Family Doctor 2007 - (Page 234) mind & body ANXIETY DISORDERS always there for you… For more expert advice on this topic, make sure to visit familydoctor.org Controlling anxiety Feeling anxious? Feeling really anxious? Anxiety is a normal emotion for most people, so it can be hard to tell if your anxiety is out of control. By Sarah D. Garber Caffeine may increase your sense of anxiety. extra spark to help you get away (also called the “fight or flight response”). In modern times, this alarm system is less important as a way to survive, but in some situations, it may instead give you the energy to get things done. Sometimes anxiety can get out of control, giving you a sense of dread and fear for no apparent reason. This may be because of a chemical imbalance, an unconscious memory, a side effect of a medicine or an illness. This kind of anxiety — the kind that disrupts I n primitive times, anxiety served as a normal and important “alarm system” that helped you prepare to face danger. For example, in a dangerous situation, anxiety would provide the Steps to deep breathing ● Lie down on a flat surface. ● Place one hand on your stomach, just above your navel. how you live your life — is called an anxiety disorder. Symptoms of anxiety disorders can vary from person to person and may include any of the following: ● Feeling like you’re going to choke. ● Chest pressure or pain. ● Pounding heart or racing pulse. ● Dizziness or lightheadedness. ● Shortness of breath or tightness in the throat. ● Sweating. Place the other hand on your chest. ● Breathe in slowly and try to make your stomach rise a little. ● Hold your breath for a second. ● Breathe out slowly and let your stomach go back down. 234 familydoctor 2007 http://www.familydoctor.org
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