The New Meditation: Train the Brain
By Dr. R. E. Freedman
Expert Author Dr. R. E. Freedman

Most people have a difficult time committing to a regimen of daily meditation. We live in a society where accomplishments are equated with hard work, pain and struggle. Meditation is the exact opposite as it is about stillness and clearing of the mind. The accomplishment remains but in an entirely different area. One achieves a true sense of power through learning how to turn off the noise in their mind. The result is a much calmer, less reactive mind, leading to a far less reactive body. Decision making improves as a cooler head prevails. Life becomes easier due to a few short moments out of your schedule.

There are options and more palatable approaches concerning meditation, beyond the traditional twenty minutes, twice a day, for those who are locked into tight schedules. Traditional approaches have given way to more time effective methods that are simple to use, highly effective and fit into one’s daily routine, with benefits that continue to add to one’s quality of life.

The New Approach to Meditation:

(1) The 5 Minute Meditation-

Most would be willing to relinquish five short minutes of their day to a routine which offers noticeable benefits to both their physical and emotional health, especially if one of the benefits was becoming less reactive to stress and tension. Dan Harris, news anchor and author, mentions this in his book “10% Happier” where he shares his own compelling story about his struggle with anxiety and how meditation dramatically changed his life. Through learning how to use mediation, even at five minute intervals, he experienced a true affinity for this form of therapy and believes it can induce the same benefits for anyone on the go who still seeks peace of mind in the shortest time to decompress.

The concept, as described by Dan, is to maintain a straight spine, preferably sitting in a chair, close your eyes and become consciously aware of your breath (where you feel it the most: nose, chest, belly) Focus on how this breath feels as you inhale and exhale. Every time your mind begins to wander (which it always does), gently yet firmly guide it back to the breath.

This short exercise is beneficial in more ways than one can imagine and is addictive in nature. Feeling well, composed and in charge of yourself is the catalyst for continuation.

(2) Meditation Through Activity/Exercise

As children we went outdoors to play and make no mistake, that’s exactly what we did, PLAY. Nowadays, one takes a short break from daily routine, and desperately tries to reap the benefits from exercise. Unfortunately, they feel no better emotionally after the initial “pump” wears off. This is because they are also bringing an additional friend to their exercise routine. This friend is their “overactive mind.”

They had planned to use this time to relax, let off steam and enjoy the great outdoors but end up unfocused, thinking about past worries, future events, current agitations and anything but the peace and serenity they seek in the present moment of what should be a relaxing exercise routine.

The answer is clear. Learn to turn your mind off while using an exercise routine at the same time. This is doable while walking, running, swimming or any other type of activity that involves movement, preferably outdoors and alone. Here are the steps:

– Focus on your breath as you walk.

– Become consciously aware of the repetition of your footsteps or body movement.

– Use your senses: Sight, sound, smell as you breathe in the air.

– When intrusive thoughts slip in, gently but firmly sweep them aside and go back to focusing on your breath and/or body movement.

– Enjoy the moment without dragging in thoughts about past events or future ones that have yet to occur. Be the child again who loses him or herself in the activity. This is childlike, not childish.

(3) Meditation as a Sleep Enhancer

Many occasionally find difficulty in falling asleep at night. They toss and turn and become agitated when the hours pass without restful sleep. They become cranky the next day and experience a true lack of productivity, not to mention a diminished sense of well being. They take their work, worries, fears, angers and grudges to bed with them at night. This is a definite sleep blocker and requires a bit of discipline to overcome, but it’s simple to follow and produces fantastic results. Just follow the steps:

– Make sure your bedroom is cool in temperature by cracking a window and allowing fresh air to enter the room. This enhances sleep and refreshes the body.

– Lie on your back and keep your spine straight. Make sure your bed clothes are loose and arms by your side, rather than crossed upon your body.

– Become consciously aware of your breath as you inhale through your nose and follow it as you slowly exhale. It’s as simple as that.

– Be forewarned… your mind will intrude upon this exercise by imposing its own stream of thoughts in rapid succession. It might seem difficult to break this cycle but all it involves is the practice of gently but firmly steering your mind back to the focus of the breath.

– This practice will help you restore your sleep cycle and experience a fresh new outlook on life. It will also help you regain your own sense of power over sleep and your life as you realize there is a non-chemical cure for insomnia that actually works.

(4) The Quick Fix Meditation

When in a stressful situation, such as dealing with a boss, colleague, client or personal relationship, one is often unconsciously resisting confrontation in mind and body. This resistance leads to contraction of the muscles of the body. In order to break this habit of resistance/contraction, one may use the “quick fix meditation” and the results can be astounding.

– Become conscious of your posture and thoughts creating any tension in your body. You’ll be surprised at how quickly this becomes apparent.

– Consciously loosen in mind and body as you become aware of your breath.

– Slow down this breath as you feel it going in and slowly coming out again. Feel the resistance melt away as you exhale.

– This can be achieved in one conscious breath if necessary but understand that the longer you continue, the more the resistance continues melting and eventually disappears. The contracting muscles throughout the body loosen as relaxation replaces tension.

– The mind and body fall into sync after this exercise, resulting in the ability to think clearly, make better decisions and see all sides of a conversation rather than the closed down mind of a resistant individual.

– The result is calmer decisions, constructive thinking and a cool head. Less adrenaline release, less anxiety reactions.

The benefits of meditation, even in small increments are huge. From boosting your immune system to lowering blood pressure and most of all changing the chemistry of the brain, the rewards are immeasurable. There is a true science behind meditation. It will change brain activity and result in a calmer, less reactive way of thinking. This translates to peace of mind, lower stress triggers and in one word, happiness.

You do not have to make a long term commitment to the art of meditation but I guarantee you will notice the benefits in short order. You will experience more energy, a true sense of control over all aspects of your life, and a consciously happier sense of self. Relationships improve, calm, peace and relaxed thinking replace stress and tension. One is able to cope in a much more efficient manner with a great deal less effort.

The benefits of this new approach to meditation continue to make it worthwhile in more ways that you can imagine. It is certainly worth a few minutes out of your busy schedule to allow time for an experience leading to a healthier way of thinking and living. Best of all, it is simple, effective and free.

R. E. Freedman, Ph.D.
http://www.depersonalizationtreatmentcenter.com
drfreedman@depersonalizationtreatment.com
Natural Recovery Treatment for Anxiety and Depersonalization
Office Phone: 215-635-4700
Office Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM EST
Anxiety Helpline: 800-670-4673

By Dr. R. E. Freedman

“Courage is not the absence of fear, but the mastery of it”
Ambrose Redmoon

Question:
I’ve been very busy working hard the past few months. I know I’ve taken on more than I should and even though I’m capable of doing the work, I have been worried and fearful about what these long hours might do to me. In fact, for the past 3 weeks I’ve been plagued with anxiety and now this strange and scary feeling of unreality. It’s making me close to crazy trying to figure out how this happened and what to do. I blame myself for taking on too much work, but now other thoughts are racing through my mind such as the time I got high with friends back in college, or the short time I took a med for anxiety that made me feel awful. I can’t stop blaming myself and I know something must be wrong because this is not going away. Is there hope for me?
signed,
Confused and Scared

Answer:
Dear Confused,

Everything you describe is actually normal in the circumstance. I know this might be difficult to believe, but nonetheless true.

Remember, every symptom connected with anxiety and/or depersonalization has a logical explanation and can be reversed. This is no different. Nothing you described is unusual or out of the ordinary.

It doesn’t matter how long one works, thinks or hunkers down on a project until the wee small hours of the morning. The mind will tire to a small degree but not in the same way it does when fear enters the picture. This is a different kind of fatigue. A mind that is fatigued due to the constant stream of fearful thinking is far more exhausted. Fear being the culprit. Oh yes, far more than you can imagine.

It’s the fear that tires. It’s the fear that drains both mind and body. When the element of fear is eliminated from the thought process, the mind quickly refreshes. Fear has become your habit. It can easily occur when one does not understand what is happening and the brain tries to find closure, grasping at any explanation available. Self-blame enters the picture, even when there is no basis for this stream of thinking.

Once you learn to catch the habit of fearful thinking and learn to interrupt it effectively, you are home free. You retrain the brain or tame an overactive mind. You learn to effectively talk back to the brain. The mind will rapidly rejuvenate and refresh. Do not think you have to sleep more or cut back on work. This is not so. The mind is not fatigued from lack of sleep but rather from fearful thinking from the time you open your eyes in the morning until you go to sleep at night. This is the habit that must be interrupted in a correct manner.

You have the power to do this without the aid of medication or any other chemical support system. You have been going around in circles trying to solve the unsolvable problem when the answer is within your own grasp.

The combination of learning to think correctly, along with the proper food plan (to naturally boost serotonin in the brain and maintain balanced blood sugar levels) will resolve this issue in an accelerated fashion. You will succeed in creating a less reactive mind and body, one that handles stress effectively rather than overreacting to it. You are no longer victim to life’s stresses. The only thing required of you is your full cooperation to use the techniques and the patience to realize you are not ill.

Taking a sabbatical from work is not necessary. Becoming bedridden is out of the question. Following a simple yet effective way of thinking and eating will remove the fogginess and restore full clarity. Don’t for one minute believe we are unaware of the intensity and frustration you are experiencing. This is understood. It is also understood that with the proper approach you will rapidly recover and the correct recovery will save you from future events concerning both interfering anxiety and depersonalization.

Best wishes,

Dr. R. E. Freedman

By Dr. R. E. Freedman, Ph.D.

There is a time and place for anxiety reducing prescription medications but there is also a long overdue necessity for consumer education concerning these medications. There is a strong possibility of negative repercussions resulting from the use of these particular medications, often worse than the use of common street drugs. This is a serious and very real issue that requires every consumer’s attention.

In the past 20 years there have been staggering connections between suicides and prescription antidepressant medications. There have been dramatic statistics linking crimes, including school shootings, and these anxiety/depression relieving medications. It is important to note that this does not mean that every individual who is now taking an SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) medication is in danger of dramatic personality changes, but there is a noticeable number of users who do experience a lack of empathy, suicidal tendencies and urges to act on unproductive thoughts while taking these medications. The new warnings which accompany these medications reflect this problem, especially in individuals 18 years of age or under. Coincidence is no longer an excuse for these destructive behavior patterns.

Benzodiazepines, when used correctly, offer temporary relief for an anxious or traumatized individual. Problems arise when these prescription medications are taken regularly, rather than “as needed.” The body quickly becomes tolerant to them, as quickly as two weeks usage. In layman’s terms, the body requires a larger dosage of the medication to experience the same relief from anxiety and often continues to do so.

Withdrawal from both antidepressants and benzodiazepines is often a nightmare in itself. They both require a slow and supervised protocol to ensure a smooth withdrawal. Stopping cold turkey is not an option in either case, as the consequences will prove harsh and uncomfortable for anyone attempting this on their own.

The news media clearly provides proof of the dangers of prescription medications. Individuals are under the false assumption that because these medications are physician prescribed, they are not dangerous. The warnings, when go unheeded, may dramatically create dire results. Benzodiazepines and alcohol do not mix, as they will rapidly sedate the respiratory system, and a large dosage is not required for this to occur. One’s body will basically forget to breathe as this normal body function is shut down in the brain.

The risks outweigh the pluses when these medications are misused. This is no fault of the prescribing physician but a strong doctor patient relationship is necessary which includes educating the patient about the proper use of prescription medications…and takes into consideration the personality of the individual. Engaging in conversation with the patient is essential, as is exploring their particular issues and not merely using sessions to discuss medication and dosage changes.

Young troubled teens and ssri antidepressants are not always well suited. Alcohol partying adults and benzodiazepines are not the best combination either. In the past two decades more people have died or committed crimes due to the use of prescription drugs over street drugs. Prescription medications are the bigger problem when abused. There seems to be a purely lackadaisical attitude toward these prescription (anxiety related) medications mainly because they are physician prescribed. It’s time to take a closer look at these antidepressant and benzodiazepine medications and how they are provided, their use and the monitoring of the patient. Supervision of all patients using these medications is essential.

There are non-pharmaceutical options that fill the immediate need and provide long term relief with far less risks. This must be considered since the red flags are brightly waving and the signals are loud and clear. Yes, there is a place for these medications but there is also the need to consider who is using them and if these medications really suit their needs, lifestyle and behaviors. Many individuals who struggle with anxiety and/or depersonalization are highly reactive to outside stimuli, which includes medications. This must be taken into consideration as well.

It is essential that all medication users are fully aware of other drug-free options that provide long term and permanent recovery. Learning the correct method of thinking, combined with the proper food plan will enable one to break through the anxiety and fogginess of depersonalization. Clarity will return and life returns to normal without the added intrusion of medication induced side effects and withdrawal difficulties.

By Dr. R. E. Freedman

Many experience an initial shock to learn they are the cause of their own anxiety and depersonalization but this is precisely what occurs when one unknowingly allows their own ego to dictate a constant stream of negativity in their daily thought patterns. This quickly becomes habit as this unproductive behavior reflects an over-protective, guarded, and wary part of the mind. One actually feels as if they are safer and more intuitive, rather than fearful, foggy and trapped. It is this exact behavior that keeps one separated from others, locked within their so called “comfort zone” and presented with even more time for inward thinking.

In one respect it is a positive piece of knowledge to know you are the cause of your discomfort, since it enables you to change that very behavior and turn it around. It allows you to call the shots, to become boss of your own reactions. Whatever you might be creating, you also have the ability to turn it around, resulting in relief of symptoms and prevention of future episodes.

Recognition of the ego is a necessity in taking action against these symptoms. Very simply, the ego is the part of the mind that only sees the dangers, the negatives and the fears in all situations. It will go out of its way to guard, above and beyond the call of duty.

You decide to take a walk, go to the store or visit a friend or relative, and before setting one foot out the door, the ego serves up a plethora of reasons why you should remain home. It will present dangers you never thought of, “what ifs” that never crossed your mind and scenarios that could only lead to enormous distress and irreparable harm. Being unaware of this pattern, you succumb to the warnings, chalk it up as “a sign” and remain trapped inside your home, believing you have been saved from any and all dangers lurking beyond your front gate. The problem is, you have not only unnecessarily hemmed yourself in, but also locked yourself in a habit of always listening and believing this overprotective and over-reactive part of your mind. The unreasonable fears and doubts it creates keep you trapped and unable to enjoy the moment, stuck in a life that is so safe, you are truly not living.

This is why it is imperative to recognize this side of the mind and take action to reclaim your life. This entails learning to talk back to your brain, to interrupt this behavior and negate the misinformation it so generously shares with you. This must be accomplished with stern conviction and the intent to take back your life. You are dealing with an unproductive habit, a negative behavior that is strong and intrusive. It demands your immediate attention and therefore must be dealt with strongly and swiftly. Acknowledgement of the ego and the doubt it creates in you is essential in order to make the correct changes in the perceptions that keep you stuck in both anxiety and depersonalization.

This same ego presents these false assumptions:

– It tries to convince you that you are ill and though others have
recovered, it will never happen for you.
– It tries to tell you that the doctors and therapists must have “missed”
something and this is why recovery eludes you.
– It creates doubt at weak moments, by presenting the idea that
you must have done something to cause these unreal, foggy and
anxious sensations when nothing could be further from the truth.

One must begin with the proper corrections in thinking after catching the behavior in full bloom. It is essential to learn how to talk back to the brain and do so in the very specific manner that it requires. Once this is accomplished, the mind achieves clarity and anxiety symptoms no longer have free rein.

There is only one remedy that will obliterate these symptoms, once and for all, and this is your own participation. Freedom from all aspects of the anxiety condition, including debilitating feelings of unreality will be yours, once you locate the source, an overzealous ego mind, and have the courage to put it in its place.

By Dr. R. E. Freedman

The mind is everything. What you think you become.
Buddha

One reacts in a multitude of ways to thought. Your style of thinking quickly becomes habit. This behavior may work for you or against you. If you are feeling well, this reflects a productive way of thinking. If, on the other hand, you find life is becoming increasingly difficult, and fogginess is replacing clarity of thought, it might be a signal that it’s time to regroup.

Most are unaware of their own habit of thought. They go through the day, believing life has merely dealt them a bad hand, when in fact, they have much more control than they realize. They merely have not yet learned how to effectively use this control. They have not yet learned the technique of talking back to their brain. This very specific technique allows one to efficiently steer their life in the direction they choose rather than remain victim to life’s circumstance. This is the key to becoming the boss of your own life.

A mind will rapidly fog when it continues to churn out a constant stream of unproductive thoughts. This stream may continue throughout the day, without the slightest recognition because it has become habit.

In order to lift the fog of this repetitious behavior one must:

– First recognize this way of thinking.
– Catch the thought while in progress.
– Learn how to turn it off, apply the technique of talking back to the
brain, allowing the mind to clear itself.

The fog is merely the result of constant fearful thought, but this habit is often a strong behavior. Learning to clear the mind of this action is the first step towards clarity.

Here are a few tips which will help you begin:

(1) Be aware of “what if” thinking. This is a strong habit that keeps
one trapped in brain fog.
(2) Start using our specific food plan that creates a mind/body that
is far less reactive.
(3) Learn the specific exercise to tame an overactive mind that will
calm an over-reactive body.
(4) Extend yourself to interact with others. Engaging outside your
own mind allows relief from the habit of inward thinking. This is a
strong exercise in allowing the mind to refresh. Learn how to use
listening and engaging to break through the fog and open up the
clarity.

Breaking the habit of inward thinking promotes clarity as the mind refreshes naturally. In this sense, it is to your benefit to learn how to focus outside the mind and by doing so allowing the mind to fresh and rejuvenate in the best way possible.

By Dr. R. E. Freedman

“The first step towards getting somewhere is to decide that you are not going to stay where you are.”

Those who struggle with anxiety and depersonalization are often creatures of habit. They find change difficult and resistance overrides any inclination towards a different approach. This is the precise resistance that keeps one stuck in unpleasant reactions.

Taking the first step requires courage. It also requires the ability to recognize the fact that you have been trapped far longer than necessary with these symptoms and are finally ready to make the change happen.

Resistance creates contraction throughout the body. Every time you resist, your muscles contract, releasing stress chemicals into the body. This results in all those symptoms that have been troubling you. It is time to drop your resistance and stop spinning your wheels. It’s time to make a commitment to yourself and end these intrusive reactions once and for all. It’s time to summon the courage to make a change, to learn the correct skills to ensure recovery and move forward with a life that is far more enjoyable, not just sometimes, but the majority of the time.

Taking the first steps:

(1) Realize that recovery is dependent on the way you think, not the meds you take. Permanent recovery requires your participation in changing habits and behaviors. It’s not difficult but does require your involvement.

(2) Make a commitment to make those simple changes in thought and diet. Change isn’t always comfortable but one will always adjust, especially if they notice a positive change in the way they feel.

(3) Be aware of the unconscious habit of resistance and contraction. Resistance is the first response to the unfamiliar and to stressful situations. Contraction is the result of this resistance. Consciously loosen your attitude and your body. Notice tension in muscles and thought. Release yourself from this pressure. Allow it to drain from your mind and body as your muscles and thoughts find warmth in relaxation.

(4) Realize that the power to overcome any unproductive behavior and body reaction is within yourself. It is something most are unaware of and have not yet learned to use. Your thoughts dictate every reaction in both mind and body. Learn the correct way to talk back to your brain, to demand the reactions you wish to occur. No longer be victim to self-sabotage and fears. Learn how to think correctly and you have broken the chains of both anxiety and depersonalization.

It is worth it to take the risk…to take the first step toward recovery. You have nothing to lose except your fear and limited way of living. One must always take the chance or forever live with regret. There is so much to gain by moving forward. Once armed with the proper skills there is no turning back. Using these skills allows the clarity to break through the fog and continue doing so. It’s your choice, it always has been. Just a taste of this freedom is enough for you to begin trusting yourself again and back into productive living.

By Dr. R. E. Freedman

We’ve all heard the cliches about overcoming fear and reclaiming your life. I’ll bet most who have struggled with anxiety are able to recite verbatim all the well known rules for conquering one’s fear and yet still seem to struggle with it daily.

Is there a concrete reason why this fear still has a way of intruding in their lives? And why are they still living their lives in a guarded, cautious way, avoiding anything that might once again trip those intrusive fears? The answer might just surprise you as it has so many others.

It’s because these individuals still lack the most important instruction for the permanent elimination of fear. One must be willing to go after their fear, seek it out in order to experience it through correctly, rather than avoid it or temporarily medicate it. They must be willing to experience their fear out, to experience it through completely, until it no longer exists. The goal is permanent recovery, not temporary relief. It’s as simple as that.

Understanding is one thing. It is extremely helpful to understand the root of your fear. It gives one some sense of control but partial recovery is not enough. We all know there is a huge difference between knowing and actually experiencing. Once must experience their fears, the right way, the correct way, in order to obliterate them from existence.

Relinquishing Fear

– Experience Your Fear: One must look at their fear head on and experience it without resistance or contraction. One must be willing to give themselves over to their fears in a way that is comfortable and effective. Medications are temporary because one is not effectively changing a behavior. The only effective way past fear is through it, but going through it correctly is essential.

-You are NOT ALONE: Fear follows a set pattern. This means that it is shared by others who are sensitized in the same exact way. Everyone is basically patterned in the same way. This is a plus in more ways than one. It indicates that the pattern that takes you out of fear is also identical for everyone and effective in the same way.

– Act Now-Take the First Step: Stop thinking about doing it. JUST DO IT! Thinking too much only gives one reasons to postpone things. Live in the moment, learn to enjoy spontaneity and jump into life. Get behind the wheel of that car and proceed to your destination. Prove your capabilities to yourself. Every single day CHOOSE to do one thing independently. Take that risk daily and your life becomes your own.

– Take Responsibility: Treat yourself kindly by eating properly and nurturing yourself. Rest is important, as is recreation. It’s your job to maintain your mind and body, keeping it running smoothly and in good condition.

– Lose Previous Assumptions and Beliefs: Drop all stock thoughts and habits of unproductive thinking. Take life as it happens without preconceptions. Experience rather than live with past assumptions. Be young again by living in and experiencing the present moment.

– Release Yourself: Disconnect from the way you have defined yourself in the past. Let go of the unhappy story you define yourself by and substitute it for what is occurring in the moment. Stop listening to that inner voice of gloom and doom. This voice is unproductive habit and nothing more. Don’t become “stuck” in the way you once were or fear you might be. Live by your strength by continuing to prove it. Challenge yourself every day and you will be building emotional strength. It’s undeniable…an emotionally strong person is attractive.

– Turn off Self-Sabotage: It’s time to break the chain of negative self commentary, better known as self-sabotage. This is an unproductive habit the mind often learns which succeeds in ruining any productive strides you may make as it fuels self-doubt and fear. This usually occurs whenever life begins to work in your favor. It’s your responsibility to turn off that habit and do it immediately by:
(1) Acknowledging its existence (2) Deliberately turning it off. There is a simple method to be learned and it is well worth your effort. This little bit of information will enable you to turn your life around in a short period of time.

Fear is merely one’s definition, one’s perspective of those things they have not yet learn to experience though correctly. Everyone has the fortitude to obliterate fear by merely showing up when it is present and experiencing it through.

It’s not as complicated as you might believe. Your thoughts are either your chains or your freedom. You have the choice to accept the correct perspective by telling the truth about it. By doing so, and experiencing the fear all the way through, you obliterate it. You see your fear for what it is and walk right through it. Freedom is on the other side of fear.

Never let a belief system based on fearful thinking bind you to fear. Learn to experience your fear through without holding back. Daily usage of this is exercise for the mind, keeping it fit and strong.

Every day place yourself in the position to use this practice. Challenge yourself and win. Fear will plague you until YOU CHOOSE to face it down and walk right through it, move through the ghost it merely is, and reclaim your own power as you do so. Experience it out, until it is no more.

By Dr. R. E. Freedman

Most people have experienced feelings of heartburn and indigestion at one time or another in their lives. One overeats or ingests spicy food only to pay the consequences later on in the day. Heartburn, indigestion, burning and often burping up acid into the back of the throat are a few of the symptoms. One often experiences colicky pain in the area along with discomfort. If you are aggravated due to stress and tension, these physical symptoms might become more intense, frequent and even interfere with daily living.

This is the time to stop and take a closer look at what is going on and what you can do to interrupt this glitch in digestion.

We are what we think and when we are worried or fearful, the stomach (also known as the second brain) begins to produce more acid. It is working overtime, even when there is little or no food to digest. This takes it toll on the Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES), which the muscle at the base of the esophagus, responsible for preventing the back flow of stomach contents and for allowing food to easily pass through the esophagus while swallowing. If this muscle becomes irritated, one might even experience pain in the area under the ribs, on the left side of the body.

In order to aid in healing this area and prevent future episodes of reflux and pain, it’s helpful to apply the following natural approach:

– Raw Honey- One tsp. when feeling pain helps to naturally heal the area and bring relief from heartburn as well.
-Avoid Crunchy Foods for 3-5 days- In order to allow the LES to heal.
-Avoid Spicy Foods– Hot, spicy foods will aggravate the area.
– Avoid Foods that are Too Hot or Too Cold in Temperature– Extreme temperatures interfere with healing.
– Use Water- Sip water in small amounts after eating to flush the LES area. Do not drink larger drinks until 3 hours after meals as not to interfere with digestion.
– ACV- Apple Cider Vinegar- Aids digestion for those not producing enough hydrochloric acid.
– Practice Relaxation Skills- This Will Calm an Upset System and stop the constant production of stress hormones and stomach acids.
– Eat 5 Small Meals a Day- Smaller more frequent meals will be easier on the system rather than 3 larger ones, as this will allow the stomach to rest and avoid overworking.
– Lose Weight- Less pressure on the stomach while sitting, reclining and sleeping.
– Stop Smoking- Smoking aggravates digestion.
– Elevate Upper Body while sleeping- Use a wedge pillow or raise back portion of bed.
– Moderation in Exercise- Avoid over-exercising as it stresses digestion.
– Avoid Over Use of Pain Relievers- They often upset stomach and aggravate this area. Acetaminophen is preferred over stronger NSAID’s.
– Loosen Clothing- Opt for clothes that are not too tight.
– Hiatal Hernia- Coughing, sneezing, reaching, or strenuous lifting may cause your stomach to slide up which also may create similar pain and symptoms. Eating mints, taking aspirin, using alcohol or pain relievers will often relax the LES, causing the stomach to slide up.

Here is a list of foods that should generally be avoided if your LES is experiencing pain or spasm.

– Fatty and Fried Foods
– Citrus
– Tomato
– Onions
– Chocolate
– Mint
– Alcohol
– Caffeine

It’s also essential to deal with stress effectively, acknowledge strong emotions and learn to cope with life’s daily tensions. There are ways to interrupt these upsets and turn off overreactions by learning to “retrain the brain” and use foods to work for you rather than against you.

Naturally, if the pain and discomfort intensifies, it is best to check with your physician and rule out any physical cause.

By Dr. R. E. Freedman

It’s the same story over and over again.  Someone smoked marijuana with a group of friends and within 24 hours, usually sooner, they begin feeling unreal, depersonalized, foggy and detached. They are convinced that  the marijuana had to have been laced with something that created this uncomfortable and distressing sensation. They worry that some sort of  “damage” has taken place inside their brain. When they contact the people they partied with, they are amazed to learn everyone else is feeling fine. Now they become very confused, worried and fearful.

This is not an unusual course of events. I hear this story time and again,  in almost exactly the same detail. The individual is positive they have caused damage to themselves even though they are the only one experiencing these symptoms. They often resort to “doctor shopping” and taking medications which do little to resolve the problem.  Frustration enters the picture as feelings of depersonalization/derealization often intensify.

There is a simple explanation for this chain of events. Once understood, recovery is not difficult. It requires a simple yet specific process.

Let’s rely on basic science and facts:

(1) Personality– Some individuals are basically more reactive than others. These are the people who are intelligent, creative, analytical and generally more reactive to outside stimuli. They often experience a greater reaction to stimuli where others may not. They may react in a stronger manner to:
– Medications
– Alcohol
– Caffeine
– Nicotine
– Excessive Sugar
– Temperature Changes
– Bright Light
– Lack of Sleep
– Recreational Drugs

(2) Habit of Fearful Worry– The mind quickly wraps around whatever it is dealing with, to create a sense of closure, whether the facts are true or not. Therefore, if one has recently smoked marijuana and is feeling “strange” or “odd” afterward, the mind, by process of elimination, deduces that some damage must have occurred. Every free moment is spent in self-blame and  fearful worry that permanent damage has occurred when nothing could be further from the truth.

(3) Fatigued Mind– The mind quickly becomes exhausted, due to the continuous loop of worried thoughts. A tired mind is far less resilient and naturally the longer this loop continues, the foggier the mind becomes. The person may even lose their appetite, develop insomnia and find it difficult to concentrate or socialize with friends and family. They might even take time off from work, in order to recuperate, when this is completely unnecessary.

Once they understand what this is, what it is not and what to do, they are home free. It is important to note that one is not ill, nor have they ever been, which is why medication is not required. In a reactive individual, medication often may exacerbate the problem. This is merely the product of a tired mind and nothing more. The marijuana may have been the trigger but it is not the only trigger.

Triggers of Depersonalization

– Constant and Lingering Stress
– Certain Medications
– Alcohol
– Traumatic Event, Shock
– Unresolved Issues
– Unresolved Anger
– Recreational Drugs

Resolution of Depersonalization Due to Marijuana Use

Resolution of this sensation is not difficult. It is based upon a Two-Fold Approach:

(1) Retrain the Brain- Learning how to refresh the fatigued mind.  Thinking more productively. Through behavioral modification one is able to tame a mind that is overactive and unproductive.

(2) Food Therapy– Learning to use the correct foods, one already has in their own kitchen, to work for you rather than against you. Boosting Serotonin levels in the brain naturally and maintaining balanced blood sugar levels in the body to create a far less reactive mind and body. The correct foods will accelerate recovery when used  in tandem with the proper behavioral modification techniques.

This two-fold approach is all that is required to overcome feelings of depersonalization, created by marijuana use, or any other trigger. It does not require a long or drawn out process at all. It does require that one follow the specific process, leading to rapid relief  and permanent recovery.

Dr. R. E. Freedman
Anxiety Busters, Inc.
Depersonalization Treatment.com
http://www.anxietybusters.com
http://www.depersonalizationtreatment.com
Office Telephone: 215-635-4700
Office Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM, EST
Complimentary Telephone Evaluation

By Dr. R. E. Freedman

When one is sensitized, due to constant fearful worry,  adrenaline is often depleted in their system. They begin to feel weary, weak, confused and too exhausted to enjoy the simple pleasures of every day living.

The habit of worry is exhausting, both emotionally and physically. Frustration and fatigue begin to plague the person if they are not careful. In order to overcome this type of anxiety related adrenal fatigue one must be aware of a few simple facts:

Worry is Depleting: Therefore it is time to acknowledge this behavior and begin “unlearning” it as soon as possible. You have the power to retrain the brain, to tame it from the habit of fearful worry. Catch yourself in this habit for starters. This acknowledgement alone will break through this unproductive behavior.

Avoid the Sugar Fix: Although you may be craving sweets and fast foods, this is the time to do the exact opposite. You will heal faster by eating correctly and learning about the power of protein in foods. This will create a less reactive mind and body, one that is energized but also less reactive. Wired and tired quickly transforms into calm and relaxed.

Avoid Stimulants: Although stimulants, such as caffeine, allow you an instant energy boost, the rebound affect is not worth it. They will only serve to deplete more adrenaline and your discomfort will increase rather than dissipate.

Moderate Exercise: Take a stress reducing walk outdoors and listen. Yes, listen. This is an instant form of meditation. Allow your mind to pick up on distant sounds as you move forward with your body. Leave your stressful thoughts behind as you rejuvenate both body and mind.

Hydrate: Drink plenty of pure liquids during the day. This will keep the body running efficiently and also reduce stress. The body uses its water supply quickly in warmer weather and when exercised.

Sea Salt: Sprinkle a little sea salt on your foods as this is the healthier salt and will help maintain your energy levels at this time.

Balance Blood Sugar Levels: Do not skip meals. This causes the body to release more adrenaline in an effort to create energy (due to lack of food/nutrition), adding to your discomfort. Make it your goals to eat 5-6 smaller meals a day rather than 3 larger ones. This will be easier on your system and maintain well balanced blood sugar levels.

Sleep: If possible, make it your goal to sleep past 9:00 AM. This is very healing and helps repair a fatigued body.  If not, try retiring a little earlier in the evening to allow your body 8 hours of rest.  Enjoy your rest time and try not to fight sleep. Turn down lighting earlier in the evening, which serves to produce melatonin in the brain and helps you become relaxed and drowsy by bedtime.

Take a Moment: Take a few moments out of your day to enjoy your own form of relaxation. Read a book, do a puzzle, listen to music, talk to a friend or work in your garden. Whenever you indulge in something you enjoy, you are healing a fatigued body and lifting the spirits of a tired mind.

Remember, worry is often more depleting than lack of sleep. Learn to turn off the worry cycle and this in itself will accelerate recovery. Every worried thought releases adrenaline. Turn off this behavior and you will succeed in creating a far less reactive mind and body.

Best wishes for a peaceful day.

Dr. R. E. Freedman
Anxiety and Depersonalization Recovery
http://www.anxietybusters.com