looseverses replied: "The fact that some people experience relief from anxiety symptoms when they take antidepressants supports the belief that brain chemistry is involved. Other underlying causes can be heredity and life experiences (those that cause trauma). Anxiety is very common these days, and if you research the connection between diet and state of mind you will find much to support the idea that diet and enviromental toxins have a role in the incidence of anxiety (as well as other mental health symptoms). [Check out books like "Optimum Nutrition for the Mind" ] The physiological response that we all come to recognize as anxiety is actually mediated by the adrenal glands. They respond to stress (real or perceived) by stepping up the production of adrenalin. Adrenalin causes your heart to beat faster, your palms to get sweaty, your breathing to become shallow, your vision to blur...and more. Of course, this physiological response adds to the stress you feel, so it can become a vicious cycle that just seems to escalate out of control. You can interrupt this cycle by focusing on your breathing. Actually, you do more than just focus on your breath. You actively and purposefully direct your breathing while you focus. The easiest breathing pattern to use is to inhale very slowly, evenly and deeply through your nose to a very slow count of eight. Remember, keep your focus on your breath. Hold that breath for a slow count of four, then slowly and evenly exhale through your mouth to a slow count of eight. If you are not able to bring air deep into your chest, hold your arms over your head while you repeat this pattern. That will open up your ribcage and allow air to flow deeper into your lungs. If you are out in public and not wanting your arms up in the air, just place your hands casually on your head...it will accomplish the same thing. Continue to do this focused breath work for several minutes. You should feel your body calming as you do this. It's a good idea to examine your diet. Keep a food journal, making note of what you eat throughout the day as well as jotting down how you are feeling at various points. You may be able to identify a food that is triggering your symptoms. Many people scoof at the idea that food has anything to do with mental symptoms. But if you think about it, your body and your brain have very specific nutritional needs. If your diet fails to provide for those needs, you will become more and more symptomatic as nutritional deficiencies develop. The best diet is one that is based on whole foods. That means vegetables, fruits, WHOLE grains (not processed cereals that claim to be made from whole grains), and protein from healthy sources. The standard American diet (SAD) is full of fast foods, processed foods and foods/drinks high in sugar. These are collectively known as 'junk food'. Fast foods are quite low in nutrients, so do nothing to support a healthy body or mind. Processed foods likewise are low in nutrition, but also high in artificial ingredients, many of which are neurotoxic (toxic or poisonous to the nervous system, the brain is part of the nervous system). Sugar is pretty much void of any nutrition, but worse, it actually depletes the body of some very critical nutrients needed to keep the nervous system healthy (again, the brain is part of the nervous system). So you want to eliminate as much of the junk food from your diet as you can, replacing with whole food choices. It's a good idea to take a few supplements in addition to eating a healthy diet. * a good multi-vitamin/mineral complex to be sure you are getting all the nutrients you need in a balanced formula. Take as directed on package. * a B100 formula...taken daily to support a healthy nervous system. * a very good EFA (essentail fatty acid) formula, again, critical for a healthy nervous system. * and a good enzyme formula that contains protease, amylase, cellulase, and lipase enzymes ....to insure your body is able to digest and assimilate all the nutrients in your diet and your supplements. Take the best care (that you know how) of your body. Make it a lifelong goal to continue learning better self-care. The healtlhier your body, the healthier your brain, the better your mental state will be."

Why is it? replied: "i know what u mean. you'll probably get alot of stupid answers, but i know how u feel."