4 Things I Learned About Anxiety & Depression
Hold
On
Pain
Ends
Heart Palpitations, Racing Heart, Tachycardia

The Random Culprit: The Vagus Nerve
Another reason why your heart may be rattling around like a caged monkey is that you're experiencing stomach issues. Constipation, bloating, heartburn or other associated stomach issues are connected to your vagus nerve. You would not believe how powerful that vagus nerve can be. It's associated with a lot of our pain and health related issues. If your stomach is upset, that nerve will send a message to your heart, and there you have the ingredients for an awful night! The best way to relieve the nerve pressure is to be rude and burp a lot---pass that air out any way you can if you get my 'drift.' If you're constipated, take a mild laxative so that the pressure is relieved. Do not lay on your right side. Lay on your left side if possible at night---your digestive system flows easier this way. Stay away from fatty or acidic foods. During this time, you're gonna want to bulk up on that arugula salad instead of hitting that delicious prosciutto and mozzarella. Also, stay away from fresh garlic and onions. I ate a huge bowl of pasta fagioli last night and suffered quite a bit. During this time, try to stick to a somewhat bland, healthy diet, and add in some probiotics to boot. Another great source of relief is taking magnesium, not only to regulate your heart rate, but to also help with relaxation, constipation and muscle strain. I take Natural Calm powder, and add it to hot water. It's delicious and it makes you sleepy at night.
Tightness of Chest, Feeling of Suffocation, Shortness in Breath
My friend Jason explained this symptom in an interesting way. He said that when he feels anxiety, it feels like his soul is too big for his body and that he felt like he was suffocating and felt confined. I've experienced this too. This is a whole other type of anxiety symptom that can be scary, because it involves your breathing, or lack thereof. Sometimes, I can't even get enough breath into my lungs because I'm in a total panic mode. But remember, it's PANIC. I say this only if you have anxiety disorder. Please check with your doctor if you feel like you have an elephant lying on top of your chest---that's entirely different. It's strange, because panic attacks are known to mimic heart attacks. If you can calm it down, it's anxiety. Also, if you are experiencing chest pain, the real test is if you can recreate the pain---then it's usually muscle/skeletal, which is also known as "costochondritis"---a medical term used very loosely by the emergency departments due to chest pain not being caused by the heart. Getting back to the tight, suffocating, shortness of breath feeling---the ONE thing that has helped me in this state of panic is this video. Put on your earbuds, and just listen, even if you're still panicking. It's 30 minutes long, but if you get past the 15 minute mark, you'll start to notice that you're calming down and taking bigger breaths. Please copy this video for emergency panic attack!
If you can't view the video below, then please click here.
"I command you to be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you whoever you go." ---Joshua 1:9
Grief and Lonlieness
Grief is apart of life. We lose people, whether through death, breakups or divorce. It's something everyone has to deal with one time or another. Grief is especially hard on those who were living with their loved ones. As a caregiver for my mom---well, let's be honest, she took care of me in many ways too. We relied on one another. I work from home, so she felt safe that I was always around. I cooked her meals and we both gave one another company. We went to do errands together when she was feeling up to it, and we also trekked out to grab a bite to eat when it was a particularly good day for her. I felt a sense of loneliness when she left. I felt unneeded and worthless---like why am I even here? I've always had a relationship with God, but the day she died, my relationship with Him only grew stronger. I relied on Him every single day. He was the only one that was truly there for me when I had my breakdowns, crying, sobbing and feeling like I was about to die. I realized and learned that we are truly never alone. My fear of being alone has diminished greatly. I'm content with alone time. Does it get lonely from time to time? Sure---but not in a way that's fear-based. I get lonely in the sense that I just want to have company around or talk with people. My dog has been a blessing. We go out for walks around a nearby pond and meet other people with their own little fur babies. It's good to just feel the sunshine on your face. I feel like God put me in this position of isolation to teach me something valuable. I learned that being alone isn't something to fear. Most people don't even have two minutes to themselves sometimes. I learned that prayer can change your entire outlook on the day. Have you ever woken up with that feeling of dread in the morning? Once I feel that, I just say "JESUS" -- and somehow, it encourages me to get out of bed, start my day and try once again. There is power in His name. And don't get me wrong, I still have fear and anxiety, but when I pray for God to give me mighty inner strength---that in itself changes everything. God is always with you. As it says in the scriptures, He will never leave or forsake you. You may feel alone, but that's the one time you should turn to God and ask Him for help. It's the only reason I'm alive and writing this today.
If you are feeling suicidal, please reach out for help. It's a permanent solution to a temporary problem. I know you think it'll never end---that your problem will always be there and that your grief and agony will always follow you. But remember, God gives beauty for ashes. Endure just a little longer. God has you in the palm of His hands.
For now, please reach out.
We can all help prevent suicide. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals.
CALL: 1-800-273-8255
If you don't wish to call the number above, on the sidebar of this blog is a contact form. I check it regularly. Please contact me if you need someone to vent to. I know what it's like to feel so alone and depressed---so full of fear over things other people seem so casual about. But focus on your journey. Everyone has their own cross to bear---this one happens to be ours: anxiety and depression. Although we will probably face it throughout our lives, we can conquer it by continually praying and reaching out to those who can help.
I hope you feel better.
For more of Deb's articles, please visit: www.debrapasquella.com or join her on Facebook and Twitter. Check out her cooking blog at Deb's Cucina for some of her famous recipes!