Individuals May Feel More Anxiety During the Holidays Than in Previous Years

Remuda Ranch (www.remudaranch.com), Leading National Treatment Center for
Eating and Anxiety Disorders, Fears As Economy Suffers So Do Many with Anxiety
Disorders

PHOENIX, Nov. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- As the economy crisis continues, many
individuals may feel more stress and anxiety during the upcoming holidays.

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"The holidays can be a wonderful time for many people, but they can also bring
about pressure, stress and anxiety," said Dena Cabrera, PsyD, staff
psychologist at Remuda Ranch Programs for Eating and Anxiety Disorders
(http://www.remudaranch.com/general/anxiety/index.php). "Many news outlets
have reported the recession is over, but people across the country may not be
feeling the reprieve. They hear one thing, but their bank account says
something different."

Because many people are struggling with lay offs and financial loss, they may
have trouble enjoying pleasurable activities, particularly during the
holidays. This can bring about lots of stress, and for some, anxiety.

"When stress is poorly managed, it can interfere with functioning," adds
Cabrera. "Excess stress can manifest itself in a variety of emotional,
behavioral and physical symptoms."

People with stress can experience sleep disturbances, headaches, muscle
tension, stomach problems and fatigue. Additionally, people who experience
anxiety can experience excessive worrying, to the point where it interferes
with daily life. They may also engage in unhealthy behaviors such as substance
abuse, overeating and mood changes.

Cabrera offers the following tips to help enjoy the holidays:

-- Set realistic expectations. Holiday excitement also brings demands.
Between shopping, baking, feasting, crafting, parties and
entertaining,
it can get quite overwhelming. By setting realistic expectations, we
don't set ourselves up to become stressed because we overextended
ourselves.
-- Stay balanced. As we become busy with holiday tasks, activities and
demands, we can lose ourselves. Sleep, eating and exercise can become
compromised. Stay consistent and don't neglect healthy living.
-- Find meaning in the season. The holidays can be difficult and
challenging for many people. Many emotions can come into play. For
those who struggle with the holidays, they should reach out for
support
and recreate meaning in the holiday season that's comfortable for
them.
Prepare to take care of yourself emotionally and physically.
-- Prepare ahead. Time goes fast. Make a list and check it twice. Don't
wait until the last minute, this only creates more stress.
-- Learn how to deal with stress. Learn to talk to yourself with
positive
thoughts such as, "It's temporary, I've been through things like this
before, etc."

-- Seek help when things are stressful. Just talking about it with
someone
you trust helps.

About Remuda Ranch Programs for Eating and Anxiety Disorders
Remuda Ranch offers Christian inpatient and residential programs for
individuals of all faiths suffering from eating or anxiety disorders. Each
patient is treated by a multi-disciplinary team including a Psychiatric and a
Primary Care Provider, Registered Dietitian, Masters Level therapist,
Psychologist and Registered Nurse. The professional staff equips each patient
with the right tools to live a healthy, productive life. For more
information, call 1-800-445-1900 or visit www.remudaranch.com.

SOURCE Remuda Ranch Programs for Eating and Anxiety Disorders

Mary Anne Morrow of Blossom Communications Inc., +1-602-332-9026,
PRMaryAnne@earthlink.net, for Remuda Ranch Programs for Eating and Anxiety
Disorders