Easing Anxiety

Dear Jen;

 In response to your question about anxiety and panic attacks, I believe you are on the right track by asking for help and acknowledging your problem.

I do not believe there is just one 'total cure' that will help you remain calm at all times, but I do think a combination of therapies could help you be at peace with yourself.  Please remember, this is only my opinion and it is not based on scientific facts; only my experiences as a fellow 23 year old female.

 First, you must know you are beautiful.  You are a living, breathing human.  How amazing is that??  Think of all the wonderful things you get to do as a human that the rest of the animal kingdom cannot.  Be grateful for all you have.  Write a note that says "I am a Goddess.  My body is a temple."  Stick this on your bathroom mirror and read it aloud. The only person you need to prove yourself to, is yourself.  Set small goals and be proud of yourself when you reach them.

Next, I would seek some professional help.  I would not seek a medical doctor (again, my opinion) quite yet.  Prescription medication, which can be incredibly addicting, is usually the answer from these doctors when most of the time there are other options.  Naturopathic doctors are incredibly knowledgable and can help you with food sensitivities, homeopathic remedies and many other natural therapies.  Doctors of Traditional Chinese Medicine are another option.  These doctors can do acupuncture, prescribe herbs, help you with breathing etc.  If a Brain Gym practitioner is available where you live he or she can aid you in connecting the mind, body, and spirit.  There are many options for seeking help from a professional, more or less depending upon where you live.

A calming exercise I really enjoy is lying on my back and visualizing myself in a place I love.  You can imagine anyone you want to be there with you, or you can choose to be your own company.  Place the tip of your tongue behind your upper teeth and breath in through your nose, aiming your breath at your navel. Breath out through your mouth, keeping your tongue behind your upper teeth. When you begin to feel calm, touch your thumb and index finger of both hands together.  Think to yourself, relax the top of my head, breathe, relax my forehead, breathe, relax my eyebrows, breathe, etc.  Go all the way down your body, trying to be as specific as possible with each body part. Continue breathing steadily and deeply, do not force the air in or out.

 Check out (online or in the library) Emotional Freedom Technique, which is tapping various acupuncture points in a specific order and repeating a mantra to yourself.  One you might chant could be: Even though I am having a panic attack, I love and accept myself.

I hope this helps you and I hope you can find inner peace.  Healing can be hard sometimes, but know there are people who will support you, such as the wonderful community of Holonation.  The end result will be worth any pain you feel you must endure to heal. In the words of the late Bob Marley, "Lively up yourself and don't leave no tread"