Finally, I've done it. I earned my master's degree in counseling psychology. To be honest the whole thing was a little anticlimactic. I was expecting to feel something "big", but I don't. That being said, I am relieved. I can't remember the last T.V. show I followed or football game I watched all the way through. That part was getting old. You know what though? I didn't learn anything new about anxiety disorders or symptoms; it seems that I had that down. I did, however, learn tons about the brain, human behavior, communication, et
Antipsychotic Drugs for Anxiety Disorders?
Abnormal anxiety isn't easy to live with. Seriously, who likes panic attacks? But are you willing to take an antipsychotic drug to make it stop? Some people are and I think this new trend is a slippery slope that could turn into a big problem. See, a few weeks ago I had to write a paper about the off-label use of antipsychotic medications for school. Right after I turned it in, like a day after, I ran into this article in the New York Times. In it professor of psychiatry Dr. Richard Friedman argues that unless you have
The Beginners Guide to Getting Better
How do you go from anxious to "normal"? Well, getting your hands on good information is part of it. But you'll need more than good information to get your life back. There's also a process, steps that you have to take mentally, before you can be free of abnormal anxiety. Understanding where you're at in that process, and how you can move forward from where you are, is just as important as any piece of information that you've ever, or could ever, learn about. See, when you're suffering from panic attacks or constant worry there's no
NY Times: Major League Anxiety
photo credit: Bari D Article Highlights: Several players in major league baseball are currently struggling with anxiety disorders. Most players don't want to seek help because they're afraid of being perceived as vulnerable. More players missing playing time because of anxiety issues. Players are bombarded with many stressful situations on a regular basis. Many players with anxiety issues are staging comebacks. Click the image or click here to read the full article.
How To Tell The Difference Between Anxiety And Depression
photo credit: stevendepolo photo credit: Torley Unlike the common cold or the flu anxiety disorders follow a much slower progression. It could all start with panic attacks, then hypochondria, racing thoughts, palpitations and then, well then depression becomes a real possibility. After years of being anxious a person can and often will develop depression and I want to detail how one can tell the difference between anxiety and depression. Let's start by taking a look at the symptoms for both anxiety disorders and
Beware Of Depression
Most people that have an anxiety disorder spend lots of time preoccupied with anxiety (fear) symptoms like palpitations, chest pain, malaise, or any number of horrible feelings. However, as an anxiety sufferer winds their way through the maze of constant worry and panic, depression could be sneaking up on them or in many cases already present. Anxiety disorders over the long haul rarely appear by themselves. The comorbidity rate for anxiety disorders, that is anxiety add-ons like depression and obsession, is high. It's a screwed up
Can You Live A Happy Anxious Life?
This question haunts me more than any other. I chase happiness like some people chase money, objects, or whatever they really, really desire. Happiness is an elusive concept to understand and attain even if you don't have any mental issues to speak of but even then I think you can still be anxious and happy. Being anxious and happy is a hell of a high wire act to pull off. But the reason I believe you can suffer with anxiety in the depths of your soul and still come out on the other side is because the things that make you unhappy, at least
Anxiety Disorders Hit The Small Screen
Article Highlights: The cable network A&E has developed a new television series about anxiety disorders called "Obsessed". The first show premiered on May 25, 2009. The show covers a range of people that have OCD, panic disorder, and other anxiety ailments. Each show examines two individual cases. Subjects undergo treatment and the show also does follow ups to see if treatment was effective. Click the image for the full article.
The Chemical Imbalance Test: Does It Exist?
Today I want to explore a basic question: Is there such a thing as a test for a brain-based chemical imbalance? Sounds simple enough but as you'll soon see there is nothing simple about the question. And this is mainly because there is currently a debate raging about the matter, and there seems to be no clear cut answer. Given the monstrous size of this issue it is mind bending that after sending people to the moon (and back), creating weapons of apocalyptic destruction, and the flowbee, that absolutely no one has a firm handle on what