We might be lucky enough to grow up surrounded by family and friends. But eventually, whether from a move, or a loss of contact, a new school or in our first apartment, we all experience loneliness. By all accounts, loneliness is impacting many Americans in epidemic proportions. Some say ts the single greatest mental health crisis of our time. Yet we don't really seem to take it seriously as a problem. But...
Have you ever been told to “count your blessings” when you confess that you’re feeling depressed? Or perhaps a well-meaning friend has suggested that you create a gratitude list when you’re experiencing anxiety. Could practicing gratitude really help with anxiety or depression? Find out the surprising answer below. Can Gratitude Help With Anxiety or Depression? - If you're in that terrible place where...
Anxiety comes from our fight/flight/freeze/faint system. This system is useful, even vital, for when we are in situations where we perceive there is danger; it is also known as our "Sympathetic Nervous System." Imagine the necessity of such a survival system (survival "instinct") at the beginning of mankind, when we needed to go out and hunt (and survive while doing so) every day in order to eat. There...
Anyone with any form of depression knows that it can make their world different in so many ways. This disorder can make people feel sluggish, guilty, worthless, emotional (anger and sadness), frightful, suicidal, unmotivated and it can make someone feel like they are on an emotional rollercoaster ride that doesn't have an end in sight. The very -signs and symptoms of depression- make taking action...
When anxiety hits, we don’t have to tell our hearts to start racing or our pupils to dilate; chemical signals in our brains do all of that for us. Our -“fight or flight” response- might kick into gear seemingly on its own, and make us want to run away or fight the enemy — but it takes a lot to trigger so much physical change. Anxiety isn't the same as responding to a physical threat, though. Yet for...
Anxiety disorders are extremely common, affecting about -40 million adults- in the U.S. each year. While anxiety disorders are highly treatable, a large percentage of people with these disorders do not receive adequate treatment or any treatment at all. So the day-to-day grind of living with anxiety and coping can often fall to loved ones to help in times of flares and/or crisis. If you have a partner,...
An estimated -40 millions Americans- over the age of 18 suffer from -anxiety- each year, according to the -Anxiety and Depression Association of America. This struggle is so much more than worrying about work or a family member, it is persistent and difficult to manage. The connection between -anxiety and insomnia is a frustrating cycle-, like a merry-go-round of worry and sleeplessness. Not only do...
We all have fears and worries but when they begin to dominate our life and our behavior, and become the focal point in which everything revolves, that's anxiety. Many factors can contribute; trauma, chemical sensitivity, caffeine, heredity, drugs, alcohol, lifestyle choices....If you cannot change the situation that is the focus of anxiety, try to determine a way of trying to change your way of handling...
There are many different types of dysfunctional relationships. In codependent types of relationships, a common pattern of behavior that can be found is the -anxious-avoidant -trap. I explain this pattern in full detail in my book, "-The Marriage and Relationship Junkie,"-and once you know the -trap, -it is easy to see. Let's take a look... The Dynamics - The dynamics of the -anxious-avoidant -trap...
Though we all experience anxiety from time to time, when it becomes overwhelming and intrusive, an anxiety disorder may be present. There are 5 major types of anxiety disorders (like panic disorder and OCD), as well as specific manifestations of anxiety that aren’t separately categorized (like performance anxiety and separation anxiety). It’s helpful to know that most anxiety disorders or experiences...