Sunday’s Great Anxiety Treatment Debate: Techniques VS Strategies

I wanted to spur a little debate when it comes to todays treatments for anxiety. Many online anxiety and panic attack ‘gurus’ have made quite a living by selling certain techniques that make us believe will lead to an instant cure for anxiety and panic attacks. But they’re not the only ones, many therapists for anxiety/panic disorder today are more then happy to jump on the techniques and trickery bandwagon as well.

I have no problem with techniques to deal with anxiety and panic attacks, but what happens when they stop working or don’t work at all?

The problem I see when so called ‘experts’ hand out these miracle anxiety curing techniques, is that they mask a problem that doesn’t neccessarily take care of the main issue. Take for instance panic attacks, when someone comes to me for coaching advice on dealing with panic attacks I know exactly what that person is dealing with.

“Within 5 minutes of speaking with the panic attack sufferer, I know how deep their pain truly goes”

At this point there are two things I can do:

Now there’s the road you want to be on.

1) Sit down with that person suffering from panic attacks, and give them certain techniques and coping scenarios that will lead to a windy road that takes them around the problem, sometimes.

2) Show them a set strategy that tackles the thought process and actions that leads to full blown panic attacks. Thus moving them through and with their fears in a systematic and guided fashion that builds confidence in the face of their fears.

Do you see the difference?

This is why i’m not a big fan of these itty bitty techniques that only help people cope with anxiety and panic attacks. I believe that in order to turn a monster into a fly, you have to show that monster that you won’t be pushed around by his intimidating ways.

But can a technique be implemented into a strategy to overcome anxiety and panic attacks?

I guess, but it shouldn’t be the end all be all when it comes to the way you handle your anxious conditioning. So here’s my humble advice if you are one of those sufferers searching frantically online for a solution to your bewildering state:

If someone’s idea of treating your anxiety falls solely into the category of techniques and tricks to help you cope, stand up and walk out the door. Find someone who’s been in your anxious shoes, and ask for some concrete and proven advice that leads to a strategy for handling your anxiety and panic attacks naturally.

If you were an expert on the subject of anxiety would you be more on the side of techniques, strategies or a little bit of both? Share your insights in the comments section below.

 

The Top Signs Of Stress That May Be Leading You Towards Burnout

Stress is the way your body reacts to demands.

I want you to to take a few minutes to think of what’s causing stress in your life. Some of the more common signs of stress are things like schedule changes, deadlines at work, lack of sleep and certain relationships with friends and family members. Understand right here as you keep reading this post that unless you deal with these signs of stress, you are headed down a road that leads to complete burnout and it’s not a pretty one once you get there I can tell you that.

Introducing To You, The ‘Glands Of Stress’

Your adrenal glands are basically your best friends that reside in your body that we take for granted. Their job is to enable your body to deal with stress from each and every possible source out there. Everything from your daily energy, your resiliancy and pretty much your quality of life all depends on how weel they function each and everyday.

When Your Adrenal Glands Aren’t Functioning Correctly Lethargy (lack of energy) Will Strike You Like Lightning!

You may wake up one day and think what the heck? I feel like complete crap! If this is the case answer these 6 questions right now in your head, and lets’s find out whether or not the signs of stress in your life have led you to burnout:

1) Has your ability to handle, and deal with stress as well as pressure decreased in the last few weeks?

2) Has your thinking become confused when you are hurried or under pressure lately (foggy, can’t think clear)?

3) In the last few weeks does EVERYTHING seem like a chore, even things that used to comes easy for you to do?

4) If you don’t get to sleep by 11pm do you get a second wind of energy that often lasts until 1 or 2 am?

5) Do you get colds and coughs that seem to stick around for weeks at a time?

6) Is your sex drive noticably less then it used to be?

So How Did You Do?

If you answered yes to 3 or more of those questions them read on, if you answered no to most of those questions… then read on anyway.

As I sit here and dive into this somewhat large piece of dark chocolate in my hands, I have to admit i’ve been there and know exactly where you’re coming from. Remember that quick scan of of your life at the beginning of the article, the one where you identified the signs of stress and anxiety in your life? Well it’s time to go a step farther now so we can create the ultimate…

Good, Bad and Extremely Ugly Chart!

Still love that movie… Just saying.

This is going to take anywhere from 5 to 5 hours of your time (depending on a number of things). So grab a piece of paper and make 3 columns. One on the top left that reads GOOD, one in the middle that reads BAD, and the last one on the top right that says UGLY. Now look to see what is working, and what are the signs of stress that are draining you and leading you and your ‘glands of stress’ towards what seems like inevitable burnout. In the good section you could write things like: Writing in the evenings, bike rides in the morning with Sara, the types of things that will contribute to your overall well being and help your adrenal glands out. In the bad column write down the things that are detracting from your life such as being a couch potato and watching too much tv, being a perfectionist or being around Jane too much. In the ugly column write down all the things that are in the short term help list that are the energy robbers in your life such as alcohol, coffee, soft drinks, anything that you feel you need to rely on to get you going.

Start The Cycle Of Stop-Breathe-Reflect-Choose To Deal With The Signs Of Stress Now

My personal favourite part of this cycle is the reflect part, it’s powerful stuff if you do it right.

Make this weekend the weekend that you begin moving away from stress and burnout. Start the process of completely eliminating the tension and tightness that you hold in your mind and body. Know that you always have a choice in the matter. You have a choice whether to look at something as a problem or as a challenge, you have the choice of whether to think in more positive ways or negative ways during the day.

Remember that It’s the choices you make today that will make your life more enjoyable, and less demanding for the future.

Is there a natural supplement or daily routine that has helped you combat your signs of stress and burnout? Share your personal comments and experiences in the comment section below.

Top 10 Most Common Symptoms And Reasons For Depression And Boredom (Video)

Did you know that every year approximately 9.5 percent of the entire American population suffers from some sort of depression? It controls the mind and can affect many more people in your life then you realize. In my experience with depression I basically had no appetite, I was always sleepy, and my mood swings were so bad that I pushed everyone around me who was trying to help me with my anxiety and depression far far away.

Depression Is No reason To Be Ashamed Though

Unfortunately this is one of those feelings associated with depression, and can really make the condition difficult to acknowledge. Anxiety and depression have become so prevelant that it’s not uncommon at all for people to be taking medication for one, or even both of these mood disorders.

I Just Can’t Stress Enough The Importance Of Nutrition And Rest For Depression

Sleep is your armor that battles depression. Without adequate rest you are much more susceptible to the self destructing and damaging messages that keep twirling around in your brain. Not enough sleep keeps you from being able to do the beneficial things on your behalf, so take a good look at whether this may be contributing to your depression.

I realize that depression cuts the appetite right out of people with this condition. But in order to battle back against depression, you need to be consuming enough of those healthy nutriets and calories so that you can provide your brain and your body with strength.

The symptoms of depression can vary greatly from one person to the next, as well the severity of the symptoms. Here are 10 of the most common symptoms of depression that people seek help for in today’s world.

1) An intense feeling of sadness that can be hard to shake off

2) Overwhelming hopelessness and a constant pessimistic attitude

3) Extreme guilt, and feelings of helplessness

A new day brings with it new possibilities, all you have to do is look for it.

4) No Sense of self worth

5) An increasing inability to focus as well as constant indecisiveness

6) Inexplicable weight loss or weight gain (these are triggered by eating binges or loss of appetite)

7) Suicidal inclinations

8) Short temper, irritability and constant restlessness

9) Physical afflications such as headaches, digestive disorders and chronic pain

10) Complete loss of energy and slowing down of metabolism

Now that you’ve pinpointed exactly how depression is affecting you in your life, I bet you want to know:

The Top 10 Reasons Why People Feel Depressed And Bored?

Awesome! Sit back, try and relax, and watch the video from beginning to end. This was taken spontaneously in my car one day, so I completely apologize for the rough edges as well as The Anxious Athlete name that you now know as The Anxiety Guy.

Enjoy!

I’m extremely proud of you for taking in this knowledge when it comes to tackling your depression and anxiety naturally. At some points of this inspirational blog for anxiety disorders I realize I can be quite blunt, but all i’m trying to do is open up your eyes to what’s really going on and what you can do to change it. I believe in you as someone in my past believed in me, now it’s time for you to believe it…

Was there anything I missed? Share your experiences with depression, and what works for you in your own life in the comment section below.

 

What Mental Health Counselors Don’t Want You To Know About Your Anxiety

Having gone through therapy for my anxiety during my professional tennis playing days, i’ve seen it all. I’ve been through the whole group therapy thing as well as the 1 on 1 anxiety and panic counselling for many years, and my conclusion is that there is a potential danger that exists with anxiety therapy for the sufferer.

It was recently brought to my attention from a long time friend of mine who’s also been a psychotherapist for over 9 years, that making a living for many (not all) anxiety therapists keeps them from telling you a very important truth, and that truth is that:

You Can Actually Learn The Secrets To Curing Your Anxiety In 10 – 15 Minutes

Change happens when you start thinking progress, over perfection.

Of course the ‘professionals’ would be losing a great deal of business and steady income if they told you this. Notice how I said learn though, and not end your anxiety in 10 – 15 minutes. You the one suffering from anxiety must take full responsibility for your condition, and stop the search for the ‘magic pill’ or technique once and for all.

I See Incredible Changes In People Daily Through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

These people are no different then you. But these people accepted the fact that there is no magic cure out there for anxiety, and began to take their issues into their own hands instead of looking for someone else to tell them what to do. Think about the time and money you would be saving from anti anxiety medications and constant therapy if only you built up the will power for a short amount of time, to learn how to turn your anxiety switch off through CBT.

Anxiety Can Be A Complex Issue For Many, But This Doesn’t Mean It Needs To Take Years To Calm Your Nerves And Desensitze You From Your Fears

Many times we become anxious over things that simply don’t exist, we tend to imprison ourselves unconsciously when in fact we ought to be free and enjoying life a hell of a lot more. Remember also, that to be in an anxious state and in desperate need for professional help doesn’t mean that you are ‘crazy.’ It’s certainly ok to have deep legitimate feelings of depression and anxiety sometimes, and asking for help temporarily could be a good thing. But you must remember that dwelling on your ‘melancholic moods’ won’t make things go away. You must step up and begin to do your part, aside from all the external help you may be getting right now for your panic and anxiety condition.

Begin To Accept And Let Go

So many times we deny and don’t accept our imperfections. We completely hate ourselves and how we may look, as well as put a huge emphasis on how others perceive us. Many people that come to me for help with stress and anxiety in their lives don’t even like their own voice! While others are down right embarrased because of their weight, or lack of weight even.

We Can’t Let The Illusion Of Beauty, Success And Wealth From The Media Be The Source Of Our Misery

Could this be the deep rooted source of your anxiety?

Begin comparing yourself to others less today. You may find that the root of much of your stress and anxiety lies right there, doesn’t it? Have you ever thought about where this anxiousness and hate is coming from? I know for a fact that I was in a deep trance for many years, living with an anxiety disorder and hating the universe for ‘making me this way.’ But deep down I knew that wasn’t true, I made myself this way consciously and unconsciously.

Don’t Let Anxiety Dominate Your Life.

Understand that anxiety is often an introspective activity, and it thrives on isolation. But you don’t have to be alone, you are not strange or inferior. The moment you learn to accept who and what you are is the moment you begin to understand that you are not set apart from everybody else. Learn to let go through CBT and begin to free yourself from anxiety.

What do you think? Do you think the first line of anxiety treatments today could be doing more harm then good? Share your comments and suggestions in the comment section below.

The Wake Up Call That Was Robin Williams Death

What a sad sad tragedy…

Strange thing was that we who dedicate our lives to learning more and trying to help others through depression and mental health, are not too surprised by the tragic news of Robin Williams Death.

Why?

Simply because there are two types of people that suffer from chronic depression, those who seek attention from others and those are serious about it. This doesn’t mean that one type is more serious then the other though, both types of people require immediate attention and a solid knowledgable support group.

Boy did he hide it well though…

Whether he was making others laugh wildly or making others shed a tear through an emotional moment in his movies, this was Robin Williams escape. For brief moments throughout the day severe depression stayed clear for him, but it was in those moments off screen that begs the question?

Could Robin Williams suicide have been avoided?

When someone as iconic as Robin Williams passes, the questions start flowing. But the biggest question for me as someone who is passionate about helping others with this epidemic is could this have been avoided? He had all the money in the world and had depression treatment options that most of us wouldn’t be able to afford, he had access to all the latest and greatest anti-depressant and depression therapies if he needed. Depression is a worldwide phenomenon, and people are making bizzilions of dollars from keeping others depressed. I believe there is no one walking this planet who has not gone through a dose of depression at least once in his or her lifetime.

The answer lies within our society

My take on this tragic event is yes, it could have been avoided. Call me crazy but the bottom line is this: We as a society need to increase our knowledge on the significant differences between myths, and reality concerning depression in all it’s aspects. Many people truly believe that depression is incurable, yet there are inspirational people who walk this earth such as an Anthony Robbins who has been faced with hundreds of clients on the brink of suicide due to severe depression, and I’m told has never lost even one. Depressed individuals are extremely sensitive, and don’t need to be reminded of how rosy the world is.

A depressed state of mind affects all areas of life and can be a living hell, I would know after many years of dealing with depression myself. But the mind needs a focus, a target. Without a clear focus the mind wanders and this is where goals come into play. Achieving a goal gives a person a sense of self-esteem, and a deep feeling of satisfaction.

Feeling good because we have done something creditworthy is a fantastic medicine

The feeling elevates our minds, it fills us with joy and vigor. When we feel those good feelings about ourselves and become reassured about our capabilities, it removes negativities from our minds. This helps the fight against depression to a great extent. Let’s always remember that one of the biggest causes of depression is lowered self-respect. The depressed individual thinks of himself or herself as useless. But when the same person begins to set goals for him or herself and begins achieving them, that sense of lowered self-respect goes away.

My personal favourite.

This paves the way for a rise in self-esteem

I can’t tell you how important this can be in the fight against depression, it won’t bring back Robin Williams but a massive loss can have different meanings attached to it. We all can learn more, and do more for people who are currently dealing with depression. We can help them set small goals (because setting high goals and not reaching them only makes the depressed indiviual feel worse). We can read the goals they’ve set with them from time to time, we can go over them and plan and implement strategies to achieving those small goals.

There is much we can do still, let’s not brush this issue aside. Let’s understand that we lost a great man in Robin Williams, someone I truly looked up to growing up. But the true loss will come if we don’t learn from the lessons of his death.

RIP RW