The Risks of Diagnosing Yourself and Why You Should Never Do It

egrudier — Wed, 03 Jan 2018 20:08:40 +0000

A formal diagnosis is often the first step on the road to healing from a mental illness. Many times, people visit their doctors or therapist in order to get a diagnosis. They take tests, answer questions and provide information a clinician can use in order to get to the cause of the discomfort. But sometimes people skip the doctor’s office and they hop online to diagnose their own diseases. While this method might seem faster, …

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The Best Ways to Reduce Anxiety on Your Own

egrudier — Wed, 27 Dec 2017 20:03:03 +0000

Anxiety is tough but sometimes asking for help with your anxiety is even worse. Here are a few techniques you can start using on your own to help fight your anxious mind. As always though, check with your doctor first before beginning any new diet and/or exercise. Start Deep-Breathing 1. Sit with your eyes closed and turn your attention to your breathing. Breathe naturally without attempting to control your breath. 2. Be aware of …

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How to Beat Holiday Stress

egrudier — Thu, 21 Dec 2017 00:39:40 +0000

You know the feeling. That pit in your stomach when you think about work parties or a family get-together. The racing heart you feel when you imagine getting on a plane to visit your in-laws. The worry you have when you think about how many paychecks are left until Christmas day. The trembling and overwhelming dread you feel when you think about cooking all day for several people coming over later. Anxiety is a fierce …

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How Can Medication Help Anxiety?

egrudier — Wed, 13 Dec 2017 18:07:31 +0000

Many times, people will try medication to control anxiety before starting therapy. When a person has a panic attack, he or she might go to the emergency room or to a family doctor and get a prescription. This is often because many of the symptoms of anxiety (racing heart, trouble breathing, nausea or teeth grinding) can be mistaken for physical problems. If a doctor discovers that it is anxiety that is causing the person’s issues, …

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What You Can Do To Combat Insomnia

egrudier — Wed, 06 Dec 2017 18:44:16 +0000

Do you struggle to get to sleep? Do you wake up in the middle of the night and lie awake for hours? Insomnia is a common problem that affects your energy, mood, and ability to function during the day. It can even cause health problems. But have no fear. By working on the underlying causes of your insomnia and making changes to your daily habits and sleep environment you can put a stop to the …

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What is Happening to Your Brain When You’re Feeling Anxious

egrudier — Fri, 01 Dec 2017 15:42:34 +0000

So someone told you that your anxiety is all in your head? Well, that’s actually kind of right. Your brain has a lot to do with what makes you feel anxious. Brain Chemicals You have 10 billion cells in your brain called neurons. These neurons communicate with each other by sending messages back and forth via chemicals called neurotransmitters. In order for these messages to get sent, there needs to be enough of those chemicals. …

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Why Does a Panic Attack Feel Like a Heart Attack?

egrudier — Tue, 21 Nov 2017 19:31:35 +0000

Panic Attack and Heart Attack Symptoms Trouble breathing Rapid heartbeat Chest pain or burning Dizziness Numbness in your hands and feet Feeling of impending doom Sweating Fainting Trembling. Hard to tell the difference right? A panic attack can occur randomly or can be caused by a stressful event, but there is no immediate danger. A heart attack is dangerous, and it requires immediate medical attention. Heart Disease Heart disease affects your heart’s muscle, …

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What Might Cause Someone to Have a Panic Attack?

egrudier — Wed, 15 Nov 2017 15:07:05 +0000

One day, without warning, a feeling of terrible anxiety comes crashing down on you. You feel like you can’t get enough air, no matter how hard you breathe. Your heart is pounding out of your chest, and you think you might die. You’re sweating and feel dizzy. You feel like you have no control. After what seems like forever, your breathing slows and you eventually let go of the fear and racing thoughts, but are …

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What is Anxiety and where does it come from?

egrudier — Thu, 09 Nov 2017 21:08:47 +0000

Everyone feels anxiety at some point. It can actually help you notice danger or threat and keep you safe. Anxiety is not your fault. Anxiety disorders are when anxiety becomes extreme and affects parts of your life like work, school, or relationships. SOME STATS Anxiety is the most common mental illness in the U.S. Over 40 million American adults have anxiety. 40% of American adults have experienced anxiety at some point in their lives. Only …

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How and Why I Became a Therapist

egrudier — Thu, 02 Nov 2017 16:14:22 +0000

College So, I was 18 years old, fresh out of high school and essentially no clue as to what I wanted to be when I grew up. So what did I do? I went to a four-year school for a degree in communications. Fast forward to two semesters later and my once A’s and B’s were quickly sliding down to C’s and D’s. Apparently communications was not for me. So what did I do? I …

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