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Direct commentary, information and education on anxiety, OCD, phobias and panic attacks regarding you and the world in which we live.

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Break Free From Anxiety Disorder and Get Your Life Back!
Call The April Center For Anxiety Attack Management - Los Angeles: (310) 429-1024 or San Diego: (619) 961-1003. Or email Dr. April NOW.

Three locations serving Los Angeles, San Diego and The South Bay!

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Popular Comedian Shares Experience with OCD and Counseling

by Dr. Craig April, Director of The April Center for Anxiety Attack Management - Los Angeles
www.KickFear.com

Howie Mandel has long been known for his OCD, as well as his comedy. I've often seen him in the media sharing his struggles with OCD in an honest and humorous way.

Click on the link below to read a short article about his upcoming book:

http://www.intelligencer.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2180367

I found it interesting that the process of writing the book encouraged him to confront his OCD. Confronting OCD and coming to terms with the nature of this syndrome is a vital step in reducing symptoms.

He also mentions that he has received counseling. I would imagine this was key in assisting him in reducing his symptoms.

OCD and anxiety sufferers take note! It certainly doesn't seem like he has allowed OCD symptoms to get in the way of his goals and work life.

I'm interested in reading his soon to be released book. I'll let you know what I think after taking a look.

Until then, you can use him as inspiration to confront your own OCD and anxiety with humor while seeking treatment.

Taking one's thoughts too seriously generally increases anxiety. Humor has been beneficial to many that I have treated at my center.

Follow this link for more on OCD and counseling.

Monday, November 16, 2009

A Side of Anxiety and Panic Attacks for Thanksgiving?

by Dr. Craig April, Director of The April Center for Anxiety Attack Management - Los Angeles
www.KickFear.com

Anxiety and Panic Attacks around Thanksgiving are a common phenomenon for many.

Why would this be?

Well, aside from the lovely aspects of Thanksgiving, there are also pressures that many can experience. I've come up with a short list of the . . .

"Top Anxiety-related Thanksgiving themes":

1.) Conflict with RELATIVES including parents, siblings, etc.

2.) Flying and other forms of travel

3.) Cooking

4.) Returning to locations with a lot of past memories

5.) Planning to visit only significant other's family

6.) Diet (or a soon lack thereof)

7.) Time off work

8.) Assigning a lot of value and meaning to the experience
________________________________________________________________

How's that for a comprehensive list? If you can think of others, feel free to share.

One aspect of anxiety and panic attacks around Thanksgiving is related to a desire for a specific experience. For example, a need for everything to run smoothly, or for everyone to get along, or for others to enjoy the day, or needing the meal to be special, or simply a need to avoid having anxiety.

When we need to have a specific experience, we are attempting to control a situation that is more than likely not under our complete control. This can lead to anxiety and panic attacks.

This Thanksgiving, focus on being in the moment - Have the experience you're having. Catch yourself trapped in future-oriented thinking and refocus on the present.

And, of course, take solace in the fact that Thanksgiving will soon pass and fade in memory - no matter if it is a wonderful day or one you deem a horror.

But most importantly, consider this Thanksgiving a time to practice studying and dealing with your anxiety.

Follow this link for more on how to handle anxiety and panic attacks

The April Center for Anxiety Attack Management - Los Angeles and The South Bay

The April Center for Anxiety Attack Management is committed to helping you remove the destructive barriers of anxiety, so that you may lead a calmer, healthier, happier life.

Take a look at our website at www.KickFear.com or give us a call: (310) 429-1024
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