Winter Season Exacerbates Anxiety, Panic Attacks
October 29, 2009 by
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Anxiety Panic Attacks | Winter Health | Cause of Panic Attacks
Mental Health Implications
Winter is a time of much distress as we struggle to find ways to engage our bodies and minds while restricted to the indoors. Unlike summer, winter time often results in a spike in mental health complications for many individuals as seasonal
depression comes to fruition. If you live with anxiety, and struggle to manage panic attacks, you may find the changing of the seasons can bring about distress and frustration - even exacerbating your anxiety symptoms.
Anxiety and panic attacks often occur when we are under stress and feeling fatigued. For some individuals a poor diet and lack of exercise can also exacerbate an anxiety disorder. With the onset of winter, and often feeling claustrophobic, many anxiety patients find their anxiety is worsened by the changing of the season and the tendency to feel "cabin fever", or a general inability to venture outdoors freely. In addition, the tightness of the air molecules, associated with winter, can put a strain in our ability to breathe normally and this can cause panic in those who live with an anxiety disorder.
If you find that your stress level is spiked during the winter months, and you are experiencing more frequent episodes of panic and anxiety, it is important to mentally prepare for this time of the year. In many individuals the ability to manage panic and anxiety more effectively, especially in winter, comes when there is much preparation. Feeling in control, you may be able to more effectively overcome feelings of claustrophobia and reduce the frequency of panic attacks.
Proper diet and exercise will be vital in the wintertime. Unfortunately, many individuals find that diet is compromised by comfort foods or holiday meals. Exercise, in addition, may be difficult as the colder temperatures can limit your ability to engage in physical activity outside. Prepare for the wintertime by planning your meals strategically each week and find exercise activities you can do indoors.
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2332038/winter_season_exacerbates_anxiety_panic.html