Unspoken Truths About Panic & Anxiety Disorders

A very touchy subject, that affects more people than you know.

Some events are known to cause anxiety.  But everyones level of anxiety and how their body deals with change and events in life are different. Yes, this we all know.
However, for the millions of you who suffer from more severe anxiety and panic, there is more to it.  

Anxiety and Panic is the result of how your body reacts to something. Anything. Everything.

​If you are like me, your first experience with panic felt as though you were having a heart attack (as though we know what that feels like).  
Anxiety and panic go hand in hand and is one of the most common, yet most difficult sicknesses to explain from the standpoint of the person actually having a moment of anxiety or panic.  It is difficult for you to tell someone how your heart is racing and your negative thoughts are racing and how you are afraid to do this, need to do that, can’t breathe, need company or want to get away from all these people immediately.
So, it is already a difficult thing to experience, but even more troubling to try to explain.  But to add to it, it is almost IMPOSSIBLE for someone who does not experience these feelings to understand.  
This within itself can cause an even greater amount of anxiety.  Trying to figure out if you are going crazy, how long will this feeling last, will it ever go away, feeling lonely or depressed, not knowing how to tell your family or friends what you go through in fear they will just laugh at you or brush it off.  Restlessness, visits to the doctor, and even medication and therapy you may be considering.
Don’t worry! You are not alone and there are many things you can do to decrease anxiety and panic.  But first, you have to understand the origin of it.
You should also know that there is never a one solution that works for everyone.  This goes for any situation.  So do not worry if you try things and they do not work.  The key thing is to keep trying and realize it is a struggle for many, but there is a bright side and you will see it.
9 times out of 10, anxiety occurs as a result of some life event.  Could be big. Could be small.  Doesn’t matter.  In my opinion and experience though, there are a few different parts of this that are not talked about much.
Although these unfortunate things can occur as a result of a life changing event, say such as someone close to you dying, or having a baby, marriage or divorce…there is also something else to consider that contributes to the origin or anxiety and panic.
The condition of the mind and body at the time that a life-changing event occurs has a lot to do with how the body will react to that event.
Like say for instance,  if you have a vitamin deficiency, or your body is dehydrated or brain is malnourished at the time this event happens, there is a good chance that you will suffer from future anxiety and/or panic.  
At the end of the day, panic disorders are in short, a chemical imbalance.  That chemical is serotonin.  When you are already depriving your body and brain of the necessary nutrients needed, you cannot be surprised when your brain doesn’t cooperate.
This is one of the reasons why doctors try medications as the only thing this does is attempt to restore balance to serotonin levels.
However, before you run off to your doctor and let them experiment on you with various medications, here are a few things you can try to restore the chemical imbalance naturally and safely.

1. Become Aware.  Know that while, yes, you are going through tough times, this too shall pass.
2. Be observant.  Pay attention to things that make your anxiety worse or better.
3. Become knowledgeable. Explore information from your doctor, family, and friends.  Don’t be afraid to talk about how you feel or even research it on your own.
4. Exercise! Yes. Exercise is one of the best things you can do to reduce or eliminate stress.  This doesn’t mean you have to go run a marathon.  Walk around the house, the neighborhood.
5. Pay attention to what you eat!  Yes- you need your veggies, fruits and so forth.  This does not mean you can’t enjoy ice cream and chips, but do these things in moderation.
6. Drink water!!!!!!   You will be amazed at what water can do.  There are too many benefits of water in relation to the body to name at this time.  If you do nothing else, increase your water intake and you will notice the benefits immediately.
7. Avoid caffeine and stimulants.
8. Breathe.  Practice breathing from your diaphragm.  It will help you in those instances were you are at the height of panic and need to calm down.  Breathe in slowly with your mouth closed while counting to 4. Hold while slowly counting to 7. Then breathe out while slowly counting to 8.
9. Enjoy life. Laugh, love, smile.  Even if you do not feel like it.  
10. Get outside of the house and absorb some natural vitamin D from the sun’s energy. 
11. Listen to music. Whatever your preference is. 
12. Meditate & Pray. You will need a spiritual outlet to control and guide you through those things you feel you have lost control over.

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