Our society today is full of references to anti-depressants as if they are instant life-saving candy. People pop all sorts of pills, often without a prescription, in place of dealing with life’s worries and anxieties. I definitely agree they have their place, but I believe they are over-used in our society. Sometimes, instead of going into panic mode, we need to simply “take a breath and get over it.” It sounds simple because it is. When the mind is afraid or in panic, the body reacts with “fight or flight” mode. This tenses up the body to protect it and makes the breaths more shallow as a result.
We are all in the same world trying to get by. Some people really do have a chemical imbalance and need drugs to stabilize themselves. Most of the population, however, needs to learn to get through “fight or flight” moments on our own. Mentally telling yourself that you need to “take a breath and get over it” and doing it fills the capillaries of the lungs with more oxygen and cause your body to calm. It may take 5-10 deep breaths before you can cope normally again but when you get there you can celebrate the fact that you made it through a virtual panic attack simply by breathing more deeply. The mind powers the body but the body fuels the mind. Remember to get that all important oxygen to your brain.
I know for a fact there are people addicted tranquilizers who probably couldn’t use this technique. The next time you see a character on television or in a movie who is popping them, just remember that should be a last resort. If you are unable to calm yourself down through deep breathing and thought control, then you should see a psychiatrist. Be prepared however for when/if the psychiatrist tells you to just “take a breath and get over it.”
9 Comments
Well Spoken Damien, I have dealt with some pretty stressful and depressing things in my life, but I have never turned to anti-depressants which are meant for chemical imbalances only, they aren’t meant for people just to take to handle day to day stress and unhappiness. What people need in those circumstances are some inspiration, some confidence and maybe some therapy.
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@Dragon Blogger: Sometimes it’s easier said than done, that’s why I’m reminding people. Plus, I’ll reveal a secret that it isn’t always easy for me to just “take a breath and get over it” but that doesn’t mean I don’t keep reminding myself. Thanks for the nice comment.
Such wisdom! It’s nice to find concurrence with my own thinking. What ever happened to the days when you just had a good cry and got over it without some pill popping. I am so grateful to be aware of the divisiveness of the pharmaceuticals.
Loved the take a breath idea.
Yeah but taking a breath doesn’t make any profit and that is completely unpatriotic!
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@buddhaofhollywood: Other times maybe it’s because modern medicine is still quite ignorant about these drugs and their effects on the brain.
There are some people who have a chemical imbalance and need to take medication. There are others who just need to get out and exercise.
I find exercise is the best way to beat stress along with eating right.
Great post Damien. Too many people use these drugs for crutches now. Of course it may be the doctors and drug companies trying to make a buck.
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Hi, Damien -
Good advice for dealing with normal stress and down periods. I stumbled this one.
All my best — John
Thanks John. I’ve taken a little flack for this one in private emails from random people. I stand by it as a reminder for “normal stress” and “down periods” as you put it. If the breathing doesn’t work long term, meds may be necessary, of course. I appreciate the stumble.
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Take a Breath and Get Over it
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