Anxiety! Panic! Depression! Part 2

The first thing you need to know about helping yourself to get better is to stay away from caffeine! Your nervous system is already over stimulated and caffeine will increase the stimulation, raising your anxiety levels and actually causing panic attacks.
Caffeine means coffee, tea, soda,and chocolate.
Sugar is another enemy of anxiety and panic. It, too, over stimulates your nervous system.
Most people put sugar in their coffe or tea. Chocolate and soda both have lots of sugar . Soda has TWELVE spoons of sugar in each can! That's a Panic Attack waiting to happen!! We also have to remember that a LOT of things have sugar in them! Cake, pie, ice cream, pudding, that innocent looking jello, etc. Watch what you eat, it could be loaded with sugar. I know how hard it is to give up such things. It was almost impossible for me. So, I came up with alternatives.

• Decaf Coffee
• Sugar free, non chocolate, desserts & snacks
• Herbal Teas
• Water

It can take some getting used to but it's worth it and it isn't forever. I am now able to eat regular desserts, half caffeine coffee, (the regular coffee drinkers don't notice the difference) and an occasional soda. I no longer care much for soda. I prefer water.

There are lots of things that helped me and I'm sure they can help you too. I thought I would start with the quickest, easiest ones.

• Magnesium - good for depression and anxiety
• Lavender - good for depression and anxiety
• Chamomile Tea - good for anxiety
• Vitamin B6 - creates serotonin - good for depression and anxiety

All of these things will calm you somewhat and that helps you to avoid panic attacks. It can take some time; there is no magic pill that will instantly do away with panic or depression. Getting better is a process not an event. I recommend using all of the above. Some important warnings!Magnesium and Vitamin B6 are to be taken with CAUTION! Do not exceed the dosage given on the bottle!! You CAN overdo a good thing with these. With the B6 start with 50 mg once a day. Do NOT go over 100 mg a day. EVER! Too little of these two things can can cause you trouble but too much can make you sick! Magnesium is usually 400 mg seperated into 3 pills which you take : one pill at a time, three times a day, with meals.

Both, along with Chamomile tea are available at drugstores and supermarkets, as well as WalMart. A few dollars each. Lavender might be found at health food stores or online.

That's it for today, much more tomorrow. Stay tuned.