Anxiety is a major problem in society that stems from life becoming too complex and demanding. Physical symptoms of anxiety include increased heart rate, sweating, and shortness of breath as the body prepares for a perceived threat. Panic attacks are also common and cause feelings of impending doom. While anxiety affects people differently, it is often related to individual circumstances and can lead to depression if left untreated. Developing endorphins through meditation can help reduce anxiety by cultivating a calm mind and letting go of unhealthy mental states, though professional help is also usually needed.

1. Another big problem in our society is anxiety. Life has become quite complex and demanding and for some of us above our capacity to deal with it. In our busyness we lose the connection with ourselves and one day we wake up at night in fear, racing heartbeat and we suddenly feel a sense of being lost and helpless. Fear of death, loneliness, pressing anxiety burning in the heart and fear of the future. A dark cloud seems to sit on our chest making it difficult to breathe. Well not everyone experiences it in the same way and severity as there are many reasons for anxiety. It is related to the individual and personal circumstances. Physical effects of anxiety may include heart palpitations, fatigue, nausea, chest pain, shortness of breath, stomach aches, or headaches. Physically, the body prepares the organism to deal with a threat. Blood pressure and heart rate are increased, sweating is increased, blood flow to the major muscle groups is increased, and immune and digestive system functions are inhibited (the fight or flight response). External signs of anxiety may include pale skin, sweating, trembling, and pupillary dilation. Someone suffering from anxiety might also experience it as a sense of dread or panic. Although panic attacks are not experienced by every anxiety sufferer, they are a common symptom. Panic attacks usually come without warning, and although the fear is generally irrational, the perception of danger is very real. A person experiencing a panic attack will often feel as if he or she is about to die or pass out. Panic attacks may be confused with heart attacks. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anxiety How to deal with anxiety depends on individual circumstances and I am not in the position to give remedies or healing solutions. It is always advisable to see your GP for advise and referral to see specialised professionals. I deal with clients with anxiety in a non clinical way as I am confident that it works for some clients with awareness and meditation techniques. A person with anxiety can slip into depression and the earlier one sees a professional the better. Circumstances in life can change in an instance and anyone can get anxiety or depressive states of mind. Many factors influence anxiety such as lifestyle, culture, religion, food, stress at work, school or in relationship, divorce, loss of a loved one, health decline etc. The antidote for anxiety is to develop as much endorphins in the brain as possible plus of course the resolve of the causes. Counselling can unfold the causes through collaborative work with the client. But a major factor is the cultivation of the mind through meditation and having healthy human relationships. Through meditation we get to know ourselves and this enables us to let go of unhealthy states of mind such as anxiety. However to work with anxiety we need to learn to accept that this is part of ourselves and we cannot suppress it or push it away anymore. If we try to run away from it or numb it with drugs, alcohol or other distractions then it will get stronger and comes back with more vengeance. This is a process of denial and we are lying to ourselves. The moment we open up to anxiety it becomes weaker already. Meditation produces endorphins and protects the body and mind from illness. I posted before the benefits of meditation: http://www.medigrace.org/benefits.html http://www.depression-guide.com/meditation-benefits.htm However not everyone would like to meditate or in some cases it is just not suitable for the person at the time. Endorphins are more explained on these websites: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Endorphins http://pages.prodigy.net/unohu/endorphins.htm Endorphins developed in meditation are far more powerful and is based on temporarily leaving the sensory realm to a blissful state of mind which triggers happiness for a long lasting time. I can strongly recommend the practice of meditation as it is free and has no negative side-effects.