Question:
Brad and Jen Hi! I wasn’t aware of the co-relation between exercise and decreased anxiety. Thank you so much for sharing this information. Having literally just discovered this group I will admit that I have not had anyone to speak to regarding my problems with anxiety-panic. I appreciate being able to learn from this group knowing that you COMPLETELY understand what I’m going through. I personally find it difficult to exercise since it leaves me open to "mindless" time, which lends itself to pre or full blown anxiety. As a result I have a tendency to avoid exercise. Just to add to the package of anxiety-panic, I also have a Mitral Valve Prolapse. Unfortunately there are a multitude of symptoms that present themselves while exercising with MVP. I mentioned in another post that I have Rheumatoid Arthritis. It is prudent for all of us to exercise, but, my MVP and RA definitely benefit from low impact and stretching activities. I’ll get right to the exercising knowing that the anxiety will also decrease! Looks as though I don’t have any more excuses to by pass my exercise equipment! I’m chuckling to myself as I write this post. I sound really pathetic now that I’m Valve Prolapse, Rheumatoid Arthritis….who is this person?! LOL Can’t be me!!! :) Jade :) Keep Smiling PS: I double checked, and it is me! Oh no! Yikes! rofl
Response:
Just make sure with the exercise you are not in the CFS category (chronic fatigue syndrome) or exercise can make things worse. Robin
Response:
When I jog, about 10-20 minutes afterward, I spend doing breathing exercizes, ect. so that I don’t have an attack. I think the heart rate increase and heavy breathing that is carrried over from the jog causes anxiety feelings for me. But the effect of regular running for me is DECREASED anxiety, which is why I do it. Brad
I agree with you 100% Brad (as I’ve said before). Exercise does help immensely, at least for me, to help calm the anxiety. Starting out can be scary, and I really strongly suggest you have a "ssfe person" along those first few times who can reassure you that what you are feeling is normal. Once you get used to how your body feels during exercise and after…you will be amazed how much it helps your state of mind. It really helps to lift depression and calm the adrenalin surges. After a workout, I feel calmer than I ever have in my life for hours afterward…..but you got to stick with it and do it at a level that gives you the desired effect without going too far! Best Wishes, Jen
Response:
The article’s reference to buildup of sodium lactate makes me wonder whether hard exercise, which builds it up naturally, can bring on a PA. I find myself having symptoms while doing heavy yardwork, for instance. If it’s a hot day, all the worse. Anyone else see anything in this theory?
Yes, When I jog, about 10-20 minutes afterward, I spend doing breathing exercizes, ect. so that I don’t have an attack. I think the heart rate increase and heavy breathing that is carrried over from the jog causes anxiety feelings for me. But the effect of regular running for me is DECREASED anxiety, which is why I do it. Brad
Response:
MOST SNIPPED… In conducting their research, scientists can use several different techniques to provoke panic attacks in people who have panic disorder. The best-known method is intravenous administrations of sodium lactate, the same chemical that normally builds up in the muscles during heavy exercise. Other substances that can trigger panic attacks in susceptible people include caffeine (generally 5 or more cups of coffee are required). Hyperventilation and breathing air with a higher-than-usual level of carbon dioxide can also trigger panic attacks in people with panic disorder. REMAINDER SNIPPED
The article’s reference to buildup of sodium lactate makes me wonder whether hard exercise, which builds it up naturally, can bring on a PA. I find myself having symptoms while doing heavy yardwork, for instance. If it’s a hot day, all the worse. Anyone else see anything in this theory?
Response:
<SNIP AGAIN! exercise. Other substances that can trigger panic attacks in susceptible people include caffeine (generally 5 or more cups of coffee are required). Hyperventilation and breathing air with a higher-than-usual level of carbon dioxide can also trigger panic attacks in people with panic disorder.
Another interesting fact about: One of the things that seems to cause panic attacks is the neurotransmitter CCK (Cholecystokinin). It’s a neuropeptide that modulates the behavior of other neurotransmitters. It’s released by the hypothalamus, but it’s _also_ released in the duodenum in response to fats (it’s what tells your brain that you’re no longer hungry), and coffee, both regular and decaf. I’ve been wondering if that’s the reason some SSRIs make you gain weight, because you’re not getting the proper signal? I also wonder if a diet low in monosaturated fats (they trigger a lot more of this than, say, butterfats) would help stave off some of the symptoms? Julie
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