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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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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Cher Anxiety-Meditation

MEDITATION

If you have anxiety/panic attacks. You really need some form of meditation. This helps to reduce stress, and recharge yourself to lessen the anxiety in a day.

I would suggest taking a good Yoga or Tai Chi class, but we all know , that they are either not available to us, or we just cannot afford the time or the money for a class.

This gets us back to meditation, really it just means taking some quiet time out for yourself to sit in a calm atmosphere and deep breathe.

Find a quiet spot at home or at work, take about 10 min, 5 if you can't take more, and just sit, close your eyes, breathe in deeply and out forcefully and try to relax your muscles as you do this.

A good method it to picture your muscles relaxing in your head. Start at your toes, breathe in and as you breathe out, say relax ( or think it, either way works). Continue on up your body finding each muscle as you go until you reach your head.
As you do this, and it may take some practice, you will find that in the process of deep breathing and relaxing the muscles that you will feel all together better.

The more often you do this the better and easier you will find your day will go, and stress will soon be out of your vocabulary.

Remember to eat well and exercise everyday!


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CHER ANXIETY-by CHER

CHER ANXIETY-By Cher

I have been dealing with panic attacks for over 10 years now.

If you are having panic attacks/anxiety attacks first thing you do is contact a doctor!
Very important , to be assessed properly.
From assessment your doctor will prescribe either some sort of therapy and or medication to help you through.
Not everyone will adapt to medication on the first try, your doctor will try different dosages or even different medications , depending on your reaction and side effects to the meds. Now that seems scary, but I think the panic attacks are scarier.
Please don't suffer in silence, get out there and talk to people, talk online, ask others how they cope, because even with the medication, you still have to find a way to cope.
In my older posts I have tips on how to cope and get through an attack.
With practice they work very well. Please take time to read through, I want to help others get through, what I've been through with greater ease than I.
Here's to a panic free day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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SWINE FLU-Anxiety help by Cher

Swine Flu

It's in the news, it's all people are talking about and everyone is scared! Am I Right? Yes, a possible Pandemic of Swine Flu is a very scary thing, but you don't have to panic, nor lock yourself into your home until it passes.
There are precautions you can take, as with any flu , you need to wash your hands thoroughly and often. Make sure that when you cough or sneeze you do so into your sleeve , as to not pass any viruses on, even if you think you are well. Most of all, if travel to Mexico is not necessary, don't go! Any kind of travel for that matter.

As people who already have panic/anxiety attacks, we surely didn't need one more thing to worry about, but you really should just know that you can help protect yourself, try not to worry and take precautions, all will be ok.

By all means, if you don't feel well, flu like , see a doctor and have yourself checked!
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Anxiety Tip

If you are reading this , you probably suffer from Anxiety/Panic Attacks.
I am going to give you a tip for today. Seeing as most Anxiety Sufferers will not take the time to read a long winded Blog, I will keep them short and sweet from now on.


Tip: When you are avoiding as situation due to an anxiety attack or you are expecting to have one if you put yourself in that situation....my answer to that is simply don't! Don't avoid the situation, face it head on. If you have an anxiety attack, don't worry about it, find a place to sit and work through it. Breath through it, self talk works as well. Remember others will not judge you because of it, everyone is not looking at you, and if they are .....who cares!

You need to face them head on, and you will find that slowly it will get easier every time you face a situation where you are not comfortable!

Anxiety/Panic Attacks will not kill you, they are uncomfortable, but you can get through it!

Fight it!

Cheryl

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Anxiety Symptoms by Cher

Anxiety Help-Symptoms of an Attack


If 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 rate Blood 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 think Your 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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Anxiety by Cher-Help with Focus

Anxiety by Cher-Help with Focus

An anxiety attack, or panic attack is never a nice thing to go through. People have used different methods for many years. Some breathe deeply into paper bags, some focus on something and try to calm their breathing down, and others have mantras (things they say over and over again) to help calm them. There are many others as well, but most deal with deep breathing of one sort or another. All of these methods could work, and probably do. It depends on the individual and what works best for you. I have found that many things happen to me, when having a panic attack and most of the time I can stop it before it gets to bad. Usually I feel like I can't breathe, start to get dizzy and then comes the feeling of disassociation(or not being here). It literally feels like you are dying. The trick, is to train yourself to use a method and practice it, then when the attack comes it will work as a second nature, and your attack will calm down faster and faster. I have used the mantra and the deep breathing, sometimes one works best and sometimes the other, it depends on the situation. The main thing is that it works. Try one, then practice it, and when you have an attack you may find that it works. Maybe not right away, but with some time, it will work quicker. Today will be a good day!

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Anxiety Help-by Cher-What is a Panic Disorder?

What is panic disorder?
Panic disorder is another type of anxiety.
It occurs when you have repeated periods of extreme panic, called panic attacks.
Imagine one day you’re getting out of your car and about to go to work.
Suddenly your chest feels tight. Your heart races.
You begin to feel dizzy and think you might faint. You start to choke.
You feel as if the end is near.
Was it all in your head?
You had a panic attack.
Panic attacks last about five to 30 minutes and may include all or any of the symptoms listed. Panic attacks have often been confused with heart attacks, brain tumors or other disorders.

They can lead to phobias if they aren’t treated.
Panic attack symptoms Feeling like you’re going to choke Chest pressure or chest pain Pounding heart Racing pulse Dizziness or lightheadedness Shortness of breath Sweating Trembling or shaking Nausea Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet Hot flashes or chills Sense of unreality or dreamlike sensations Fear of losing control, doing something embarrassing, going "crazy" or dying.
Make sure you seek treatment, regardless of what you think it might be, because one panic attack can mimic othe disorders or as well the other way around.
Always contact a doctor!

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Anxiety Help by Cher- Defining Anxiety

What is anxiety?
Anxiety can be a normal "alarm system" alerting you to danger. Imagine coming home and finding a burglar in your home.
Your heart beats faster. Your palms get sweaty. Your mind races.
In a situation like this, anxiety can be helpful. It can add an extra boost to help you get out of danger.
Under more normal but busy times, it can give you energy to help you get things done. But sometimes anxiety may get out of control, giving you an overwhelming sense of dread and fear for no apparent reason.
This kind of anxiety can disrupt your life.
Are there different types of anxiety?
Yes. Anxiety can be a general feeling of worry, an attack of feeling panicky,
a fear of a certain situation or a response to a traumatic experience.

What is generalized anxiety?
Generalized anxiety disorder is ongoing worry or fear that isn’t related to a particular event or situation, or is way out of proportion to what you would expect - for instance, constantly worrying about the health of a child who is perfectly healthy. Symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder include muscle tension, trembling, shortness of breath, fast heartbeat, dry mouth, dizziness, nausea, irritability, loss of sleep and not being able to concentrate.

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THE STRESS OF MOVING-ANXIETY HELP BY CHER

ANXIETY HELP BY CHER-MOVING AND STRESS

Moving from one home to another can be a time of stress for anyone. Even the best of us, who are organized, methodical and just plain got it all together will be stressed by a move.
I am speaking first hand, as I have recently moved. The biggest stress was finding a place to move to. Whether you are renting are looking for a new house to buy its a difficult time. It's hard to find a place that fits into your budget and does what every home needs to....fits your needs.
Then comes the packing, the actual moving and the unpacking. This all takes time, and takes a toll on a persons stress level.

A few things to keep in mind when going through a move are :
Remember, that your friends can be your biggest source of help at a time like this. Good friends will either help you pack, move , unpack or just be there for you when you need to relax, or talk.

When you are feeling stressed or overwhelmed, sit down, take a break , and do one thing at a time.

Packing up one room then the next is a good way to keep from being overwhelmed. Once in a room work on that one until it is done, then move onto the next.

If you have kids, depending on their age of course, get them to pack their own things, and it will give them a feeling of being involved and take some weight off of your shoulders. Also get them to unpack their rooms, as they all love to find a place to put their precious things.

Lastly, remember to breath, deep breathing breaks throughout the day will help you relax and be more able to cope with all of it!


A Move can be rough, but handling with ease can be done!


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Anxiety Help-Relax Your Stress Away

RELAX YOUR STRESS AWAY

Hi ,
Readers and fellow anxiety/panic friends.
Here are a few tips to help relax your stress away!
1. Deep Breathing. While sitting, lying down, or standing, close your eyes and breathe in slowly. In through the nose and out through your mouth. Hold your breath for a count of 5-10 seconds. Take ten of these super-relaxers anytime your feel tense.

2. Stretching. Practice simple stretches such as the "neck stretch": stretch your neck by gently rolling your head in a a half-circle, starting at one side, then dropping your chin to your chest, then do the other side.

3. Exercise. All kinds of physical activity---hiking, running, bowling, walking etc-they all help.
(if you can't leave the house) you can still exercise. If you have stairs, go up and down them a few times, try not to get out of breathe. Do jumping jacks, jog on the spot, sit on the floor and stretch your body out.

4. Take a bath. Ask household members to allow you at least 30 min. of uninterrupted time.

5. Get a massage. A massage is a wonderful way to get rid of physical tension. Professional masseuses generally take 30 min. to an hour , and will work on specific areas of tension, such as lower back or neck.

6. Eat well. Reduce caffeine and alcohol intake. Find out if your diet is well balanced and take steps to eat healthily to help reduce stress.

One of the big ones is TALK, talk with a friend, family member or whom ever will listen to the feelings that you might be holding in. Crying is a great stress reliever, just don't let it take you down into a depression. I like to get up and do something fun after a good cry. The stress is lower and it lifts your spirits.

Try them all, or one or two, any or all of them will help immensely!

Till next time, anxiety is the pits, we can rise from the pits!

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Anxiety Help-The Anxiety/Panic Attack

Anxiety Help-The Anxiety/Panic Attack

To all my readers and fellow Anxiety Suffers.........I had a horrible panic attack the other day and I am still suffering the after effects of it 3 days later. Now I'm sure that you all know exactly what I am talking about, but what I'm here to tell you is that I am still here I am still kicking and I got through it.
Stress can be a great contributor to anxiety/panic attacks and that is just what is happening to me.
I had allot of things come my way all at once, and I had a hard time dealing with it all.

What I did do though, was go through some of the tips I have posted here already.

I concentrated on my deep breathing. Holding in for as long as possible without passing out, as when we shallow breathe we need more carbon dioxide, not more oxygen. It is a great misnomer that when you hyperventilate that it's oxygen you are deprived of , when its not.

Do you ever remember a parent or loved one, or even on t.v. seeing someone upset and breathing into a paper bag, .....well that's the same concept.
You are re-breathing the carbon dioxide, helping you to calm down.

I also have sat quietly, and tried to focus on being well, a form of meditation, what ever works for you is the best way to go.

For now I am just going over tips I have already left in my postings, I just wanted you all to know, you are not alone in this, many many people suffer from the same thing, and you can get through it, you can march past it, it just takes some time and focus.

We Can Beat The Attack!

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