Has anyone tried the Relaxation Response or meditaion

[Hazelandie]

I am beginning to try The Relaxation Response.  Basically a simple type of meditation aimed at decreasing the negative physical symptoms of stress aka anxiety and panic.  I have just started reading the book and am begining an 8 wk group next week.  Am very optimistic about this and am wondering if anyone has tried this or other forms of relaxation / meditaion.

[Paxiled]

I meditate twice a day, and have for over thirty years.  It's not as good now (or much of anything) since my bad experience with Paxil withdrawal, but before that I believe it spared me a lot of the physiological components of panic attacks.  I never got the hyperventilation or the racing heart or the shortness of breath or a rise in blood pressure, and I credit that to the fact I was already meditating when I started getting my serial panic attacks.  On the other hand, it didn't prevent me from getting them or solve the problem, either, but I think that's partly because I was already doing it.  This is something probably best learned after you get the anxiety, lucky me.  And whether it helps or not, it's very enjoyable, and can be very spiritual as well if you progress deeper into different forms of meditation.  So if nothing else it will add to your life.

[cnote]

I think Relaxation Response will be great for you! Especially if you are beginning an 8wk group next week. Being social while focusing on this issue will really help you I think. Sounds like fun. =)

Good luck to you.

[chazzmann]

Hi.... yes i meditate most days and find that it do help, just a little, with my anxiety/panic disorder. For the last two years i have had serious anxiety/panic and never took meds. I have meditated twice daily instead. It do help but its not as effective as meds.

Anxiety can be caused by a number of different problems. Sometimes it can be caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain, therefore meditation along might not help. Other times it is caused by negative life experiences, in this case, meditation might be the better option.

I am sure mediation will help not just with your anxiety/panic but with all aspects of your life.

Remember i am not a Doctor, just a friend......

Enjoy

[remar]

Good for you!
I've never tried this before myself. I do deep breathing when I'm feeling anxious and that helps.
Please let us know how this program works for you. Take care. Remar