So, when you feel an episode of anxiety and panic overtaking you what exactly is going on inside your body? Most of the symptoms that I complain about the most are racing heart rate, uncontrolled breathing, sweating, and the feeling that you just want to bolt down the street running (FEAR).

Having anxiety disorder is bad enough, but having anxiety disorder and working in cubicle world is even worse. Before we moved into a new office we had cubes that were tall enough so that people could not see me without coming over to visit. Now the cubes are just below shoulder level so everyone can see me, all day long.

If you have anxiety one of the most difficult things you can do is drive a car. For the most part I am completely capable of driving a car within city limits without any issue. But, sometimes I do get a little anxious behind the wheel. Especially at night and during trips further than 30 miles. Why 30 miles? Because drives that last longer than 30 minutes stress me out just a little. On at least two occasions I have driven more then four hours by myself. And during both trips I had more than just a little anxiety.

photo credit: steve.wilde

How long must you wait for anxiety and panic to leave you? The truth is that panic and anxiety can be with you for a week, a year, or even the better part of 20 years. This is not meant to scare you but just remind you that you have to be patient. I am sure you’re asking yourself how can I be patient? But let me ask you, how could you not be? You have already dealt with this for some time and are still here. I have had anxiety the better part of 9 years, but during that time I have learned to bring my anxiety under control.

If you have Anxiety Disorder or other related condition going to crowded places is the last thing you want to do. Even if you agree to it while at home, once you get there you are likely to say “damn, now why did I do that?”. But, you really can get through it and I want to give you some tips to do battle with dinner time.

Now all people, with or without anxiety, have to go to the dentist for obvious reasons. But if you have anxiety disorder, PTSD, panic disorder or something similar than this can become more than just a visit to the dentist office. It can become a hellish mental exercise in fear production. I went to my dentist this past Saturday, and let’s just say I had to use all the jedi mind tricks I could grab from my Guru goodie bag.

What is Anxiety Disorder exactly? According to Wikipedia ” Anxiety is a physiological state characterized by cognitive (mind), somatic (nerves), emotional (feelings), and behavioral components” and Anxiety Disorder is “characterized by long-lasting anxiety that is not focused on any particular object or situation“. Translation, Anxiety Disorder is a state of worry and fear that is experienced and exaggerated by your somatic or nervous system, which regulates touch, hearing and sight. It can be triggered by heredity, a chemical imbalance in the brain or significantly stressful changes in your life. Anxiety can also be seen in related conditions, such as Agoraphobia, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder all of which have some striking similarities to Anxiety Disorder.

photo credit: Umair Mohsin

If you are reading this right now then you know exactly how I used to feel all the time. Tired, worried, and complaining about possible diseases like a full fledged hypochondriac. Now, what I propose to do is offer you ways in which you can manage and even cure your anxiety. I will be perfectly honest and admit to you that I have not been cured myself, but curiously I do know the way out. And although I have not cured my anxiety fully, I do have a family, a full time job, normal relationships with others, etc. In other words, despite my anxiety I function well. You might be wondering how is this guy going to help me if he isn’t cured himself?