Panic Attacks, Depression Harm Your Mind And Body
A study examined the medical histories of nearly 40,000 people
who were diagnosed as suffering from panic disorder.
It found that those who suffer from panic disorder are at almost
double the risk for coronary heart disease, and those who suffer
from depression as well are at nearly three times the risk.
Panic disorder is a syndrome characterized by repeated episodes
of intense fear. These episodes are accompanied by physical
symptoms, which can include chest pain, heart palpitations,
shortness of breath, dizziness, and abdominal distress. Roughly
2.4 million Americans experience panic attacks each year.
The way in which coronary heart disease is triggered by panic
attacks is unknown. However, some stress responses to depression
already have been shown to increase the risk of coronary heart
disease.
Science Blog September 22, 2005
Dr. Mercola's Comment:
This should comes as nosurprise considering what a major role
negative emotions play in your body's healing process. The
connection betweenyour mind and yourbody is strong and
well-documented by a literalmountain of scientific research;
healing your mind is a crucial step in keeping your body healthy.
Unfortunately, most doctors, when faced with a patient who
suffers from panic disorder or depression, will reflexively
resort to prescribing potentially toxic medications as a form of
treatment, even though they don't provide any meaningful
benefit. This is laregely related to the incredibly effective
"brain washing" influence that the drug companies have over
their educational intervention.
How can Imake such a bold statement?
Easy, I was one of the brain washed doctors. I went into medical
school fully believing in the power of your body to heal
naturally and I came out a drug prescribing doctor. I think I
must have but several thousand patients on antidepressants in
the first few years of my practice alone. Seemed like every
other patient was walking out the door with a script for Prozac
or Wellbutrin.
But fortunately I finally woke up one day and began to
understand that there were far more effective options that
actually addressed the underlying cause of the disease.
One of my absolute favoritestreatments that can make all the
difference to your health and help you deal with panic attacks
or depression is the Emotional Freedom Technique, the energy
psychology tool I use daily in my practice. It is particularly
effective for panic attacks.
Another wonderful tool you can use is meditation. Some people
use it to promote spiritual growth or find inner peace, while
others use it as a relaxation and stress-reduction tool.
Panic and anxiety disorders can be debilitating and severely
affect your ability to perform everyday tasks. They can also, in
addition,put you at risk for a variety of physical health
problems. Resolve your emotional stresses, and both your mind
and your body will experience the benefits.
Another excellent meditation tool is the Insight CD, which Inow
recommend to allto many of mypatients. The Insight CD is a
complete tool dedicated to helping you reduce stress, explore
expanded states of consciousness, and achieve deeper levels of
self-awareness.