Once a year as Fall starts shading into Winter, October comes with the promise of Mental Awareness Week. By tradition, every Thursday of the week is National Depression Screening Day. This program was begun by Screening for Mental Health, Inc., a non-profit group, in 1991 and it has become an increasingly important early warning system. Just as we all routinely accept the idea of screening for breast cancer, lung cancer, heart disease and other physical disorders, it’s time to apply the same approach to mental illness. Too often, people fall more seriously ill because they do not see a doctor early enough. There are many reasons for this. There’s considerable social stigma for those judged mental ill. Worse, almost 50 million in the US are without any medical insurance, and even those with insurance often find their policies not not cover “wellness” screening activities. So, on this Thursday, local mental health professionals volunteer their time across America. You will find sessions in schools, colleges, shopping malls and public buildings. These sessions are completely free and absolutely confidential. This is your chance to find out more about anxiety and depression in general, and to talk face-to-face with a counselor if you think you may have problems. Last year, there were about 3,000 sessions run and professionals saw 85,000 people walk in. There are also online programs and a toll-free telephone line operating around the year. Why bother? The answer is itself somewhat depressing. Regardless of age, race and social class, full clinical depression affects more than 20 million adults in the US. Curiously, four times more women than men are diagnosed as depressed. Millions more suffer from anxiety and panic disorders. A recent nationwide survey found more than 40% of college students so badly affected by anxiety, they could only function by relying on alcohol and drugs. Let’s be clear about this. These are serious illnesses and one of the possible outcomes is suicide. Even if people continue to live, their lives are often so damaged they cannot continue to work and become institutionalized. So there is benefit for tax payers, families and those affected if there’s early diagnosis and effective treatment. Yet research suggests that more than 60% of people who suffer from anxiety and depressive disorders do not seek treatment. This is ironic because the medical evidence shows that medication, counseling and therapy cures more than 80% of those affected. Attending one of these session is not a substitute for going to see your own doctor but it’s a start. It will tell you whether your symptoms are real and serious enough to justify treatment. One of the complications is that too many people are diagnosing themselves and deciding they should just start a course of xanax. Anyone with a credit card can buy xanax from an online pharmacy without a prescription. Even though this drugs is highly effective in treating anxiety, the best results come when you combine xanax with counseling and therapy. If you do not learn how to cope without drugs, there is a serious risk of addiction.

About the Author:

Find John Scott’s other contributions at http://www.forgetanxiety.com/more-articles/national-depression.html where he gladly shares his opinion on many different subjects and helps people around the globe find a better understanding of the things they’re interested in.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – It’s October and National Depression Screening Day is here

Quiz To Help Determine If You Have A Drinking Problem Video

It’s quite normal to feel anxious when handling certain situations such as making big decisions or sitting exams, but for some, anxiety attacks occur when handling situations that most of us would just take in our stride.

These can cause so much distress that sufferers cannot live a normal life

Of course there are many drugs and prescription medications that your doctor will be able to provide, but many people prefer natural methods of coping with anxiety attacks.

Here are some top tips for coping with panic and anxiety attacks:

* Breathe slowly and deeply through your nose, not your mouth. It is no longer thought safe to suggest re-breathing into a paper bag; this could cause oxygen starvation.

* Try this exercise: stand near to a wall, put your hand on it and hold your breath, then push as hard a possible, keeping your breath held for as long as possible. This tightens your muscles and can reduce anxiety.

* Most people feel less anxious in the outdoors. Listening to the birds, watching the sea, a river, or even just a pond or a tropical fish tank can be very soothing. A walk in a park or garden smelling the flowers can help relaxation and fight stress. You may even find that a screen-saver using a natural scene is helpful.

* Make a list of your problems, then crumple the paper into a ball and either stand on it, or burn it.

* Yoga is a great stress-buster, which can be practiced by anyone. It will improve mental and physical ability, and boost self-confidence. But you need to go to a class for maximum benefit and to learn the correct techniques.

* Is a poor diet contributing to your anxiety attacks? Caffeine, sugar and diet sodas all contribute to raised blood sugar. Eat less saturated fats, as anxiety attacks are more common in the overweight.

* Find a hobby you enjoy. A creative hobby is better still. The concerns of day-to-day life can melt away when you throw your heart and soul into a hobby you enjoy. Spend time alone and at peace.

* Relax with a good film or a good book. Either can transport you away from the stresses of the world.

* Aromatherapy involves inhaling essential oils, or in some cases applying them direct to the skin. Essential oils can be added to a relaxing bath. Lavender, one of just two essential oils that can be applied to the skin undiluted, has a very relaxing effect. While aromatherapy can be practiced as a self-help therapy, you would be wise to consult a qualified practitioner in the first instance to produce a blend specifically for you.

* Acupuncture targets specific points in the body to promote healing, and has been proven beneficial for anxiety disorders. Unlike aromatherapy this isn’t a self-help technique as you will need to consult a licensed practitioner. Be sure this person is registered with a reputable professional body and will observe good hygiene practices.

* Talking things over with someone trustworthy may bring closure to unresolved worries and resentments. But be careful who you talk to – ideally a completely disinterested third-party, or at least someone completely divorced from the situation that’s causing you anxiety. Counselors or Cognitive Behavioral Therapists are highly recommended to help reduce the occurrence of panic attacks.

* Many herbal products have benefits for panic and anxiety symptoms. Consult a qualified herbalist – this is not an area where self-help is advised.

Before implementing any change in physical activity or diet, check it out with your medical doctor. If he or she is unsympathetic to anything other than medication, consider getting a second opinion preferably from an integrative medicine physician.

About the Author:

Joy Healey is a qualified complementary therapist, specializing in nutrition and anxiety. Visit her website for more information: http://www.anxietyreliefnaturally.com/

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Drug-free Approach to Anxiety and Panic Attacks

Consume by Shelley Parker @ Man-Made Exhibition London October 2008