Stop Panic Attack | Stop Anxiety Attack

The condition known as anxiety can illicit a number of reactions from people. Many view it as a sign of weakness, treating the person experiencing it as a fear-controlled weakling, incapable of properly dealing with the world around him. Others view it as a character flaw that can be overcome, usually by having them continually face situations which cause them anxiety. Others still find that it is a mental problem, one that is easily confused with any number of similar, but not quite the same, psychological conditions. However, outside of the medical profession, most people don’t recognize that anxiety can be likened to an umbrella term, with a few other conditions falling under its jurisdiction.

Panic disorder, which the general public may or may not view as a more extreme form of anxiety, actually falls under the jurisdiction of the latter term’s definition. The two are characterized by the same general set of symptoms. These include extreme dread and fear, though no truly discernible, specific cause can be found. Both conditions have also been known to cause a number of physical side effects, usually the same ones associated with the body’s natural fear response mechanism. The primary difference between the two often lies solely on the intensity of the symptoms, with panic typically causing more noticeable problems than anxiety.

Interestingly, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) has also sometimes been categorized as being a sub-form of anxiety. OCD is a psychological conditions that makes a person put an undue level of focus on a given activity or thing, then compels them to perform actions related to said activity or thing. Jack Nicholson is known for having portrayed a character with OCD, with the focus being on cleanliness, in the film “As Good As It Gets.” The anxiety in this situation stems from instances where the patient fights the “compulsive” part of the disorder. Not doing what the mind believes should be done has been known to cause great discomfort to moments of fear and anxiety.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has also been cited as being linked to anxiety. This is particularly true of the PTSD patient who recalls traumatic experiences that are triggered by specific objects, sounds, or locations. This can include anything from being placed in or near the location where the trauma originally occurred. Exposure, or the mere threat of exposure can cause extreme anxiety and reactions in a person, with the effect noticeably becoming more intense as the prospect becomes more real. The anxiety can also reach the point where the patient will actively attempt to avoid being exposed to anything that might trigger a relapse of the traumatic memories.

Phobias are often considered to be specialized forms of the general anxiety problem. Unlike panic and the regular form of the condition, a person with a phobia associated feelings of fear and dread with a specific trigger. While PTSD may be associated with a phobia, the two do not always intermingle. In many cases, the fear is completely unfounded, but may be rooted deep in childhood experiences or specific situations.

Children often go out and play — activities that are normal for their physical, intellectual, and emotional development. They go to school, do homework, do some errands, and play again. They interact often with peers and are always on the go. In some cases, children get a chance to feel the surge of anxiety in and around their busy environment. Child anxiety often shows up in school events (like sport games or a science test), and even because of peer pressure. Although a little worry and a little sense of competition may boost a child’s performance in school, a positive fact since anxiety is often considered a negative response to challenging situations or problems.

But experiencing child anxiety in ill-suited situations can cause the kids to be extra stressful and distracted. It is a known fact that children are easily scared of anything. From spiders, frogs, monsters under their beds, dogs, or to the dark, they feel this rush of anxiety that makes them extra alert. Anxiety, in this case for children, is likewise general in nature-constant alertness. But it is essential that there exists a balance of anxiety that would not intervene with their daily normal functions.

Unfavorably for some, children also have different child anxiety disorders. Sometimes, children feel worried about something, making them think that they may fail in some way or another. This is an example of generalized anxiety disorder. Excessive worry for children can be treated by sharing them definite thoughts and giving them inspirational words, giving them an opportunity to learn how to “self talk” in a positive way. Other disorders also include panic disorder, often caused by panic attacks due to either psychological or physical harm. Another would be seperation anxiety disorder, that is common in young children who are extremely attached to either parents or siblings. Social and other specific phobias are also implications for such disorder, and is focused on fear of things or certain situations. A child with selective mutism often generates a feel of being alone. They usually do not converse with anyone or participate in any social interaction (in school or at home). Another would be having obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) as a child, since it can also affect their way of living, and this specific disorder is mostly carried out through adulthood.

Coping with anxiety can be easy and effective if the method is proven to be safe and known by medical institutions. The support of parents is also important in effective treatment of serious emotional and psychological conditions. Other methods to manage stress in children include cognitive- behavioral therapy such as role playing, relaxation training, healthy thinking, exposure to positive and rational thoughts, and also family therapy — which is acknowledged as one of the most effective ways for coping with anxiety.

Coping with anxiety in children takes time and effort from the therapists, doctors, and parents alike. Engaging them in proper social activities, helping them help themselves, and also praising them and constantly giving them gifts or goodies will give them more encouragement and support.

Tyler, a five-year old boy was nicknamed “Twister Tyler” after being diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) about four months ago. He is currently enrolled in a special education (SPED) school to accommodate his academic and social needs. During the initial pre-enrollment interview, Tyler’s mother said that her son used to study in a regular school but had to be transferred after the teachers complained about the boy’s disturbing behavior in the classroom. She said that the teachers found it hard to control Tyler every time he would roam around the classroom and grab his classmates’ belongings. She added that her son found it hard to pay attention during class and did not participate in group activities. At home, Tyler would leave his toys all over the house and climb over furniture and other high places. Even at a young age, Tyler’s mother already knew that her son was a handful, unlike other children his age. After careful consideration, she decided to seek a doctor’s opinion and found out about her son’s condition.

ADHD is still a relatively new condition that has yet to be understood by the public. While a number of professionals have guested in health-related television shows to explain ADHD, many are still clueless about the nature, symptoms, and possible treatments for this condition. Those who are uninformed about the true nature of ADHD often unknowingly label children with this condition as being simply “hyperactive.” Others are even considered as “abnormal children.”

Parents who suspect that their children might be positive for ADHD should strongly consider having them examined by a specialist. Diagnosis of ADHD can only be made by doctors who have thorough knowledge of this condition. These parameters are usually used by doctors to determine if a child is ADHD-positive:

* A child exhibits behaviors common among those with ADHD;
* A child exhibits disturbing or hyperactive behavior that is uncommon in other children of the same age; and
* A child exhibits disturbing or hyperactive behavior for more that six months.

Parents must exert efforts to understand ADHD and should avoid labeling a child without proper evaluation by a doctor. Labeling will just create a stigma on children which will cause a wrong concept of themselves. It is sometimes difficult to properly diagnose children as having ADHD since a lot of other conditions also exhibit the same symptoms. Symptoms of ADHD include inability or difficulty paying attention and sustaining attention, difficulty remaining seated and constantly fidgeting, and problems with interrupting and waiting for turns. These symptoms are also exhibited by children who suffer from stress and depression and those with behavioral problems. It is therefore necessary to exhaust all possible information about the child and his behaviors through evaluations and interviews before making a valid diagnosis.

A lot of parents, mostly those who have children with ADHD, often wonder how their kids acquired the condition. Based on recent studies done by Dr. Joseph Beiderman, Dr. Dennis Cantwell and Dr. Florence Levy, heredity plays a major role in developing ADHD. Other studies also show that infant exposure to toxic substances such as nicotine and alcohol and injury to the brain, especially the frontal lobe, from trauma or tumors can also lead to kids having ADHD.

Hyperactivity is one of the most noticeable characteristics of children with ADHD. It is said that this behavior results from a problem in an executive function of their brain. This executive function is identified as response or behavior inhibition. Because of their difficulty in inhibition, their sleep behaviors are affected. Moreover, children with ADHD are sometimes prescribed medications containing stimulants which also prevent them from being able to sleep. A lot of these kids with this condition, thus, are susceptible to having insomnia.

Like most people who suffer from insomnia, children with sleeping disorders also exhibit anxiety as a result of their lack of rest. Their mood and performance in school are most affected by this problem. When a child with ADHD is suspected to be having problems with sleeping, it is best to consult a doctor immediately. The doctor may prescribe medications to address this problem and determine what other management can be provided. It will also be helpful to teach the child relaxation techniques and proper sleeping habits such as avoiding rigorous activities before sleep.

The importance of ADHD awareness and its accompanying complications should be emphasized not only to those afflicted with the condition but to parents and other individuals concerned. Awareness leads to the proper management of the condition and appropriate response to the situation. Forcing a child with ADHD to sit quietly for hours in class, expecting them to perform or behave like most children their age and reprimanding them constantly because of their peculiarities will only lead to a feeling of stress and anxiety. With all the compounding problems that children with ADHD already suffer, the least thing people could do to help is to avoid adding up unnecessary and inappropriate demands. Through proper treatment and appropriate management, sleeping problems, anxiety and stress that result from or relate to ADHD can be lessened or prevented.

In the United States alone, millions of people are recorded to have been suffering from anxiety disorders every year. This only proves that anxiety is one of the most common psychological illnesses today; actually even more prevalent than depression.

Anxiety disorders come in a number of forms. These include fear, phobia, extreme nervousness, and pathological anxieties. What is really alarming with anxiety disorders is that these oftentimes attack or trigger without any warning at all. Although some cases of anxiety conditions are only short term, there are some cases that can go on for years, especially among individuals who refuse to seek treatments for their conditions.

Unlike what some people think, overcoming anxiety is not that difficult or complicated. With the proper diagnosis and treatments, one can totally free himself from the hassles and complications of having an extreme case of anxiety.

Apart from the basic therapies regularly recommended by doctors to patients suffering from anxiety, the following are some effective and simple treatments that help reduce or manage anxiety:

1. Make sure to get enough sleep.

When a person lacks enough sleep, he becomes even more prone to develop anxiety disorders. Sleep is really important to help the body rest and recharge for another busy day at work or at home. Frequent lack of sleep can heighten a person’s susceptibility to acquire anxiety disorders.

2. Maintain a regular exercise regimen.

Exercise definitely has a lot of good effects in the body. It does not only make the body fitter, but it is also an effective therapy for anxiety conditions. Apart from regular exercises, aerobics and yoga are also perfect therapies to treat anxiety.

3. Munch on healthy meals and snacks.

A healthy daily diet keeps a person from experiencing too much stress and anxiety. Hence, doctors always advice patients to include vegetables and fruits in their daily diet.

4. Avoiding drugs and alcohol.

There are some people who think that alcohol and drugs can take away all their worries and problems. In fact, these only worsen a person’s anxiety condition. Instead of freeing one from anxiety, too much alcohol and medication consumption will most likely lead to addiction.

5. Seek emotional support from friends and family members.

Sometimes, the only thing that can free a person from too much anxiety is to be around the people who can give strong emotional and spiritual support. If a person has a strong social support system, he is less likely to develop anxiety disorder and stress.

6. Try meditating.

Many studies claim that meditation is a great way of reliving one’s stress and anxieties. With the treatment’s ability to reduce anxiety, specialists recommend patients to enroll or join in meditation classes.

7. Try practicing relaxation techniques.

Another good technique on overcoming anxiety is to practice relaxation routines. One of the most commonly practiced relaxation routines are visualization and breathing. These practices really help in reducing and even eliminating the feeling of anxiety.