by Dr. Craig April, Director of The April Center For Anxiety Attack Management - Los Angeles
www.KickFear.com
Treating anxiety, OCD and panic attacks with songs? Though music is not a panacea, it can certainly help. Studies have shown that music can boost mood, reduce stress, assist us with expression and be restorative. Plus, music can be so inspiring! I think we all can attest to having at least one experience where a certain song made us feel like we could take on any problem or challenge.
And yet, we often forget to turn to music in times of need.
Well, this post has been written to be a reminder. What better time to use music as a tool for coping and inspiration than when caught in the throes of anxiety? So, with this in mind, I have created a list of The Best 30 Songs To Help You Face Anxiety, OCD, Fear, Panic Attacks and Phobias!
Click on the above link and be inspired to face anxiety NOW!
The songs on this list have been handpicked by Dr. April, aka the anxiety doctor, as the top songs to help you battle anxiety. Each and every song on this list can inspire you to face the fear you've been avoiding. After viewing this list, some people have chosen to listen to several of these songs for courage and strength while actively facing their particular fear. Ever watched Olympic athletes, boxers or MMA fighters before their main event? There's a reason they listen to music moments before. It can pump you up!
So get pumped up and take a look at the list now.
Life is short. Kick fear today!
All the best,
DR. APRIL
Director of The April Center For Anxiety Attack Management - Los Angeles
P. S. Don't forget to sign up for my anxiety newsletter on my website's home page where you'll receive free anxiety tips!
___________________________________________________________________________________
About Me
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Agoraphobia, Panic Attacks and You
by Dr. Craig April, Director of The April Center For Anxiety Attack Management - Los Angeles
www.KickFear.com
Agoraphobia and panic attacks have a special relationship. In fact, one might say they often go together like peanut butter and jelly - just not in a nice way!
It is often the case that Agoraphobia is a byproduct of an ongoing struggle with panic attacks - creating what is known as Panic Disorder.
But just what is Agoraphobia? There are many misconceptions. For example, one is that it is a fear of open spaces. This can be a symptom, but one I have rarely seen over the years. Another misconception is that it is a fear of leaving your home. Agoraphobia can result in this fear, especially in the most severe cases, but this is not the definition.
So what is it then?
Agoraphobia is truly defined by a fear of being trapped in a setting that one feels there is no quick escape or help immediately available. Generally speaking, those with this fear have a panic attack in these situations.
Because this fear can be triggered in a multitude of contexts for those that suffer, it is called a complex phobia.
Here is a list of common Agoraphobic fears and symptoms:
- Difficulty driving out of one's comfort zone away from home. Those with this phobia often have a certain radius in which they feel comfortable and do not travel beyond it easily or at all.
- Difficulty in crowds, including crowded concerts, sporting events and movie theaters. Sitting in the middle of a row is usually avoided.
- Difficulty being away from home without their labeled support person, often a spouse or family member.
- Fear of flying focused on feeling trapped in an enclosed space with no easy escape. For similar reasons, fear of traffic, fear of elevators, fear of being on a bus, and fear of driving over bridges are also common. For some, Agoraphobia can be triggered during weddings, after ordering in a restaurant, on a rollercoaster and while seated in class at school.
- When confronted by an agoraphobic fear, a panic attack can occur. Interestingly enough, a panic attack is often the precursor to developing Agoraphobia. Due to a fear of having another panic attack, one can begin to fear experiences where they cannot escape from quickly, in the event of panic. For these reasons, panic attacks and Agoraphobia can become inextricably linked. That said, even if panic attacks devolve into Panic Disorder, Agoraphobia is not always an issue. So, Panic Disorder and Agoraphobia can also be their own separate diagnoses.
No matter what form these symptoms take, help is available in the form of anxiety treatment provided by specifically skilled anxiety doctors. Relief is often experienced following Cognitive Behavioral Therapy provided by these specialists. This therapy is not traditional talk therapy. It is structured, focused on the present and provides clear cut strategies/tools to overcome anxiety. It is highly collaborative, which means the anxiety doctor you choose should be verbally engaging.
You can break free of Agoraphobia. Being limited or, GASP!, house-bound does not have to be your reality. Seek help and live life!
All the best,
DR. APRIL
Director of The April Center For Anxiety Attack Management - Los Angeles
P. S. Don't forget to sign up for my anxiety newsletter on my website's home page where you'll receive free anxiety tips!
__________________________________________________________________________________
www.KickFear.com
Agoraphobia and panic attacks have a special relationship. In fact, one might say they often go together like peanut butter and jelly - just not in a nice way!
It is often the case that Agoraphobia is a byproduct of an ongoing struggle with panic attacks - creating what is known as Panic Disorder.
But just what is Agoraphobia? There are many misconceptions. For example, one is that it is a fear of open spaces. This can be a symptom, but one I have rarely seen over the years. Another misconception is that it is a fear of leaving your home. Agoraphobia can result in this fear, especially in the most severe cases, but this is not the definition.
So what is it then?
Agoraphobia is truly defined by a fear of being trapped in a setting that one feels there is no quick escape or help immediately available. Generally speaking, those with this fear have a panic attack in these situations.
Because this fear can be triggered in a multitude of contexts for those that suffer, it is called a complex phobia.
Here is a list of common Agoraphobic fears and symptoms:
- Difficulty driving out of one's comfort zone away from home. Those with this phobia often have a certain radius in which they feel comfortable and do not travel beyond it easily or at all.
- Difficulty in crowds, including crowded concerts, sporting events and movie theaters. Sitting in the middle of a row is usually avoided.
- Difficulty being away from home without their labeled support person, often a spouse or family member.
- Fear of flying focused on feeling trapped in an enclosed space with no easy escape. For similar reasons, fear of traffic, fear of elevators, fear of being on a bus, and fear of driving over bridges are also common. For some, Agoraphobia can be triggered during weddings, after ordering in a restaurant, on a rollercoaster and while seated in class at school.
- When confronted by an agoraphobic fear, a panic attack can occur. Interestingly enough, a panic attack is often the precursor to developing Agoraphobia. Due to a fear of having another panic attack, one can begin to fear experiences where they cannot escape from quickly, in the event of panic. For these reasons, panic attacks and Agoraphobia can become inextricably linked. That said, even if panic attacks devolve into Panic Disorder, Agoraphobia is not always an issue. So, Panic Disorder and Agoraphobia can also be their own separate diagnoses.
No matter what form these symptoms take, help is available in the form of anxiety treatment provided by specifically skilled anxiety doctors. Relief is often experienced following Cognitive Behavioral Therapy provided by these specialists. This therapy is not traditional talk therapy. It is structured, focused on the present and provides clear cut strategies/tools to overcome anxiety. It is highly collaborative, which means the anxiety doctor you choose should be verbally engaging.
You can break free of Agoraphobia. Being limited or, GASP!, house-bound does not have to be your reality. Seek help and live life!
All the best,
DR. APRIL
Director of The April Center For Anxiety Attack Management - Los Angeles
P. S. Don't forget to sign up for my anxiety newsletter on my website's home page where you'll receive free anxiety tips!
__________________________________________________________________________________
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
OCD Treatment and Anxiety Doctors: Why so negative?
by Dr. Craig April, Director of The April Center For Anxiety Attack Management - Los Angeles
www.KickFear.com
OCD Treatment is known by the anxiety doctors who provide it and the OCD sufferers who have entered it as "counter-intuitive".
This means that proper OCD treatment is not the kind of therapy that focuses on simply being positive and addressing the past events of childhood. How could it be? When people are suffering with anxiety, obsessions and compulsions that are wreaking havoc on their personal and professional lives, they need fear-facing help. Not false assurances that, with conversation, their suffering will disappear with the arrival of insight.
To truly overcome fear, anxiety and OCD obsession, one must FACE it. You must look it in the eye! This doesn't sound very positive to many. But, no one has ever successfully faced fear by running from it or trying to pretend it's not there. You can't go around it, under it or over it, either. You've got to go through it!
And that's the beauty of proper OCD treatment provided by expert anxiety doctors and specialists. The specific evidence-based CBT treatment provided has far-reaching effects. Facing fear can be the most profound and meaningful action you will ever experience.
However, the treatment itself is not focused on warm fuzzies much of the time (though anxiety doctors should be kind and engaging). For example, for those that fear panic attacks, would a therapist repeatedly addressing theories about the relationship between current anxiety and childhood have an impact ultimately? Sure, it sounds interesting in the moment, but it does so little to change one's current experience of anxiety. The only way to overcome anxiety, obsessions and accompanying compulsions is to face fear. This is true for all areas of anxiety.
Purposely experiencing what one fears does not sound very positive. But, things in life are often not what they seem. OCD treatment focused on facing fear in the form of an external situation or internally generated by thought is ULTRA-POSITIVE. Why? Because, as you learn tools and techniques, your confidence grows. You begin to feel empowered while taking small steps towards breaking free. Conversely, not facing fear directly is dis-empowering, discouraging and creates the experience of imprisonment.
In summary, anxiety and "OCD" obsessions and compulsions can be overcome with proper OCD treatment in the form of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Unfortunately, most therapists believe that traditional talk therapy focused on addressing unresolved past conflicts can treat all diagnoses. However, anxiety disorders such as, OCD, phobias, social anxiety, panic attacks and panic disorder require evidence based CBT treatment provided by specialists.
Making progress just takes a little motivation and commitment to living a life with more freedom and peace.
You can move beyond fear and anxiety. It can be done. So . . . take . . . that . . . first . . . step! You're stronger than you think.
All the best,
DR. APRIL
Director of The April Center For Anxiety Attack Management - Los Angeles
P. S. Don't forget to sign up for my anxiety newsletter on my website's home page where you'll receive free anxiety tips!
__________________________________________________________________________________
www.KickFear.com
OCD Treatment is known by the anxiety doctors who provide it and the OCD sufferers who have entered it as "counter-intuitive".
This means that proper OCD treatment is not the kind of therapy that focuses on simply being positive and addressing the past events of childhood. How could it be? When people are suffering with anxiety, obsessions and compulsions that are wreaking havoc on their personal and professional lives, they need fear-facing help. Not false assurances that, with conversation, their suffering will disappear with the arrival of insight.
To truly overcome fear, anxiety and OCD obsession, one must FACE it. You must look it in the eye! This doesn't sound very positive to many. But, no one has ever successfully faced fear by running from it or trying to pretend it's not there. You can't go around it, under it or over it, either. You've got to go through it!
And that's the beauty of proper OCD treatment provided by expert anxiety doctors and specialists. The specific evidence-based CBT treatment provided has far-reaching effects. Facing fear can be the most profound and meaningful action you will ever experience.
However, the treatment itself is not focused on warm fuzzies much of the time (though anxiety doctors should be kind and engaging). For example, for those that fear panic attacks, would a therapist repeatedly addressing theories about the relationship between current anxiety and childhood have an impact ultimately? Sure, it sounds interesting in the moment, but it does so little to change one's current experience of anxiety. The only way to overcome anxiety, obsessions and accompanying compulsions is to face fear. This is true for all areas of anxiety.
Purposely experiencing what one fears does not sound very positive. But, things in life are often not what they seem. OCD treatment focused on facing fear in the form of an external situation or internally generated by thought is ULTRA-POSITIVE. Why? Because, as you learn tools and techniques, your confidence grows. You begin to feel empowered while taking small steps towards breaking free. Conversely, not facing fear directly is dis-empowering, discouraging and creates the experience of imprisonment.
In summary, anxiety and "OCD" obsessions and compulsions can be overcome with proper OCD treatment in the form of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Unfortunately, most therapists believe that traditional talk therapy focused on addressing unresolved past conflicts can treat all diagnoses. However, anxiety disorders such as, OCD, phobias, social anxiety, panic attacks and panic disorder require evidence based CBT treatment provided by specialists.
Making progress just takes a little motivation and commitment to living a life with more freedom and peace.
You can move beyond fear and anxiety. It can be done. So . . . take . . . that . . . first . . . step! You're stronger than you think.
All the best,
DR. APRIL
Director of The April Center For Anxiety Attack Management - Los Angeles
P. S. Don't forget to sign up for my anxiety newsletter on my website's home page where you'll receive free anxiety tips!
__________________________________________________________________________________
Sunday, March 25, 2012
The Anxiety Cycle On A Bicycle Infographic - Does Your Phobia Fit Here?
by Dr. Craig April, Director of The April Center For Anxiety Attack Management - Los Angeles
www.KickFear.com
The anxiety cycle on a bicycle infographic was created to demonstrate the development of a fear, phobia, OCD obsession, social anxiety and/or anxiety disorder. The image also applies to panic attacks or any internally focused fear too!
Does your anxiety issue reflect the same pattern?
Take a look by clicking the link below:
http://www.kickfear.com/anxiety-bicycle.html
All the best,
DR. APRIL
Director of The April Center For Anxiety Attack Management - Los Angeles
(Also known as "The Anxiety, OCD, Phobia and Panic Attack Doctor")
P. S. Don't forget to sign up for my anxiety newsletter on my website's home page where you'll receive free anxiety tips!
.
www.KickFear.com
The anxiety cycle on a bicycle infographic was created to demonstrate the development of a fear, phobia, OCD obsession, social anxiety and/or anxiety disorder. The image also applies to panic attacks or any internally focused fear too!
Does your anxiety issue reflect the same pattern?
Take a look by clicking the link below:
http://www.kickfear.com/anxiety-bicycle.html
All the best,
DR. APRIL
Director of The April Center For Anxiety Attack Management - Los Angeles
(Also known as "The Anxiety, OCD, Phobia and Panic Attack Doctor")
P. S. Don't forget to sign up for my anxiety newsletter on my website's home page where you'll receive free anxiety tips!
.
Friday, December 9, 2011
OCD Treatment More Than Behavior Therapy
by Dr. Craig April, Director of The April Center for Anxiety Attack Management - Los Angeles
www.KickFear.com
OCD treatment is more than Behavior Therapy. It also includes a cognitive focus. This is the "C" in CBT (Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy).
When someone comes to my center for help, the cognitive side of OCD is often shared first. For example, although OCD comes with a host of behaviors that are ritualistic and compulsive, it is the thoughts that most are more concerned about.
These thoughts are "Obsessions" - One of the hallmarks of OCD, as I've discussed in some of my other posts.
However, there is an additional consideration beyond the obsesions and the beliefs, perspectives and attitudes that maintain anxiety for those suffering with the symptoms of OCD. In a word, I'm talking about sensitivity.
Most people with OCD are just more sensitive than the rest. And yet, this is not an automatic negative nor does it have anything to do with a real weakness.
It may simply be a case of neurobiological sensitivity. In other words, most individuals with OCD just tend to have more sensitive systems than others. This can create a variety of experiences, such as:
- frequent minor aches, pains or ailments
- sensitivity to medications and their side effects
- struggles with certain sounds, loud noises and environmental over-stimulation
- awareness of small fluctuations, nuances and sensations within one's body
This sensitivity also can effect the emotional side of experience. For example, those with OCD tend to be more sensitive to their emotions. Following OCD treatment, this can result in greater awareness of one's own and other people's feelings, which can deepen the quality of relationships.
Being "sensitive" seems to come with society's strong negative connotation. And yet, this sensitivity offers the ability to take care of oneself more easily due to awareness. It can also offer stronger positive feelings and experiences of life.
As for OCD treatment and cognitive behavioral strategies, part of the focus is on addressing how biological sensitivity impacts one's thoughts and then feelings. For example, a common struggle for those with OCD can be difficulty tolerating certain sounds, like someone's chewing or breathing. These can often send someone with OCD "through the roof" of frustration and irritation. It is easy for those with OCD to personalize these experiences and get angry at the noisy perpetrator. Meanwhile, this experience simply has to do with biological sensitivity. The noisy eater is not at fault!
With this awareness can come greater self control. Then these sounds don't result in an OCD sufferer's controlling or angry behavior.
Awareness and Acceptance of this biological sensitivity can go a long way. Therefore, OCD treatment should address both, in addition to behavior therapy and cognitive therapy's focus on obsessions.
And to all those sensitive individuals out there, remember to find the strength in your sensitivity!
All the best,
DR. APRIL
Director of The April center For Anxiety Attack Management - Los Angeles
P. S. Don't forget to sign up for my anxiety newsletter on my website's home page where you'll receive free anxiety tips!
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Anxiety Relief Spells Anxiety Support Groups?
by Dr. Craig April, Director of The April Center for Anxiety Attack Management - Los Angeles
www.KickFear.com
For anxiety relief, anxiety support groups can be the key.
Many that come to my center share that it would be meaningful to meet others with similar anxiety symptom experiences. This is understandable. Struggling with anxiety can be lonely.
When I see someone enter one of my groups for the first time, it is often an amazing experience. They are usually overcome with a feeling of community and understanding. Finally they have connected with others who also struggle!
And it often doesn't matter what the anxiety group focuses on - whether it is panic attacks, phobias, OCD, social anxiety, etc. - people connect through their internal sensory experience of anxiety, their avoidance behaviors, the limits and lack of freedom created by their symptoms, their fear and, of course, their desire to reduce anxiety.
Another interesting discovery for many in group is identifying where they fall in the range of anxiety syndrome. For example, some discover that they might not have as much work to do towards anxiety relief as they had originally thought. Others discover that they have a lot of work to do, but are hopeful based on seeing and hearing others share their road towards progress and anxiety reduction.
For those of you struggling with anxiety symptoms or anxiety disorders that have never tried an anxiety support group, I can't recommend them enough. One caveat though: make sure the anxiety support group is led by an expert anxiety treatment therapist who practices CBT (cognitive-behavioral therapy). This is the only form of anxiety treatment that has been scientifically proven to reduce anxiety.
Follow this link for more on anxiety support groups
All the best,
DR. APRIL
P.S. Don't forget to purchase your audio copy of my new anxiety reduction zen meditation !
__________________________________________________________________________________
www.KickFear.com
For anxiety relief, anxiety support groups can be the key.
Many that come to my center share that it would be meaningful to meet others with similar anxiety symptom experiences. This is understandable. Struggling with anxiety can be lonely.
When I see someone enter one of my groups for the first time, it is often an amazing experience. They are usually overcome with a feeling of community and understanding. Finally they have connected with others who also struggle!
And it often doesn't matter what the anxiety group focuses on - whether it is panic attacks, phobias, OCD, social anxiety, etc. - people connect through their internal sensory experience of anxiety, their avoidance behaviors, the limits and lack of freedom created by their symptoms, their fear and, of course, their desire to reduce anxiety.
Another interesting discovery for many in group is identifying where they fall in the range of anxiety syndrome. For example, some discover that they might not have as much work to do towards anxiety relief as they had originally thought. Others discover that they have a lot of work to do, but are hopeful based on seeing and hearing others share their road towards progress and anxiety reduction.
For those of you struggling with anxiety symptoms or anxiety disorders that have never tried an anxiety support group, I can't recommend them enough. One caveat though: make sure the anxiety support group is led by an expert anxiety treatment therapist who practices CBT (cognitive-behavioral therapy). This is the only form of anxiety treatment that has been scientifically proven to reduce anxiety.
Follow this link for more on anxiety support groups
All the best,
DR. APRIL
P.S. Don't forget to purchase your audio copy of my new anxiety reduction zen meditation !
__________________________________________________________________________________
Monday, February 15, 2010
With Panic Attacks and Phobias, The Mind Doesn't Know What's Real
by Dr. Craig April, Director of The April Center for Anxiety Attack Management - Los Angeles
www.KickFear.com
With panic attacks and phobias, the mind is mistaken. There generally is no real danger. However, our minds often have trouble distinguishing between what is real and what is not.
www.KickFear.com
With panic attacks and phobias, the mind is mistaken. There generally is no real danger. However, our minds often have trouble distinguishing between what is real and what is not.
For those who have been predisposed biologically to anxiety (meaning born wired for anxiety) it can be even more challenging at times to interpret what is a real threat and what is not.
A great example of the above is a recent article about children and teens in Italy seeing a recent popular scary movie and then struggling with panic attacks and anxiety symptoms.
Click on the link below to read article:
http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/italians-bar-children-paranormal-activity-movie/story?id=9786440
I often talk about this issue at The April Center with those who come to see me for anxiety treatment. Isn't it interesting that when watching a scary movie, our minds and then bodies can react as if we're in danger - when we're not in any danger at all! We are sitting in a comfortable chair, in a nice theater, maybe with a friend or someone we're close to, while possibly eating a tasty snack and reacting as if
under attack!
Doesn't this suggest that our minds often struggle with knowing the difference between when we are
truly in danger and when we're not?
For those with panic attacks, phobias, OCD and social anxiety, I've got a question for you. When you
are anxious, how often are you truly in terrible danger?
Anxiety is a trickster and is often based on longstanding and conditioned false beliefs. A big part of
my treatment at the April Center is in helping anxiety sufferers modify their false beliefs. This can take work, but when you change the way you think, you change the way you behave (A major tenet of CBT - Cognitive Behavioral Therapy). If you change the way you think regarding that which makes you anxious, then you can finally respond with more calm when facing that which you have feared. You can also behave with more courage than ever before!
Don't let anxiety continue to rule your mind and trick you! To correct false beliefs, you need proper tools, strategies and education to reduce your anxiety and move forward with life and happiness.
Follow this link for more on anxiety treatment
All the best,
DR. APRIL
P.S. Don't forget to subscribe to my blog in the box below for more tips and info!
_________________________________________________________________________________
A great example of the above is a recent article about children and teens in Italy seeing a recent popular scary movie and then struggling with panic attacks and anxiety symptoms.
Click on the link below to read article:
http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/italians-bar-children-paranormal-activity-movie/story?id=9786440
I often talk about this issue at The April Center with those who come to see me for anxiety treatment. Isn't it interesting that when watching a scary movie, our minds and then bodies can react as if we're in danger - when we're not in any danger at all! We are sitting in a comfortable chair, in a nice theater, maybe with a friend or someone we're close to, while possibly eating a tasty snack and reacting as if
under attack!
Doesn't this suggest that our minds often struggle with knowing the difference between when we are
truly in danger and when we're not?
For those with panic attacks, phobias, OCD and social anxiety, I've got a question for you. When you
are anxious, how often are you truly in terrible danger?
Anxiety is a trickster and is often based on longstanding and conditioned false beliefs. A big part of
my treatment at the April Center is in helping anxiety sufferers modify their false beliefs. This can take work, but when you change the way you think, you change the way you behave (A major tenet of CBT - Cognitive Behavioral Therapy). If you change the way you think regarding that which makes you anxious, then you can finally respond with more calm when facing that which you have feared. You can also behave with more courage than ever before!
Don't let anxiety continue to rule your mind and trick you! To correct false beliefs, you need proper tools, strategies and education to reduce your anxiety and move forward with life and happiness.
Follow this link for more on anxiety treatment
All the best,
DR. APRIL
P.S. Don't forget to subscribe to my blog in the box below for more tips and info!
_________________________________________________________________________________
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