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Author: EMDRTherapyAndMentalHealth

  • Self Improvement: Tips And Tricks For A Better You

    man meditating on a tree log
    Photo by Maik Kleinert on Pexels.com

    Starting a self improvement plan is the hardest part. With the complexities involved with the self, it is hard to know how and where to begin. The information provided here was developed to help you by defining some basic tasks that will move you towards meeting your personal development desires. Here, you’ll find several ideas that you can employ to set yourself up for success.

    Unfortunately, stress is quite a killjoy to a person’s state of happiness and joy. Stress in the mind hurts us both mentally and physically across our body. If we want to think clearly and strive for our goals with neat, calm purpose, we must eliminate the stress in our minds. Schedule some time every day simply to unwind. Just sit back, let your mind go blank, and think about what’s important to you. This peaceful mental relaxation will refresh your mind, and improve your inner self.

    Always make your own decisions, so you do not miss any opportunities that life is providing you. You should not fear making decisions even if you do not feel as sure about it as you would like to be. When you make the right decisions, you will increase self improvement. Even when you make a bad decision, you can learn valuable lessons from your experience. Think of your bad decisions as possibilities you have eliminated.

    Be ready to take down any ideas you may have, no matter what the setting is. Start out by carrying a small notepad whenever you go out. This way, you will always be in a position to write down your thoughts and these can then be implemented at a later time when you have more freedom to act on them.

    Know what your core beliefs are and live by them. Everyone has a set of beliefs that is integral to their identity. When your core principles are well-thought-out and defensible, acting in accordance with them will improve your self esteem. This will also help you develop consistency.

    One approach to personal development is to view yourself as one who has not yet learned all there is to know. As you acknowledge that you are small and insignificant in this universe, the more that you realize your lack of knowledge. You will make dramatic progress in your self improvement once you accept that you still have a lot to learn and become eager to experience all the new things you can.

    Personal Development

    If you want to get more from your personal development then take care of your physical self. Keep your brain sharp and body energetic by getting enough sleep, exercise, and having a healthy diet. This will allow you to pursue your self improvement goals more wholeheartedly. A healthy body makes it easier to concentrate on personal development, even though it may be a challenge.

    Individuals who are dealing with severe problems may benefit from regular therapy. Books can be very helpful to help you understand your problems, but they tend to lack the insight and knowledge which a therapist can give you. Sometimes, talk therapy can help you discover a breakthrough. Books cannot have a dialog with you to discuss any questions or concerns you might have, the way a therapist or psychiatrist can.

    You should always treat others with respect, regardless of their relationship to you or your goals. The way you behave around others is highly indicative of your own character.

    You can learn how to handle difficult problems without over-reacting. Learning ways to maintain your composure when stressed will help boost your self-esteem, and help you triumph under any circumstance. Take some time during your day to stop and take breaths.

    Determine the things that are vital to you, and be sure to focus on these things. Your life will be more peaceful, satisfying, and happy if you can stop obsessing over negative or meaningless things and concentrate your energy on what you really care about.

    Try to get more organized. An uncluttered home promotes a sense of calm and gives you a feeling of accomplishment. Doing this will also relieve you of the stress you felt when things were disorderly. When everything is organized, there tends to be a calm feeling.

    As you can see, personal development is simpler than it looks. By breaking your self improvement process into small, manageable goals, you’ll find yourself closer to your goals by the end of every day. You’ll be able to practice what you’re seeking to adopt as habit, and you’ll increase your own morale to continue. These tips are only a springboard, it’s up to you to build a better life.

    Sometimes, the incident that occurred in our past tends to hold us back in our everyday life. Talk to your therapist about using EMDR Therapy as an alternative to boost your personal development by forgetting your traumatic past.

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    Originally posted 2021-03-27 23:47:22.

  • PTSD Treatment and Management

    Cognitive-Behavioral-TherapyPTSD treatment and management – Many warriors prefer to keep silent about their feelings to themselves than talking to anyone, not even the therapist, but the truth of the matter is that you have to talk before you can get the treatment you need, and deserve.
    Today, there are good treatments available for PTSD.  Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one type of counseling. It appears to be the most effective type of counseling for PTSD. The VA is providing two forms of cognitive behavioral therapy to Veterans with PTSD: Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and Prolonged Exposure (PE) therapy.  To learn more about these types of therapy, see the official VA fact sheets listed on the treatment page.

    There is also a similar kind of therapy called eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) that is used for PTSD.  Medications have also been shown to be effective.  A type of drug known as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), which is also used for depression, is effective for PTSD. More information can be found at the VA treatment page.  There are different types of cognitive behavioral therapy.

    PTSD Treatment And Management – Types of cognitive behavioral therapy

    Watch The Videos Below to Learn and Determine Your Best Treatment Option(s)

     

     

     

    In cognitive therapy, your therapist helps you understand and change how you think about your trauma and its aftermath.  Your goal is to understand how certain thoughts about your trauma cause you stress and make your symptoms worse. Once you understand the fundamentals of your problem, you can definitely tackle it with full force.  The work of your therapist, by using cognitive therapy is to help you identify thoughts about the world and yourself that are making you feel afraid or upset.  With the help of your therapist, you will learn to replace these thoughts with more accurate and less distressing thoughts. You will also learn ways to cope with feelings such as anger, guilt, and fear.

    In exposure therapy, your goal is to have less fear about your memories. It is based on the idea that people learn to fear thoughts, feelings, and situations that remind them of a past traumatic event.  All you have to do is talk about your trauma repeatedly with a therapist, you’ll learn to get control of your thoughts and feelings about any kind of trauma you might have encountered that is causing you the pain and discomfort. You’ll learn that you do not have to be afraid of your memories. This may be hard at first. It might seem strange to think about stressful things on purpose. But you’ll feel less overwhelmed over time.

    Group therapy

    Talking to other people with similar trauma experience is also a great way of staying sane with your past experience.  Sharing your story with others could help you feel more comfortable talking about your trauma. This can help you cope with your symptoms, memories, and other parts of your life and can bring a great positive change to your life.  Sharing with the group also can help you build self-confidence and trust. You’ll learn to focus on your present life, rather than feeling overwhelmed by the past.  Group therapy assists you in building relationships with others who understand what you’ve been through.  This will boost your confidence because you know you are not alone.  You will learn to deal with emotions like shame, guilt, anger, rage, and fear.

    Family therapy

    When a member of the family has PTSD, it can affect your whole family.  Your kids or your partner may not understand why you get angry sometimes, or why you’re under so much stress.  They may feel scared, guilty, or even angry about your condition.

    Family therapy is a type of counseling that involves your whole family. A therapist helps you and your family to communicate, maintain good relationships, and cope with tough emotions. Your family can learn more about PTSD and how it is treated.

    Another form of treatment of PTSD is EMDR.

    According to the VA PTSD Website; Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is another type of therapy for PTSD and like other kinds of counseling, it is said to help change how you react and accept memories of your trauma.  Maybe you experienced trauma as a civilian, or as a soldier serving in combat zones, it is said to help relieve and/or treat the trauma.  The process involves thinking of or talking about your memories, while you’ll focus on other stimuli like eye movements, hand taps, and sounds.  Your therapist may use his or her hand as a movement focus point near your face, and you’ll follow this movement with your eyes.  Other equipment could also be used to replace the hand movement. See article about EMDR equipment here.  Experts are still learning how EMDR works.  Studies have shown that it may help you have fewer PTSD symptoms but research also suggests that the eye movements are not a necessary part of the treatment.

    Medication

    Chemicals in your brain affect the way you feel. For example, when you have depression you may not have enough of a chemical called serotonin. SSRIs raise the level of serotonin in your brain.  Medication is also very effective depending on what your doctor prescribes for you.  Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a type of antidepressant medicine which could help you feel less sad and worried.  They appear to be helpful, and for some people, they are very effective. SSRIs include citalopram (Celexa), fluoxetine (such as Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil), and sertraline (Zoloft).  There are other medications that have been used with some success.  All you have to do now is talk to your doctor about which medications are right for you.

     

     

    Credits

    Photos by:  http://www.freud-sigmund.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Cognitive-Behavioral-Therapy.jpg

    For more information on PTSD treatment and management, visit http://www.ptsd.va.gov/public/pages/gen-treatment.asp

     

    Originally posted 2021-03-27 22:29:46.

  • Complex PTSD

    Complex PTSD

    People who suffer from extreme and ongoing trauma, neglect, abuse, and even physical and emotional trauma can develop complex PTSD, an often complicated condition that surpasses traditional post-traumatic stress disorder. Complex PTSD does not have a single cause or trigger; it can affect the sufferer in a variety of ways, depending on the severity of the trauma and the severity of its consequences on the sufferer.

    Many individuals with complex PTSD report having a hard time adjusting to their normal lives. They may become depressed, anxious, or withdrawn, and they may feel as if they are doomed to repeat the trauma again. They may also find themselves unable to make friends and participate in many of their usual activities because they are always in a state of panic and discomfort.

    Because complex PTSD can develop over time and in combination with other traumas, it may be difficult to identify the trigger. A patient may experience physical or emotional trauma, but not have PTSD. A victim may have physical trauma but not PTSD. In fact, some of the symptoms of complex PTSD include extreme pain or fear, flashbacks of the trauma, irritability, insomnia, nightmares, restlessness, and an overwhelming fear of being harmed again.

    Unfortunately, there is no single treatment or “cure” for complex PTSD. The treatment options available are typically geared towards relieving the symptoms, helping victims manage the trauma, or preventing it from developing any further.

    One treatment option for those suffering from PTSD is to help them cope with the trauma by providing cognitive and/or behavioral therapy in order to work through the trauma and prevent it from recurring. Cognitive behavioral therapy is used in many cases of Complex PTSD and works by teaching victims, how to avoid triggering their flashbacks by avoiding the triggers. This therapy helps sufferers to think differently about their trauma and teaches them how to deal with fear of triggering flashbacks.

    Another treatment option for victims of complex PTSD is a combination of psychotherapy and medication. Psychotherapy works by educating sufferers how to think positively about their trauma and help them learn to recognize the negative thoughts, fears, and worries that come to mind during a trauma. Medication, usually used as an adjunct to psychotherapy, is used to treat the symptoms of Complex PTSD, such as depression, anxiety, hyperventilation, insomnia, and panic attacks, as well as other anxiety disorders.

    The key to successful treatment for Complex PTSD is to understand the causes and impact of the trauma and to begin with. Once the causes of the trauma have been identified, the therapist will work with the sufferer to determine the best course of treatment. The treatment may include exposure to the trauma, psychotherapy, medication, therapy or psychotherapy, or a combination of all three.

    Regardless, of which type of treatment you choose, it is important to remember that treatment for Complex PTSD is a lifelong commitment, not something that can be done overnight. Seek professional help and therapy for Complex PTSD so that you can get the help you need to overcome this complex condition and to help you cope with your feelings and emotions.

    The symptoms of PTSD can be very intense and may make it difficult to think logically. If you are experiencing them, seek out help for Complex PTSD today.

    If you or someone you love is coping with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), please seek help immediately. There are some powerful treatments available that can help you overcome your symptoms. These treatments will not only help you cope with the symptoms, but they will also teach you how to become more comfortable in new situations. If you have been diagnosed with PTSD, seek help now for the future so you can enjoy your life.

    You are not alone in suffering from PTSD. Many people who suffer from this disorder do not receive any help, because there is not one recognized treatment for this disorder.

    Please do your research and find out what is available today, and get the help you need now to overcome the symptoms of PTSD. Find out what types of treatment are available, and ask your doctor for more information.

    Sometimes, the incident that occurred in your past tends to hold you back in your everyday life. Talk to your therapist about using EMDR Therapy as an alternative to your regular therapy.

    We are on Social Media

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    Resources

    Stress – Wikipedia.org

    How to Deal With Stress- WikiHow

    PTSD: National Center for PTSD – EMDR for Military

    EMDR Therapy: What You Need to Know – Healthline.com

    Originally posted 2021-03-27 10:25:46.

  • Manage Stress Levels And Start Relaxing With These Tips

    Learning how to effectively manage daily stress in your life can be an uphill struggle. You need to learn as much as you can about stress if you are planning on dealing with it appropriately. The tips in this article will help you find ways to reduce the amount of stress you experience and live a better life.

    Focus on reducing the level of stress in your everyday life. You can cause severe problems like heart disease, insomnia, muscle aches, and depression if you are stressed. You could avoid this stress by getting enough rest, and you will also be less likely to develop one of these ailments.

    Prepare for tomorrow in any little way that you can today, and you will be surprised by the immediate reduction of stress when you wake up! Everything during a day can add to a bunch of stress, so preparing lunch or clothes tonight can put you ahead tomorrow so that you can have a little less stress tomorrow.

    One way to reduce your stress levels is to adopt healthy lifestyle habits. If you don’t take the time to stay on top of your health, you’ll find yourself stressed out and possibly sick down the road. Make regular appointments for check-ups and screening so that you can stay less stressed and healthy.

    Stop clenching your jaw and consciously relax it. Stress seems to manifest itself in some regions of our bodies, and the jaw is a primary target. When your overwhelming feelings are beginning to take over, brush the index finger against the jaw, clench, then breathe in, and when you release the breath, release your jaw at the same time. This should make you feel better.

    Single out your primary sources of tension, and find ways to minimize or eliminate your exposure to it. Stay far away from the things that may be causing undue stress in your life. You do not need to worry about other people’s drama. The fewer things you have in your life that stress you out, the better your quality of life will be.

    Remember that alcohol is a depressant and is never good for stress relief. Although it’s fine to enjoy a couple of drinks with your friends from time to time, drinking beer or other alcoholic beverages every single night as a means of unwinding is detrimental for several reasons. Regular alcohol consumption can become a habit that leads to addiction and alcoholism.

    If you hear a funny joke or have a pleasant experience, be sure to write it down. In addition to having fun by writing in a journal, it will help you focus on the positive events of life.

    Backup Plan

    To minimize the amount of stress you feel, think in advance about what could go wrong in any given situation. Keep a spare key someplace safe, have a backup plan for a babysitter, and keep a meal at work. If you always have a backup plan in place, you won’t be stressed when your original plans fail.

    If you want to relieve stress, consider participating in crafts projects. Painting, sculpting, drawing, writing, carving, or anything else creative, lets the mind indulge itself for a while free of deadlines and finances.

    An excellent method of calming down when you have a stressful day is to do a particular act for another person. It can be a simple task, like picking flowers or giving candy. Concentrating on others is an excellent distraction from stress, and seeing your loved ones’ happiness can give your mood a much needed boost on a stressful day.

    Learning to forgive other people will help you to reduce stress in your life. Dwelling over the wrongs, others have done to you will only serve to increase anxiety and irritability on an ongoing basis.

    Smiling is an easy and straightforward way to reduce your stress. If you are feeling tense, smiling may make you feel the way you look; relaxed, and calm. So smile every now and then and notice how much your mood improves. Smiling amid a stressful period can really help you relax and unwind.

    Cut down on the caffeine that you consume each day. Coffee can affect hormones such as adrenaline and dopamine to increase stress levels when you drink too much. If you replace your coffee with drinking green tea, it will get rid of stress and not improve it.

    Try just letting go of your stress. Surprisingly, some people resist change even when it could prove beneficial in reducing the effects of stress. As you start to realize that you are not allowing yourself to de-stress, you can begin to change what is causing you to feel this way. Learning that you control your own life can help you improve what you need to, and eliminate any stressful behaviors.

    Your body doesn’t function properly if you don’t get enough sleep. Without enough sleep, you cannot think clearly nor manage stress effectively. If you want to stay alert throughout your day and keep your body running at full potential, you should get all your sleep.

    Step away from the source of stress. Think about things that calm you and confirm your abilities incorrectly handling any situation. Doing this will allow you to succeed in removing yourself from this situation.

    One technique you should consider using to lower your stress is shutting your eyes, and turning on relaxing music. Tension can be relieved by relaxing the senses. Playing music softly can be a great way to nurture your mind and your soul. As you listen to it with your eyes shut, your mind will wander to a more pleasant state. This technique can be most helpful in managing your stress levels and can be practiced just about anywhere.

    As stated previously, reducing your stress is dependent on how much education you can absorb and apply. Knowing how to reduce stress is half the battle to making it more manageable.

    Sometimes, the incident that occurred in your past tends to hold you back in your everyday life. Talk to your therapist about using EMDR Therapy as an alternative to your regular therapy to boost your personal development.

    We are on Social Media
    Facebook – Facebook.com/EMDR
    Twitter – Twitter.com/EMDR

    Resources About EMDR Therapy

    Anxiety EMDR Therapist

    EMDR Therapist Directory

    EMDR Therapist

    Linwit Us

    The Providers Dot Info

    Trusted Health Providers

    Brain Training Therapy Information

    California EMDR Therapist Directory

    Originally posted 2021-03-26 22:10:44.

  • Manage Your Stress For A Happier Life

    Stress can be a very debilitating mental condition. High sstress evels can be debilitating. Decide to stand up to stress and read this article, which will offer you some tips on handling your stress, and becoming more relaxed.

    How to Control Your Stress

    Image by JESHOOTS-com on Pixabay

    You should control your stress levels as much as possible. Too much stress is the cause of numerous health problems like stroke, heart attacks, hypertension, ulcers, depression, insomnia, obesity, and aches and pains. You can reduce stress and health issues by getting enough sleep every night.

    Relax your jaw and try to quit grinding your teeth. When you are under a heavy load of stress, your whole body feels it, but it’s especially felt in your jaw. When you notice yourself becoming overly stressed, use your index finger to press against your jaw. Next, clench your jaw, inhale deeply and exhale deeply to release your jaw. This exercise will help you to relieve tension and stop clenching your jaw.

     

    Find out what are the major causes of your life’s stress, then figure out how to decrease them as much as you can, or completely get rid of them altogether. If you have friends who constantly add drama and stress to your life, consider a way you can distance yourself from those relationships. Eliminating as many sources of stress as possible can dramatically improve both your attitude and your health.

    The earthy hobby of gardening is a great stress reliever. Stressed out homeowners should easily be able to develop a garden for their yard.

    Hobbies and video games can be relaxing, but if they are causing frustration then it is time to go on to a new activity or rest. It is important to keep in mind that you are trying to clear your thoughts and not replace your stress with powerful frustration.

    Video games are a wonderful form of reducing stress. Games make you focus on strategy, which reduces the energy available for stress and worry. Playing alone or with friends can be a definite mood booster.

    If you have a special someone, go out on romantic outings regularly. This date will give you an opportunity to focus on your relationship without focusing on things which stress you.

    Be wary of any body parts that tense up whenever you feel stressed. Common sources of clenching are teeth, fingers, shoulders, and lower back muscles. Once you locate the points where you direct your stress, make an extra effort to stretch those body parts to dissipate that stress. This will enable you to relax a little and lower your stress level.

    Before you take action when you are under stress, take the time to breathe first. Take a moment by yourself to count out ten deep breaths before trying to tackle the issue at hand. Although this is a simple strategy, it may make a world of difference in the way you react to unfavorable conditions.

    Reduce anxiety and stress by deciding to be honest, no matter what. Studies show that small lies can create a lot of guilt and make many people anxious about being caught.

    Take a break and do some breathing exercises. A deep breath can be quite calming when you feel anxiety or stress start to build up. Research has even shown that it can reduce these feelings if you make deep breathing a habit.

    Enjoying a citrusy snack can help to ease your nerves while you are out and about. Also, Vitamin C combats stress-induced sicknesses, like a cold or cough.

    One overlooked but effective method to combat stress is to simply smile more. When you smile, your emotional center or limbic system is stimulated. Smiling, therefore, will stimulate your brain, calm you down and make you happy.

    Sit down to a snack! Foods rich in carbohydrates produce serotonin in your brain, which makes you feel happier. Try a whole grain option such as a bagel or pasta if you’re looking for healthy ways to boost your serotonin.

    Create plans for yourself. By having a clear goal, you will be able to focus less on your stress when it comes up. If you like music, plan to go to a concert, or if you like movies, plan on seeing one.

    Organizing your life is a great stress reliever. A lot of stress comes from forgetting something or from losing something, which causes frustration. The organization will bring structure to your life, and make you feel like you are in control. Once you start becoming more organized, you will quickly find your stress levels dropping.

    A great stress reliever is focusing on an image that soothes the eyes and mind. Images of flowers, the ocean, waterfalls, or mountains can help to relax your mind, making stressful situations feel more tolerable. If you don’t have pictures, use your imagination to visualize a beautiful scenario. If you can imagine yourself in a peaceful setting, you will feel much less stress.

    Stress causes millions of dollars in lost productivity in all sectors of the economy. The only motivation that stress provides is the motivation to give up. This article should have provided you with new knowledge on how you can best deal with your stress.

    Sometimes, the incident that occurred in your past tends to hold you back in your everyday life. Talk to your therapist about using EMDR Therapy as an alternative to your regular therapy to boost your personal development.

    We are on Social Media
    Facebook – Facebook.com/EMDR
    Twitter – Twitter.com/EMDR

    Resources About EMDR Therapy

    Anxiety EMDR Therapist

    EMDR Therapist Directory

    EMDR Therapist

    Linwit Us

    The Providers Dot Info

    Trusted Health Providers

    Brain Training Therapy Information

    California EMDR Therapist Directory

    Originally posted 2021-03-26 10:04:40.

  • Anxiety Treatment: Therapy that Combats Stress

    Anxiety Treatment: Therapy that Combats Stress.  Almost all cases of anxiety disorders, such as phobias, post-traumatic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder and others can be treated through behavioral therapy and through medication.

    anxiety_disorder_and_treatmentThe common mental therapy treatment options for people suffering from anxiety disorders are cognitive behavioral therapy, stress relieving or relaxation therapy, exercise, and group therapy. Even though the methods of anxiety treatment may be different, all the above-mentioned treatments rely on one underlying principle: i.e. to induce strength and resilience in the individual to be able to face any unpleasant life situation and to face the sources of stress, imaginary or real, with fortitude. If anxiety interferes with daily activities, a person may need treatment with medicines (such as antidepressants or antianxiety medications) and/or professional counseling.

    Anxiety disorders are a type of mental illness characterized by severe anxiety that interferes with a person’s life. Anxiety is an uncomfortable feeling of fear, uneasiness, or concern that something bad is about to happen.

    Anxiety disorders include:

    • Generalized anxiety disorder, which involves several months of ongoing physical symptoms that occur along with anxiety.
    • Panic disorders, which involve repeated episodes of sudden fear and feelings of danger or impending doom, along with physical symptoms.
    • Obsessive-compulsive disorder, which involves frequent, repeated thoughts leading to repeated or persistent behavior (such as excessive hand-washing).
    • Posttraumatic stress disorder, which involves reliving a traumatic event (such as a war experience or rape) and feelings of numbness and disinterest in daily activities.

    These disorders can be treated with medicines and/or counseling. (VA Health Library)

    Anxiety Treatment

    One of the most popular anxiety treatment options for anxiety disorder, cognitive behavioral therapy, is based on the principle that our emotions influence our behavior. So, for an individual to function effectively, it is essential that he should think positively and harbor constructive thoughts. The therapist helps the individual to recognize the thoughts and the beliefs that are unpleasant to the individual and strengthens him by devising a strategy to face the situations and thoughts that are unpleasant and fear to provoke for him. The cognitive behavioral therapy includes lessons on slow breathing, relaxation techniques and education about anxiety, as well.

    Relaxation therapy, another popular means of anxiety treatment, educates the individual about various relaxation techniques that help him to release the muscular and the psychological tension that he experiences every time he faces an undesirable situation. The relaxation techniques could include exercises on slow breathing, isometric relaxation, meditation, visualization, and self-hypnosis. The individual should practice these relaxation techniques on a regular basis and especially when he feels that he may experience an anxiety attack soon, due to the increase in the anxiety level triggered by some unpleasant source.

    Mental health therapies are always a better option than prescription medicines because of the side effects that are often associated with the use of prescription drugs. Also, prescription drugs do not alter the behavior of the individual or help him face the unpleasant situations but only provide relief from the anxiety and stress on a short-term basis. On the other hand, behavioral therapies like the ones mentioned above have been proven to be effective, non-drug induced anxiety treatment to combat anxiety that is also recommended by the doctors themselves.

    Resources

    VA Health Library

    ARMY MWR Library

     

    Originally posted 2021-03-25 21:59:13.

  • Relaxation Therapy

    Relaxation therapy really had its birth in the 1970’s. While it was around before then, it was during the general renaissance of psychotherapy, the relaxation therapy also got its foothold in popular culture. Relaxation therapy is the use of muscle relaxation to treat somatic problems, the most common of which being high anxiety. Relaxation therapy has also been found very effective in the use of tension headaches and moderately effective in the treatment of migraine headaches.

    relaxation_therapyWhile relaxation therapy is most commonly used in the treatment of psychopathologies, such as panic disorder and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), it has been found just effective in the treatment and control of common anxiety issues. These issues include all types of performance anxiety and well as many types of social phobias. Relaxation therapy is also commonly found used in conjunction or as a part of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).

    All of this is said to show that while often overlooked in the world of psychotherapies, relaxation therapy has great benefits and truly belongs along the side of many of the other popular therapies out there today.

    The method of relaxation therapies varies greatly. One of the most commonly used is known as biofeedback. Essentially, one follows a list of instructions that run through the entire body, tensing and relaxing each muscle in turn. Not only does this assist in the somatic aspect of relaxation, but it also assists in the mental aspect of stress and relaxation. By consciously focusing on one’s different body parts, and the tensing and relaxing thereof, the mind becomes free of the daily stresses and worries that cloud and inhibit its functioning.

    Another common method is that of controlled breathing. It involves deep breathing and is often coupled with the utterance of some type of mantra on the exhale. The great thing about breathing therapy is its functionality; it can be done almost anywhere and in very little time. In conclusion, relaxation therapy, while not often talked about, is a very effective way to treat many of life’s problems, the most common of which being high anxiety.

    Stress Relief: Relaxation

    Stress is a physical and emotional response to overwhelming responsibilities, events, and changes. Focusing the mind helps provide stress relief. Taking 5 to 10 minutes to practice relaxation each day helps you feel more refreshed. The following exercises can be done almost anywhere. Try one or more until you find what works best for you.

    Calm Your Mind

    Find a quiet place where you won’t be disturbed. Then try the following:

    • Sit comfortably. Take off your shoes. Turn off distractions like your cell phone or pager. Take a few deep breaths.
    • Focus your mind on one peaceful thought, image, or word. You can repeat a saying, a word, a poem, or a prayer. Hold these thoughts for 5 minutes.
    • When other thoughts enter your mind, relax and refocus by reminding yourself that this is a time to rest and relax and that you will address your worries later. Go back to your peaceful thought. Let the distracting thoughts fall away.
    • When you’re done, stand up slowly and stretch your arms over your head. With practice, this exercise can help you feel restored.

    Calm Your Body

    With practice, you can use mental cues to help your body relax.

    • Sit comfortably and clear your mind. A few deep breaths will help.
    • Mentally focus on your left hand and repeat to yourself, “My left-hand feels warm and still.” Keep doing this until your hand does feel warmer and more still.
    • Repeat the exercise using your right hand. Then focus on your arms, legs, and feet until your whole body feels relaxed.
    • When you’re done, stand up slowly and stretch your arms overhead.

    Relaxation Therapy Through Visualization

    Visualization is like taking a mental vacation. It frees your mind while keeping your body in a calm state. To get started, picture yourself feeling warm and relaxed. Choose a peaceful setting that appeals to you and fill in the details. If you imagine a tropical beach, listen to the waves on the shore. Feel the sun on your face. Dig your toes in the sand. By using the power of your mind, you can take a soothing break when you need to.

    Article from the VA National Library.  For more information visit VA.GOV

    Originally posted 2021-03-25 09:55:15.

  • Eliminate Anxiety and Panic Attacks Without Medication

    Eliminate anxiety and most panic attacks.  Sufferers are into some kind of medications either anti-depressants, tranquilizers, etc.  These medications can really be helpful if it can be used properly. There are a lot of panic attack sufferers who cannot function normally with their daily life without the aid of medications prescribed by their doctors. Once a panic attack sufferer learns to manage and control panic attacks, specialists give treatment methods to slowly decrease dosage of medications. If you become too dependent on drugs, it may cause other problems in the future. Despite all of these scary facts about prescription anxiety drugs, you don’t have to worry because anxiety can also be treated naturally. Yet, you must first consult your physician before taking any steps.

    anxiety_disorder_and_treatmentOnce a panic attack sufferer learns to manage and control panic attacks, specialists give treatment methods to slowly decrease dosage of medications. If you become too dependent on drugs, it may cause other problems in the future. Despite all of these scary facts about prescription anxiety drugs, you don’t have to worry because anxiety can also be treated naturally. Yet, you must first consult your physician before taking any steps.

    When you experience panic attacks regularly, , you are experiencing intrusive thoughts about something, maybe about your family, your safety, your health etc. These results to some physiological effects such as, trembling, sweating, nausea, chest pain and shortness of breath. Eliminating anxiety and panic attacks and learning how to control your fears and anxiety is very important.

    Listed below are some ways on how to eliminate panic attacks naturally

    Stay well hydrated. A good drinking habit will help you in eliminating anxiety and panic attacks. As we all know, water offers beneficial nutrients to the body thus making our body function well. One symptom of water deficiency is anxiety and anxiety is one signal the body sends when a person lacks water in his body. Drink eight glasses of water daily to make you physically and emotionally fit.

    Appropriate diet. Your body will function at its best when there is balance in your diet. Try to go on a diet which involves food that reduces stress. An acidic diet could trigger anxiety, caffeine and salt must be taken in moderation. Try to have an alkaline diet.  This diet contains vegetables and other food which is rich in vitamins. This will be able to help your body fight anxiety.

    Get enough rest and sleep. You will be more physically and mentally healthy when you have sufficient rest. You more unlikely to give in to your unwanted thoughts and you’re simply more in control with your anxiety.

    Breathing workouts. Through many breathing workouts, it would really help you to be calm.. Deep breathing will assist you to release tension. Breathing exercises is very helpful in eliminating anxiety and panic attack.

    Find the causes of your anxiety.. Panic attacks has many causes. Find what triggers your situation. It maybe a fear of spiders or talking to large crowds. Whenever you are helpless and stressed, panic attacks could strike you. Eliminating anxiety and panic attacks involves determining your triggers.

    While medications can be helpful in most cases, it is important to know that there are more options to cope with panic attacks and anxiety disorder without using drugs.  Find out easy to follow steps in eliminating anxiety and panic attacks with no medications by continuously visiting this Web site.

    Originally posted 2021-03-24 21:49:43.

  • Anxiety Attack Symptom: Triggers of Stress

    Anxiety Attack Symptom – Stress and anxiety are considered to be the natural defense mechanisms of the body that are triggered off whenever we have to face an unpleasant situation.

    Anxiety_Attack_SymptomHowever, when these defense mechanisms take the form of severe anxiety or stress that persists even when there is no unpleasant source to trigger them off, it becomes necessary to recognize that these are an anxiety attack symptom and are abnormal, which means that the individual needs medical treatment or other sources of help to be able to lead a normal life.

     

    Anxiety Attack Symptom: Triggers of Stress

    It is essential that to seek appropriate help, people should be able to recognize an anxiety attack symptom in their own behavior and also in the behavior of their loved ones. The most common symptoms of an anxiety attack are as follows; constant worry over sources of trouble that are absent and are unlikely to be ever present; body pains, soreness and muscular tension that does not emanate from any illness or injury; insomnia; dizziness and lightheadedness; nausea or diarrhea and recurring troublesome thoughts that prevent you from engaging yourself in any activity. Even though most of us may experience an anxiety attack symptom once in a while, it is the recurrence of these symptoms over and over again that indicate that the individual may be suffering from Generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, phobias, post-traumatic disorder or obsessive compulsive disorder.

    An anxiety attack symptom can often last for more than a few minutes and the severity of the symptoms usually increases with time. There is never an apparent cause present as a cause for these symptoms and most people who have recurrent anxiety attacks also suffer consistently from the fear of having another attack. If you or any of your loved ones are experiencing a repetition of the symptoms mentioned above, it is desirable to seek professional help right away. Contrary to a general opinion that anxiety attacks subside with age, they may actually become worse and manifest themselves in more complicated symptoms. Virtually all cases of an anxiety attack symptom can now be handled through drug therapy combined with behavior therapy.

    Solutions to Anxiety Attack Symptom: Triggers of Stress

    1. Get a pet
    2. Sex – Some people use sex as a stress reducer
    3. Breathing Exercise
    4. Hot bath can also do the trick when you spend few hours soaking your tired body in the tub
    5. Go on a road trip, when you have the chance.

    The above list is not an exhaustive list.  There are many ways you can relieve your body of stress.  One of the recommended ways is EMDR therapy

    If you enjoy this content, be kind enough to share it with friends and family.  Don’t forget to read this site’s medical disclaimer

    Originally posted 2021-03-24 09:40:39.

  • Depression And Suicide

    Eighteen-year-old Catherine had everything: the most supportive family, a loving boyfriend, impressive set of friends and comfortable life. But all of these things took a backseat when she was diagnosed with depression.

    From the bubbly chatterbox that she was, she morphed into a melancholic girl who had nothing in mind but to kill herself. “There is nothing left to live for. I’m worthless and hopeless.” That statement ran in her head over and over again. She wanted to jump off the bridge or drink formaldehyde on a whim. She was suicidal.

    Depression And Suicide
    johnhain / Pixabay

    It took a lot of trips to the doctor and support from her family and friends before Catherine bounced back to normalcy. Now, the melancholia and suicidal thoughts are gone. She has just finished college and is about to start her dream job.

    Suicide is defined as the act of killing oneself intentionally. It stems from severe depression, an illness that intervenes with the mental, physical and emotional aspect of a person.

    The majority of depressed people do not die from suicide. But depression does trigger a higher suicidal risk. New data has reported that two percent of sad people who have received treatment for depression in an outpatient scenario might die by suicide. Four percent of those who were treated in an inpatient hospital setting might also die by the same method.

    Those who have suicidal attempts before are also likely to die by suicide later on. Another research shows that 7 percent of men with a history of depression will eventually kill themselves whereas only 1 percent of women with a history of depression will do.

    Those who have had mood disorders commit suicide. The clinically depressed younger ones often turn to substance abuse to kill themselves.

    The most common method of suicide is by the use of firearms, as it makes up the 60 percent of deaths. From a study of the National Institute of Mental Health, about 80 percent of white males commit suicide by shooting themselves. This number pushes the resolve that a firearm must be removed from the home if a family member is discovered to be at risk for suicide.

    The next most common method for men is hanging whereas drug overdose or self-poisoning is the second most common suicidal method for the women.

    Other than depression, there are other risk factors for suicide like:

    1. Impulsivity – There are people out who do things on a whim. If one has a gun in hand, he might shoot himself out of an impulse.
    2. Traumatic life events – A death of a loved one, financial rut or other adversity might compel a person to kill him or herself.

    3. History of suicide in the family – There is such a thing as “suicide contagion” in which a person is exposed to suicides and suicidal attempts often. This exposure can become a risk factor for killing oneself.

    4. Family violence – If there is physical or sexual abuse, the victim of the injury might turn to suicide to end the ordeal.

    5. Suicide attempt before – He has done it before, why not do it again?

    6. Alcohol and drug abuse An alcoholic or drug addict will reach a point when he will have no qualms about killing himself.

    Depression is a problem that has to be uprooted to keep suicidal thoughts at bay. If a person is suicidal, it is a must that he receives professional treatment. Usually, those who are thinking of killing themselves do not know they need help.

    Depression And Suicide

    Preventing suicide is no easy feat, either. It is in this light that you must establish a broad and extensive suicide prevention program. These programs must zero in on the treatment of depression and drug abuse.

    Before being launched to the public, the application must be assessed scientifically and tested first for effectiveness and safety. They must also be extensive and complicated enough so that the effects will last a long time and eventually banish all suicidal thoughts. They must also be carried out according to the age, culture, and gender of the suicidal patients.

    Depression and suicide do go together, but if one works hard to combat depression thoughts of suicide will be banished.

    Originally posted 2021-03-23 21:26:56.