![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 21 of 21. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by adamie on November 21, 2001, at 20:51:10
The doctor today said I have a lot of anxiety and I didn't have the time to ask him.
What exactly is anxiety and what are symptoms? and can someone give descriptions of what it feels like? I deal with quite a bit of mind torture. Every day is painful to be alive and it's a bit hard to sleep now. I am always worrying about my ex-fiance and things.
Posted by tensor on November 22, 2001, at 3:12:33
In reply to What is Anxiety?, posted by adamie on November 21, 2001, at 20:51:10
Hi,
here is a link that maybe can answer your questions: http://www.indiahopes.org/hopeforyou/FAQ/Anxietydisorders1.htm
Posted by adamie on November 22, 2001, at 15:11:36
In reply to What is Anxiety?, posted by adamie on November 21, 2001, at 20:51:10
Since stopping medications I overall have been 'slightly' better. raised dose of zyprex was causing too much mind torture and i was like a zombie on moclobemide.
in many ways i am better but it seems some things are worse. I worry and feel bad a lot more about my fiance now. That may be partially due to being able to think and concentrate better. my memory is better now. i can actualy remember little bits and pieces. whenever i am thinking about something though my mind goes blank and i cant remember anything. my memory while better is beyond horrible.
it's like I have no past. I can hardly remember anything. I have talked with my fiance for like a year and now I only occasionally remember small things we did, otherwize it is almost nothing. I could watch a tv show and I forget just about everything right afterwards... including which characters showed up.
and it's much harder to sleep now. on zyprexa i was like brain dead and i couldn't think about anything. nothing would come into my mind. but it was very easy to sleep and i would sleep a lot, always tired.
now i sleep quite little. even when i'm not thinking about anything. just very very hard to sleep.
and i forget what else I was going to mention.
I think regarding meds I was doing my best on paxil which works for anxiety. perhaps that is why I felt not too horrible on it? A few moments I actually felt I may recover.
perhaps I should try that again despite it being far from a cure. and maybe i should try remeron.
and maybe i can convince some pdoc i should try an anxiety medication.
Posted by Pamela Lynn on November 22, 2001, at 18:53:51
In reply to my situation, posted by adamie on November 22, 2001, at 15:11:36
I take small doses of Xanax throughout my day(s) to help with my anxiety attacks...(some times they are all-in-all outright panic attacks!).
P.L.
> Since stopping medications I overall have been 'slightly' better. raised dose of zyprex was causing too much mind torture and i was like a zombie on moclobemide.
>
> in many ways i am better but it seems some things are worse. I worry and feel bad a lot more about my fiance now. That may be partially due to being able to think and concentrate better. my memory is better now. i can actualy remember little bits and pieces. whenever i am thinking about something though my mind goes blank and i cant remember anything. my memory while better is beyond horrible.
>
> it's like I have no past. I can hardly remember anything. I have talked with my fiance for like a year and now I only occasionally remember small things we did, otherwize it is almost nothing. I could watch a tv show and I forget just about everything right afterwards... including which characters showed up.
>
> and it's much harder to sleep now. on zyprexa i was like brain dead and i couldn't think about anything. nothing would come into my mind. but it was very easy to sleep and i would sleep a lot, always tired.
>
> now i sleep quite little. even when i'm not thinking about anything. just very very hard to sleep.
>
> and i forget what else I was going to mention.
>
> I think regarding meds I was doing my best on paxil which works for anxiety. perhaps that is why I felt not too horrible on it? A few moments I actually felt I may recover.
>
> perhaps I should try that again despite it being far from a cure. and maybe i should try remeron.
>
> and maybe i can convince some pdoc i should try an anxiety medication.
Posted by benzapp on November 25, 2001, at 23:48:51
In reply to What is Anxiety?, posted by adamie on November 21, 2001, at 20:51:10
What you feel as anxiety is the body's fight or flight response to external stimuli as perceived by your thought. This is very important, and is anxiety is not a bad thing. Anxiety makes you more perceptive to your threat, more focused, and more physically able to respond to a threat. Anxiety and rage cause the same physiological response, increases in cortisol and adrenalin. Actually, increases in cortisol potentiate the release of adrenalin. This physiological responds directly to thought. When something that is going on around you causes you to think you are afraid or threatened, anxiety is the result. Adrenalin increases your metabolism providing more energy for muscular activity, allowing greater strength and endurance, as well as allowing cortisol to repair and mitigate bodily damage. Adrenalin also causes more directed focus, and minimizes external distractions so you can focus on that which threatens you. In man, this anxiety response takes on even more importance. Our increased cognitive function means that our survival instinct is not just animalistic, so the stress response gives you greater focus so you can focus on intellectual activities.
However, there is a problem. Some people have higher than normal cortisol levels, so they have "mild" anxiety all the time. This higher baseline means the person's normal state of existance is more anxious than the average person. This has some benefits, it makes it less necessary for an initiation of the fight/flight response, so you get the added cognitive benefits of greater focus all the time. Until recently, this was a big bonus, and there was little time to relax and be calm. Life used the be hard. Females may also have higher than normal cortisol as this would provide greater vigilance in child rearing. Human females are often much more hypervigilant for their children than other mammals.
It is the increase in adrenalin that causes the jitters associated with anxiety, and adrenalin increases in response to cortisol increases. Cortisol levels rise in response to lessened GABA-1 receptor activation. gamma-aminobutyric acid is the endogenous substance that binds to these receptors. Drugs, like valium are GABA-1 agonists, that is they bind to that receptor and activate its designed function. Antagonists bind to the receptor, but prevent other drugs or endogenous ones from binding to the site. Alcohol also binds to GABA receptor cites, but more of them, particular ones involved with thought which is why alcohol impairs cognition so much more.
Gamma-aminobutyric acid rises in response to mu-1 opiod receptor agonists. Endorphins are endogenous opiod peptides created by the hypothalamus that are involved with pain/pleasure and thought. Other endorphins bind with other opiod receptors to mediate respiration and bowel movement, and other basic functions. The hypothalamus is the "primitive" part of the brain, located at the tip of the brain stem, and all mammals have one and are proportionately the same size. This is why it is involved with basic function, and mediate basic desire for food and sex. Sexual orgasm releases pleasure inducing endorphins, as well as strenuous physical activity, pain, eating, or happy thoughts. Opium, Morphine, heroin, and other derivatives work because they bind with the same receptors, thus the name opioid receptors. Morphine and the like actually bind indiscriminately to all receptors. Endorphins were so named by combining endogenous and morphine. Opiods in use today are not mu-1 site specific, so they cause respiratory suppression and relaxed bowel movement. In addition to being powerful anti-anxiety agents, they are effective for treating coughs and diaharea. As a drawback, overdoses can cause your respiration to cease causing death, and regular use will cause constipation.
Amphetamines work in calming people because they are structurally similar to adrenalin, and bind to the same adrenal recepter sites. This tricks the whole stress response system, by making your body think there is enough adrenalin in you already and no more is necessary.
All neuroreceptors become hyposensitive with continued exposure to agonists, meaning more will be required to exert the same effect. There is some evidence that continued exposure of large doses of neuroreceptor agonists cause the brain to reduce the number of receptor sites. After a prolonged period of agonist activity, neuroreceptors become hypersensitive when the agonist is removed, or an antagonist is introduced. An antagonist binds to the receptor but does not activate them and prevent agonists from binding to the site.
So what does this mean for you? The easiest and safest thing to do is induce endogenous opiod release. The healthiest way to do this is to work out on a daily basis, doing anarobic activity like weight lifting. Eating heavily is a popular alternative, but can be detrimental to your health. Frequent sex can help a lot too. Many people feel sad after ending a sexual relationship because of reducing opiod levels.If those options are not effective, the drugs mentioned above can be prescribed or you can buy liquor. Valium and other benzodiazapines are very effective for anxiety, by blocking the increase in cortisol in response to stress. Anti-cortisol drugs are also in the works, and will be out sooner rather than later. If you live outside the United States, over the counter codeine products available from your pharmacist are pretty effective too. Codeine is an opiod, and is metabolized by your liver into morphine. If you are in the U.S., it is unlikely opiods will be an option, unless you buy them on the black market. Of all these, excessive eating or alcohol consumption are the most dangerous and will affect your health to your detriment. Pharmaceutical grade benzodiazapines and opiods are safe at recommended dosage.
> The doctor today said I have a lot of anxiety and I didn't have the time to ask him.
>
> What exactly is anxiety and what are symptoms? and can someone give descriptions of what it feels like? I deal with quite a bit of mind torture. Every day is painful to be alive and it's a bit hard to sleep now. I am always worrying about my ex-fiance and things.
Posted by Pamela Lynn on November 26, 2001, at 0:40:03
In reply to Re: What is Anxiety?, posted by benzapp on November 25, 2001, at 23:48:51
Holy Moly!!! Are you a doctor??? Wow, what an explanation!
I don't know about other people out there, but my anxiety (panic) attacks can come CLEAR out of the blue-in fact they usually always do. I can be just like, sitting and watching a comedy on the tube and WAM I start to get an attack. My shrink told me it had something to do with the dopemine levels in my body, etc....(she started getting overly technical and I don't 'do' technical too well! LOL). I do remember the word dopemine though, in her technical answer to me.
I-to date-have yet to come down from an anxiety attack on my own. I NEED my Xanax to help get me through, not alot of it mind you, just one little pill. I also do my breathing techniques that my awesome shrink has taught me to do.
I don't have nearly as many of these attacks as I used to, but they are very, very 'unsettling' at best when they happen...and i'll be honest here, NO text book answers as to the 'why' of them happening makes me feel any better about them. I KNOW something happens to my body, that is obvious. I just want to get the heck over the attack as quick as possible, and pray that the next one will be further appart then the previous one was. I have to say, the anxiety happens first off, then the panic sets in...that is what happens to me. I think all people are different in so many ways and that we all deal differently with these 'attacks'. I envy the people who are tough enough to ride them out, so-to-speak, without taking a sedative, or something along those lines, to calm down!! Hopefully someday I will be anxiety attack free!
P.L.
> What you feel as anxiety is the body's fight or flight response to external stimuli as perceived by your thought. This is very important, and is anxiety is not a bad thing. Anxiety makes you more perceptive to your threat, more focused, and more physically able to respond to a threat. Anxiety and rage cause the same physiological response, increases in cortisol and adrenalin. Actually, increases in cortisol potentiate the release of adrenalin. This physiological responds directly to thought. When something that is going on around you causes you to think you are afraid or threatened, anxiety is the result. Adrenalin increases your metabolism providing more energy for muscular activity, allowing greater strength and endurance, as well as allowing cortisol to repair and mitigate bodily damage. Adrenalin also causes more directed focus, and minimizes external distractions so you can focus on that which threatens you. In man, this anxiety response takes on even more importance. Our increased cognitive function means that our survival instinct is not just animalistic, so the stress response gives you greater focus so you can focus on intellectual activities.
>
> However, there is a problem. Some people have higher than normal cortisol levels, so they have "mild" anxiety all the time. This higher baseline means the person's normal state of existance is more anxious than the average person. This has some benefits, it makes it less necessary for an initiation of the fight/flight response, so you get the added cognitive benefits of greater focus all the time. Until recently, this was a big bonus, and there was little time to relax and be calm. Life used the be hard. Females may also have higher than normal cortisol as this would provide greater vigilance in child rearing. Human females are often much more hypervigilant for their children than other mammals.
>
> It is the increase in adrenalin that causes the jitters associated with anxiety, and adrenalin increases in response to cortisol increases. Cortisol levels rise in response to lessened GABA-1 receptor activation. gamma-aminobutyric acid is the endogenous substance that binds to these receptors. Drugs, like valium are GABA-1 agonists, that is they bind to that receptor and activate its designed function. Antagonists bind to the receptor, but prevent other drugs or endogenous ones from binding to the site. Alcohol also binds to GABA receptor cites, but more of them, particular ones involved with thought which is why alcohol impairs cognition so much more.
>
> Gamma-aminobutyric acid rises in response to mu-1 opiod receptor agonists. Endorphins are endogenous opiod peptides created by the hypothalamus that are involved with pain/pleasure and thought. Other endorphins bind with other opiod receptors to mediate respiration and bowel movement, and other basic functions. The hypothalamus is the "primitive" part of the brain, located at the tip of the brain stem, and all mammals have one and are proportionately the same size. This is why it is involved with basic function, and mediate basic desire for food and sex. Sexual orgasm releases pleasure inducing endorphins, as well as strenuous physical activity, pain, eating, or happy thoughts. Opium, Morphine, heroin, and other derivatives work because they bind with the same receptors, thus the name opioid receptors. Morphine and the like actually bind indiscriminately to all receptors. Endorphins were so named by combining endogenous and morphine. Opiods in use today are not mu-1 site specific, so they cause respiratory suppression and relaxed bowel movement. In addition to being powerful anti-anxiety agents, they are effective for treating coughs and diaharea. As a drawback, overdoses can cause your respiration to cease causing death, and regular use will cause constipation.
>
> Amphetamines work in calming people because they are structurally similar to adrenalin, and bind to the same adrenal recepter sites. This tricks the whole stress response system, by making your body think there is enough adrenalin in you already and no more is necessary.
>
> All neuroreceptors become hyposensitive with continued exposure to agonists, meaning more will be required to exert the same effect. There is some evidence that continued exposure of large doses of neuroreceptor agonists cause the brain to reduce the number of receptor sites. After a prolonged period of agonist activity, neuroreceptors become hypersensitive when the agonist is removed, or an antagonist is introduced. An antagonist binds to the receptor but does not activate them and prevent agonists from binding to the site.
>
> So what does this mean for you? The easiest and safest thing to do is induce endogenous opiod release. The healthiest way to do this is to work out on a daily basis, doing anarobic activity like weight lifting. Eating heavily is a popular alternative, but can be detrimental to your health. Frequent sex can help a lot too. Many people feel sad after ending a sexual relationship because of reducing opiod levels.
>
> If those options are not effective, the drugs mentioned above can be prescribed or you can buy liquor. Valium and other benzodiazapines are very effective for anxiety, by blocking the increase in cortisol in response to stress. Anti-cortisol drugs are also in the works, and will be out sooner rather than later. If you live outside the United States, over the counter codeine products available from your pharmacist are pretty effective too. Codeine is an opiod, and is metabolized by your liver into morphine. If you are in the U.S., it is unlikely opiods will be an option, unless you buy them on the black market. Of all these, excessive eating or alcohol consumption are the most dangerous and will affect your health to your detriment. Pharmaceutical grade benzodiazapines and opiods are safe at recommended dosage.
>
> > The doctor today said I have a lot of anxiety and I didn't have the time to ask him.
> >
> > What exactly is anxiety and what are symptoms? and can someone give descriptions of what it feels like? I deal with quite a bit of mind torture. Every day is painful to be alive and it's a bit hard to sleep now. I am always worrying about my ex-fiance and things.
Posted by petey on November 26, 2001, at 5:39:13
In reply to Re: What is Anxiety? » benzapp, posted by Pamela Lynn on November 26, 2001, at 0:40:03
> Holy Moly!!! Are you a doctor??? Wow, what an explanation!
>
> I don't know about other people out there, but my anxiety (panic) attacks can come CLEAR out of the blue-in fact they usually always do. I can be just like, sitting and watching a comedy on the tube and WAM I start to get an attack. My shrink told me it had something to do with the dopemine levels in my body, etc....(she started getting overly technical and I don't 'do' technical too well! LOL). I do remember the word dopemine though, in her technical answer to me.
>
> I-to date-have yet to come down from an anxiety attack on my own. I NEED my Xanax to help get me through, not alot of it mind you, just one little pill. I also do my breathing techniques that my awesome shrink has taught me to do.
>
> I don't have nearly as many of these attacks as I used to, but they are very, very 'unsettling' at best when they happen...and i'll be honest here, NO text book answers as to the 'why' of them happening makes me feel any better about them. I KNOW something happens to my body, that is obvious. I just want to get the heck over the attack as quick as possible, and pray that the next one will be further appart then the previous one was. I have to say, the anxiety happens first off, then the panic sets in...that is what happens to me. I think all people are different in so many ways and that we all deal differently with these 'attacks'. I envy the people who are tough enough to ride them out, so-to-speak, without taking a sedative, or something along those lines, to calm down!! Hopefully someday I will be anxiety attack free!
>
> P.L.
>
> > What you feel as anxiety is the body's fight or flight response to external stimuli as perceived by your thought. This is very important, and is anxiety is not a bad thing. Anxiety makes you more perceptive to your threat, more focused, and more physically able to respond to a threat. Anxiety and rage cause the same physiological response, increases in cortisol and adrenalin. Actually, increases in cortisol potentiate the release of adrenalin. This physiological responds directly to thought. When something that is going on around you causes you to think you are afraid or threatened, anxiety is the result. Adrenalin increases your metabolism providing more energy for muscular activity, allowing greater strength and endurance, as well as allowing cortisol to repair and mitigate bodily damage. Adrenalin also causes more directed focus, and minimizes external distractions so you can focus on that which threatens you. In man, this anxiety response takes on even more importance. Our increased cognitive function means that our survival instinct is not just animalistic, so the stress response gives you greater focus so you can focus on intellectual activities.
> >
> > However, there is a problem. Some people have higher than normal cortisol levels, so they have "mild" anxiety all the time. This higher baseline means the person's normal state of existance is more anxious than the average person. This has some benefits, it makes it less necessary for an initiation of the fight/flight response, so you get the added cognitive benefits of greater focus all the time. Until recently, this was a big bonus, and there was little time to relax and be calm. Life used the be hard. Females may also have higher than normal cortisol as this would provide greater vigilance in child rearing. Human females are often much more hypervigilant for their children than other mammals.
> >
> > It is the increase in adrenalin that causes the jitters associated with anxiety, and adrenalin increases in response to cortisol increases. Cortisol levels rise in response to lessened GABA-1 receptor activation. gamma-aminobutyric acid is the endogenous substance that binds to these receptors. Drugs, like valium are GABA-1 agonists, that is they bind to that receptor and activate its designed function. Antagonists bind to the receptor, but prevent other drugs or endogenous ones from binding to the site. Alcohol also binds to GABA receptor cites, but more of them, particular ones involved with thought which is why alcohol impairs cognition so much more.
> >
> > Gamma-aminobutyric acid rises in response to mu-1 opiod receptor agonists. Endorphins are endogenous opiod peptides created by the hypothalamus that are involved with pain/pleasure and thought. Other endorphins bind with other opiod receptors to mediate respiration and bowel movement, and other basic functions. The hypothalamus is the "primitive" part of the brain, located at the tip of the brain stem, and all mammals have one and are proportionately the same size. This is why it is involved with basic function, and mediate basic desire for food and sex. Sexual orgasm releases pleasure inducing endorphins, as well as strenuous physical activity, pain, eating, or happy thoughts. Opium, Morphine, heroin, and other derivatives work because they bind with the same receptors, thus the name opioid receptors. Morphine and the like actually bind indiscriminately to all receptors. Endorphins were so named by combining endogenous and morphine. Opiods in use today are not mu-1 site specific, so they cause respiratory suppression and relaxed bowel movement. In addition to being powerful anti-anxiety agents, they are effective for treating coughs and diaharea. As a drawback, overdoses can cause your respiration to cease causing death, and regular use will cause constipation.
> >
> > Amphetamines work in calming people because they are structurally similar to adrenalin, and bind to the same adrenal recepter sites. This tricks the whole stress response system, by making your body think there is enough adrenalin in you already and no more is necessary.
> >
> > All neuroreceptors become hyposensitive with continued exposure to agonists, meaning more will be required to exert the same effect. There is some evidence that continued exposure of large doses of neuroreceptor agonists cause the brain to reduce the number of receptor sites. After a prolonged period of agonist activity, neuroreceptors become hypersensitive when the agonist is removed, or an antagonist is introduced. An antagonist binds to the receptor but does not activate them and prevent agonists from binding to the site.
> >
> > So what does this mean for you? The easiest and safest thing to do is induce endogenous opiod release. The healthiest way to do this is to work out on a daily basis, doing anarobic activity like weight lifting. Eating heavily is a popular alternative, but can be detrimental to your health. Frequent sex can help a lot too. Many people feel sad after ending a sexual relationship because of reducing opiod levels.
> >
> > If those options are not effective, the drugs mentioned above can be prescribed or you can buy liquor. Valium and other benzodiazapines are very effective for anxiety, by blocking the increase in cortisol in response to stress. Anti-cortisol drugs are also in the works, and will be out sooner rather than later. If you live outside the United States, over the counter codeine products available from your pharmacist are pretty effective too. Codeine is an opiod, and is metabolized by your liver into morphine. If you are in the U.S., it is unlikely opiods will be an option, unless you buy them on the black market. Of all these, excessive eating or alcohol consumption are the most dangerous and will affect your health to your detriment. Pharmaceutical grade benzodiazapines and opiods are safe at recommended dosage.
> >
> > > The doctor today said I have a lot of anxiety and I didn't have the time to ask him.
> > >
> > > What exactly is anxiety and what are symptoms? and can someone give descriptions of what it feels like? I deal with quite a bit of mind torture. Every day is painful to be alive and it's a bit hard to sleep now. I am always worrying about my ex-fiance and things.Pamela Lynn,
I used to have panic attacks come over me out of the blue, also. They are truley horrible! I haven't had one in over a year now. ( Thank God! ) But what I wanted to tell you is, when I was in the hospital, I had the worst panic attack ever. They had just given me my sleeping pill, so they didn't want to give me a tranqulizer on top of it. To get the med. to work faster, the nurse warmed me up some milk. She said that it would calm me down and that the warm milk would help to dissolve the pill faster so the attack would go away faster! It really worked! Within just a few minutes, I could feel myself starting to calm down! I just wanted to let you know so that next time you have an attack, maybe this will help you.Take care and God bless!
Petey
Posted by Pamela Lynn on November 26, 2001, at 8:30:13
In reply to Re: What is Anxiety?, posted by petey on November 26, 2001, at 5:39:13
Dear Petey,
THANK YOU so very much for that advice. I will not only use it for my anxiety attacks, but for nights when I can't sleep and have to take a pill...the milk should work well then, I would think.
Thanks again, Petey.
P.L.
> > Holy Moly!!! Are you a doctor??? Wow, what an explanation!
> >
> > I don't know about other people out there, but my anxiety (panic) attacks can come CLEAR out of the blue-in fact they usually always do. I can be just like, sitting and watching a comedy on the tube and WAM I start to get an attack. My shrink told me it had something to do with the dopemine levels in my body, etc....(she started getting overly technical and I don't 'do' technical too well! LOL). I do remember the word dopemine though, in her technical answer to me.
> >
> > I-to date-have yet to come down from an anxiety attack on my own. I NEED my Xanax to help get me through, not alot of it mind you, just one little pill. I also do my breathing techniques that my awesome shrink has taught me to do.
> >
> > I don't have nearly as many of these attacks as I used to, but they are very, very 'unsettling' at best when they happen...and i'll be honest here, NO text book answers as to the 'why' of them happening makes me feel any better about them. I KNOW something happens to my body, that is obvious. I just want to get the heck over the attack as quick as possible, and pray that the next one will be further appart then the previous one was. I have to say, the anxiety happens first off, then the panic sets in...that is what happens to me. I think all people are different in so many ways and that we all deal differently with these 'attacks'. I envy the people who are tough enough to ride them out, so-to-speak, without taking a sedative, or something along those lines, to calm down!! Hopefully someday I will be anxiety attack free!
> >
> > P.L.
> >
> > > What you feel as anxiety is the body's fight or flight response to external stimuli as perceived by your thought. This is very important, and is anxiety is not a bad thing. Anxiety makes you more perceptive to your threat, more focused, and more physically able to respond to a threat. Anxiety and rage cause the same physiological response, increases in cortisol and adrenalin. Actually, increases in cortisol potentiate the release of adrenalin. This physiological responds directly to thought. When something that is going on around you causes you to think you are afraid or threatened, anxiety is the result. Adrenalin increases your metabolism providing more energy for muscular activity, allowing greater strength and endurance, as well as allowing cortisol to repair and mitigate bodily damage. Adrenalin also causes more directed focus, and minimizes external distractions so you can focus on that which threatens you. In man, this anxiety response takes on even more importance. Our increased cognitive function means that our survival instinct is not just animalistic, so the stress response gives you greater focus so you can focus on intellectual activities.
> > >
> > > However, there is a problem. Some people have higher than normal cortisol levels, so they have "mild" anxiety all the time. This higher baseline means the person's normal state of existance is more anxious than the average person. This has some benefits, it makes it less necessary for an initiation of the fight/flight response, so you get the added cognitive benefits of greater focus all the time. Until recently, this was a big bonus, and there was little time to relax and be calm. Life used the be hard. Females may also have higher than normal cortisol as this would provide greater vigilance in child rearing. Human females are often much more hypervigilant for their children than other mammals.
> > >
> > > It is the increase in adrenalin that causes the jitters associated with anxiety, and adrenalin increases in response to cortisol increases. Cortisol levels rise in response to lessened GABA-1 receptor activation. gamma-aminobutyric acid is the endogenous substance that binds to these receptors. Drugs, like valium are GABA-1 agonists, that is they bind to that receptor and activate its designed function. Antagonists bind to the receptor, but prevent other drugs or endogenous ones from binding to the site. Alcohol also binds to GABA receptor cites, but more of them, particular ones involved with thought which is why alcohol impairs cognition so much more.
> > >
> > > Gamma-aminobutyric acid rises in response to mu-1 opiod receptor agonists. Endorphins are endogenous opiod peptides created by the hypothalamus that are involved with pain/pleasure and thought. Other endorphins bind with other opiod receptors to mediate respiration and bowel movement, and other basic functions. The hypothalamus is the "primitive" part of the brain, located at the tip of the brain stem, and all mammals have one and are proportionately the same size. This is why it is involved with basic function, and mediate basic desire for food and sex. Sexual orgasm releases pleasure inducing endorphins, as well as strenuous physical activity, pain, eating, or happy thoughts. Opium, Morphine, heroin, and other derivatives work because they bind with the same receptors, thus the name opioid receptors. Morphine and the like actually bind indiscriminately to all receptors. Endorphins were so named by combining endogenous and morphine. Opiods in use today are not mu-1 site specific, so they cause respiratory suppression and relaxed bowel movement. In addition to being powerful anti-anxiety agents, they are effective for treating coughs and diaharea. As a drawback, overdoses can cause your respiration to cease causing death, and regular use will cause constipation.
> > >
> > > Amphetamines work in calming people because they are structurally similar to adrenalin, and bind to the same adrenal recepter sites. This tricks the whole stress response system, by making your body think there is enough adrenalin in you already and no more is necessary.
> > >
> > > All neuroreceptors become hyposensitive with continued exposure to agonists, meaning more will be required to exert the same effect. There is some evidence that continued exposure of large doses of neuroreceptor agonists cause the brain to reduce the number of receptor sites. After a prolonged period of agonist activity, neuroreceptors become hypersensitive when the agonist is removed, or an antagonist is introduced. An antagonist binds to the receptor but does not activate them and prevent agonists from binding to the site.
> > >
> > > So what does this mean for you? The easiest and safest thing to do is induce endogenous opiod release. The healthiest way to do this is to work out on a daily basis, doing anarobic activity like weight lifting. Eating heavily is a popular alternative, but can be detrimental to your health. Frequent sex can help a lot too. Many people feel sad after ending a sexual relationship because of reducing opiod levels.
> > >
> > > If those options are not effective, the drugs mentioned above can be prescribed or you can buy liquor. Valium and other benzodiazapines are very effective for anxiety, by blocking the increase in cortisol in response to stress. Anti-cortisol drugs are also in the works, and will be out sooner rather than later. If you live outside the United States, over the counter codeine products available from your pharmacist are pretty effective too. Codeine is an opiod, and is metabolized by your liver into morphine. If you are in the U.S., it is unlikely opiods will be an option, unless you buy them on the black market. Of all these, excessive eating or alcohol consumption are the most dangerous and will affect your health to your detriment. Pharmaceutical grade benzodiazapines and opiods are safe at recommended dosage.
> > >
> > > > The doctor today said I have a lot of anxiety and I didn't have the time to ask him.
> > > >
> > > > What exactly is anxiety and what are symptoms? and can someone give descriptions of what it feels like? I deal with quite a bit of mind torture. Every day is painful to be alive and it's a bit hard to sleep now. I am always worrying about my ex-fiance and things.
>
> Pamela Lynn,
> I used to have panic attacks come over me out of the blue, also. They are truley horrible! I haven't had one in over a year now. ( Thank God! ) But what I wanted to tell you is, when I was in the hospital, I had the worst panic attack ever. They had just given me my sleeping pill, so they didn't want to give me a tranqulizer on top of it. To get the med. to work faster, the nurse warmed me up some milk. She said that it would calm me down and that the warm milk would help to dissolve the pill faster so the attack would go away faster! It really worked! Within just a few minutes, I could feel myself starting to calm down! I just wanted to let you know so that next time you have an attack, maybe this will help you.Take care and God bless!
> Petey
Posted by benzapp on November 26, 2001, at 13:23:14
In reply to Re: What is Anxiety? » benzapp, posted by Pamela Lynn on November 26, 2001, at 0:40:03
Some people seem to get overally concerned with anxiety at certain points. As anxiety over anxiety increases, you get a vicious cycle that continues until you freak out and have a panic attack. If you have never had anxiety before, it is unlikely you have high cortisol levels and you just spend too much time worrying. Cognitive therapy can be very useful here. Anxiety is one of the few disorders that responds very well to psychotherapy.
Xanax will work, as I said. But xanax in particular can cause a number of problems, its rapid onset and intense effects can cause hypersensitivity. The drug works, but requires higher doses at a more rapid rate than other similar drugs. When the drug wears off, you tend to have greater anxiety. Xanax is a highly addictive drug. It also affects cognition and memory more than others. Xanax makes me feel like I got hit on the side of the head with a 2x4. If you are comfortable knowing you addicted to it and it doesn't impair your life, thats fine. Thats your choice.
But I would suggest a rigorous workout regiment and cognitive therapy first.
Also, anxiety is not like other mental health disorders. It is caused either by drugs that affect the whole anxiety response, or high cortisol levels. OTher than that, it comes from your own thinking. No one can read your mind, so if you don't have a medical problem, aren't withdrawling from drugs, or taking something like cocaine, you won't find an answer.
> Holy Moly!!! Are you a doctor??? Wow, what an explanation!
>
> I don't know about other people out there, but my anxiety (panic) attacks can come CLEAR out of the blue-in fact they usually always do. I can be just like, sitting and watching a comedy on the tube and WAM I start to get an attack. My shrink told me it had something to do with the dopemine levels in my body, etc....(she started getting overly technical and I don't 'do' technical too well! LOL). I do remember the word dopemine though, in her technical answer to me.
>
> I-to date-have yet to come down from an anxiety attack on my own. I NEED my Xanax to help get me through, not alot of it mind you, just one little pill. I also do my breathing techniques that my awesome shrink has taught me to do.
>
> I don't have nearly as many of these attacks as I used to, but they are very, very 'unsettling' at best when they happen...and i'll be honest here, NO text book answers as to the 'why' of them happening makes me feel any better about them. I KNOW something happens to my body, that is obvious. I just want to get the heck over the attack as quick as possible, and pray that the next one will be further appart then the previous one was. I have to say, the anxiety happens first off, then the panic sets in...that is what happens to me. I think all people are different in so many ways and that we all deal differently with these 'attacks'. I envy the people who are tough enough to ride them out, so-to-speak, without taking a sedative, or something along those lines, to calm down!! Hopefully someday I will be anxiety attack free!
>
> P.L.
Posted by Pamela Lynn on November 26, 2001, at 16:19:00
In reply to Re: What is Anxiety?, posted by benzapp on November 26, 2001, at 13:23:14
Hmmmmm, are you trying to say that there is really no such 'thing' as a 'true' anxiety attack..again, I ask you...are you a doctor? Just wondering????
BTW, I am NOT addicted to Xanax, I simply have them, in a very low dose, for when I get an anxiety/panic attack....my attacks are REAL, and they come out of the blue, as they do for many people I know...I AM in therapy, again-btw. I would never tell a diabetic that they were addicted to their insulin....just as someone who suffers from anxiety/panic attacks might need something to calm them....very rarely do you hear of people having these attacks whilst the are in a session with their therapist.
You can bet I take my depression AND my anxiety/panic attacks very, very seriously. I saw my PDoc today and got a re-fill on my Xanax, right along with my anti-depressant meds. My shrink (I call her a shrink in the MOST endearing of terms!) monitors me very closely with all my meds., no 'addiction' here.
I say, if you suffer from true 'horrible' anxiety/panic attacks that you should see your Doctor-get some meds. if you are so inclined to do so....do your homework and ask the questions, but there is no way that one should have to unduly suffer through an attack!
P.L.
> Some people seem to get overally concerned with anxiety at certain points. As anxiety over anxiety increases, you get a vicious cycle that continues until you freak out and have a panic attack. If you have never had anxiety before, it is unlikely you have high cortisol levels and you just spend too much time worrying. Cognitive therapy can be very useful here. Anxiety is one of the few disorders that responds very well to psychotherapy.
>
> Xanax will work, as I said. But xanax in particular can cause a number of problems, its rapid onset and intense effects can cause hypersensitivity. The drug works, but requires higher doses at a more rapid rate than other similar drugs. When the drug wears off, you tend to have greater anxiety. Xanax is a highly addictive drug. It also affects cognition and memory more than others. Xanax makes me feel like I got hit on the side of the head with a 2x4. If you are comfortable knowing you addicted to it and it doesn't impair your life, thats fine. Thats your choice.
>
> But I would suggest a rigorous workout regiment and cognitive therapy first.
>
> Also, anxiety is not like other mental health disorders. It is caused either by drugs that affect the whole anxiety response, or high cortisol levels. OTher than that, it comes from your own thinking. No one can read your mind, so if you don't have a medical problem, aren't withdrawling from drugs, or taking something like cocaine, you won't find an answer.
>
> > Holy Moly!!! Are you a doctor??? Wow, what an explanation!
> >
> > I don't know about other people out there, but my anxiety (panic) attacks can come CLEAR out of the blue-in fact they usually always do. I can be just like, sitting and watching a comedy on the tube and WAM I start to get an attack. My shrink told me it had something to do with the dopemine levels in my body, etc....(she started getting overly technical and I don't 'do' technical too well! LOL). I do remember the word dopemine though, in her technical answer to me.
> >
> > I-to date-have yet to come down from an anxiety attack on my own. I NEED my Xanax to help get me through, not alot of it mind you, just one little pill. I also do my breathing techniques that my awesome shrink has taught me to do.
> >
> > I don't have nearly as many of these attacks as I used to, but they are very, very 'unsettling' at best when they happen...and i'll be honest here, NO text book answers as to the 'why' of them happening makes me feel any better about them. I KNOW something happens to my body, that is obvious. I just want to get the heck over the attack as quick as possible, and pray that the next one will be further appart then the previous one was. I have to say, the anxiety happens first off, then the panic sets in...that is what happens to me. I think all people are different in so many ways and that we all deal differently with these 'attacks'. I envy the people who are tough enough to ride them out, so-to-speak, without taking a sedative, or something along those lines, to calm down!! Hopefully someday I will be anxiety attack free!
> >
> > P.L.
Posted by benzapp on November 26, 2001, at 18:59:44
In reply to Re: What is Anxiety? » benzapp, posted by Pamela Lynn on November 26, 2001, at 16:19:00
My education shouldn't matter. This BBS is not intended to give you qualified medical advice, nor should you take anything you read here as coming from a doctor even if they claim to be one. Whether I claim to be a doctor or not is irrelevant, because you have no way of determining the truth to my statement.
Yes, what I am saying is that there is no such thing as an anxiety attack. What you are asking is more of a question of semantics. The issue here is anxiety is a normal and necessary aspect of our physiology. All mammals experience it, and it has many evolutionary benefits. Anxiety is a powerful motivator, focusing us on things that keep us alive. Anxiety is relieved by things that are beneficial for us. Eating, sex, socializing with other humans, they all stimulate the release of natural endorphins. Anxiety only occurs in humans who are not living as humans evolved, being busy surving 80% of the time, with sleeping, eating and sex as the only means of recreation. Xanax works because it tricks your body into thinking something great for your survival just took place, and now its time to be calm.
I am not accusing anyone of addiction, nor do I believe addiction is a problem in any circumstance. I don't think addiction to Xanax is any worse than addiction to food. What I am saying is while Xanax has many benefits, it does impair your cognitive functions and memory. If you do not mind dropping a few IQ points or having mild amnesia, thats fine. But, regardless of what you believe, continued usage of Xanax beyond a few weeks will cause addiction. Ask anyone who has gone through benzodiazepine withdrawl, it is not pleasant and lasks far longer than say, heroin withdrawl. The anxiety you will feel for a month after stopping Xanax will be far greater than any anxiety you experienced prior. Of course, withdrawl is never a problem when you don't stop taking the drug.
If none of that bothers you, then case closed. It is your right to take Xanax for the rest of your life if necessary. I merely present the alternative that people who suffer from anxiety disorders are typically sedentary women with a tendency towards codependency and vicarious living via television watching. It is no mistake Xanax and its cousins were considered to be the house wife's drug in the 70's. There is no specific biological reason why someone should be predisposed to anxiety attacks other than high cortisol levels, associated with things like Tourette's syndrome. If you don't have tics, you are probably not naturally predisposed to anxiety attacks. If you look at people who have generalized anxiety disorder, they tend to fit a certain criteria. It is a biproduct of the cornicopia of wealth we enjoy in modern times. Anxiety doesn't exist amongst people who don't have time to be anxious.
I absolutely guarantee that if you throw out your television, eat a proper diet, run at least five miles a day, have sex where you reach orgasm on a daily basis, and get a part time night job you will never have another anxiety attack. Not watching television will keep you from allowing your imagination to embody the lives of those you watch on TV. You will also stop looking at all those beautiful and successful people and start comparing yourself to them. Eating a proper diet will help you become confident in your physical attractiveness by keeping you thin. Running at least 5 miles a day will also help with this, but will cause massive release of endorphins that will keep you calm all day, and make you exhausted at night because your body will need down time to repair itself due to physical exertion. Sexual orgasm also causes a massive release of endorphins. Getting a part time night job will take up whatever free time you do have that you used to spend worrying, make you more exhausted, and give you extra money if you need it. Go to a third world country, where people spend 12 hours a day tilling the soil for their family, spending their free time sleeping, and you will not find anyone suffering from anxiety. It is simply illogical to think there is something unique to the physiology of white, middle class women that predisposes them to anxiety.
I have no doubt there are many disorders that absolutely require medical attention, but I don't believe anxiety is one of them. I am not against anyone taking Xanax or anything else. I actually believe that you should be able be able to ingest whatever chemical you want, without government or medical supervision. Xanax is far less dangerous or addictive than alcohol, and should be dispensed just as freely IMHO. I also believe xanax and similar drugs are far safer and effective than SSRIs for treating anxiety. If you must use drugs, I would suggest you stop taking whatever antidepressant you are on, and take 1mg of lorazepam 2-3 times a day. Lorazepam lasts much longer than Xanax and causes less cognitive impairment. Dosing 2-3 times a day will provide all day coverage.
But you can take my advice or leave it. Be chill, and be free.
> Hmmmmm, are you trying to say that there is really no such 'thing' as a 'true' anxiety attack..again, I ask you...are you a doctor? Just wondering????
>
> BTW, I am NOT addicted to Xanax, I simply have them, in a very low dose, for when I get an anxiety/panic attack....my attacks are REAL, and they come out of the blue, as they do for many people I know...I AM in therapy, again-btw. I would never tell a diabetic that they were addicted to their insulin....just as someone who suffers from anxiety/panic attacks might need something to calm them....very rarely do you hear of people having these attacks whilst the are in a session with their therapist.>
> You can bet I take my depression AND my anxiety/panic attacks very, very seriously. I saw my PDoc today and got a re-fill on my Xanax, right along with my anti-depressant meds. My shrink (I call her a shrink in the MOST endearing of terms!) monitors me very closely with all my meds., no 'addiction' here.
>
> I say, if you suffer from true 'horrible' anxiety/panic attacks that you should see your Doctor-get some meds. if you are so inclined to do so....do your homework and ask the questions, but there is no way that one should have to unduly suffer through an attack!
>
> P.L.
>
> > Some people seem to get overally concerned with anxiety at certain points. As anxiety over anxiety increases, you get a vicious cycle that continues until you freak out and have a panic attack. If you have never had anxiety before, it is unlikely you have high cortisol levels and you just spend too much time worrying. Cognitive therapy can be very useful here. Anxiety is one of the few disorders that responds very well to psychotherapy.
> >
> > Xanax will work, as I said. But xanax in particular can cause a number of problems, its rapid onset and intense effects can cause hypersensitivity. The drug works, but requires higher doses at a more rapid rate than other similar drugs. When the drug wears off, you tend to have greater anxiety. Xanax is a highly addictive drug. It also affects cognition and memory more than others. Xanax makes me feel like I got hit on the side of the head with a 2x4. If you are comfortable knowing you addicted to it and it doesn't impair your life, thats fine. Thats your choice.
> >
> > But I would suggest a rigorous workout regiment and cognitive therapy first.
> >
> > Also, anxiety is not like other mental health disorders. It is caused either by drugs that affect the whole anxiety response, or high cortisol levels. OTher than that, it comes from your own thinking. No one can read your mind, so if you don't have a medical problem, aren't withdrawling from drugs, or taking something like cocaine, you won't find an answer.
> >
> > > Holy Moly!!! Are you a doctor??? Wow, what an explanation!
> > >
> > > I don't know about other people out there, but my anxiety (panic) attacks can come CLEAR out of the blue-in fact they usually always do. I can be just like, sitting and watching a comedy on the tube and WAM I start to get an attack. My shrink told me it had something to do with the dopemine levels in my body, etc....(she started getting overly technical and I don't 'do' technical too well! LOL). I do remember the word dopemine though, in her technical answer to me.
> > >
> > > I-to date-have yet to come down from an anxiety attack on my own. I NEED my Xanax to help get me through, not alot of it mind you, just one little pill. I also do my breathing techniques that my awesome shrink has taught me to do.
> > >
> > > I don't have nearly as many of these attacks as I used to, but they are very, very 'unsettling' at best when they happen...and i'll be honest here, NO text book answers as to the 'why' of them happening makes me feel any better about them. I KNOW something happens to my body, that is obvious. I just want to get the heck over the attack as quick as possible, and pray that the next one will be further appart then the previous one was. I have to say, the anxiety happens first off, then the panic sets in...that is what happens to me. I think all people are different in so many ways and that we all deal differently with these 'attacks'. I envy the people who are tough enough to ride them out, so-to-speak, without taking a sedative, or something along those lines, to calm down!! Hopefully someday I will be anxiety attack free!
> > >
> > > P.L.
Posted by Pamela Lynn on November 27, 2001, at 0:01:03
In reply to Re: What is Anxiety?, posted by benzapp on November 26, 2001, at 18:59:44
I didn't even get past the "there are no such things as anxiety attacks" part. The rest of your stupid ramblings here were wasted on deaf ears!
You are arrogant and you are DEAD WRONG. I am sure that the 'founder' of this site, himself would tell you that anxiety attacks are quite real. I am SURE the other people that post and read here that suffer through them will tell you they are QUITE REAL, indeed.
I do HAVE a doctor that has gone to medical school, that treats many patients that suffer with anxiety/panic attacks and social anxiety attacks who tells me what I and MANY others experience is QUITE REAL.
Once again, you are arrogant and I feel a total fool. I will NOT post anymore on this subject, and my personal opinion is that you should keep your mouth shut on matters that you, obviously, no nothing about.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO YOU!
P.L.
> My education shouldn't matter. This BBS is not intended to give you qualified medical advice, nor should you take anything you read here as coming from a doctor even if they claim to be one. Whether I claim to be a doctor or not is irrelevant, because you have no way of determining the truth to my statement.
>
> Yes, what I am saying is that there is no such thing as an anxiety attack. What you are asking is more of a question of semantics. The issue here is anxiety is a normal and necessary aspect of our physiology. All mammals experience it, and it has many evolutionary benefits. Anxiety is a powerful motivator, focusing us on things that keep us alive. Anxiety is relieved by things that are beneficial for us. Eating, sex, socializing with other humans, they all stimulate the release of natural endorphins. Anxiety only occurs in humans who are not living as humans evolved, being busy surving 80% of the time, with sleeping, eating and sex as the only means of recreation. Xanax works because it tricks your body into thinking something great for your survival just took place, and now its time to be calm.
>
> I am not accusing anyone of addiction, nor do I believe addiction is a problem in any circumstance. I don't think addiction to Xanax is any worse than addiction to food. What I am saying is while Xanax has many benefits, it does impair your cognitive functions and memory. If you do not mind dropping a few IQ points or having mild amnesia, thats fine. But, regardless of what you believe, continued usage of Xanax beyond a few weeks will cause addiction. Ask anyone who has gone through benzodiazepine withdrawl, it is not pleasant and lasks far longer than say, heroin withdrawl. The anxiety you will feel for a month after stopping Xanax will be far greater than any anxiety you experienced prior. Of course, withdrawl is never a problem when you don't stop taking the drug.
>
> If none of that bothers you, then case closed. It is your right to take Xanax for the rest of your life if necessary. I merely present the alternative that people who suffer from anxiety disorders are typically sedentary women with a tendency towards codependency and vicarious living via television watching. It is no mistake Xanax and its cousins were considered to be the house wife's drug in the 70's. There is no specific biological reason why someone should be predisposed to anxiety attacks other than high cortisol levels, associated with things like Tourette's syndrome. If you don't have tics, you are probably not naturally predisposed to anxiety attacks. If you look at people who have generalized anxiety disorder, they tend to fit a certain criteria. It is a biproduct of the cornicopia of wealth we enjoy in modern times. Anxiety doesn't exist amongst people who don't have time to be anxious.
>
> I absolutely guarantee that if you throw out your television, eat a proper diet, run at least five miles a day, have sex where you reach orgasm on a daily basis, and get a part time night job you will never have another anxiety attack. Not watching television will keep you from allowing your imagination to embody the lives of those you watch on TV. You will also stop looking at all those beautiful and successful people and start comparing yourself to them. Eating a proper diet will help you become confident in your physical attractiveness by keeping you thin. Running at least 5 miles a day will also help with this, but will cause massive release of endorphins that will keep you calm all day, and make you exhausted at night because your body will need down time to repair itself due to physical exertion. Sexual orgasm also causes a massive release of endorphins. Getting a part time night job will take up whatever free time you do have that you used to spend worrying, make you more exhausted, and give you extra money if you need it. Go to a third world country, where people spend 12 hours a day tilling the soil for their family, spending their free time sleeping, and you will not find anyone suffering from anxiety. It is simply illogical to think there is something unique to the physiology of white, middle class women that predisposes them to anxiety.
>
> I have no doubt there are many disorders that absolutely require medical attention, but I don't believe anxiety is one of them. I am not against anyone taking Xanax or anything else. I actually believe that you should be able be able to ingest whatever chemical you want, without government or medical supervision. Xanax is far less dangerous or addictive than alcohol, and should be dispensed just as freely IMHO. I also believe xanax and similar drugs are far safer and effective than SSRIs for treating anxiety. If you must use drugs, I would suggest you stop taking whatever antidepressant you are on, and take 1mg of lorazepam 2-3 times a day. Lorazepam lasts much longer than Xanax and causes less cognitive impairment. Dosing 2-3 times a day will provide all day coverage.
>
> But you can take my advice or leave it. Be chill, and be free.
>
> > Hmmmmm, are you trying to say that there is really no such 'thing' as a 'true' anxiety attack..again, I ask you...are you a doctor? Just wondering????
>
> >
> > BTW, I am NOT addicted to Xanax, I simply have them, in a very low dose, for when I get an anxiety/panic attack....my attacks are REAL, and they come out of the blue, as they do for many people I know...I AM in therapy, again-btw. I would never tell a diabetic that they were addicted to their insulin....just as someone who suffers from anxiety/panic attacks might need something to calm them....very rarely do you hear of people having these attacks whilst the are in a session with their therapist.
>
> >
> > You can bet I take my depression AND my anxiety/panic attacks very, very seriously. I saw my PDoc today and got a re-fill on my Xanax, right along with my anti-depressant meds. My shrink (I call her a shrink in the MOST endearing of terms!) monitors me very closely with all my meds., no 'addiction' here.
> >
> > I say, if you suffer from true 'horrible' anxiety/panic attacks that you should see your Doctor-get some meds. if you are so inclined to do so....do your homework and ask the questions, but there is no way that one should have to unduly suffer through an attack!
> >
> > P.L.
> >
> > > Some people seem to get overally concerned with anxiety at certain points. As anxiety over anxiety increases, you get a vicious cycle that continues until you freak out and have a panic attack. If you have never had anxiety before, it is unlikely you have high cortisol levels and you just spend too much time worrying. Cognitive therapy can be very useful here. Anxiety is one of the few disorders that responds very well to psychotherapy.
> > >
> > > Xanax will work, as I said. But xanax in particular can cause a number of problems, its rapid onset and intense effects can cause hypersensitivity. The drug works, but requires higher doses at a more rapid rate than other similar drugs. When the drug wears off, you tend to have greater anxiety. Xanax is a highly addictive drug. It also affects cognition and memory more than others. Xanax makes me feel like I got hit on the side of the head with a 2x4. If you are comfortable knowing you addicted to it and it doesn't impair your life, thats fine. Thats your choice.
> > >
> > > But I would suggest a rigorous workout regiment and cognitive therapy first.
> > >
> > > Also, anxiety is not like other mental health disorders. It is caused either by drugs that affect the whole anxiety response, or high cortisol levels. OTher than that, it comes from your own thinking. No one can read your mind, so if you don't have a medical problem, aren't withdrawling from drugs, or taking something like cocaine, you won't find an answer.
> > >
> > > > Holy Moly!!! Are you a doctor??? Wow, what an explanation!
> > > >
> > > > I don't know about other people out there, but my anxiety (panic) attacks can come CLEAR out of the blue-in fact they usually always do. I can be just like, sitting and watching a comedy on the tube and WAM I start to get an attack. My shrink told me it had something to do with the dopemine levels in my body, etc....(she started getting overly technical and I don't 'do' technical too well! LOL). I do remember the word dopemine though, in her technical answer to me.
> > > >
> > > > I-to date-have yet to come down from an anxiety attack on my own. I NEED my Xanax to help get me through, not alot of it mind you, just one little pill. I also do my breathing techniques that my awesome shrink has taught me to do.
> > > >
> > > > I don't have nearly as many of these attacks as I used to, but they are very, very 'unsettling' at best when they happen...and i'll be honest here, NO text book answers as to the 'why' of them happening makes me feel any better about them. I KNOW something happens to my body, that is obvious. I just want to get the heck over the attack as quick as possible, and pray that the next one will be further appart then the previous one was. I have to say, the anxiety happens first off, then the panic sets in...that is what happens to me. I think all people are different in so many ways and that we all deal differently with these 'attacks'. I envy the people who are tough enough to ride them out, so-to-speak, without taking a sedative, or something along those lines, to calm down!! Hopefully someday I will be anxiety attack free!
> > > >
> > > > P.L.
Posted by petey on November 27, 2001, at 5:49:37
In reply to Re: What is Anxiety? » benzapp, posted by Pamela Lynn on November 27, 2001, at 0:01:03
> I didn't even get past the "there are no such things as anxiety attacks" part. The rest of your stupid ramblings here were wasted on deaf ears!
>
> You are arrogant and you are DEAD WRONG. I am sure that the 'founder' of this site, himself would tell you that anxiety attacks are quite real. I am SURE the other people that post and read here that suffer through them will tell you they are QUITE REAL, indeed.
>
> I do HAVE a doctor that has gone to medical school, that treats many patients that suffer with anxiety/panic attacks and social anxiety attacks who tells me what I and MANY others experience is QUITE REAL.
>
> Once again, you are arrogant and I feel a total fool. I will NOT post anymore on this subject, and my personal opinion is that you should keep your mouth shut on matters that you, obviously, no nothing about.
>
> HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO YOU!
>
> P.L.
>
> > My education shouldn't matter. This BBS is not intended to give you qualified medical advice, nor should you take anything you read here as coming from a doctor even if they claim to be one. Whether I claim to be a doctor or not is irrelevant, because you have no way of determining the truth to my statement.
> >
> > Yes, what I am saying is that there is no such thing as an anxiety attack. What you are asking is more of a question of semantics. The issue here is anxiety is a normal and necessary aspect of our physiology. All mammals experience it, and it has many evolutionary benefits. Anxiety is a powerful motivator, focusing us on things that keep us alive. Anxiety is relieved by things that are beneficial for us. Eating, sex, socializing with other humans, they all stimulate the release of natural endorphins. Anxiety only occurs in humans who are not living as humans evolved, being busy surving 80% of the time, with sleeping, eating and sex as the only means of recreation. Xanax works because it tricks your body into thinking something great for your survival just took place, and now its time to be calm.
> >
> > I am not accusing anyone of addiction, nor do I believe addiction is a problem in any circumstance. I don't think addiction to Xanax is any worse than addiction to food. What I am saying is while Xanax has many benefits, it does impair your cognitive functions and memory. If you do not mind dropping a few IQ points or having mild amnesia, thats fine. But, regardless of what you believe, continued usage of Xanax beyond a few weeks will cause addiction. Ask anyone who has gone through benzodiazepine withdrawl, it is not pleasant and lasks far longer than say, heroin withdrawl. The anxiety you will feel for a month after stopping Xanax will be far greater than any anxiety you experienced prior. Of course, withdrawl is never a problem when you don't stop taking the drug.
> >
> > If none of that bothers you, then case closed. It is your right to take Xanax for the rest of your life if necessary. I merely present the alternative that people who suffer from anxiety disorders are typically sedentary women with a tendency towards codependency and vicarious living via television watching. It is no mistake Xanax and its cousins were considered to be the house wife's drug in the 70's. There is no specific biological reason why someone should be predisposed to anxiety attacks other than high cortisol levels, associated with things like Tourette's syndrome. If you don't have tics, you are probably not naturally predisposed to anxiety attacks. If you look at people who have generalized anxiety disorder, they tend to fit a certain criteria. It is a biproduct of the cornicopia of wealth we enjoy in modern times. Anxiety doesn't exist amongst people who don't have time to be anxious.
> >
> > I absolutely guarantee that if you throw out your television, eat a proper diet, run at least five miles a day, have sex where you reach orgasm on a daily basis, and get a part time night job you will never have another anxiety attack. Not watching television will keep you from allowing your imagination to embody the lives of those you watch on TV. You will also stop looking at all those beautiful and successful people and start comparing yourself to them. Eating a proper diet will help you become confident in your physical attractiveness by keeping you thin. Running at least 5 miles a day will also help with this, but will cause massive release of endorphins that will keep you calm all day, and make you exhausted at night because your body will need down time to repair itself due to physical exertion. Sexual orgasm also causes a massive release of endorphins. Getting a part time night job will take up whatever free time you do have that you used to spend worrying, make you more exhausted, and give you extra money if you need it. Go to a third world country, where people spend 12 hours a day tilling the soil for their family, spending their free time sleeping, and you will not find anyone suffering from anxiety. It is simply illogical to think there is something unique to the physiology of white, middle class women that predisposes them to anxiety.
> >
> > I have no doubt there are many disorders that absolutely require medical attention, but I don't believe anxiety is one of them. I am not against anyone taking Xanax or anything else. I actually believe that you should be able be able to ingest whatever chemical you want, without government or medical supervision. Xanax is far less dangerous or addictive than alcohol, and should be dispensed just as freely IMHO. I also believe xanax and similar drugs are far safer and effective than SSRIs for treating anxiety. If you must use drugs, I would suggest you stop taking whatever antidepressant you are on, and take 1mg of lorazepam 2-3 times a day. Lorazepam lasts much longer than Xanax and causes less cognitive impairment. Dosing 2-3 times a day will provide all day coverage.
> >
> > But you can take my advice or leave it. Be chill, and be free.
> >
> > > Hmmmmm, are you trying to say that there is really no such 'thing' as a 'true' anxiety attack..again, I ask you...are you a doctor? Just wondering????
> >
> > >
> > > BTW, I am NOT addicted to Xanax, I simply have them, in a very low dose, for when I get an anxiety/panic attack....my attacks are REAL, and they come out of the blue, as they do for many people I know...I AM in therapy, again-btw. I would never tell a diabetic that they were addicted to their insulin....just as someone who suffers from anxiety/panic attacks might need something to calm them....very rarely do you hear of people having these attacks whilst the are in a session with their therapist.
> >
> > >
> > > You can bet I take my depression AND my anxiety/panic attacks very, very seriously. I saw my PDoc today and got a re-fill on my Xanax, right along with my anti-depressant meds. My shrink (I call her a shrink in the MOST endearing of terms!) monitors me very closely with all my meds., no 'addiction' here.
> > >
> > > I say, if you suffer from true 'horrible' anxiety/panic attacks that you should see your Doctor-get some meds. if you are so inclined to do so....do your homework and ask the questions, but there is no way that one should have to unduly suffer through an attack!
> > >
> > > P.L.
> > >
> > > > Some people seem to get overally concerned with anxiety at certain points. As anxiety over anxiety increases, you get a vicious cycle that continues until you freak out and have a panic attack. If you have never had anxiety before, it is unlikely you have high cortisol levels and you just spend too much time worrying. Cognitive therapy can be very useful here. Anxiety is one of the few disorders that responds very well to psychotherapy.
> > > >
> > > > Xanax will work, as I said. But xanax in particular can cause a number of problems, its rapid onset and intense effects can cause hypersensitivity. The drug works, but requires higher doses at a more rapid rate than other similar drugs. When the drug wears off, you tend to have greater anxiety. Xanax is a highly addictive drug. It also affects cognition and memory more than others. Xanax makes me feel like I got hit on the side of the head with a 2x4. If you are comfortable knowing you addicted to it and it doesn't impair your life, thats fine. Thats your choice.
> > > >
> > > > But I would suggest a rigorous workout regiment and cognitive therapy first.
> > > >
> > > > Also, anxiety is not like other mental health disorders. It is caused either by drugs that affect the whole anxiety response, or high cortisol levels. OTher than that, it comes from your own thinking. No one can read your mind, so if you don't have a medical problem, aren't withdrawling from drugs, or taking something like cocaine, you won't find an answer.
> > > >
> > > > > Holy Moly!!! Are you a doctor??? Wow, what an explanation!
> > > > >
> > > > > I don't know about other people out there, but my anxiety (panic) attacks can come CLEAR out of the blue-in fact they usually always do. I can be just like, sitting and watching a comedy on the tube and WAM I start to get an attack. My shrink told me it had something to do with the dopemine levels in my body, etc....(she started getting overly technical and I don't 'do' technical too well! LOL). I do remember the word dopemine though, in her technical answer to me.
> > > > >
> > > > > I-to date-have yet to come down from an anxiety attack on my own. I NEED my Xanax to help get me through, not alot of it mind you, just one little pill. I also do my breathing techniques that my awesome shrink has taught me to do.
> > > > >
> > > > > I don't have nearly as many of these attacks as I used to, but they are very, very 'unsettling' at best when they happen...and i'll be honest here, NO text book answers as to the 'why' of them happening makes me feel any better about them. I KNOW something happens to my body, that is obvious. I just want to get the heck over the attack as quick as possible, and pray that the next one will be further appart then the previous one was. I have to say, the anxiety happens first off, then the panic sets in...that is what happens to me. I think all people are different in so many ways and that we all deal differently with these 'attacks'. I envy the people who are tough enough to ride them out, so-to-speak, without taking a sedative, or something along those lines, to calm down!! Hopefully someday I will be anxiety attack free!
> > > > >
> > > > > P.L.I absolutley agree with Pamela. I have had panic attacks when I was quite busy! All of a sudden, my heart would start to pound, I'd get all sweaty, and terrified of SOMETHING, seems I never could figure out what I was afraid of! They are very scary and very REAL! I wouldn't wish them on my worse enemy, but if you ever experience one, then you'll understand. I haven't experienced one in over a year (Thank God!) but when I did, I can't even descirbe the horror!!!! So , you really shouldn't comment on something you know nothing about, your comments are very insulting! As far as anxiety goes, I experience that on a daily basis. I CHOOSE not to take benzos. because I react negativley to them. I just ride out the anxiety, and it eventually goes away. I am not a lazy person, the anxiety comes at all different times. I could be busy doing things at the time, or sometimes I am just sitting watching T.V. I hope you will do your homework on this subject becaure even though you SOUND very intelligent, you are ignorant on this ares of mental health! Take care and God bless!
Petey
Posted by adamie on November 27, 2001, at 15:25:26
In reply to Re: What is Anxiety? » benzapp, posted by Pamela Lynn on November 27, 2001, at 0:01:03
I agree with pamela. There is such a thing as normal anxiety which everyone has once in a while. Worrying about common everyday events. This is all normal. People who have anxiety disorders on the other hand have a serious condition where they cant control excessive anxiety which they experience. Such anxiety is not helpful at all. All it does is causes problems. minor anxiety is all a person really needs. 'realistic' anxiety.
> I didn't even get past the "there are no such things as anxiety attacks" part. The rest of your stupid ramblings here were wasted on deaf ears!
>
> You are arrogant and you are DEAD WRONG. I am sure that the 'founder' of this site, himself would tell you that anxiety attacks are quite real. I am SURE the other people that post and read here that suffer through them will tell you they are QUITE REAL, indeed.
>
> I do HAVE a doctor that has gone to medical school, that treats many patients that suffer with anxiety/panic attacks and social anxiety attacks who tells me what I and MANY others experience is QUITE REAL.
>
> Once again, you are arrogant and I feel a total fool. I will NOT post anymore on this subject, and my personal opinion is that you should keep your mouth shut on matters that you, obviously, no nothing about.
>
> HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO YOU!
>
> P.L.
>
> > My education shouldn't matter. This BBS is not intended to give you qualified medical advice, nor should you take anything you read here as coming from a doctor even if they claim to be one. Whether I claim to be a doctor or not is irrelevant, because you have no way of determining the truth to my statement.
> >
> > Yes, what I am saying is that there is no such thing as an anxiety attack. What you are asking is more of a question of semantics. The issue here is anxiety is a normal and necessary aspect of our physiology. All mammals experience it, and it has many evolutionary benefits. Anxiety is a powerful motivator, focusing us on things that keep us alive. Anxiety is relieved by things that are beneficial for us. Eating, sex, socializing with other humans, they all stimulate the release of natural endorphins. Anxiety only occurs in humans who are not living as humans evolved, being busy surving 80% of the time, with sleeping, eating and sex as the only means of recreation. Xanax works because it tricks your body into thinking something great for your survival just took place, and now its time to be calm.
> >
> > I am not accusing anyone of addiction, nor do I believe addiction is a problem in any circumstance. I don't think addiction to Xanax is any worse than addiction to food. What I am saying is while Xanax has many benefits, it does impair your cognitive functions and memory. If you do not mind dropping a few IQ points or having mild amnesia, thats fine. But, regardless of what you believe, continued usage of Xanax beyond a few weeks will cause addiction. Ask anyone who has gone through benzodiazepine withdrawl, it is not pleasant and lasks far longer than say, heroin withdrawl. The anxiety you will feel for a month after stopping Xanax will be far greater than any anxiety you experienced prior. Of course, withdrawl is never a problem when you don't stop taking the drug.
> >
> > If none of that bothers you, then case closed. It is your right to take Xanax for the rest of your life if necessary. I merely present the alternative that people who suffer from anxiety disorders are typically sedentary women with a tendency towards codependency and vicarious living via television watching. It is no mistake Xanax and its cousins were considered to be the house wife's drug in the 70's. There is no specific biological reason why someone should be predisposed to anxiety attacks other than high cortisol levels, associated with things like Tourette's syndrome. If you don't have tics, you are probably not naturally predisposed to anxiety attacks. If you look at people who have generalized anxiety disorder, they tend to fit a certain criteria. It is a biproduct of the cornicopia of wealth we enjoy in modern times. Anxiety doesn't exist amongst people who don't have time to be anxious.
> >
> > I absolutely guarantee that if you throw out your television, eat a proper diet, run at least five miles a day, have sex where you reach orgasm on a daily basis, and get a part time night job you will never have another anxiety attack. Not watching television will keep you from allowing your imagination to embody the lives of those you watch on TV. You will also stop looking at all those beautiful and successful people and start comparing yourself to them. Eating a proper diet will help you become confident in your physical attractiveness by keeping you thin. Running at least 5 miles a day will also help with this, but will cause massive release of endorphins that will keep you calm all day, and make you exhausted at night because your body will need down time to repair itself due to physical exertion. Sexual orgasm also causes a massive release of endorphins. Getting a part time night job will take up whatever free time you do have that you used to spend worrying, make you more exhausted, and give you extra money if you need it. Go to a third world country, where people spend 12 hours a day tilling the soil for their family, spending their free time sleeping, and you will not find anyone suffering from anxiety. It is simply illogical to think there is something unique to the physiology of white, middle class women that predisposes them to anxiety.
> >
> > I have no doubt there are many disorders that absolutely require medical attention, but I don't believe anxiety is one of them. I am not against anyone taking Xanax or anything else. I actually believe that you should be able be able to ingest whatever chemical you want, without government or medical supervision. Xanax is far less dangerous or addictive than alcohol, and should be dispensed just as freely IMHO. I also believe xanax and similar drugs are far safer and effective than SSRIs for treating anxiety. If you must use drugs, I would suggest you stop taking whatever antidepressant you are on, and take 1mg of lorazepam 2-3 times a day. Lorazepam lasts much longer than Xanax and causes less cognitive impairment. Dosing 2-3 times a day will provide all day coverage.
> >
> > But you can take my advice or leave it. Be chill, and be free.
> >
> > > Hmmmmm, are you trying to say that there is really no such 'thing' as a 'true' anxiety attack..again, I ask you...are you a doctor? Just wondering????
> >
> > >
> > > BTW, I am NOT addicted to Xanax, I simply have them, in a very low dose, for when I get an anxiety/panic attack....my attacks are REAL, and they come out of the blue, as they do for many people I know...I AM in therapy, again-btw. I would never tell a diabetic that they were addicted to their insulin....just as someone who suffers from anxiety/panic attacks might need something to calm them....very rarely do you hear of people having these attacks whilst the are in a session with their therapist.
> >
> > >
> > > You can bet I take my depression AND my anxiety/panic attacks very, very seriously. I saw my PDoc today and got a re-fill on my Xanax, right along with my anti-depressant meds. My shrink (I call her a shrink in the MOST endearing of terms!) monitors me very closely with all my meds., no 'addiction' here.
> > >
> > > I say, if you suffer from true 'horrible' anxiety/panic attacks that you should see your Doctor-get some meds. if you are so inclined to do so....do your homework and ask the questions, but there is no way that one should have to unduly suffer through an attack!
> > >
> > > P.L.
> > >
> > > > Some people seem to get overally concerned with anxiety at certain points. As anxiety over anxiety increases, you get a vicious cycle that continues until you freak out and have a panic attack. If you have never had anxiety before, it is unlikely you have high cortisol levels and you just spend too much time worrying. Cognitive therapy can be very useful here. Anxiety is one of the few disorders that responds very well to psychotherapy.
> > > >
> > > > Xanax will work, as I said. But xanax in particular can cause a number of problems, its rapid onset and intense effects can cause hypersensitivity. The drug works, but requires higher doses at a more rapid rate than other similar drugs. When the drug wears off, you tend to have greater anxiety. Xanax is a highly addictive drug. It also affects cognition and memory more than others. Xanax makes me feel like I got hit on the side of the head with a 2x4. If you are comfortable knowing you addicted to it and it doesn't impair your life, thats fine. Thats your choice.
> > > >
> > > > But I would suggest a rigorous workout regiment and cognitive therapy first.
> > > >
> > > > Also, anxiety is not like other mental health disorders. It is caused either by drugs that affect the whole anxiety response, or high cortisol levels. OTher than that, it comes from your own thinking. No one can read your mind, so if you don't have a medical problem, aren't withdrawling from drugs, or taking something like cocaine, you won't find an answer.
> > > >
> > > > > Holy Moly!!! Are you a doctor??? Wow, what an explanation!
> > > > >
> > > > > I don't know about other people out there, but my anxiety (panic) attacks can come CLEAR out of the blue-in fact they usually always do. I can be just like, sitting and watching a comedy on the tube and WAM I start to get an attack. My shrink told me it had something to do with the dopemine levels in my body, etc....(she started getting overly technical and I don't 'do' technical too well! LOL). I do remember the word dopemine though, in her technical answer to me.
> > > > >
> > > > > I-to date-have yet to come down from an anxiety attack on my own. I NEED my Xanax to help get me through, not alot of it mind you, just one little pill. I also do my breathing techniques that my awesome shrink has taught me to do.
> > > > >
> > > > > I don't have nearly as many of these attacks as I used to, but they are very, very 'unsettling' at best when they happen...and i'll be honest here, NO text book answers as to the 'why' of them happening makes me feel any better about them. I KNOW something happens to my body, that is obvious. I just want to get the heck over the attack as quick as possible, and pray that the next one will be further appart then the previous one was. I have to say, the anxiety happens first off, then the panic sets in...that is what happens to me. I think all people are different in so many ways and that we all deal differently with these 'attacks'. I envy the people who are tough enough to ride them out, so-to-speak, without taking a sedative, or something along those lines, to calm down!! Hopefully someday I will be anxiety attack free!
> > > > >
> > > > > P.L.
Posted by Noa on November 27, 2001, at 15:33:36
In reply to Re: What is Anxiety?, posted by benzapp on November 26, 2001, at 13:23:14
> Also, anxiety is not like other mental health disorders. It is caused either by drugs that affect the whole anxiety response, or high cortisol levels. OTher than that, it comes from your own thinking. No one can read your mind, so if you don't have a medical problem, aren't withdrawling from drugs, or taking something like cocaine, you won't find an answer.
These are rather extraordinary statements. Can you share where you got this information?
Posted by Dr. Bob on November 27, 2001, at 15:44:40
In reply to Re: What is Anxiety?, posted by petey on November 27, 2001, at 5:49:37
> I merely present the alternative that people who suffer from anxiety disorders are typically sedentary women with a tendency towards codependency and vicarious living via television watching...
>
> I absolutely guarantee that if you throw out your television, eat a proper diet, run at least five miles a day, have sex where you reach orgasm on a daily basis, and get a part time night job you will never have another anxiety attack...
>
> benzappI understand that there are different ways to view (and to treat) anxiety, but please don't post anything that others could take as accusatory or over-generalize.
> I didn't even get past the "there are no such things as anxiety attacks" part. The rest of your stupid ramblings here were wasted on deaf ears!
>
> You are arrogant and you are DEAD WRONG.
>
> P.L.> I hope you will do your homework on this subject becaure even though you SOUND very intelligent, you are ignorant on this ares of mental health!
>
> PeteyI understand that you may not have felt supported, but again, please don't post anything that others could take as accusatory and respect their views even if you think they're wrong.
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#civil
Follow-ups regarding civility should be redirected to Psycho-Babble Administration; otherwise, they may be deleted. Thanks,
Bob
Posted by Noa on November 27, 2001, at 15:58:44
In reply to Re: What is Anxiety?, posted by benzapp on November 26, 2001, at 18:59:44
> Whether I claim to be a doctor or not is irrelevant, because you have no way of determining the truth to my statement.
Yes, but people will take your statements as more credible if you can cite a source.
> Yes, what I am saying is that there is no such thing as an anxiety attack.
I am not sure why you conclude this.
>he issue here is anxiety is a normal and necessary aspect of our physiology.
Yes, but there is the issue of degree. Cell division is normal and necessary and yet cancer, which, as I understand it, is the unchecked rapid division of cells, is not normal, for example.
>All mammals experience it, and it has many evolutionary benefits.
Yes, but, as you mentioned earlier, we no longer live in the kind of extreme environments necessitating the acute stress response that mammals need to survive. And, our ability to reproduce does not depend directly on our ability to use the acute stress response to outrun a predator, for example. Perhaps an analogous phenomenon is wisdom teeth. Normal,yes. Evolutionary benefit, I'm sure. Adaptive to us? Not always. In fact, they cause distress to many and need medical intervention. Unless we can grow our jaws...At the moment, the orthodontic technology to increase the size of our palates is still new, as far as I know. So for many of us, there are pain releivers and extraction.
>Anxiety is a powerful motivator, focusing us on things that keep us alive.
True, when it is in adaptive proportion, but it can also be incredibly immobilizing when in more intense proportions.
>Go to a third world country, where people spend 12 hours a day tilling the soil for their family, spending their free time sleeping, and you will not find anyone suffering from anxiety.
How do you know this to be so?
I don't know how the person in the third world country feels, but it is quite plausible to me that an alternative hypothesis would be true. Although having acute survival stress is better matched to our innate stress response, I am not sure that the situation you describe is acute and short lived enough to fit the bill. Our evolved stress response (see Sapolski, "Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers") is for acute, intense, but short lived stress--cortisol mobilizes the energy to outrun your prey or preditor, for example. But that energy peters out quickly. The zebra or lion cannot sustain the intense survival response for more than a few minutes at a time, and then need to recover. So, the prolonged poverty of the person in the third world country may be very different. Sapolsky's thesis is basically that because we humans have prolonged, chronic stress, rather than the immediate, acute, intense, short lived spurts of stress (like the lion and zebra), the stress reaction built in to our systems is not well-suited and actually causes damage.
>It is simply illogical to think there is something unique to the physiology of white, middle class women that predisposes them to anxiety.
Again, I find this to be an extraordinary statement. What makes you think anxiety is unique to white middle class women?
Posted by jazzdog on November 27, 2001, at 16:49:14
In reply to Re: What is Anxiety? » benzapp, posted by Noa on November 27, 2001, at 15:58:44
Two doctors I know who've worked in Africa and India say the psychological problems there are completely overwhelming. Between war, torture, malnutrition, extreme poverty, child slavery, horrendous infant mortality, and up to 40% AIDS infection, the psychological fallout is appalling. Africa in particular suffers from massively widespread post-traumatic stress disorder. The only reason we don't hear more about psychological problems is that medical workers have more than they can handle just trying to keep people alive, let alone healthy.
- Jane
Posted by William77 on June 25, 2004, at 15:37:38
In reply to Re: What is Anxiety?, posted by benzapp on November 26, 2001, at 18:59:44
Funny. I am in the best shape of my life...and I had begun to have daily attacks following every bout of well balanced cardio activity 2-6 weeks prior. I have, however, had abnormal neurological issues ever since the onset of puberty, a quite common onset time.
I have long since "threw out my TV" and I ride 15-25 miles a day, time and weather permitting, and cut out all foods that could possibly aggitate a touchy nervous system. I come home from exercise feeling absolutely wonderful, and still my body breaks down...
It seems that general anxiety and a full blown panic attack are being confused here. General anxiety, even somewhat overwhelming anxeity differs from the complete physiological reacion where the (my) body's core temperature will drop from 97.9 to as low as 93.8 during times of peace and calm, then the attack starts after the body has been in such a low temperature for so long. THe attack includes severe tremmor, out of control heart rate; which brings on the breathing issues and lack of oxygen which just makes it worse.. random fainting and erratic temperature swings from extreme lows to fever which persists hours after the attack.
Everytime I am checked out at the ER, hours after the attack, they cannot get my heartrate down no matter how many valium or electorlites they pump into me..and I have to tell them, that this isn't even the attack.
The digestive system is pretty much overthrown during these experiences if it goes on for unreasonable ammounts of time, and by the time you pull out of it you could have a number of physical problems such as severe acid reflux, and other problems such as a damaged wind pipe, fever, or various other digestive problems , not to mention all the essential elements and electrolites your body can burn up during such an attack, especially if it's repetetive and cyclictic.
I was to the doctor before, and after. 1 week Before I was fine, and during the middle of a week full of severe attacks, I was dangerously low on potassium, despite having been getting enough in my diet (according to my family doctor).
This is not the anxiety you are telling people they could choose to simply tough out or be shackled to a drug the rest of their lives.
People need to learn the difference between reactionary anxiety, and persistant physiologial attacks that are not able to be tucked away inside and dealt with by THiNkInG HaPpY ThOuGhTs so our HaPpY MoLeCulEs Re-AliGn themSelves.
Don't get me wrong, my diet does wonders for my mood more than any prozac or paxil ever could have. I even had a team of doctors/neurologist/nutritionists customize one based on my metabolic type and cut out all the no-no's. Physically, I feel wonderful. The cycles, however, remain since puberty ignited them.
Mental illness and anxiety is not a coincidence, but I'm not hear trying to prove the existence of either..I also have other odd neurological issues that none of my doctors were able to get to the bottom of. Cyclictic bouts of violent limb convulsions and twitches.. sometimes travelling, sometimes stuck on repeat.. just more evidence of someone who comes from a long line of "undetermined neurological issues"..and I say that because we have been diagnosed with many things from bipolar, to schizoeffective, aspergers, sleep apnea, to the possibility of an undetermined auto-immune issue.
But thank god for diet and exercise, because without it I'd never have the strength to deal with this other nonsense that just seems to be worsening with age.
Posted by William77 on June 25, 2004, at 15:55:33
In reply to Re: What is Anxiety?, posted by benzapp on November 25, 2001, at 23:48:51
And as far as "anxiety" making you more perceptive.. again..general anxiety..reacting to something. This is good. A full blown attack is NOT this, and if you're going to write about perceptions...this is exactly what gets CRIPPLED during an attack.
It is dangerous to be out on a jampacked highway and sometihng like this happens and you can't pull over...you are operating with little oxygen, and you are operating from the suffocating perspective of tunnel vision. See how this is not acceptable?
Your not talking about a dissorder when you talk about simple reactionary anxeity that makes us alert and dictates our responsiveness to our surroundings. Anti-anxiety medications to not impair that, they ALLOW it in people who's senses are not hightened but IMPAIRED by an attack.
If you can capture the feeling of suddenly falling backwords in a chair while you have to fake your way upright through the day, and that is one of the initial edges of an attack. Hopefully the physiological outbursts everywehre else in the body don't even get a chance to happen...but they very well can. I've tried to live around it, tough it out for 35 years despite treatment.. and that's enough. I can do breathing exercises til my face turns blue, but Fevers and extremely low body temperatures and digestive desctruction aren't tools they are situations that can no longer be ignored.
The sad part is, I was actually relieved when it got that bad, so I had some "proof" to the people who thought I was consciously over-reacting to something out of the blue.
Posted by delna on June 26, 2004, at 22:31:50
In reply to Re: What is Anxiety?, posted by jazzdog on November 27, 2001, at 16:49:14
> Two doctors I know who've worked in Africa and India say the psychological problems there are completely overwhelming. Between war, torture, malnutrition, extreme poverty, child slavery, horrendous infant mortality, and up to 40% AIDS infection, the psychological fallout is appalling. Africa in particular suffers from massively widespread post-traumatic stress disorder. The only reason we don't hear more about psychological problems is that medical workers have more than they can handle just trying to keep people alive, let alone healthy.
>
> - JaneI have to totally agree with Jane on this. I am from a 'third world’ country and work in the psychiatric drug industry. Anxiety, amongst all classes of people is a very real and disabling problem.
Jane explains why perhaps one may not be aware of peoples’ psychiatric problems in such countries.
You may never ever hear about the farmers, the fishermen etc (who labor all day just to survive) who suffer from anxiety. These people, who make up most of the population (almost 60-70%), do not have access to medical care. So they are invisible.
Infact it is these poor rural parts that make up the largest (though yet untapped) market for anti-anxiety drugs. So when you look for it, you will find that anxiety exists in all types of people and it is very real.I also do feel that unless you have suffered from debilitating anxiety you can never, never understand what it feels like. I don’t think that even my doctor (who is very insightful) knows the feeling. He can only see manifestations of it.
I find it frustrating to try to explain anxiety (and any psychiatric symptoms) to a non-suffering layperson.... so I’ve just stopped bothering.
However….
William77 expresses beautifully and concisely just what the onset of an attack might feel like."….. capture the feeling of suddenly falling backwards in a chair while you have to fake your way upright through the day…”
Maybe if people who don’t have anxiety disorders, seriously tried this mental exercise ‘anxiety’ would take on a whole new meaning to them.
Take care
D
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