Conquering General Anxiety & Panic Attacks

General Anxiety is characterized by feeling nervous and tense, sometimes for no apparent reason. This tension can last hours at a time, even all day long. Other symptoms include moist palms and muscle tension in the lower back, shoulders, neck or gut. Some people get headaches due to tension. Others will feel so anxious that their hands shake or tremor slightly. When anxious, the heart typically beats harder and faster than usual. Some people with general anxiety lose their appetite, while others eat more than normal because they’re so anxious.

Panic Attacks are characterized by a sudden surge of anxiety, as if you’re under a threat, but no threat exists. This feeling can be accompanied by fear, chest tightness, nausea, pounding heart and sweating. Some people will even feel a sense of doom, fearing that the panic attack will lead to a heart attack or even death. In fact, some people will go to the emergency room assuming they are having a heart attack only to be diagnosed with Panic Attack or Panic Disorder.

Panic Attacks, when they occur often enough, can turn into Agoraphobia. Agoraphobia is defined as the intense fear of leaving the house. The primary fear, of course, is that a panic attack might occur while out in public or while driving. The more someone fears having a panic attack in public or while driving, the more they remain inside. This is also called avoidance behavior. It can be very debilitating and can lead to depression.

Addressing Anxiety & Panic

The standard approach to treating anxiety and related disorders in the United States is prescription medication. However, not everyone wants to take medication. More and more people are choosing to use drugs only as a last resort.

There are non-medication alternatives. These are very often the first step people take in Canada, Europe, Asia and other parts of the world. Many of these alternatives are thousands of years old; some were developed much more recently in response to research conducted at Harvard University in the 1960s and 1970s. They’re very effective for the vast majority of people.

For my clients, I use a two-step approach, one of which relies upon The Neuro Immersion Method^TM that I developed. Please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions section of the web site for more on this.

Step One involves teaching you an Anxiety Reduction Technique that must be practiced on a daily basis for two weeks. The technique is easy to learn and takes about five minutes to do. To be most effective, the technique should be practiced several times a day: five minutes in the morning; five minutes in the mid-day and five minutes in the evening. I will teach you this technique and encourage you to immediately begin practicing it three times a day.

Step Two involves using a CD at night, while you’re drifting off to sleep, every night for two weeks. This is The Neuro Immersion Method^TM. This CD will enhance the benefits derived from the Anxiety Reduction Technique described above in Step One. You’ll leave the office with this CD so you can begin using it immediately. The CD will be customized to you and your specific needs.

If you take anxiety medication, you can still use my approach. It can only help. Many people who practice this technique are able to reduce or get off of their medication. Note: Do not stop or change medication without consulting your physician.

Long-term success requires you to do two things: (1) practice the Anxiety Reduction Technique at least twice a day after the initial two weeks, and (2) use the CD at least one night a week after the initial two weeks.

There are non-medication alternatives. These are very often the first step people take in Canada, Europe, Asia and other parts of the world. These alternative options are thousands of years old and very effective for the vast majority of people.

Success-Rates, Appointments, Fees

I have never had a client express dissatisfaction with my approach to general anxiety and panic attacks. Not everyone experiences complete anxiety resolution, but everyone benefits. About 90% of people experience significant to total benefit, while about 10% experience some benefit. Many of my clients who take anxiety medication do so well that they are able to reduce them or stop them entirely. NOTE: Never stop or change medication without consulting your physician.

If you have questions or wish to schedule an appointment, please call Linda, the office manager, at 908-301-0039. She will patiently answer all of your questions and tell you the fees. Most people need just one appointment, however, about 20% of people need a second appointment. You will never be pressured into making an appointment. You have my word on this. If you choose to make an appointment, just ask. The appointment takes about 60 to 90 minutes. This can be done by phone, as well. Feel free to ask about this option.