ANXIETY and PANIC DISORDER

I thought a short discussion of Panic and Anxiety might be good for my web area of Music and Meditation. I think most people have an idea about what anxiety is. However, when it moves into the realm of being diagnosed as an illness by a qualified physician, there is a bit more information to glean. Anxiety and Depression are like cousins. Sometimes times they accompany one another. And Anxiety over a long period of time can lead to some forms of depression. As in the previous articles, I want to try to keep this informational web page simple. So, those of you with clinical backgrounds may find a few bones to pick. And again, those wanting to dig deeper can check out the links at the bottom of the page.

PYHYSIOLOGY OF ANXIETY and PANIC

First of all, anxiety won't kill you. It can manifest in constructive or destructive ways. A bit of anxiety when facing a difficult situation is NORMAL and may even help keep you on your toes. In order to reduce anxiety, performers often rehearse at great length so their material is driven deep in the brain. This is good. Being anxious, caused them to make to decision to be well prepared.

It is when anxiety produces symptoms that seem a mystery to an individual, that it can stretch to the area of panic. Such sensations or symptoms as, dizziness, numbness, spots and blurring of the eyes, stiff almost paralyzed muscles, and feelings of breathlessness, can be a part of anxiety. When these symptoms occur and people don't understand why, ones anxiety can increase to levels of panic as they imagine they have some type of disease. The main thing here is that the individual may believe he is loosing control. Some may feel they are loosing control of physical health and believe they are having a heart attack, or that there is something physically wrong. Some believe they are loosing control of their mind, or going insane. One thing for family and friends to remember, is that even though there may be nothing physically or mentally wrong, the impression is very real for the one suffering Panic.

Panic goes beyond logic. In the 70's, one of my favorite episodes of M. A. S. H. was when the unit had to be moved into a local cave because of shelling. After all the patients, doctors, and nurses, were moved in, "Hawkeye Pearce" refused to enter. He shared his feelings of panic and claustrophobia with the others, yet was still challenged by them to enter the cave. Hawkeye said, "look, I know if I go in that cave that the walls will not cave in, I know I won't have a heart attack, and I know I won't die! BUT, if I go in that cave, the walls will cave in, I'll have a heart attack and I'll die!" Yes, it is funny, but it's how it is. It is real!!

A panic attack is the brains response to perceived danger. In the days of old it served us well. When we ran into the "Lions, Tigers, and Bears" we needed that "rush" of anxiety in order to respond quickly to real danger. So you see, anxiety has a purpose. When the brain recognizes danger, it sends messages to the autonomic nervous system. This autonomic nervous system has two branches called the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system. The Sympathetic Nervous System is the "fight or flight" system which releases energy ( Adrenalin and noradrenalin. ) and prepares one for action. This increases the heart rate, which increases breathing, which increases blood flow. This increase of blood flow serves to increase the amount of oxygen to the muscles, which allows them to respond quickly. Anxiety originally developed as a way to protect the organism, not to harm it. Eventually the body will "have enough" of the Fight or Flight response and The Parasympathetic Nervous System will restore the body to a normal state. I will place links for a deeper discussion on this system and the physiology of anxiety at the end of this article.

It should be noted that if you have a Panic or Anxiety disorder, you are not alone. It is very easy to feel stigmatized, but we are learning more about the body mind connection all the time. Through time, perhaps the stigma will reduce.

Remember, when you feel panic, think of natures real reason for its use. And then think of something beautiful. Focus on beauty. A painting, Music, a Flower, and of coarse - A DOG. A true and trusted friend

My Main Meditation Page

My Depression Page

My Diaphragmatic Breathing Page

Outside informational links

Anxiety Coach

Answers to questions about Panic Disorders

Anxiety Network

At Health.com

Paul Adams has a music label w/ 9 releases. Six are his, and three by his friend David Hoffman who tours the world with Ray Charles. Paul also builds instruments,Writes, and works in the mental health field.

His web site is Here

David's Website is Here