Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing follow up

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Follow upAnxiety by CherOk, I haven't been here for some time.  I have been very busy.  I have to say though that the EMDR works!  I was dealing with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and through  this process have been able to cope better.  My anxiety and panic attacks are down over 80 percent from what they were.  I am functioning as a normal human being.  That is to say from where I was.  I will refresh your memory.  I was once agoraphobic.  I did not leave the house for close to 2 years.  I had panic attacks at a very high level for many years.  I was not able to drive, go to the store, go to the park with my kids, or even function in my own home.  When my family left the house, my Mother would come and sit with me, because I was terrified of the panic attacks. Well folks I'm here to tell you that with your regular doctor/psychiatrist etc.  Adding EMDR to your road to wellness is the way to go.   All you have to have is Panic/Anxiety and find someone in your area who specializes in this process.  Look it up on Google, you will find a lot of information that will be very helpful.  Try it , it works!Have a panic free day!



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Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Update 4--Anxiety Help by Cher

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Update 4--Anxiety Help by Cher


I guess it's time to Update you again about my progress with the EMDR treatment sessions.


I am into my 9th week of the treatment and I am doing very well. My Anxiety has decreased and the Trauma that sent me there in the first place has become a much lesser horror in my mind. This takes alot, but it is totally worth it. I have much more to go, but slowly things are getting better. My hope is that after this is done, I will be able to come off of some of the meds that help my Anxiety and be the better for it. I do want to put it out there though, that this treatment is great! You must also take care of your body. Exercise and eating right will only further you quicker to better health, less Anxiety and Panic Attacks all around!
Addition,
I have had a few more treatments since this posting and I am doing very well.  I have recently obtained a job and I will start in the new year.  My panic attacks are fewer and my anxiety is controlable.  These treatments are worth the reliving of the Trauma!  It does get better, I'm here to tell you that!  It will be ok!
Hope everyone has a Happy Holiday Season , and remember , it's just the Holidays, don't stress they will come and go so fast, worrying about them is not even worth it.  Relax and enjoy
Cher!



Have a Panic Free Day




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Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Update 3, Anxiety Help by Cher

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Update 3--Anxiety Help by Cher

I guess it's time to Update you again about my progress with the EMDR treatment sessions.
I am into my 6th week of the treatment and I am doing very well. My Anxiety has decreased and the Trauma that sent me there in the first place has become a much lesser horror in my mind. This takes alot, but it is totally worth it. I have much more to go, but slowly things are getting better. My hope is that after this is done, I will be able to come off of some of the meds that help my Anxiety and be the better for it. I do want to put it out there though, that this treatment is great! You must also take care of your body. Exercise and eating right will only further you quicker to better health, less Anxiety and Panic Attacks all around!

Have a Panic Free Day
Cheryl

  
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Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Update 2, Anxiety Help by Cher

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Update 2, Anxiety Help by Cher

A couple of weeks into EMDR Therapy(treatment). The doctor asked many questions, usually pertaining to the most stressful point of the Trauma. After accumulating many notes about my life and Traumatic events, we move on to the actual treatment. Side note: I have to say that the therapist I have is wonderful and I couldn't have asked for any better.
The treatment is going well and I would suggest it to anyone suffering from PTSD(Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) Panic attacks, Anxiety, there are many facets of illness that this treatment can help with, if not potentially cure.
I will keep you updated as I go through this treatment. I am hopeful that this will help ease my Anxiety, PTSD, and maybe even get me off of some of the meds I am taking.

If you need this treatment, seek a knowledgeable doctor and try it. It's not for everyone, but that can be determined.

Till next post!





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Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Update, Anxiety Help by Cher

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Update, Anxiety Help by Cher

Had a preliminary appointment. Learned some of the ins and out of EMDR, this looks very promising for the treatment of PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). I have and appointment this week for some more intense interviewing, for the Doc to learn more about my Trauma to best help him get an idea of what to focus on. I am looking forward to this and hoping that in moving forward with EMDR, I will be able to rid some anxiety in my life and promote a more stable way to live.

Here's to advancements!


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Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) -Anxiety by Cher

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, Anxiety Help by Cher

"Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is a form of psychotherapy that was developed to resolve symptoms resulting from disturbing and unresolved life experiences. It uses a structured approach to address past, present, and future aspects of disturbing memories. The approach was developed by Francine Shapiro,to resolve the development of trauma-related disorders as resulting from exposure to a traumatic or distressing event, such as rape or military combat. Clinical trials have been conducted to assess EMDR's efficacy in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD. In some studies it has been shown to be equivalent to cognitive behavioral therapy and exposure therapies.Although some clinicians may use EMDR for various problems, its research support is primarily for disorders stemming from distressing life experiences."
(Directly from Wikepedia)

I learned about this procedure from my psychiatrist. He is a very , very helpful doctor, I now have an appointment to learn how to use EMDR next week. I will post how it works for me , as I go.


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Stress Relief-Anxiety Help by Cher

Stress Relief-Anxiety Help by Cher

You can’t avoid all stress, but you can stop its negative effects by learning how to evoke the relaxation response, a state of deep rest that is the opposite of the stress response.

The stress response floods your body with chemicals that prepare you for “fight or flight.” But while the stress response is helpful in true emergency situations where you must be alert, it wears your body down when constantly activated.

The relaxation response brings your system back into balance: deepening your breathing, reducing stress hormones, slowing down your heart rate and blood pressure, and relaxing your muscles.

In addition to its calming physical effects, research shows that the relaxation response also increases energy and focus, combats illness, relieves aches and pains, heightens problem-solving abilities, and boosts motivation and productivity. Best of all – with a little practice – anyone can reap these benefits.


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T-Bombing (texting Slang)

T-Bombing (new Slang for texting)

T-Bombing (texting) slang created in Sault Ste. Marie , Ontario Canada by Nathan Edwards and Doug Watt. Most people text around this world, well there is a new slang for it it's called T-Bombing!

Like it, use it, credit it to 2 young guys, Nate Edwards and Doug Watt of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario Canada 2010!

Copyright @Cheryl Edwards 2010



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Coffee and Anxiety by Cher

Coffee and Anxiety by Cher

Hi , I know what you are thinking...coffee..what does that have to do with my Anxiety. Well, I'm here to tell you that Coffee is a major cause of Anxiety problems. If you are prone to Anxiety/Panic Attacks in the first place, Coffee will only make them worse. Being a stimulant, Coffee can and will make your Anxiety attack stronger, last longer and probably even start one in the first place.

I personally went for 8 years , having Panic Attacks almost daily. Seeing the doctors and taking the meds, still the Anxiety was huge! Going to my Doc one day with a Tim Horton's Coffee in hand, my Doc looked at me with huge eyes and gasped at the fact I was drinking coffee! He then told me all the ins and outs of why Coffee is a contributor to Anxiety/Panic Attacks and I quit coffee that day.

My attacks from then on were fewer and less severe, I still take meds, but low dosages. Coffee was a major reason why I was suffering.

Millions of us drink Coffee everyday, and do not realize the concequences of what that seemingly harmless drink is doing to us.

Switch to Decaf, or quit all together, your Body will love you for it!





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Anxiety and you Help by Cher

Anxiety and you Help by Cher

I am hoping to help anyone out there with Anxiety/Panic/Depression, through my own experiences. I want you to know that you can help yourself, you can overcome, you can feel better.
Firstly I would like to mention that I have had this affliction for over 12 years now and I am able to function on a daily basis. I do still have anxiety/panic/depression, but with medication and some helpful tips I have been able to live a decent daily live where at first I was suffering. I spent 2 years not able to leave my home. I spent approximately 6 years only able to go certain places and with someone at my side. I am now working and taking care of my family in a somewhat normal state.

Now I would like you to know that I was able to do this by seeing the doctors, taking their advise and taking the medication prescribed to me. It took a couple of years for the doctors and myself to find a medication that worked for me and that I could tollerate. You too can do this. I slowly taught myself to leave the house, a little bit at a time. This is called (baby steps) , you don't have to take on too much at once. I found that everyday if I did something new that I couldn't do before the panic and anxiety got better.

Exercise and eating right are the key. Exercise does not have to be vigorous at first . Just take a short walk. Or if you are house bound, go out and walk around the yard or just simply get up off the couch , or out of your bed and move around. Make a concious effor to try everyday, a little more , and more the next day. Eating right means, no junk food, don't eat foods that are fatty, lots of fruits and veggies and leave the chips and snacks out of the picture. I know easier said then done, I know because i slip alot with this one, but eating those foods does alot to your brain chemistry , keeping you depressed and then full of Anxiety.

I am not going to go on too much now, as I know it's hard to read alot of information, with our panic minds as I call them, I emplore you to just try, you will see things will slowly get better, it is a process , but it can be done!

Have a Panic Free day!



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Soothing Music for Anxiety by Cher

Anxiety by Cher

Music can soothe the savage beast. Someone said that once and we are as much savage as any beast. Having Anxiety, put on some soothing music, its a great way to de stress and calm down.

Try it , it just may work

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Have Anxiety or Panic? Anxiety Help by Cher

Have Anxiety or Panic Attacks?

I want to hear from you! I believe I can share some tips that may help. Leave me a comment and I will respond.

Cher

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Anxiety Help-Symptoms of an Attack by Cher

Anxiety Help-Symptoms of an Attack By Cher

Anxiety Help-Symptoms of an AttackIf you an adult, sometimes kids have them as well, but as an adult I think we all know what a bit of Anxiety feels like.

Usually we get shaky, breathe shallowly, and for most people it passes quickly. For people like us who's anxiety attacks do not pass quickly we have a whole gamut of symptoms that we go through such as:Your cardiovascular system leaps into action.Your heart beats hard and fast to pump blood 5X's the normal rateBlood rushes to the outer extremities in the muscles to enable sufficient strength for fight or flight.Blood is constricted in other less essential areas like the surface of your skin (you end up looking quite pale as a result).

Blood vessels in the kidneys and digestive system also constrict and your mouth becomes dry as a result.To lighten the load your bladder or bowels may open up--hence irritable bowel and/or upset stomach, usually a feeling that you have to poo , and right now!

Sweat glands open up to cool your body down.Your respiratory system acts up,Your lungs and nostrils open up and your breath speeds up. This allows more air so more blood can be oxygenated, delivering more blood to the muscles.

This also gives you the ability to scream loudly!Also:Endorphins are released providing a natural pain reliever (sore joints won't limit your strength or speed).Our senses sharpen and our pupils dilate. We can even see better in the dark.Energy is metabolized. Fat is broken down from the cells and glucose from the liver creates a ready source of energy.

Your higher brain gets slowed, makes it hard to thinkYour thinking becomes intensely focused on identifying the source of danger even if it is not readily known. Any clue from past experiences is called up from the deep files in the far recesses of the brain.You are more reactive and spontaneous.

This is not a time for reflection.

Anxiety attack symptoms are provoked by our fight or flight response!In conclusion, for most of us it feels like a heart attack, or in extreme cases it we feel out of our body's, and a feeling of not being here happens. We can also think we are dying.You are not dying, you can work through these attacks and the more your practice the better and easier it gets.

There are some other tips to getting through an anxiety attack, just look at my past blogs.Try to reduce stress, knock out caffeine, and relax as much as possible. Every step helps.

I hope you all have a calm day!

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General Anxiety/Anxiety Help by Cher

General Anxiety/Anxiety Help by Cher

We are living in a day where anxiety issues are prominent in our society. Things are so fast paced and stress is higher than ever before. People just don't seem to know how to relax, and I am one of them. My form of relaxing is laying down, not really a relaxation technique and I never feel relaxed afterward, this is all because I really don't know how to relax! I'm not really sure if anyone does. I know that breathing techniques help, i've talked about them alot in my posts, but it is very important to learn how to relax.

I am going on a quest to find out what method works the best for me. I will be researching and testing things such as Yoga, Tai-Chi, Meditation and many more.

I will keep you posted as I learn the different techniques and let you know how they work for me. This will be a test of the emergency anxiety program and how to cure myself and hopefully you too!

Try to have a stress less day!

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Anxiety and Sleep habits by Cher

Anxiety and Sleep habits by Cher

If you are up late, as I am at the moment. You may want to stop and think for a minute, if your sleeping habits are a product of your stress or anxiety cycles. I have noticed in myself, that when things are going well and stress is down, anxiety is lower, I tend to have an easy time getting to sleep and I get up more easily than ususal. However if my stress is up, whether it is due to a depression cycle or even a happy event, I have a harder time getting to sleep, since my brain seems to run over the days events and even what I need to do the next day. Now we can all atest to this in some form or another, however in the Anxiety/Panic prone people it can be extreme.

Suggestion, a form of meditation.....I know you are rolling your eyes right now because you've tried it and it didn't work for you....Well i'm here to tell you it does if you are consistant.

My form, when trying to calm my mind in bed and get to sleep , is I picture a beautiful golden bright ball hovering around me foot area. I can control the ball, and I concentrate on moving it. I move it slowly around my feet, as if it were massaging them, from one foot to the next and work the ball up slowly all the way up my body.

Now the first time I tried this, it was relaxing, kept my mind occupied but I had to do it 3 times before I finally fell asleep. Now , after using this on a regular basis, I am asleep before the ball reaches my hip area. Seems far out there, but try it , it works.

Otherwise, some soothing music, anything thing that you are comfortable with, but stick to it, and you will have a natural sleeping pattern, during stressful times.!

Here's to a great nights sleep!

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Hi to all the Anxiety sufferers out there!

You know you don't have to suffer. I have had many a post about how you can overcome your anxiety and how there are many tips and tricks to help train your brain to not think the way that we all do. We all tend to think in the "what if"mindset and this is what we really need to change. We all have anxiety to one degree or another. If we didn't we wouldn't be alive. For some of us our brains live in the mindset of , "if I do this, then this will happen" or "if I don't do this, I will avoid the panic attack all together". There are ways to overcome this way of thinking. It takes work on your part, but the work is worth it. I have said before, seek professional help first, but that professional help can only take you so far, the rest of the work is yours. You have to train your brain. There are many ways to do this, you have to find the one that works for you and do it over and over and over again. If you look at some of my archived posts and read through, you will find many tips that I have given, that worked for me. I'm not going to put them out in this post as it is long already. Please feel free to read them and I will be back soon to post some other tips.

You can overcome this, the first step is to try!

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Anxiety Fight it! by Cher

Anxiety Fight it! by Cher
You can beat anxiety! You can get your life back! You can feel normal again!

There are many things you can do to help yourself. I would suggest seeing a counselor and asking for some sort of exposure therapy, as well as other therapy offered to get to the root of things.

The best way to get over Anxiety is to be anxious,....sounds weird, but it's true. Once you put yourself in a heightend state of anxiousness and stay there for a bit, realize that the anxiety calms after a bit, with some practice you will soon realize that the anxiety is gone.

Please consult a physisian/counselor/therapist....find someone of whom you feel comfortable with.

Don't wait, do it today!



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Anxiety Help by Cher-another tip

Anxiety Help by Cher-Another tip

You can calm yourself down during an anxiety attack! Most people just suffer through it, not realizing how easy it is to get through it. I'm not saying that it will happen right away, it takes time. Please try though, there is not reason to suffer.

Breathing is the key. Take in a deep breath for a count of 10, make sure you breathe properly. If you are breathing properly, when you breath in your stomach should expand, when you let it out, it should deflate.

So breathe in for a count of 10, slowly let it out and let your shoulders drop as you do so. Repeat this slowly a few times, making sure not to hyperventalate.
Please do this in a safe place incase you get dizzy, but if you are getting dizzy, please stop.

You can relax away an Anxiety attack in no time by breathing!


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Just a tip by Cher

Just a tip by Cher

If you want your Anxiety to stay at a calm level.
Try not to get upset. The more upset you get the worse it will be.
Seems like common sense, I know, but really think about your day and see where the Anxiety was at it's worst and try to work on calming that area of your life down.

I hope you have a great day!



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