|
 General
anxiety and depression often seem to go hand-in-hand.
Recent statistics by the U.
S. Department of Health indicate that 18% of
the American population suffers with severe anxiety at some
point in their life. Think about these figures for just a
moment. This means that approximately 1 out of every 5 people
you know are either currently dealing with an anxiety situation,
or will at some point in the future. Talk about invisible
epidemics!
This
statistics on depression are just as bleak. And when you consider
the fact that general anxiety and depression are highly correlated,
and often exist simultaneously, is easy to see how severe
these issues are, and the damage they do to families every
day.
General
anxiety -- or "generalized" anxiety -- is a pervasive
feeling of worry or undue concern. Individuals dealing with
general anxiety often develop a "learned helplessness"
and a fatalistic perspective on life. It is little wonder
then that general anxiety and depression are so closely related
in many cases. After all, living with anxiety problem for
any length of time can be enough to make anyone depressed.
The
fact that many people suffer with both general anxiety and
depression can sometimes make it difficult for them to understand
the issue they are actually dealing with. In many cases, anxiety
issues can lead to depression. But the reverse is also true.
Though it is slightly less common, depression can also lead
to anxiety and panic attacks in some individuals.
But
no matter which issue came first, one thing is for certain:
the one-two punch of depression and general anxiety can be
difficult to deal with, and without the proper guidance, even
more difficult to overcome. The good news is, it doesn't have
to be that way. There are a variety of treatments for both
of these issues, including medication, therapy, herbal and
natural remedies, hypnosis, yoga, tai chi, guided visualization
and other "centering" and relaxation techniques.
Learn
More About the EasyCalm Anxiety Video Series
Although
both general anxiety and depression are commonly treated with
medications in the United States, these drugs also carry a
heavy price. Side effects and withdrawal symptoms for many
anti-anxiety medications or anti-depressants can be severe.
And some studies have shown an increase in suicidal thoughts
among individuals taking these medications.
A
more practical -- and natural -- approach to overcoming
anxiety and depression is to use and all-inclusive
method, which combines a variety of natural and herbal treatments,
as well as practicing visualization and relaxation techniques.
Physical exercise, especially low impact practices such as
yoga and tai chi can also be very beneficial to the process.
Many
individuals who have overcome general anxiety and depression
have found that approaching these problems from several different
perspectives yields the greatest results. Increasing physical
exercise, using herbal and natural supplements and practicing
relaxation and guided visualization exercises on a regular
basis can help change both the physiology and psychology of
the sufferer, and often provide the best results.
These
natural approaches can lead to long-term results, drastically
reducing or even eliminating general anxiety and depression,
instead of just "putting a Band-Aid on the problem"
by using potentially harmful medications.
J.
Mercer
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