by afternoon so that they will fall asleep before the fireworks of the evening begin. However, it’s not just the noise that affects them. The smoke in the air, just as it does with humans as well as animals, can be irritating. It can aggravate respiratory tract diseases, cause allergies in the eyes, and bring on skin rashes. This affects flat-nosed dogs like pugs more where air pollution is concerned.

Not all animals are loved pets such as those living in warm and comfortable homes. For the thousands of stray animals roaming the streets at Diwali time, there is no comfort or care. These helpless animals have no-one to rescue them, a problem that is a concern for animal welfare organisations. It’s not unusual for animals to suffer cardiac arrests during festivals and celebrations, due to the fear and anxiety that they face by dealing with breathing problems, fear and incredibly loud noises – particularly if they are roaming the streets where the noise and ruckus is worse. Welfare spokespeople claim that the use of firecrackers should be limited, not just because of the risk of animal health, but also because they are a danger for humans. Safety during large-scale celebrations is important for everyone involved, not just humans. It’s important to spare a thought for the animals during the celebrations, who are helpless and can’t avoid the noise and fear during this time. If you’re unsure about how to console your pets during this time, consult your vet who can offer advice and therapies to help keep animals as safe as possible.

Categories: animals, anxiety, Diwali, humans, loud noises, noise, pet owners, pets, time

Butterflies or a Full-Blown Disorder: The Signs of Anxiety

A little nervousness or anxiousness affects everyone’s wellbeing now and then, so how can you tell if that anxiety is actually a mental health problem? If anxiety takes over your life with frequent episodes, it may be time to seek help from a medical health professional. Look out for these symptoms:

 

1. Excessive worry: This is the hallmark of generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), and basically involves worrying too much about everyday things, large and small, on most days of the week for six months. Sally Winston, PsyD, co-director of the Anxiety and Stress Disorder Institute of Maryland, explains, ‘The distinction between an anxiety disorder and just having normal anxiety is whether your emotions are causing a lot of suffering and dysfunction.’

 

2. Sleep problems: On its own, sleep deprivation can indicate a number of physical and psychological wellness problems, but if you find yourself lying awake with worry or feeling agitated about lots of different things, it might be a sign of GAD. Moreover, you may wake up feeling wired, with your mind racing, and you’re unable to calm yourself down.

 

3. Irrational fears: Your anxiety may not be generalised, but rather attached to a specific situation or thing. Overwhelming, disruptive and out-of-proportion fears – of animals, crowds, flying etc – indicate phobia, which is a type of anxiety disorder that can go undetected until you’re presented with a crippling situation that you’re unable to overcome. According to Winston, ‘A person who’s afraid of snakes can go for years without having a problem, but then suddenly their kid wants to go camping, and they realise they need treatment.’

 

4. Muscle tension: If you clench your jaw, ball your fists, or flex the muscles throughout your body often, it could be a sign of anxiety. Although regular exercise can help to keep this under control, your tension could come back with a vengeance if something gets in the way of your workouts. ‘Suddenly [the tense person is] a wreck,’ says Winston. ‘Because they can’t handle their anxiety in that way and now they’re incredibly restless and irritable.’

 

5. Chronic indigestion: Although anxiety is primarily to do with mental health, it can manifest through your digestive system. Winston explains that irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which causes stomach aches, cramping, bloating, gas, constipation, and/or diarrhoea, ‘is basically an anxiety in the digestive tract.’ IBS isn’t always anxiety-related, but the two often go hand-in-hand.

 

6. Self-consciousness: You may suffer with social anxiety disorder if you’re greatly uncomfortable with everyday situations such as making one-on-one conversation at a party, or eating and drinking in front of even a small number of people. You might feel like all eyes are on you, which leads to symptoms like blushing, trembling, nausea, profuse sweating, or difficulty talking.

 

7. Panic: This is a sudden, gripping feeling of fear and helplessness that can last for several minutes. It’s often coupled with scary physical symptoms like breathing problems, a pounding or racing heart, tingling or numb hands, sweating, weakness or dizziness, chest pain, stomach pain, and feeling hot or cold. The fear of another panic attack can make the condition worse, and begin a vicious cycle.

 

8. Perfectionism: If you have a finicky and obsessive mind-set, Winston asserts that it ‘goes hand in hand with anxiety disorders. If you are constantly judging yourself or you have a lot of anticipatory anxiety about making mistakes or falling short of your standards, then you probably have an anxiety disorder.’ This is often associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), which has long been viewed as an anxiety disorder. Winston notes, ‘OCD can happen subtly, like in the case of somebody who can’t get out of the house for three hours because their makeup has to be absolutely just right and they have to keep starting over.’

Categories: anxiety, anxiety disorder, Chronic Indigestion, Disorder, Mental Health, Muscle Tension, nbsp