Why Are Anxiety & Panic Attacks Skyrocketing? 7 Mental Health Myths That Mess Up Your Mind

Are you tired of being anxious, depressed, miserable? Of trying to keep it all together? Of having difficult relationships and living in crisis? You are not alone.

Despite our vast financial, scientific, and personal resources, Americans are in the midst of a growing epidemic of emotional distress: Anxiety disorders are the number one mental health problem in America, affecting 19 million of all American adults and 13 million children between the ages of 9 and 17. In addition, according to the National Association for Mental Illness, more than 20 million of us will experience major depression during our lifetime, and almost 30% of Americans will suffer from a mental or substance abuse problem in any one year.

It's not that we aren't trying. We make hundreds of thousands of visits to mental health professionals and fill more than 40 million prescriptions for mood altering medication annually but with few results.

Something is seriously wrong: for far too long, mental health treatment has followed the old Albert Einstein's description of insanity: doing the same thing over and over but expecting different results. Why? Because most therapy is based on a number of fictions so embedded in industrial age culture and so commonly accepted, that even most therapists believe them.

Myth 1: Your Symptoms are Your Disease

Fact: Your symptoms - panic, anxiety, insomnia, racing thoughts, abusive relationships, life crises - they are all indications that your body is trying to get your attention so that you can cure the basic cause of your emotional distress. Treating your symptoms as if they were the disease leads to "cures" that suppress symptoms, but not address the cause. In most cases, the result in the long run will be more relationship problems, more life crises that occur when you have let down your guard, as the body attempts with increasing frequency and urgency to get your attention.

Myth 2: Our Thoughts Cause Our Feelings

Fact: Although it is possible to conjure up feelings by thinking about things that are emotionally evocative, our brain circuitry is such that thoughts are shaped more by emotions than vice-versa. Feelings are not only faster than thoughts, they are stored in a different part of the brain. Recent research indicates that we generally have feelings first, then our rational brain makes up stories - which may or may not be true - to explain our feelings.

Myth 3: We Can Cure Our Emotions By Thinking About and Understanding Them

Fact: Expecting thoughts to cure emotions is like expecting to recover from food poisoning by studying how food becomes tainted. Thoughts - especially those pesky obsessive thoughts - stinkin' thinkin' - that keep us from getting on with our lives or getting to sleep, are more often a way we try keep our feelings in check than curing them.

If thinking about feelings could change them, psychiatrists would be the healthiest people in the world. But there is no evidence that professional counselors do better, feel better, or overcome problems better than anyone else. One survey of medical professionals found that psychiatrists had more marital and sexual problems than any other group. Their suicide rate is one of the highest of any medical professional; drug and alcohol abuse is rampant.

Myth 4: Mood-Altering Medications Correct a "Chemical Imbalance"

Fact: Clinical Psychiatric News says "despite decades of progress in developing psychiatric medications, there has been little change in the rate of suicide in the last quarter century." Even psychotropic drug manufacturers admit that medications only depress symptoms of emotional turmoil, they do not cure it.

Suppressing symptoms whether with legal or illegal substances retains harmful emotions rather than erasing them, and can increase the incidence of severe emotional distress.

Myth 5: Real Recovery Requires Professional Therapeutic Intervention

Fact: No one therapy seems to be more effective than any other; small rather than large changes in behavior and feelings are the rule; most changes are short-lived; and clients are no more likely to improve with highly-trained professional therapists than they are with untrained non-professionals.

Unfortunately, most of the advice we receive, whether from friends, family, or the mental health industry is counterproductive. Though emotional illness can be described as poisonous feelings that want to come out, the vast majority of our "cures" are about empowering us to keep them in.

Myth 6: Emotional Distress Is Always a Symptom that Something is Wrong

Fact: In the same way that soreness and swelling signals that white blood cells are attacking an infection at its source, emotional discomfort is often a signal that the body is attempting to heal itself. Severe distress is most often a symptom of a struggle between what nature wants - get rid of the emotional poison - and what we want - keep it from coming up.

Myth 7: The Alleviation of Emotional Distress Is Complex

Fact: Each of us was born with the innate capacity to recover completely from most emotional illness in much the same way the body recovers from most physical disease. Referred to by scientists as homeostasis, it is the instinctive tendency of all living things to self-correct and return to an optimal state of well-being. Eradicating emotional distress is analogous to recovering from food poisoning. The body will usually cure itself. If we let it.

Most people have an inkling that there is "something in there" that wants to come out, but are so alienated from their innate emotional healing system that they don't trust what their body is telling them. They can't distinguish feelings from thoughts. They don't know how to reach down far enough to get the original emotional poison out. They are afraid that if they stop trying to control their feelings with their thoughts they will go crazy.

Nothing could be further from the truth. Teaching people how emotions work and when the body is getting ready to expel emotional poison is not difficult. Relief can be almost instantaneous. The urge to be whole and healthy is instinctive. It operates outside our intellect and will. The only thing we need to do is learn how to let it.

Cindy Cooke, author, From Turmoil to Tranquility, specializes in converting the latest research on the emotional brain into practical, advice to help the soaring number of Americans who suffer from anxiety and panic attacks get at the root cause of their problem and eliminate it. She taught psychology at a number of Colleges including the Maricopa Community College District, Everest College and Bryman. She has taught multiple workshops in Arizona and California - From Turmoil to Tranquility, How to Kick the Bad Boy (or Girl) Habit, and others. She has a BA in psychology and an MEd in Adult Education. She has worked for major universities and colleges and for the last 5 years, was the Executive Director of Boomerz, a Scottsdale based non-profit. For more information, go to http://www.TheTherapistWithin.com.

Treat Yourself to Depression, Anxiety, Or Other Mental Illness Today

Earlier tonight, I was watching some of the vandalism and violence that happened in St. Paul, MN today. I had a sudden revelation: "People are crazy." It's a thought that brought much comfort to me, because I too have been diagnosed with various mental illnesses.

After my revelation, I thought of myself. To people who know me well, I'm regarded as kind, decent, honest, ethical, fair, and generous. I'm speaking in general terms - no one thinks I'm perfect, not even me. There are, however, also a few people who know me and see ugly character traits. Some adjectives and adverbs that have been used against me are: weak, cowardly, lazy, weird, odd, strange, and overly-impulsive.

After thinking of myself, I reached outward and thought of businessmen who cheat and embezzle; I thought of employers who overwork and underpay their employees; I thought of politicians who lie and call their colleagues names in the hopes of winning a contest; I thought of glamorous celebrities who covet money and fame, who forget where the source of their money and fame originated; I thought of corporations and advertisers who deceive consumers to exploit them; I thought of doctors who over-charge and over-prescribe medications to patients -- some patients desperate for help and relief -- with reckless regard for their patients' physical or mental health, and doctors who don't lose sleep because they don't ponder on the consequences of the poor and apathetic treatment they "give" patients.

Of those people I mentioned in the previous paragraph, it's only a small minority who have committed indecent, unethical or immoral acts. The large majority of them are truly good people who genuinely desire to make lives better, or people who conduct their business honorably. But I feel confident to state as fact that almost all of the bad apples from that bushel have never been diagnosed with a mental illness.

If you have a mental illness, maintain your integrity, morals, ethics, and honesty. You'll be much more successful in the end. At some later time, when you stand before God -- or a mirror -- you can be proud that you only have a mental illness. You can be proud that while you may be financially bankrupt, you're not morally bankrupt. If you're depressed and don't have the energy or motivation to make dinner on time, be proud that the food you'll cook later isn't stolen, and that you haven't deprived a poverty-stricken family of a meal. If you're socially inept, be proud that you don't lie, and that you don't attempt to obtain money through deception on the few occasions when you interact with people.

Treat yourself to depression, anxiety, or other mental illness today -- there are many alternatives to mental illness, and there are many people who have chosen to commit acts that violate the rights, health, and lives of other people. Corrupt people have the benefit of exercising free will. In many cases of mental illness, people don't have the luxury of making easy choices in how to function, or their coping skills and daily functioning are impaired to the point where it's impossible to function "normally."

When compared to others who have been diagnosed with a mental illness, I consider myself fortunate. My cognitive skills are quite good, which means that with continued cognitive behavioral therapy, there is hope of my continued improvement over what ails me. I'm fortunate because much of my distorted thinking comes from my early childhood development. In the past, I was exposed to abuse, neglect, abandonment, emotional trauma, and massive instability. All these things shaped my views on life and relationships. Because they occurred while I was still developing, much of my distorted views are deeply ingrained, but they aren't insurmountable obstacles, nor do they define me or place limitations on my potential capabilities.

In my personal experience with psychiatrists, they do nothing -- or next to nothing - to determine if a cause is more biological than situational or environmental. For instance, no doctor has ever ordered any type of brain scan or a sleep study. Perhaps if I had requested them, and if I had the money or good insurance, it would have been done. But until some doctor proves that my "mental illness" is a direct result of my brain operating incorrectly due to biology, I will continue to believe I can outsmart my mental illness. In the meantime though, I'll continue to be a social nitwit, have a crazy sleeping schedule, and be a poor housekeeper.

Whether or not one's mental illness is based on biology or environmental and situational factors, what I've written here is relevant. You have faults. I have faults. Humans all have faults. Make a new rule in your life: if you're talking with someone and you know that a criticism is imminent, tell him that before he points out your faults, he must first submit a list of his own. Jesus had a similar emphatic suggestion, "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone."

I say that's good advice whether you believe in Jesus or not.

And here's another emphatic suggestion from me: don't waste your energy being ashamed of yourself. Focus on all your good qualities instead. Which of your qualities matters more in the grand scheme of the universe: your good ones or your bad? You won't eliminate the guilt and shame overnight, but keep reminding yourself anyway. Gradually, you'll develop an acceptance. You seldom ever just accept something, but over time you can develop an acceptance.

I'll admit my suggestion isn't as succinct or profound as Jesus's, but I'm only human.

See Also: Some turn violent in GOP convention protests

By Andy Alt / Mental Dimensions
http://mentaldimensions.wordpress.com/
Depression and mental health theme, with humor, comedy, farce and rants, combined with occasional doses of sincerity
This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License

Dealing With Relationship Anxiety

As far as I'm concerned there is nothing worse than relationship anxiety and finding methods for dealing with relationship anxiety is a very important part of steering clear of the giant iceberg your ship is headed for. The trick is to have both parties on board when a change of course is plotted.

But before trying to get your partner to board your vessel to tranquility first you need to ask yourself whether or not you have anxiety issues. If the answer is yes, then only after you take care of your own anxiety should you consider directing your partner to overcome their anxiety.

Okay, a little time has gone by, you have addressed your anxiety and now are ready to get your partner on board the ship of tranquility. Keep in mind that two people working together to solve anxiety is always better than one. While you may initially feel that you are extending a helping hand, it is not out of the realm of possibility that these tips for dealing with relationship anxiety may benefit you as well. Now let's get down to business.

*Find ways to simplify your joint lives: Generally the less complicated things are the less anxiety exists. Such ideas as hiring someone to come over once in a while to clean your house, or hiring a landscaper to mow the lawn once in a while could prove to be very helpful. There are endless possibilities, but the bottom line is finding ways to take away mundane, time consuming, stressful obligations will free up time for more enjoyable endeavors.

*Walk or hike together: My partner and I hike together two or three days a week. This has proven to be very helpful for relieving anxiety in our lives and seems to be a much better alternative than a conventional health club setting. When you are out walking or hiking your body is burning off excess adrenaline and producing feel good endorphins. There is also a good chance that you and your partner will be carrying on a conversation at the same time. Both exercise and conversation are well known for their ability to relieve stress and anxiety. If both you and your partner are physically able to try this approach it likely will be well worth your time.

A word of caution: Don't let unnecessary negative criticism ruin an enjoyable afternoon at the park.

*Consider a yoga or meditation class together: Yoga and meditation have been around for thousands of years and are still a viable solution for relieving tension. One valuable part of these two alternative therapies is their emphasis on abdominal breathing. Abdominal breathing has been shown to relax the body and mind by increased the amount of oxygen circulating in the blood while expelling tension producing carbon dioxide.

In summary, dealing with relationship anxiety can only be successful if both parties participate. It is difficult to help a person who doesn't want to be helped or fails to recognize they have a problem!

Additionally, many couples dealing with relationship anxiety have found that they need a little extra help and have found that help in the form of natural remedies for anxiety. These are safe and effective alternative treatments that support the health of the nervous system while maintaining emotional balance during everyday pressure, stress, and nervous tension.

R.D. Hawkins is an enthusiastic advocate of alternative natural health products and supplements with over 10 years experience. To learn more about natural remedies for better health visit http://www.purchaseremedies.com

Repair Your Relationships When Dealing With Anxiety And Depression

Determining the connection between emotion and relationships
Digging deeper into your relationship
Using positive actions to strengthen your relationship
Handlings outcomes

It's no secret that as human beings we thrive on own social relationships. Even if we claim we aren't social at all. People tend to always have friends and family that they talk things out with, even if it's as simple talking about a trip to buy groceries. We function better with support. Our moods improve and our ability for our bodies to handle stress improves as well. So it should go without saying that every relationship we encounter affects us in some way, from relative strangers to close friends and family. Taking the time to improve every relationship will surely improve your mood and create a great sense of well-being.

You will learn how to strengthen just about any relationship and be able to use these strategies more and more. More importantly, we will take a close look at intimate relationships since these have the most impact on our mental health, as well learning how to cope with the loss of a relationship which often causes anxiety or despair.

How does a relationship connect to your emotion?

When you are anxious or depressed you become preoccupied with everything that concerns you. Any relationship gets put on the back burner. All of your attention is focused on your own problems and concerns. All of this attention and buildup of anxiety leaves you mentally and emotionally drained and to top it off the people who care about you tend to make attempts to help you. When they aren't successful they become frustrated and helpless, causing them to pull away from you and the relationship suffers more.

Take a few moments to answer the following questions about an important relationship in your life and see if depression or anxieties have been inflicting harm.

Have I pulled away from a relationship? In what ways?
Have I become less affectionate? In what ways?
Have I become more critical or irritable? In what ways?
Am I being less empathetic or showing fewer compliments? In what ways?

As always not everything is always black and white. There could always be other reasons as to why a relationship isn't working. Check with mental health professionals who specialize in couple therapy.

Digging Deeper into your Relationship

Have you ever heard a child make a claim to get a pet for the first time? They explain how well they will treat the animal. How well they are capable of feeding it and walking it and cleaning up after it. So parents indulge in their child's new found responsibility and go out and get a pet. The first week is great. The child does everything just as they said they would. However, by the end of the third to fourth week, the parents are finding themselves cleaning up more after the pet or feeding it more and having to ask the pet to be walked or taking care of in another way. The novelty of the pet and enthusiasm involved becomes interrupted by life and complacency sets in. It's not that this child went out of their way to become irresponsible, it is just that life took precedence.

Relationships start out in such a similar way. We become excited to spend time with another person and enjoy so much with them. We laugh and compliment each other and then one day life interferes and we start forgetting our responsibility to the relationship. We forget to call or make plans. The lack of attention causes the relationship to flounder. By using positive actions and words we nurture our relationships and the strategies you will learn here will help you make almost any relationship better.

Talking it out

Communication it's the foundation of what relationships are built on. Positive communication is needed in all of our relationships because it is healthy and it keeps us free from stress. In order to maintain such a positive environment we introduce a couple of exercises. First one is called The Daily Bulletin. This is when you take the time to talk and listen with your partner. The purpose is to enhance intimacy and should be performed often.

Work with your partner to decide on a time when you will sit and talk about the day's events for 20 minutes.
The goal is daily, however 3-4 times will be beneficial as well.
Commit to meeting times and keep them written down where both of you can see them.
Let your partner begin and speak for 10 minutes.
Ask questions, nod your head and make brief comments making sure to let them know you understand how they feel.
After they are done speaking, try to summarize what they said in a positive manner.
Ask your partner if you are correct in what you understand and if you are not, ask for clarification.
Take your time to share about your day and ask your partner to follow the same rules.

Take time to reflect on how you felt before and after and how much better you feel about understanding each other.

The second exercise will remind you of the power of compliments. When you are anxious or depressed it's hard to think of others and how much you appreciate them, but not expressing it can make them feel unappreciated as well as causes the relationship to suffer. Take a moment to write the Top 10 Things I Appreciate About My Partner.

First write down all the things you cherish and admire about your partner. Include items you feel sincerely apply such as talents, intelligence, caring, helping out, etc. and be specific.
Compliment you partner at least once a day from the list you created or create a new one.
Create a strategy to complete this task every day. Make a habit handing out compliments to everyone you.

After a couple of weeks of giving out compliments, reflect on any changes in the relationship.

If these past two exercises don't fan out well we recommend you see a couple's therapist for counseling. If you can't think of anything you appreciate about your partner your relationship is in serious trouble.

Attending to a Lost Relationship

Losing a relationship can be devastating. Life is imperfect and so are people. Sometimes the loss we suffer is due to death, but other times it's due other circumstances such as divorce, break ups or a relationship dissolving over happenstance. In any case, dealing with a loss causes stress and sometimes depression.

When you lose a loved one it's vital that you still take care of yourself. Making sure you eat and get sleep and stay healthy because grieving take both a mental and physical toll and you'll need all of your resources to get through it. Make sure to ask for help. You can seek helps from friends and family, religious sources, grief support groups and/or mental health professionals. When you are dealing with the loss of a loved one, the better approach is not to hole up in bed or turn to drugs that will only make matters worse, but rather explore your feelings about the person you lost. Review the relationship and what the person meant to you. This process causes you to move on.

Take time to look over the following Grief Questionnaire that will help you explore your grief. Take as much time to answer the questions and don't rush. Expect to feel sadness or even cry, but if you feel you can't handle the exercise at all, please seek professional help.

What was life like with this person?
What did you cherish about this person?
What was difficult about this person?
What lessons did I learn from this relationship both positive and negative?
What has changed about my life now?
What am I grateful for from this relationship?
What am I angry about the most?
What did I enjoy about this relationship?
Compose a letter to the person you lost to provide closure. Express anything that is on your mind.

Becoming Alert

People and the relationships we share with them are irreplaceable. Having said that, after you experience a loss and take the time to grieve and have recovered, it is important to pick up the pieces and move on and fill your life with meaningful relationships and activities. Take the time to help someone else out. It will make you feel better and quite normal again. Talk a little more. Become social again. You don't have to be the life of the party, but simply engaging more and more into conversation with those around you will definitely help you heal. Go out and do something that makes you happy. Even if you feel you aren't ready try doing something that makes you happy. Allow yourself to enjoy things again.

Mike has been writing articles for a couple of years now. His latest passion is on Anxiety And Depression. When you get a minute and you love to check out his site on Anxiety and Depression.