Ask the Experts- May 2018

Dear Red Hot Mamas,

I’m 49 years old and have never been anxious in my life. Suddenly I’m having hot flashes and when anxiety attacks. My doctor just put me on hormone therapy for the hot flashes. However, can you please offer me some strategies to help with this anxiety? Thank you.

Rebecca

Dear Rebecca,

Anxiety can certainly make you feel bad and can also be bad for your health. You should speak to your doctor about your anxiety concern. Speaking to a therapist who is trained in cognitive behavioral therapy may be of big help to you. This type of therapy utilizes a form of talk therapy which helps you to separate worries and fears by putting them into reality. Also, exercise may be beneficial. Exercise will release those feel good hormones and all you need to do is 30 minutes per day which can reduce anxiety attacks, elevate your mood and reduce your stress level. Again, ask your doctor to recommend an exercise program before embarking on one on your own. Another thing you can do is to learn to breathe properly. Take a deep breath as slowly as possible (count to five) and release. Some hospitals offer classes in relaxation and deep breathing exercise. Medications, including antidepressants such as SSRIs and tricyclics can also be helpful in some cases.

Red Hot Mamas