Stress Study
Stress-related studies cause my ears to perk up and my eyes to widen, so it was that I began to read the results of a recent survey conducted by The American Psychological Association in conjunction with iVillage.com and the National Women's Health Resource Center. The results certainly looked interesting enough.
The survey found that Americans smoke too much, eat too much and are too inactive in response to stress. None of that is very earthshaking to me or, I suspect, to you. You know that carbohydrates seem to provide comfort and fight depression and you also know that cigarettes contain a mild anxiolytic (nicotine) and you know that when people are stressed the first thing that comes to mind is to try to sit down and relax, not get up and exercise. They don't have images of jumping jacks running through their heads as they make the journey home to their safe retreat.
Yes, survey participants also worry about money, elderly parents, the nightly news, their kids and spousal health. All things we'd expect. I guess I would have liked to have Steve Levitt, the maverick economist and author of "Freakonomics," sitting beside me to help sort this all out. Levitt has an uncanny way of explaining so many things that I would value his input.
What was bothering me about this very impressive study? Well, for one thing, it didn't address where the survey may not have provided information we didn't already know. It was a "random-digit-dial telephone survey" and it reached 2,152 adults age 18 and over. Impressive. But, it was conducted during the winter months and what do we know about that? Well, people exercise less, eat more (especially comfort food) and they might stay indoors and socialize there where smoking helps with social anxiety.
Okay, I'm being picky. I do think that stress is serious, has a negative impact on your mental and physical health and it deserves more attention. I also think that we should be doing something each day to give ourselves a stress break. Let me hear your tips to fight stress. Yes, I do want to hear them.
Related Topics: Beating Winter's Woes, Sleep Loss in America
Technorati Tags: stress, depression, stressstudy
The survey found that Americans smoke too much, eat too much and are too inactive in response to stress. None of that is very earthshaking to me or, I suspect, to you. You know that carbohydrates seem to provide comfort and fight depression and you also know that cigarettes contain a mild anxiolytic (nicotine) and you know that when people are stressed the first thing that comes to mind is to try to sit down and relax, not get up and exercise. They don't have images of jumping jacks running through their heads as they make the journey home to their safe retreat.
Yes, survey participants also worry about money, elderly parents, the nightly news, their kids and spousal health. All things we'd expect. I guess I would have liked to have Steve Levitt, the maverick economist and author of "Freakonomics," sitting beside me to help sort this all out. Levitt has an uncanny way of explaining so many things that I would value his input.
What was bothering me about this very impressive study? Well, for one thing, it didn't address where the survey may not have provided information we didn't already know. It was a "random-digit-dial telephone survey" and it reached 2,152 adults age 18 and over. Impressive. But, it was conducted during the winter months and what do we know about that? Well, people exercise less, eat more (especially comfort food) and they might stay indoors and socialize there where smoking helps with social anxiety.
Okay, I'm being picky. I do think that stress is serious, has a negative impact on your mental and physical health and it deserves more attention. I also think that we should be doing something each day to give ourselves a stress break. Let me hear your tips to fight stress. Yes, I do want to hear them.
Related Topics: Beating Winter's Woes, Sleep Loss in America
Technorati Tags: stress, depression, stressstudy
38 Comments:
Dr Farrell:
I have been experiencing anxiety all my life and especially a great deal the last 6 years. In the
last couple of years I have learnt to handle things a bit better by "accepting" the situation.
I would like to recommend an approach for people who know that how their body reacts to a specific
situation is not how they would like it to. For example take public speaking. They know that they
need not have any fear, but their body produces all the fear responses whether they like it or not.
The approach is finding fault in one's thoughts. I dont know if there is any formal psychology
which teaches people this..But I have found it very useful a lot of times. The issue it helps to resolve
is the imbalance between the subconcious and the concious or as cognitive behavioral therapy calls
the thought-distortion.. In the film "Beautiful mind", when Russell Crowe rationalizes to himself
that the girl he sees all the time is not real because she doesnt age, he has taken a very positive
step in dealing with his schizophrenia. When one person experiences symptoms of anxiety and another
does not, he or she can make an effort to compare the perception of both the minds and take lessons
from it. For example when my wife gives a public presentation without any sign of nervousness, I
try to learn from her as to how she perceives the situation and try to take any lessons from it. I am still in the learning process, but I hope to conquer my anxiety and stress some day.
Cheers
WeirdSymptom
Just following up on my post above
Following is what takes place in every situation for every human being.
Sensory organs -> perception/cognition -> response.
We take inputs from sensory organs and then process them using our intellect and generate responses. If the input is the same to multiple people and the responses are different, then it means that the perception/cognition is what holds the key. If we try to compare the perceptions by analysis with honesty, by itself that would produce a change in the perception. They need not try to change themselves. Everytime they do this, the new idea slowly imprints itself in the mind and old distorted thoughts/habits are driven out.
I think that William James, the brother of Henry, made a case over a century ago for our bodies causing us to make faulty interpretations of our situations.
Thanks for your suggestions. I don't think many people will ever read what James wrote in his first textbook of psychology, so you've done a service here.
Hi.
Ok study was conducted during winter months(people exercise less, eat more and they might stay indoors and socialize there where smoking helps with social anxiety) but this is the kind of conduct that indeed leads to a worst health condition.
When you have a bad health condition,energy levels are low and stress is produced easily. You need some perspective in your life. If you can see the outcomes of your actions then you can modify your conduct and get less stress.
I usually talk about it on my blog at:
Ways To Reduce Stress
i am so tried of living..i hate life..
Dear Sassycat,
It sounds like you are going through a bad time right now.
Please reach out to your doctor for some help.
Here also is a link to WebMD's Crisis Resources, that we hope will be helpful:
http://www.webmd.com/content/pages/5/1663_50606.htm
-- WebMD Blog Administrator
Dr Farrell,
I have learned to deal with stress by first admitting I am overwhelmed, taking a break, praying, deep breaths and Christian meditation. It all works together for a more peaceful mind in the midst of a demanding world. Also, of course periodic fasting and eating a healthy well balanced diet. I am nearly 70 years old and have practiced these things for over 30 years.
Stress is a terrible thing and can cause many health problems. When my husband and I feel like we are stressed to much, we like to turn on our cd player -the best kind is peaceful music of the beautiful harp. You just sit and listen to this wonderful music, and soon you will feel the tensions leaving your entire body and your mind will be peaceful. Another good way to ease stress and tensions is by taking a nice, quiet walk, or talking to a good friend.
Sitting quietly and thinking of all your blessings is also a wonderful way to relieve stress.
Thank you for allowing me to comment.
meme the rainbowatcher
My husband and I "de-stress" every night by going for a walk - the minute we get in the door after work we kiss hello, put on our nike's, grab the dog and go. We walk and vent about our days for 30 minutes every night - after that we talk about normal stuff and not "stress" stuff. It's worked for us so far - going on 5 years.
When I get stressed out the best thing that I have found is to make a plan to handle the cause of the stress. I usually itemize it into very "small bites" so that as I do each small thing I can cross it off my list. I get a sense of accomplishment and control in seeing all of the things I have done to overcome a seemingly overwhelming situation.( Being prayerful also helps in making the plan.)
The other thing I do when I get stressed is take a nap then jog on the treadmill 10- 20 minutes, putting the stressor out of mind. Then when I come back to it, it always seems less stressful.
To reduce stress, I watch my favorite soap, "All My Children," or go shopping!!!!
Even though i have a severe disability i am not stressed because i am too blessed to be stressed. I carry that saying with me every step i make and every day i am here.
STRESS AND DEPRESSION!! is mostly ALL I feel SINCE THE WORLD ENDED!!
And I have to be fake and phony to those who WERE!! AND STILL are
working for the "one" who's in a very heated place. It's SO TRUE!!
just like one of your articles say,
you can die from a broken heart!!
As, proven in the article on "Broken Heart Syndrome" on this website.
D.C.D.!! 3-6-S.B.A.!! 91\59!!
I relieve stress by playing volleyball or doing a crossword puzzle.
A nap works great if I am home.
I make it a daily priority to exercise, eat a balanced diet, pray & read the Bible, and relax for an hour before bed. When life becomes overloaded, I make a to do list and number it. Then I chunk away one item at a time; it doesn't all get done, but I have a relieved sense of accomplishing something in the midst of chaos.
I use a hypnosis CD for weight loss and relaxation
I have no miracles for stress other than I wish more people would realize how it affects their daily life. I am in an extremely stressful job (full time), in litigation (personal injury) and in, what others consider to be "middle aged".... and they wonder why we "go nuts" some days. If we could accept that we are all going to have crappy days and share a smile with someone that is, maybe that would help ? As for me, I finally had to break down and ask for antidepressants and seek therapy (when I can). I also try to find time for yoga and meditation...ALONE. Oh yes, did I mention I am also a part time student ? LIFE can be stressful...learning to "roll with the punches" is a lot easier said then done. However, I refuse to let it get me down...I have way to much life I still want to experience. It is a struggle, I can't kid you, but it is worth it.
Articles on STRESS MANAGEMENT are plenty but mostly theoretical and rhetoric. During the last four decades, I have been reading these hundreds of articles by well-known psychologists, psychiatrists, social behavioural scientists just to discover that there is hardly anything worthwhile. Most of them repeat like parrots what others have said on the subject using different terminologies.
Stress develops, in my understanding, when one's thoughts get cobbled in some sort of a spider-web and the person is unable to free himself from their onslaught. Exercises (both physical and mental or even meta-physical - turning oneself to divine music, yoga practices do help, but the quantum of relief is directly proportional to the severity of impact the stress has made. Drugs like alprazolam, sertraline have also been tried on these heavily stressed people by doctors with poor results.
STRESS continues since when the affected individual who is in a problem situation is unable to choose the next best thing he could and should be doing. This is basically a problem-solving situation, where the thoughts have to be directed to find out one good solution among the alternatives available to move ahead.
Theories on how to avoid stress, how to manage stress, do not say how to move away from Stress (once it develops) before it could cause irreversible mental or physical harm. It is my view that not alone knowledge of various factors causing stress is sufficient but analytical skills are to be imparted amongst the people to find out for themselves to move away from the situation. This methodology is highly individualistic and depends on the mental hardiness of the individuals to face the impact of stress and at the same time, try unceasingly alternate routes to ponder on WHAT NEXT?
In brief, people who are prone to thinking WHAT NEXT? do not suffer as much stress as those who do not move ahead. Please visit
http://spaces.msn.com/members/TheSilentzonewithin
The last few days have been very stressful for me because of work. Today was the worst; it was one of those days when you get blindsided left and right and have no meaningful control over the situation.
When I arrived home exhausted mentally and physically I had the choice of either crashing or going up to the YMCA and working out for an hour. I chose the Y and basically just used the cross-trainer machine.
When I returned home I was in a completely different mood. The workout, though not extensive, created enough of a disconnect that I had let go of the stressful events.
I think the key word is "disconnect." Part of my meditation routine is to give myself permission to take a brief, thirty minute holiday from all of my worries. I tell my mind that it is OK, and that I don't have to worry that I will forget about my problems or lose track of the things that are bothering me; they will find me again anyway so they don't need my help to hang onto them.
Strangely enough this works. I just let myself know that I don't need to worry about forgetting my problems; they will be their when I need them, and I'm just taking a brief respite.
This also creates enough of a disconnect that I get out of any tense state. And sure enough, I keep my promise and eventually remember the things that bother me, but usually with a different point of view and not nearly the same level of stress.
GO KNIT!!!
I have found,over the years, that
knitting/ crocheting is a good way
to reduce stress and have some-
thing to show for it in the pro-
cess. It's fairly easy to learn.
Some catch on to quicker to
knitting;and some to crocheting,
the decision is up to you. There
is one little waarning to keep
in mind: it's so relaxing once
you catch on,that it can be very
addicting!
Develop your inner strength. Eat well. Get enough sleep. Avoid negative people; they sap your energy. Don't do what you feel is wrong, especially in relationships. When you come across problems, take courses, read books. Accept what you can't change. Use positive language.
I have always used deep meditation. I stay away from negative people, such as complainers, whiners and psychic vampires (ie. people who sap your energy with meaningless babble).
I also eat a healthy diet. I don't starve myself, I just eat right.
I also exercise regularly and do something enjoyable for myself, at least, weekly.
A great stress relief is reading. My doctor suggested that I read during my lunch and breaks at work. She suggested that I read a book that I would loose my self, one that escaped reality. She told me that a trashy romance novel was the best way to escape reality. The stories are so far feched that you can't help find yourself caught in the moment.
Getting a massage once every week does it for me. Just the gentle touch and quiet room and soft music. Hey, maybe it's not the touch, but the time to reflect on absolutely nothing important.
Your thoughts are extremely important when managing social anxiety
The average person has approximately 50,000 thoughts run through their head every day. Some researchers believe that 80% of our internal thoughts are negative, judgmental and destructive. So there are roughly 40,000 negative thoughts rushing silently through our minds each and every day. That means that each one of us is telling ourselves more than 14 million negative messages each year of our lives. Imagine what life would be like if those were positive and supportive messages! I talk about this type of thing daily on Guide To Self Radio which airs on KDIA 1640 AM at 5 pm in the SF Bay Area.
Most of us are very familiar with negative thoughts. They sound like the following:
“Oh man, I shouldn't have done that.”
“I just know they don't like me.”
“I’m a lousy parent.”
“I will never be any good at soccer.”
“I hate being around other people.”
“I’m afraid of everything.”
“I can’t speak in public.”
We also know from medical tests such as functional MRIs, PET scans and SPECT brain scans that your body reacts to every thought you have. These bodily changes include changes in heart rate, breathing rate, and perspiration on the surface of the skin (e.g., fingertips).
When you think negative thoughts, you often feel afraid, angry and sad. On the other hand, thinking positive thoughts helps you to feel more peaceful, content and creative. This is the foundation of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). Only you can your thoughts and your feelings.
It takes some practice, awareness and intention. However, by slowing down, breathing deeply, and becoming more mindful of your thoughts, you can alleviate your anxiety tremendously.
Other effective treatments for anxiety include medication, yoga, meditation, exercise, journaling, and prayer.
Why is the brain so important in our daily lives?
The brain is the most complex system known to humankind. It contains over one hundred billion neurons, or brain cells. Each neuron has hundreds, thousands or tens of thousands of connections to other neurons. That means that there are more connections in your brain than there are stars in the universe.
The brain affects everything you are, everything you do - your relationships, work, parenting, marriage, and even your relationship with a higher power. To understand yourself and those around you, you must understand the brain. If your brain is working right, then you are working right.
So how does the brain work?
Every single time you have a thought, your brain releases chemicals and electrical transmissions race through your brain.
If you have an angry or hateful thought, your brain releases negative chemicals that activate your deep limbic system and make your body feel tense, painful, sweaty, and increase your heartbeat. Your limbic system lies inside the temporal lobes near the center of the brain. The deep limbic system is about the size of a walnut and helps to set the emotional tone of an individual. A less active limbic system is generally associated with a positive more optimistic state of mind. An overactive limbic system usually leads to negativity and irritability. Together with the temporal lobes, the deep limbic system provides the filter through which you interpret your daily life.
Some people’s limbic systems are permanently set to an overactive state. These individuals interpret the world around them through a negative lens. These people will interpret neutral and/or positive events in a negative light. If this condition is never addressed, it is a safe bet that such an individual will lead a more negative, pessimistic, and less fulfilled life.
This tagging of events as emotionally positive, negative or neutral is critical to our survival. The emotional weight that we place on a person or event can drive us to action, such as asking someone on a date, or it can drive us to avoid behavior, such as avoiding an ex-wife. In addition, it may cause us to freeze and do nothing such as when we are being judged or evaluated by someone we consider superior in some way.
A study done at the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) focused on exactly this. The brain activity of ten normal women was monitored under 3 different conditions. The researcher recorded their brain activity when they were thinking neutral thoughts, happy thoughts, and sad thoughts. During the neutral thoughts, nothing changed in the brain. During the happy thoughts, the limbic system cooled down, and became less active. During the sad thoughts, the limbic system became aroused and active. This is true proof that your thoughts matter!
Evidence is building to support the notion that our thoughts can even alter the physical make-up of sister and daughter cells. For instance, if we think we are fat, then existing cells in the hips spawn sister and daughter cells with more fat receptors on them, meaning that they have a greater receptivity to latching on to fat cells. So to some extent, you can actually think yourself fat.
Think about the last time you felt happy. How did your body feel? Your muscles relax, your hands become dry, your heart rate slows, and you breathe more deeply. Your body reacts to every thought you have.
Thoughts are powerful. They can make your mind and body feel good OR bad. That is why so many physical symptoms, such as stomach aches and headaches, are manifestations by stuffed emotions. Learn to manage your thoughts and you are on your way to managing your feelings (particularly anxiety) as well.
Dr. John Schinnerer
Psychologist and radio show host
Guide To Self Radio
KDIA 1640 AM Monday - Friday 5 pm
http://www.GuideToSelf.com
http://guidetoself.blogspot.com
I start my day with uplifting music, inspiring messages from my local christian radio and my daily bread. Then meditate through out the traffic in how wonderful my day is going to be. As soon as I get to work, I pour myself a large cup of raspberry or tangerine green tea. Through out the daily activities I try constantly to remind myself that humor is truly the best medicine. So, when an annoying person is un-avoidable I simply try to look things from a humor perspective and laugh out loud alone. I end up my day usually by jumping into my elliptical machine for a half hour or by learning the ancient moves of oriental dance or by taking over one of my many hobbies, painting, crocheting, reading, writting... Of course I have also changed my eating habits. I can safely say that it is not one of this things, but the combination of all of them that makes my stress levels go down and the extra benefit is that I've lost weight along the way! I can not avoid stress at all but I surely can fight it off every minute of the day!
I've been stressed and anxious about things for years. (Divorce, four children, tough job,etc). My children are grown now so I decided to throw in the towel at my stressful job and move on. I'm starting over at the bottom of the ladder but I am looking forward to the change.
I wanted this Dept Head job for so long and worked for it, but now that I have it I have no time for myself at all. My schedule is different everyday and i never go home at the right time everyday. My sleep patterns are off. I suffer from a seizure disorder from use and abuse years ago in my life, though I am 15 years sober now. I am now totally confused and am afraid I will loose the job that I worked so hard to get.
I have had 3 heart attacks, after I married an abusive man, and had 6 children. The cause was stress. I have realized that I have to address the stress, otherwise it will be my demise. I have been having some very deep and lengthy therapy, and have been realizing some very interesting things about myself. I am the youngest of 5 children, and my relationship with my parents seems to be at the root of my problems. Being an extreme people pleaser in my life, I learned that started with my parents. They were wonderful parents, don't get me wrong, but they must've needed that kind of attention from me, even though it wasn't specifically expressed as such. I have always felt like I had to be childlike in my responses to my parents, or I would hurt their feelings. (Not a baby voice, just not always what I was really feeling about things). My relationship with my children has been stressful, if they don't respond as I think they should. I have attempted suicide in the past, and thought about it many times. I feel better lately, since I am beginning to understand my stresses, and stressors.
One thing that is very helpful with stress, is a good walk. It is very energizing. Also, in cardiac rehab this last time, it was brought out that it's as important to do relaxation exercises as it is to exercise. So, I try to do those daily as well.
I also enjoy music that relaxes me, but also music that moves me. I like to sing along if I know the words. Great therapy.
I have been fighting this for the last 28 yrs.Through prayer and learning all I can about this illness I can now say..."I do have control".I find that powdered Magnesium helps to calm me. Within 15 min. of drinking a cup. It also helps with sleep.At 41 I took a Psychology class to learn about the imbalance.Knowing what MY triggers are and how to control my reaction has been invauleable.God bless & keep you all.
I called my therapist and told her I am in trouble. Each day is harder to get on with. I have Sarcoid, similar to Lupus, Fiobromyalgia, Pancreatitis, and suffer from a roller coaster with depression, major anxiety, mood swings (yes a prescription for each). Let's add to I turned 50 and here came menopause symptoms even though I had had a hysterectomy in 94 and indulging in foods helps. Oh, did I forget to mention my sons, 12 and 15 have ADHD, doing good in 4 classes, the other 2 its hurry and catch up at the end of the grading or over school breaks. Reading the other who said "I hate my life" really puts my to shame, because I don't hate my life I realize. To not use the word hate anymore, I am fed up with the roller coaster of feelings, illness, the maybe 1 good week out of the 4 and 1/2 in a month. I am never sure what to plan, what to expect and oh, how to not tell another person to avoid the bombardment of well intentioned comments to instructions. I find if I don't talk I want to explode, so I talk to a limited few now and my therapist every other Friday. I have been at this for over 12 years and it ;has gotten worse, I lost, confused and as my therapist put it (which I have just started to understand ) I have something call disfunctional behaviors I have used for years that I choose to not do the very things that would be good for me. She sees OCD, ADD, and control issues on top of the prior list. What do I do first, that is today? (A baby step, one bite at a time, turn one negative thought to a postitive). Oh, yes I have been trying to do this all by myself, you know the divorced 50 year old mother of 2 teenagers syndrome. Yes, I have the info for 3 supoort groups, 2 on Saturdays and 1 Friday night. Now to commit to the times and go because no pain, no incedent with the boys or my ex, or a magnified mood will keep me away. I actually have smile on my face, who can see this weekend, I'll do it. Thanks Dr. Farrell for the space to share and to all the others who gave me insite and courage to share.
Hello Everyone,
My name is Jaeda Alexander and I am a single mother of a two year old who is really putting me through something with his terrible twos. Not to mention, his father just recently left me for a bisexual female after a three year long relationship and I have just come to find out that he was cheating on me with her for two out of those three years behind my back. I am also behind jobs and am living in a household full of bickering females whose objectives are to do nothing less of breaking someone's character, livelihood, as well as diminishing their sanity. Those three ladies are my sisters and I just found out that my youngest sister not only knew about his dishonesty, betrayal, and lies, but she also hed sexual intercourse with him. I have tried to put everything behind me and I have forgiven everyone. My son's father moved out and dumped me two weeks before our anniversary, which was on March 20, 2007 the day before my great aunt the matriarch of my family died. I am 22 and I am trying my best. BUT, it seems that everytime even the smallest thing agitates me, I GET A STRONG, SEVERE SHARP PAIN IN MY TEMPORAL LOBE until I calm down. Lately, I have been forgetting even the smallest thing and my mind races nonstop. CAN SOMEONE PLEASE HELP ME AND TELL ME WHAT'S WRONG WITH ME????????
PLEASE,PLEASE,PLEASE,PLEASE,PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hi Jaeda,
It sounds like you've got a lot of "life stress" right now. We can't offer you a diagnosis for the pain you're experiencing, but I'd like to suggest that you visit our Anxiety Support Group members are there to offer you some support and suggestions.
Dr.Farrell: I've been having weird symptoms, i went to see the doctor but he said i'ts not stress attacks. I got lab work done today, and he said my sugar level was high from 110 which is normal to 116. But i was thinking maybe what i was feeling were some weird stress attacks. I was feeling lightheaded,with nausea and i fainted.
JCWCME FIRST; MY WHOLE LIFE I HAVE FELT SORRY FOR OTHERS BECAUSE OTHERS ALWAYS SEEMED TO BURDEN ME WITH THEIR PROBLEMS. I GUESS I AM TOO GOOD OF A LISTENER. I THINK IT MAKES THEM FEEL GOOD TO UNLOAD THEIR PROBLEMS ON ME. WELL I AM FINALLY BEGINNING TO THINK OF ME FIRST. I WILL NOW POLIETLY SAY THATS TOO BAD AND GET AWAY FROM THEM AND THEIR PROBLEM JUST AS QUICK AS I CAN. IT IS NOT NICE FOR PEOPLE TO MAKE A MOUNTAIN OUT OF A MOLE HILL AND IF YOU REALLY FEEL THAT WAY GO AND TALK TO A EXPERIENCED COUNSELOR DON'T EXPECT A CASUAL ACQUAINTANCE/FRIEND IN ON ALL YOUR PROBLEMS.
ME FIRST; MY WHOLE LIFE I HAVE FELT SORRY FOR OTHERS BECAUSE OTHERS ALWAYS SEEMED TO BURDEN ME WITH THEIR PROBLEMS. I GUESS I AM TOO GOOD OF A LISTENER. I THINK IT MAKES THEM FEEL GOOD TO UNLOAD THEIR PROBLEMS ON ME. WELL I AM FINALLY BEGINNING TO THINK OF ME FIRST. I WILL NOW POLIETLY SAY THATS TOO BAD AND GET AWAY FROM THEM AND THEIR PROBLEM JUST AS QUICK AS I CAN. IT IS NOT NICE FOR PEOPLE TO MAKE A MOUNTAIN OUT OF A MOLE HILL AND IF YOU REALLY FEEL THAT WAY GO AND TALK TO A EXPERIENCED COUNSELOR DON'T EXPECT A CASUAL ACQUAINTANCE/FRIEND IN ON ALL YOUR PROBLEMS.
I'm a 42 year female feeling I have any more stress that I have had in the past 20 years-actually thinking I have less stree than 20 years ago. At this middle age I began have what is believed as stress seizures-but still not definite. I have about anywhere from 32 to 48 seizures in about 1 hour to 1 1/2 hours while having one and coming alert and reconizing my surroundins and location then right back into another one. I can hear everyone anyone around me are saying but cannot see them or respond to them, then when I come out of it (each lasting at approxamitally 45 to 50 seconds) i go into another one. My body has the uncontolled tremors. I usually have a 15 to 20minute advance symptom of teeth chattering and an 30 minute to hour of nausea before I have these stress symptoms. They are so scary and I don't breath with each seizure episode. Please please help me. I'm open for advice. Signed 42 year concerned female
I am 38 divorced with 3 kids, my oldest 20 and youngest 1, I have anxiety and panic disorder, depression and severe agoraphobia.
What I have learned with these illnesses that I have lived with for 17+ years is 1) acceptance 2) free oneself of any guilt they carry deep within them 3) understand that others can't feel what one feels with these illnesses nor do they understand how one thinks, so understand that they don't UNDERSTAND and it's ok 5) attack back with positive thoughts, feelings, emotions, and breath calmly
For every thing that is stressful find something positive about it and it becomes less stressful and can be more helpful if allowed to be.
Remember you're not always at fault but accept when you are and make it right.
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