How can one treat anxiety attacks without using pills?

Question

My girlfriend is unable to pinpoint the reason for her on average monthly attacks. It may be due to an event in her past or stress at school.

Answer 1

You have asked a question that is complex to answer because of the predisposing factors related to her anxiety.

There is the need to rule out organic factors initiated and maintained the disturbance. Physical disorders, such as hyperthyrodism, and Organic Mental Disorders, such as Caffeine Intoxication, Organic Anxiety Syndrome, Adjustment Disorder with Anxious Mood. I can go on an on as to what may or not be the underlying disorder or psychosocial stressor.

If she answer yes to 6 of the following 18 symptoms that are present when anxious then I suggest that she see a professional clinical psychologist or clinical psychiatrist. (Being that I am a clinical psychiatrist I ofcourse favor clinical psychiatrlst).

Motor tenson
1) trembling, twitching, or feeling shaky
2) muscle tension, aches, or soreness
3) restlessness
4) easy fatigability

Autonomic hyperactivity

5) shortness of breath or smothering sensations
6) palpitations or accelerated heart rate (tachycardia)
7) sweating, or cold clammy hands
8) dry mouth
9) dizziness or lightheadedness
10) nausea, diarrhea, or other abdominal distress
11) flushes (hot flashes) or chills
12) frequent urination
13) trouble swallowing or "lump in throat"

Vigilance and scanning

14) feeling keyed up or on edge
15) exaggerted startle response
16) difficulty concentrating or "mind going blank" because of anxiety
17) trouble falling or staying asleep
18) irritability

What do you mean by average monthly attacks. She has these attacks more then once within the month??.

She could be looking at what is know as Simple or Social Phobia. Or some kind of Post -traumatic stress disorder.
Or her monthly cycle.

I admire your desire not to let any doctor put you on anti-anxiety medications, becasue they are habit forming an only hide the root cause. One on One therapy is the best way to get at the root cause of your anxiety attacks.

There are many courses of treatment such as behaviour modification, bio-feedback, hypnosis, stress management classes, etc. etc.

You can also help yourself by recognizing when you feel an anxiety attack coming on and try to think of something beautiful, pray or do anything nice that will prevent a full blown attack. (I know that it is easier said then done). But it is important not to allow your anxiety attack to become full blown. You must work at it!!

Please don't get me wrong about medications, because I have patients who have been through all of the above mentioned therapeutics treatment and nothing for their anxiety that was phobia related worked. (Agoraphobia) fear of open spaces.

The medications are necessary for the patient to live a quality life. They are on anywhere from 1mg. to 3mg. daily of Aprozolam (Xanax). For their Agoraphobia.

Not know your life HX., I would recommend that you see a professional who you feel 100% comfortable with and get help to resolve your anxiety attacks.

God bless, and let's hope that you can resolve your anxiety attacks without having to take medications.

Answer 2

Hi there, I just laugh about my past 3 years of panic now. I was not able to go anywhere without carrying xanax. Fear of having another attack was the most important subject of my days.When i first found joe barry's web site i started to cry because of my happiness.

Free audio to end anxiety and panic attacks fast?

Answer 3

Don't worry unneccessary. Don't think too much. Listen to light music. Keep yourself occupied in your work or studies. Do exercise like walking, jogging or swimming. Eat well. Stay happy. Maintain a calm spirit inside of you. Go to church. Avoid people who wants to intimidate you or put you down. Be around friends and family members who will encourage you and cheer you on. When someone praises your work or your good behaviour, say, "Thank you" and move on, don't say, "O, it's nothing..." Don't be negative. This will build up your confidence. God Bless your friend.

Answer 4

properly, I have an same component, sometime, at the same time as in college, Biology classification, i began to panic, for no reason, I ran out of the room, and out of doors the position my legs became to jello, and that i fell down, it become poor, i idea i become going to die, so i comprehend the way you experience, that is poor! particularly, the in hardship-free words component that particularly helped me become meds, I nevertheless take Klonopin, yet, on condition that i think panicky, or pressure coming near. There are some issues, i noticed that particularly helped me with out meds perhaps, attempt to communicate your self out of it. attempt to inform your self that each and every thing is going to be ok. now and again this does help me, now and again, no longer. supply it a try, a good help equipment is likewise significant, and also you've were given your mothers and fathers, particularly associates, different relations. good success, i particularly do comprehend the way you experience, that is complicated to take care of, and must be particularly undesirable. Isabella!!!

Answer 5

This 'monthly' bit sounds a bit suspicious!

Answer 6

has she tried deep breathing or other relaxation techniques such as guided imagery?