An overview of anxiety and depression disorder, and the kinds of treatment available today. Anxiety attacks are characterized by hyperventilation which is breathing too heavily and too rapidly.

Anxiety and Depression
Causes and Treatments

My first understanding of alternatives to medicating anxiety attacks came in a philosophy class in college -- although my first awareness of anxiety and anxiety cures were when my mother would implore me with her  “go get me my pills” commands.   My newly found friend had walked into the classroom before the session began with her backpack, a drink, and a paper bag bunched at where the neck would be.  She breathed deeply into the bag causing it to balloon out, and then she would inhale deeply making a crackling sound as the brown paper bag came together. She continued this for quite some time.

Evidently, her need for this particular procedure was brought on by an anxiety attack, which is a sudden and uncontrollable feeling of fear, dread and, of course, anxiety.  This is also known as a panic attack. .  An anxiety attack is caused by an imbalance of gases in the blood. The carbon dioxide levels in the blood are lower than they should be which is often caused by the anxiety-stricken person unintentionally hyperventilating.  The act of inhaling and exhaling steadily in a paper bag gets more carbon dioxide into the body.

Because the anxiety syndrome has become more prevalent in some cultures and countries, experts in the medical  field as well as some therapists have suggested other self-help anxiety cures.  Some of these include talking yourself up and taking your point of focus to a place outside  your body and your bodily reactions/symptoms, and sitting calmly with a positive approach and attitude or mindset.

Sometimes, the anxiety attacks are not psychically-related or metaphysical, but are the result of a physical illness such as diabetes, for instance.  If the anxiety arises from a specific disease, then the anxiety cures can be more complicated.  Usually these sufferers consult doctors or therapists or clinics dedicated to such disorders.  In addition, people learn more about more options and alternatives for anxiety cures. They usually take prescribed medications, get  biofeedback, neurofeedback or psychotherapy, whichever one is more suited to the individual and scope of anxiety. They frequently learn new life-management skills.  Patients with chronic anxiety are taught new techniques for breathing, stress-management, and better problem-solving.

As with any chronic disorder or illness, you would be wise to thoroughly educate yourself about the causes, effects, and treatments available. You should also consult with professionals in the medical and therapy fields for their guidance. Your own condition, the origin of your anxiety attacks, whether psychological or physical, will determine the course and form of treatment - be it psychotherapy, medications or maybe the paper bag will do.

For more information about anxiety and depression, signs, symptoms and treatment see:

Depression Prevention - Stop It Before It Starts
Depression - Clinical Depression, Causes, Symtoms, Treatment
Treating Depression Naturally - Supplement Products Review
Depression and Men - Reduction in Testosterone Levels
Depression and Food - What We Eat Affects Mood
Dealing With Depression - Prevention Instead of Management
Treating Depression With Herbs - Success With St.John's Wort
Manic-Depression Disorder - Also Known As Bipolar Disorder
Manic-Depression vs. Depression - Pictures of Bipolar Disease
Anti-Depression - Dealing With Depression Naturally
New Treatment For Depression - FDA Approved Therapy
Bipolar Depression - Patients Should BeTreated Early
Depression in Teenagers and Children - Statistics, Symptoms, Treatment
National Institutes of Mental Health - Depression Resource Site
Depression Screening - A Source for Depression Screening and Helpful Information