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Tag Archives: panic attacks

Diet for anxiety

November 28, 2012   Darlene Wierski-Devoe   1 Comment

I am a firm believer that what we put in our bodies directly affects how we feel. I know if I drink coffee I feel jittery and I don’t like that feeling because it’s the same feeling I get when I am at the onset of a panic attack. As much as I love the wonderful smell of the rich full bodied brew I stay away. The same rings true for sugar with my son. Too much sugar and you’ll find him pacing and breathing hard – whether he recognizes it or not his body is most surely talking to him and saying, “What the heck are you doing to me? I don’t want this junk.” I found this article today and thought it would be good to share as a bit of reminder going into the holiday season where feast and bounties of every variety are around us. Remember what we put in our mouths directly relates to how we feel so give you and your children the gift of health.

Diet for Anxiety
ANXIETY JUNE 16, 2011 BY: DELIALAH FALCON

Dear Delialah,

Can you recommend a basic diet program for children suffering from anxiety?

Thanks,

Peter Chase, Charlotte NC

Dear Peter,

According to the Anxiety Disorders Association of America, anxiety disorders affect one in eight children. Children who suffer from anxiety may exhibit intestinal symptoms such as nausea, stomachaches, diarrhea and vomiting. Controlling anxiety may reduce intestinal symptoms. Although there is no evidence that any particular diet can cure anxiety, some studies suggest that eating and avoiding particular types of foods may help decrease the number as well as the severity of attacks. Implementing dietary changes does not serve as a substitute for treatment. If your child suffers from severe anxiety that interferes with his daily activities, consult a pediatrician.

Giving your child adequate protein for breakfast will help him sustain his energy levels throughout the day. Children who suffer from anxiety may experience episodes of lethargy from lack of sleep and emotional drain. Obtaining energy from a proper diet will help combat these effects. According to the Mayo Clinic, carbohydrates are thought to increase the amount of serotonin in your brain, which has a calming effect. Avoid simple carbohydrates found in sugary foods and white breads, and opt for whole grains instead. Breakfast foods that are high in protein and healthy carbs include scrambled eggs on a whole wheat tortilla, whole grain toast or English muffin spread with peanut butter, or an all natural whey protein shake.

Read the full article

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Just Breathe…

August 15, 2012   Darlene Wierski-Devoe   No comments

This is one of my favourite posts from last summer and I wanted to share it with all of you. Next time you’re sitting in your chair or in the car try to bring some awareness to your breath and see what your pattern of breathe is.

I don’t know about your anxious child but my daughter is terribly frightened to let herself relax. I have worked long and hard at getting her to do the same breathing techniques that I practice and up until now her little nervous system was in too much turmoil to let go. Lying down was even a problem for a while. She would actually fall asleep sitting up.
Have you ever realized just how much we tense up? When you are tired, sick, scared or anxious our bodies natural tendency is to go into the fetal position. This position provides better protection to the brain and vital organs than simply lying spread out on the ground, so it is obvious as to why it is an instinctual reaction to extreme stress or trauma when the brain is no longer able to cope with the surrounding environment, and in essence “shuts down” temporarily.

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Just Breathe…

August 15, 2012   Darlene Wierski-Devoe   1 Comment

This is one of my favourite posts from last summer and I wanted to share it with all of you. Next time you’re sitting in your chair or in the car try to bring some awareness to your breath and see what your pattern of breathe is.

I don’t know about your anxious child but my daughter is terribly frightened to let herself relax. I have worked long and hard at getting her to do the same breathing techniques that I practice and up until now her little nervous system was in too much turmoil to let go. Lying down was even a problem for a while. She would actually fall asleep sitting up.
Have you ever realized just how much we tense up? When you are tired, sick, scared or anxious our bodies natural tendency is to go into the fetal position. This position provides better protection to the brain and vital organs than simply lying spread out on the ground, so it is obvious as to why it is an instinctual reaction to extreme stress or trauma when the brain is no longer able to cope with the surrounding environment, and in essence “shuts down” temporarily.

Read More

Summertime heat equals heightened anxiety

July 18, 2012   Darlene Wierski-Devoe   No comments

I welcome everyone to check out my post over at Special-ism. I am talking this month about the relationship to heat and anxiety(panic) attacks. Why do we feel them more when the temperature rises. Here’s a little clip of the article.

The sun is shining, the temperature is rising and in your mind you think the best way to spend a stifling hot summer day is by taking the kids to a local splash pad where they can frolic in the cool water. The heat, for some is the epitome of pleasure. It allows for the carefree feeling of the sun on your skin – a chance for children to run around without the constraints of clothing other than bathing suits. But what happens when your great intentions turn out to be a nightmare for you and your child. You might ask yourself, “Why does my child not want to be outside when it’s so beautiful out here?”
Symptoms of Panic Attacks
If you ask adults and children alike “do you have more panic attacks when it’s really hot outside?” you will most likely hear the word, “absolutely” faster than you can ask the question. For a parent who has little to no trouble in the stifling heat it might be a little bit difficult to understand that there is a very real connection between your child’s body temperature and anxiety (panic attacks) and here’s why.

Read the full article

Read More

Summertime heat equals heightened anxiety

July 18, 2012   Darlene Wierski-Devoe   No comments

I welcome everyone to check out my post over at Special-ism. I am talking this month about the relationship to heat and anxiety(panic) attacks. Why do we feel them more when the temperature rises. Here’s a little clip of the article.

The sun is shining, the temperature is rising and in your mind you think the best way to spend a stifling hot summer day is by taking the kids to a local splash pad where they can frolic in the cool water. The heat, for some is the epitome of pleasure. It allows for the carefree feeling of the sun on your skin – a chance for children to run around without the constraints of clothing other than bathing suits. But what happens when your great intentions turn out to be a nightmare for you and your child. You might ask yourself, “Why does my child not want to be outside when it’s so beautiful out here?”
Symptoms of Panic Attacks
If you ask adults and children alike “do you have more panic attacks when it’s really hot outside?” you will most likely hear the word, “absolutely” faster than you can ask the question. For a parent who has little to no trouble in the stifling heat it might be a little bit difficult to understand that there is a very real connection between your child’s body temperature and anxiety (panic attacks) and here’s why.

Read the full article

Read More

Have you ever used “Character Strengths”?

April 15, 2012   Darlene Wierski-Devoe   No comments

I came across and article yesterday that I just had to share with you. It talked about using “mindfulness” which I’ve talked about before here on the blog. Being in the here and now and realistic thinking. This article also talked about using the strategy of “Character Strengths”.Although the article speaks about a middle aged man it is not set in stone for what age you are. My philosophy is that anything is worth a try and instead of thinking about “What if this doesn’t work” imagine “what if it does”. I have been doing this both for myself and my children without even realizing it. Take a look at the article and if you’ve used this concept I encourage you to share your experience with us. Enjoy!

Mindfulness and Strengths for Anxiety
By RYAN M. NIEMIEC, PSY.D
A few years ago, I worked with a middle-aged man (I’ll call him “Jim”) who was legally blind and suffered from social anxiety disorder (social phobia). Jim also experienced panic attacks. He wanted to learn to manage his anxiety better and to not have to take his anti-anxiety pills.

One day I asked Jim: “How did you make it here today?”

“The usual way – by bus,” he said. “Actually, 2 buses, a little bit of biking, and a lot of walking.”

“And what was that like for you to do today?”

“It was fine…I felt fine. Nothing remarkable.”

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