Stop Anxiety and Panic Attacks

Why do you think depression, anxiety and mental health problems have grown to be an epidemic? What do you think would help slow the progression of mental health problems? Do you think mental health problems are genitic, situational, environmental, or is it due to a chemical imbalance? When a person becomes depressed; do you think it is because our brain stops producing certain chemicals or does our brain produce a chemical that aggravates depression/anxiety? Why is it when we feel anxious, our bodies react in strange ways such as pounding heart, dizzyness, can’t breath, and intestinal problems?

Why do you think depression, anxiety and mental health problems have grown to be an epidemic? What do you think would help slow the progression of mental health problems? I think we just talk about them more than we used to. However, there are some social changes that may lead to anxiety; family structure isn’t what it used to be, people feel more isolated, etc. Maybe having a stronger sense of family and being part of a group of people who care about you, people you can talk comfortably with about anything.

Do you think mental health problems are genitic, situational, environmental, or is it due to a chemical imbalance? It can be any of those; it’s generally considered a "chemical imbalance", but that could be triggered by genetic, situational factors, physical disease or head injury, or any combination of these.

When a person becomes depressed; do you think it is because our brain stops producing certain chemicals or does our brain produce a chemical that aggravates depression/anxiety? At least some of the time, yes. More often the brain still produces them, but they break down too quickly before they do what they are supposed to do. No one is absolutely sure why that happens in some people and not others.

Why is it when we feel anxious, our bodies react in strange ways such as pounding heart, dizzyness, can’t breath, and intestinal problems? The autonomic nervous system controls mood, anxiety, digestion, sex, etc. I think it’s a kind of imbalance in the autonomic nervous system. It might have been there to help our prehistoric ancestors get away from an enemy or something but maybe the purpose of this isn’t as practical in modern times. Kind of left over instincts for survival that are no longer applicable. (Just an idea.)

I applied for a postion working for the government. I passed the drug and physcial exam except for the medicines that I am taking. I received a phone call from the company because they want more information about the medicines that I take for anxiety (for panic attacks which then resulted in depression because I had no idea what that was and was in denial about it). I passed the physical exam but the doctor won’t sign the paper until I talk to a counselor. If I was diagnosed in 2004, which is two years ago, can they
rescind the job offer? I have been stabalized on medication so I do not know why it is an issue. It is a huge corporation but it is private. The nurse will not be in for the phone "evaluation" tomorrow but will call me on Monday. Should I be worried? This phone call created more anxiety!

Thank you for your help!

I sincerely don’t think they can rescind the job offer based on a mental health illness that you are being treated for. If this were the case,most of the population would be unemployed!
Your personal medical files are private,because of the HIPA laws. You actually don’t have to give them any information.

I applied for a postion working for the government. I passed the drug and physcial exam except for the medicines that I am taking. I received a phone call from the company because they want more information about the medicines that I take for anxiety (for panic attacks which then resulted in depression because I had no idea what that was and was in denial about it). I passed the physical exam but the doctor won’t sign the paper until I talk to a counselor. If I was diagnosed in 2004, which is two years ago, can they
rescind the job offer? I have been stabalized on medication so I do not know why it is an issue. It is a huge corporation but it is private. The nurse will not be in for the phone "evaluation" tomorrow but will call me on Monday. Should I be worried? This phone call created more anxiety!

Thank you for your help!

I sincerely don’t think they can rescind the job offer based on a mental health illness that you are being treated for. If this were the case,most of the population would be unemployed!
Your personal medical files are private,because of the HIPA laws. You actually don’t have to give them any information.

I’ve already had depression in the past, but 5 years ago it got worse, and for the first time I had to take time off work and take antidepressants. How can I tell whether the cause of this worsening is:
a) me taking cannabis once at around the time it started to get worse, or
b) me feeling sidelined at work from around the time, or
c) me realising that I was gay/bisexual, at around the same time?

My suspicions now are that it is a problem with work – a smarmy boss who I feel has been actively and successfully holding me back in my job for all these years. Although the boss is always friendly and outwardly supportive, can years of being held back really do your head in?

But my job is well paid – 20% more than I would get elsewhere. So is it worth quitting the job in the hope that it might resolve the depression? Or should I soldier on? After all, if I quit and the depression/anxiety doesn’t get any better then I would surely be in a worse position than before?

Thanks

I go along with the suggestion that the cause is probably related to all the elements of your life that you can acknowledge are either challenging to come to terms with and/or you are unhappy about (e.g those you have mentioned, maybe others you have yet to acknowledge?).

I have been dealing with similar depression related issues over the last 3 to 4 years. This was also the third or fourth major depressive episode I have had. The illness tends towards a cyclical pattern and is it seems rooted in those things that ’seem’ like unresolvable ‘unhappinesses’ that seem to dominate your life at a particular time. Sometimes these are clear, other times they may be ‘in the subconscious’ but not yet acknowledged consciously.

I now see depression as the minds way of telling you that there are things you need to change to make your life more balanced. armonious, fulfilling, and/or happier.

As far as my comparable situation went I was in a job I felt I had been somewhat sidelined/forced to work in an area, and with people, with whom I did not want to work. The pay (initially) semed too much to forgo, but the situation was stressful and made me depressed (along with other things).

Ultimately I chose to throw in the job after some time off reflecting (and after counselling).

I have suffered some financial probelms (ongoing) as a result — BUT I feel assured in myself it was the right thing to do. I am happier. I am less depressed.

Sometimes the depression we feel is influenced by the conviction that we cannot ‘make changes’ in certain areas of our lives. This is almost always a misapprehension. Change is nearly always possible — but making it can be difficult, painful, frightening, etc. and this can be why we ‘think’ we should ’stick it out’, or ‘things cannot be changed’.

I agree also with the comment that ‘talking therapy’ might help you. Talking to an independent and esxperienced counsellor can often help to get you to that place where making a decision to undertake necessary changes becomes possible to do. Whilst the arguments simply go round in your own head they can seem insoluble…but, as they say, a problem shared is a problem halved…and this is true to the extent that verbalizing, and accepting that a situation may be contributing to your depression, is a step on the way to making change.

When change is TRULY impossible (as sometimes it is — for example when physical or health limitations make certain choices impossible) then one thing that can help resolve aspects of a depressive episode is learning ‘acceptance’. Whilst ever your ‘mind’ fails toaccept a certain situation that is truly insoluble there is the scenario for depression to persist. BUT I suspect that learning ‘acceptance’ is harder than facing up to and undertaking of change.

I think you probably KNOW what changes will make you happier…maybe the only thing you need now is the ‘help’ (push) to take that jump into the ‘void’ and to begin making the changes that will make your life happier.

I am suffering from post partum depression and the Percocet really makes me relax and feel like I have hope. I was given it for my c-section. I was wondering if there are any natural things I could take that could have a similar effect. Not anything bogus or fake, but something that actually helps with depression and anxiety. Something to make me relax. Any help is greatlyaappreciated I want to enjoy my little boy!

All I can suggest is St Johns Wort but you have to take it everyday for it to work and it doesn’t even work on some people. But you can give it a try. Before you take anything though, I still recommend talking to your doctor about it if you’re taking other medication.

I am suffering from post partum depression and the Percocet really makes me relax and feel like I have hope. I was given it for my c-section. I was wondering if there are any natural things I could take that could have a similar effect. Not anything bogus or fake, but something that actually helps with depression and anxiety. Something to make me relax. Any help is greatlyaappreciated I want to enjoy my little boy!

All I can suggest is St Johns Wort but you have to take it everyday for it to work and it doesn’t even work on some people. But you can give it a try. Before you take anything though, I still recommend talking to your doctor about it if you’re taking other medication.

I know i have anxiety depression and i told my mom about it, she said that it is genetics and our family hsa had it for generations. HOw do i treat it? i am only thriteen will they allow me to take meds? and is there a more nautral , easier or better way to treat it than taking mediacation? Please heeelp.

Yes, it is possible that it is genetics, but You can still do something about it!!!!
First of all, You are not alone who has this problems!!!!
You are too young for meds, but going to see a therapist could help, actually, when I had a problem my therapist helped me soooooo much!
Some natural things for treating depression and anxiety are: a lot of exercises, going out for walk, stay around positive people, meditate, healthy diet. There are also some vitamins and supplements You can take, like magnesium, omega 3, fish oil, St. John’s worth.
Go also on google and You can find some natural remedies for anxiety and depression. For me, praying helps a lot!!!!
And find yourself a hobby and think positive!!!!!

I know i have anxiety depression and i told my mom about it, she said that it is genetics and our family hsa had it for generations. HOw do i treat it? i am only thriteen will they allow me to take meds? and is there a more nautral , easier or better way to treat it than taking mediacation? Please heeelp.

Yes, it is possible that it is genetics, but You can still do something about it!!!!
First of all, You are not alone who has this problems!!!!
You are too young for meds, but going to see a therapist could help, actually, when I had a problem my therapist helped me soooooo much!
Some natural things for treating depression and anxiety are: a lot of exercises, going out for walk, stay around positive people, meditate, healthy diet. There are also some vitamins and supplements You can take, like magnesium, omega 3, fish oil, St. John’s worth.
Go also on google and You can find some natural remedies for anxiety and depression. For me, praying helps a lot!!!!
And find yourself a hobby and think positive!!!!!

I have a panic disorder. I have anxiety & depression that come and go – but when it’s here, it’s low.

i just got some new meds and am wondering what you are on and if you are liking it/hating it – is it working?

thanks so much
thanks for your answers – i bookmarked the ‘ask a patient’ site and wow – i will share that w/ everyone.

you will probably get 100 different answers, but if you want to know what other people have to say about your specific medicines then go to www.askapatient.com and enter the medication names.

I have anxiety problems, but I get depressed sometimes on and off. Just wondered if the two are linked? I made my doctor make me a referral to a psychiatrist, but I don’t know if it’s going to do anything for me or I believe it won’t. The doctor made a referral for my OCD, but will they also help me out with other anxiety/depression and life issues?
The other problem is my mother does not believe in psychologists or psychiatrists, and that I should be able to deal with things on my own…but I just don’t feel like that’s the case.

I had anxiety and depression for over 15 years. I had everything medical done for me. Psychiatrist, meds, eatting right, super vitamins, exercise, support groups, you name it. Nothing gave me real peace.
then, 3 1/2 years ago, a freind invited me to a bible study group. I thought I knew the bible pretty well. Turns out I knew facts, but did not understand grace. I thought things like "God helps those who help themselves’ was in the Bible. It was not, that was Bengermin Franklin. In an amazing moment, I recieved the unconditional love and acceptance of Jesus. I stopped trying to be in control and I trusted this amazing loving God who keeps me in perfect peace. I put the word of God in my heart instead of worry and repeated it when I was tempted to worry. I was overwhelmed with such a sence of well being and peace and I will never go back. I got off 17 medications, my depression lifted instantly, and my anxiety greatly decreased. Also, in three months, my income trippled and I fell in love with a wonderful man whom I later married. Gods real love- not what I hear on t.v. preachers or church, but the real presence of God entered into my soul. I am on a journey of greater peace as I trust in Him. Yes, I still have feelings of fear at times, but Gods Word brings me back to a safe place. Depression is caused by anxiety. Once I learned that I can trust in Gods goodness and faithfulness, Everyhthing came together.
I am holding on to free speach and the sure knowledge of one who was in your shoes and got healed. If you are tired of christains who want you to experience Gods love, remember it feels like I thought I would feel if I ever won 100 million dollars, and I am trying to give it all away! I got further teachings and counseling on how to live a peacefull life from mentors at a church I later found. For free.
Try going to Alpha. Good place to start.

I hope you get feeling better and with HOPE!!!