October 28, 2008
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OvercomeBullying.org Newsletter #003
Dealing with Stress
One of the biggest problems related to bullying is the stress that it causes. Many who are exposed to high levels of stress can find themselves suffering from panic attacks especially when faced with triggering events associated with the abuse. In this issue we look at panic attacks as well as methods of stress reduction including hypnosis and exercise.
A combination of approaches is most effective. Dealing with the mental aspects through hypnosis will help to give you the calm you need to break the cycle of stress and anxiety, worry, racing thoughts and sleep problems.
Finding ways of exercising that are enjoyable and that you can stick with will help you in many ways such as weight control and self-esteem, but it is important to also give your body the chance to recover from the physical effects of the stress response or fight or flight mechanism that is triggered by bullying.
All the Best,
Anton Hout
Founder, OvercomeBullying.org
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In This Issue:
- Pink Sneakers Productions Needs Bullying Stories for Documentary
- Do You Suffer From Panic Attacks?
- Can Hypnosis Really Help to Deal with Stress and Anxiety?
- How Exercise Helps Counteract the Effects of Stress
- Thought for Today
Pink Sneakers Productions Needs Bullying Stories for Documentary
Pink Sneakers Productions (of MTV’s True Life, VH1’s Hogan Knows Best, etc.) is doing initial casting for a new documentary series chronicling the lives of people dealing with and overcoming obstacles. The series will be airing on a major cable network. One of the episodes will be focusing on the pains of bullying.
Are you or do you know someone who is being bullied? We are searching for people willing to share their stories in hopes of shedding light on this important subject. For more information on this project please contact us.
Looking forward to hearing from you!
Katie Swegle,
Casting Assistant,
kswegle@pinksneakers.com
PINKSNEAKERSPRODUCTIONS
1000 Colour Place, Apopka, Florida 32703
P: 407.464.2080 F: 407.464.2081
www.pinksneakers.net
Do You Suffer from Panic Attacks?
Panic and anxiety attacks can strike anywhere at anytime. That's part of what makes them so terrifying. It's that sense of complete loss of control.
Severe anxiety attacks can make you feel like your body is about to shut down, you can't breathe, your heart is racing, your hands are shaking as your mind is overwhelmed by sheer terror, an impending sense of inescapable doom. The fear builds until we think we are going to pass out or even die.
Self doubt about our mental health creeps in... Am I going crazy? Do other people notice that something is wrong with me? Will they think I'm crazy?
Panic attacks or anxiety attacks can be brought on in any number of ways. They can be triggered by certain situations or places but can just as easily come at any time without warning.
Can Hypnosis Really Help to Deal with Stress and Anxiety?
Dispelling Myths About Hypnosis
When I think of the word 'hypnosis' the first thing that pops into my head is the image of a flamboyant stage performer putting hapless volunteers through their paces by making them cluck like chickens once he has mesmerized them into a mind controlling hypnotic trance.
Many of us have these kinds of feelings about hypnosis but is this reputation justified? There are several myths that persist about hypnosis even though it is used by trained hypnotherapists, psychologists and psychiatrists everyday to deal with a wide variety of issues -- including stress, anxiety and depression.
Before we can look at the benefits that hynosis can offer we need to look at the myths that surround the subject.
How Exercise Helps Counteract the Effects of Stress
I cannot stress health issues enough when it comes to bullying. Many are surprised by how damaging bullying can be to not only mental and emotional well being but to your physical health. Stress is the culprit that affects your health in a myriad of ways.
About 1500 events occur in your body due to the stress response from the release of neurotransmitters, metabolization of nutrients to the realease of hormones including cortisol the so-called "stress hormone". While this incredibly powerful and finely tuned reaction is great for dealing with physical threats it's not so great for dealing with psycho-social threats such as bullying.
In our modern world most stress arises from situations that are not physical in nature and a literal fight or flight response would be inappropriate (even illegal). The problem is that your body doesn't know this and continues to prepare you to do battle or run for your life.
Thought for Today
The worst sin toward our fellow creatures
is not to hate them, but to be indifferent to them:
that's the essense of inhumanity.
~ George Bernard Shaw