Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is characterized by Webmd.com as an excessive, exaggerated anxiety and worry about everyday life events with no obvious reasons for worry.<\/p>\n
An estimated 6.8 million people in the United States are afflicted with GAD. They cannot stop worrying about issues such as health, money, family, work or school.\u00a0 Their degree of worry is typically out of proportion for the situation and daily life may become a constant state of worry, fear or dread.<\/p>\n
There are various prescription medications designed to help people with GAD manage their anxiety, but some holistic and traditional experts say that practice of meditation can also help those with the disorder.\u00a0 Being in a meditative state is said to quiet an overactive mind, one of the traits of anxiety.<\/p>\n
Meditation is a state of deep physical relaxation combined with acute mental alertness.\u00a0 It is likened to taking a nap, but you don\u2019t fall asleep. \u00a0Meditative practices can include silent, repetitive praying or chanting.\u00a0 Other techniques involve sitting and focusing on something that will hold your attention for five to 30 minutes.\u00a0 By progressively relaxing your body\u2019s muscles with a word, calming music or an image, you will naturally cause your breathing to become slower and deeper as you relax.<\/p>\n
People with anxiety may shy away from meditation feeling that they are too restless to sit still.\u00a0 The good news is being able to center yourself through meditation is a skill that anyone can learn, once they have the intention and the experience of what it feels like.<\/p>\n
Besides reducing anxiety, meditation is known to also help:<\/p>\n
If you have a family history of anxiety, prolonged bouts with anxiety or have acute anxiety (panic attacks); you will likely need to see a physician for suggested treatment.\u00a0 Jamaica Hospital Medical Center\u2019s Mental Health Center is centrally located and has convenient hours.\u00a0 To schedule an appointment, call 718-206-7071.<\/p>\n
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.<\/strong> <\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is characterized by Webmd.com as an excessive, exaggerated anxiety and worry about everyday life events with no obvious reasons for worry. An estimated 6.8 million people in the United States are afflicted with GAD. They cannot … Continue reading