With years of experience in Creative Arts Psychotherapy, Karina Diaz, has developed a committed and compassionate approach in promoting a safe and trusting environment in the therapeutic relationship. Based out of New York, Karina Diaz, offers a highly personalized approach tailored to individual needs. By integrating complimentary techniques and drawing from a variety of methodologies and approaches, Diaz, helps find resolution to a wide range of personal concerns and psychological issues. CureJoy recently interacted with Karina Diaz, over an email dialogue. Insightful excerpts from the interview:
Q: Is anxiety a common phenomenon? How can one differentiate anxiety from other feelings?
Anxiety is a common emotional reaction to stressors, either outer or inner. We all experience anxiety in its various forms throughout different life events, such as the loss of a job or a loved one. We may also experience it routinely, for instance before giving a presentation to a potential client, or in a public situation. Anxiety also manifests in a variety of “happy” events such as anticipating the call of a loved one.
Q: When does anxiety evolve from simple worries to becoming a disorder?
If the anxiety you feel starts to feel overwhelming and is impacting your daily life negatively, you may be suffering from an anxiety disorder.
If you suffer from panic attacks, obsessive thoughts, unrelenting worries, or an incapacitating phobia you may be suffering from an anxiety disorder.
There are many types of anxiety disorders, such as: Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder, Specific Phobias, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, as well as Panic Disorders.
Q: What is the relation between a Panic Disorder and a Panic Attack?
Panic disorder is a serious condition that strikes without reason or warning. Symptoms of a panic disorder include sudden attacks (often called panic attacks) of fear and nervousness, as well as physical symptoms such as sweating and a racing heart.
During a panic attack the fear response is out of proportion for the situation, which often is not threatening. Over time, a person with panic disorder can develop a constant fear of having another panic attack, which can affect daily functioning and general quality of life.
Q: What are the classic symptoms during a panic attack?
During a panic attack, most patients experience some, or all of these symptoms:
- Difficulty breathing.
- Pounding heart or chest pain.
- Intense feeling of dread.
- Sensation of choking or smothering.
- Dizziness or feeling faint.
- Trembling or shaking.
- Sweating
- Nausea or stomachache.
- Tingling or numbness in the fingers and toes.
- Chills or hot flashes.
- A fear that you are losing control or are about to die.
Q: Can you indicate the common causes of anxiety and panic disorders?
In general, the underlying cause of anxiety and panic disorders could be attributed to any number of reasons, both biological and environmental. The exact cause is still unknown.
People who experience high levels of stress in their lives may have an increased risk of developing panic disorder. For example, people who have been physically or sexually abused, people with severe medical illnesses (e.g., asthma or heart disease) and people with a history of drugs and alcohol abuse are at increased risk of developing anxiety disorders such as panic disorders.
Q: What is the line of treatment for anxiety and panic disorders? Whom should the patient consult?
Medications have been shown to be safe and effective for the treatment of anxiety disorders, including panic disorders.
It is highly recommended to consult a primary care physician first, before you take any medication to treat anxiety. In order to rule out any other possible illnesses or medical concerns, he/ she can provide a referral to a mental health provider to diagnose and if necessary, prescribe medication depending on the diagnosis.
Some of the most frequently prescribed medications are: anti-depressants and anti-anxiety medications, most commonly used are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). The most appropriate medication for each individual will depend on a number of factors and should be discussed with one’s doctor.
Anxiety and Panic Disorders are best treated in combination of both a consistent form of therapy such as psychotherapy, creative expressive therapies, and cognitive behavioral therapies along with the prescription given.
Q: Can you treat anxiety and panic disorders without prescription medication?
With anxiety disorders, it is difficult to be your own guide at the start of your treatment, because one usually feels so out of control. This is why what you are doing right now (reading different articles and gathering information) is a wonderful start!
It is best to consult and start a team treatment approach; together with your mental health provider you can find the best course of treatment that feels right for you. This may mean that you go through different types of medication (consulting with your physician) and explore a few therapies until you find the right fit for you. This of course takes time and effort! And at times people give up, understandably. It is important to know that you are not alone in this journey and that there are professionals that are prepared to help you through this.
One of the main reasons it is recommended to use a combination of therapy and medication in anxiety disorders, is to support and teach you techniques to explore and to help you cope with the anxiety, not just the use of medication alone. Therapy serves to create a safe environment in which you can become aware of what may be at the root of your anxiety and teach you ways to handle and ultimately gain control of your reactions to potential stressors. Panic disorders are generally very responsive to treatment when detected early.
Depending on the severity of the anxiety, once you have ruled out any other possible medical conditions, you may be able to treat milder forms of anxiety by making some changes to your life style without prescription medication. There is no quick fix!
Q: Can you please elaborate on these lifestyle changes?
You can start by creating a different environment for yourself one with positive and mindful choices. Everything from your activity level to your social life affects anxiety. Set the stage for success by making a conscious decision to promote relaxation, vitality, and a positive mental outlook in your everyday life.
- Learn about anxiety. In order to overcome anxiety, it’s important to understand the problem. That’s where education comes in. Education alone won’t cure an anxiety disorder, but it will help you get the most out of therapy.
- Cultivate your connections with other people. Loneliness and isolation set the stage for anxiety. Decrease your vulnerability by reaching out to others. Make it a point to see friends; join a self-help or support group; share your worries and concerns with a trusted loved one.
- Adopt healthy lifestyle habits. Physical activity relieves tension and anxiety, so make time for regular exercise. Don’t use alcohol and drugs to cope with your symptoms, and try to avoid stimulants such as caffeine and nicotine, which can make anxiety worse.
- Reduce stress in your life. Examine your life for stress, and look for ways to minimize it. Avoid people who make you anxious, say no to extra responsibilities, and make time for fun and relaxation in your daily schedule.
Q: Thanks for the wonderful insights Karina Diaz. Is there a final note for our readers?
You are not alone! And there are plenty of resources available to you to start you on your road to recovery. While there is no quick fix, there are plenty of strong therapeutic models to help support you on this journey. I specialize in Creative Arts Therapies: Having a creative outlet in which you can explore and visualize some of the hidden aspects that could be causing a high level of fear. These can come to the fore front with writing, drawing, painting…regardless of your talent level or skill. Having a visual way to stimulate your mind releases other ways of expressing meaning that you may be attaching to certain situations that you were not consciously aware of.
Understanding where the fear is coming from and confronting it in a nurturing manner can help stimulate your inner resources to face these fears and ultimately release them. Remember that anxiety tends to live in the past as well as in the future. Worry of past and future possible scenarios is most often associated to heightened levels of stress and anxiety. Practicing a mindful life style, one that grounds you to the present each and every moment can hold a wealth of relief.
Thank yourself for taking the time to consult and gather information to help you through this difficult time.