Anxiety And Agoraphobia
Agoraphobia is a condition that some sufferers of Anxiety or Panic Disorder develop if their condition isn’t treated. Contrary to popular belief Agoraphobia is not a fear of leaving the house, but a progressive condition that has the sufferer scared to be in a situation where escape from a Panic Attack seems unavoidable and difficult. Agoraphobia can lead to a vicious circle you may be frightened of having a Panic Attack and find yourself having a Panic attack through fear of having one, this re-occurs over and over until the condition is treated.
I avoided looking for work, going to social functions and many other situations because of this. Even getting in a car, shopping or getting on public transport was absolutely terrifying. I was very limited with what I could do and basically crippled my lifestyle for over 10 years. This very quickly stopped me from going out at all. I had one stint of 8 years of not leaving the house at all, my neighbors didn’t know I was there. They thought my partner lived alone, sadly my home became my safe place.
People who suffer from Agoraphobia have a safe place, everyone’s safe place is different. If you have your attacks in your car on a main road you may choose to only drive on quiet streets and limit where you drive. Or you may find like me, standing in long lines to pay a bill or at supermarkets waiting to pay for your groceries causes a Panic Attack. You may then get someone else to pay your bills or shop at a smaller shop with less customers. That becomes your Safe Zone, you end up being very limited in your daily life or do as I did, practically made myself a recluse locked between 4 walls.
Anyone who suffers from Agoraphobia knows only too well the intense fear that overtakes you, your mind turns to mush and your body just won’t co-operate.You sweat, your heart races, your legs feel like jelly, and you wish you were in your Safe Place. Then later on when you get to your Safe Place you wonder why this happens to you, which just makes you more anxious. It’s a confining and frightening condition.
Agoraphobia can develop without suffering Anxiety or Panic Disorder, although it is uncommon, but more often is linked to these and other disorders. The cause of Agoraphobia is unknown, but it is to be thought to be caused by genetic, chemical imbalance in the brain, environment and social situations. Agoraphobia can be treated, it’s obviously better to get treatment as soon as you experience Anxiety or Panic Attacks, but even after years of suffering, like me you can learn to control it. Once I learned to take control of my Anxiety and Panic Attacks, my Agoraphobia became a thing of the past.
Pauline Smith has been living with panic attacks for years and wants to help others find freedom from these life changing disorders. Visit her free blog at http://manageinganxiety.blogspot.com for some great advice on controlling anxiety panic attacks.
The Initial Symptoms Of Bipolar Disorder: Spot Them Early
Many bipolar sufferers are unaware that their condition exists. The initial symptoms of bipolar disorder, commonly known as manic depression, start to manifest during adolescence and can be triggered at any time.
Fortunately this disorder, thought to be a chemical brain imbalance, can be treated very successfully. The main concern is to spot the initial symptoms of bipolar early, so that an accurate diagnosis can be made and the appropriate treatment started.
If someone in your circle of family and friends has bipolar disorder, then you would already know the effect it has on their daily lives. Contrary to popular belief, individuals suffering with bipolar disorder are not always depressed and morose. The very nature of bipolar means that wild mood swings occur moving from high to low in a short space of time. These mood swings can be quite difficult to distinguish.
The illness is highly likely to recur frequently, affecting a person for their entire lifetime. The best long-term treatment is achieved by fostering and maintaining a strong support group. This of course is totally dependent on being able to spot the initial symptoms of bipolar disorder in the first place.
HOW TO SPOT DEPRESSION
Correctly identifying depression is a tricky exercise, and can baffle even the most experienced professional. One obvious sign of depression is a sad or anxious mood manifesting over an extended period. Another can be lack of motivation or desire to participate in activities which would normally be enjoyed by the person, for example hobbies, sex or social activities.
WHAT CONSTITUTES A MANIC EPISODE
The most noticeable behavior is a euphoric mood and increased level of energy. These characteristics are quite evident and easily noticed. Other signs include over generosity, spending sprees, hypersexuality (increased sex drive), loss of concentration, and grandiose feelings of invincibility.
SYMPTOMS OF PSYCHOSIS
In serious cases of bipolar disorder, the associated extreme mood swings can progress into psychosis symptoms, including delusions and hallucinations. While others can recognize psychosis quite easily, the patient is often unaware of them.
MIXED BIPOLAR STATES
Sometimes a mixed state of a bipolar disorder occurs, where the sufferer simultaneously experiences depression and mania. Symptoms often include sleep deficiency, appetite changes and agitation. Patients with mixed bipolar states can be extremely depressed but still possess high energy levels.
IDENTIFYING MORBID THOUGHTS
One of the most feared bipolar symptoms for the loved ones supporting a bipolar sufferer is the appearance of potentially morbid thoughts. Any suspicion that a patient is thinking morbidly and contemplating suicide should be acted upon immediately. In such cases a 911 emergency call should be made as a standard preventative measure. Better to be on the safe side than suffer a tragic suicide.
If the true nature of a person’s condition is to be revealed, recognizing the initial symptoms of bipolar is vitally important. Improper diagnosis can lead to a prolonged lifetime of suffering. All too often a patient seeks medical advice when suffering from depression, but they do not think it important to disclose their manic episodes. This is mainly because they feel good, and connect their manic periods with happiness and a normal state.
Research and study has now heightened awareness of this condition. More and more people are becoming educated and can recognize the initial symptoms of bipolar disorder. Information and guidance is now readily available through quality resources on reputable websites and from local mental health clinics.
How lucky we are to live in an age where the debilitating nature of such a condition can be halted by identifying the initial symptoms of bipolar early, allowing patients and their loved ones to lead normal, productive and healthy lives.
Jean Littman is married to a bipolar sufferer and is co-owner of BipolarClues.com which provides quality resources and tools for bipolar disorder and manic depression sufferers and their loved ones.
