Anxiety Disorders
by Sarah Kovich, M.Ed., LPC
What is Anxiety?
Everyone experiences some degree of nervousness or uneasiness from time to time. And there are no hard and fast rules about what can make someone feel anxious. Any number of situations may trigger our anxiety. For instance, speaking in front of an audience, taking a test, participating in a review, or the first day on the job are a few that come to mind.
In fact, in these instances, you know the symptoms of anxiety: you feel shaky, your heart races or pounds, you may feel sweaty or your hands get clammy, you stomach quakes. Feeling anxious temporarily is one thing, but when your anxious feelings persist and interfere with your life and work, keep you from enjoying life, or lead you to avoid certain situations, you may have a mental health condition known as an anxiety disorder. The recognition of such a disorder can be scary at first, however, the good news is that there are effective treatments for this disorder.
The first step however is to recognize if you or someone you love may be suffering with an anxiety disorder.
RECOGNIZING SIGNS and SYMPTOMS
The signs are:
This degree of anxiety can severely hamper your ability to live an enjoyable life. It can lead to chronic (long term) anxiety, depression or other more serious physical ailments. Trying to wish away, ignore, or wait out an anxiety disorder rarely works. In these cases, the anxiety often can control your life rather than you controlling the anxiety. For these reasons, be confident that you are acting wisely by seeking assistance from a doctor or therapist.
TYPES OF ANXIETY DISORDERS
So, how do you identify, beyond the symptoms already listed more specific/common anxiety disorders? The most common anxiety disorders are panic disorder and agoraphobia.
Panic disorder is when you experience repeated feelings of intense, sudden terror or impending doom. Panic attacks can happen in a day, a week or over time. Symptoms of panic disorder include shortness of breath, racing heart beat, chest pain, choking sensations, and a fear of “going crazy”. Panic sufferers often live in fear of another attack because the attacks can occur without warning.
Agoraphobia is the anxiety of being in places or situations from which it might be embarrassing or difficult to escape- such as being in a crowded room or elevator. It is common for people with anxiety disorders to develop agoraphobia. In extreme cases people with agoraphobia may be afraid to leave their house.
TREATMENT: Research indicates that both psychotherapy (counseling) and medication are effective for relieving symptoms of anxiety. Often it is recommended to combine the two treatments for overall effectiveness.
Psychotherapy involves working with a licensed mental health professional in “talk therapy” or counseling about your symptoms and causes of your anxiety disorder.
Medication may be prescribed by your doctor or psychiatrist to relieve the symptoms of anxiety.
Whichever treatment you choose, it is important to choose. Often asking a friend, relative, minister, or other trusted person is a reliable way of getting a referral to a mental health professional. In addition, there are numerous self help and public resources you may want to look in to. We have included a list below.
The following organizations can provide more information on anxiety disorders and suggest resources in your area.
Mental Health Association of Greater Dallas
2929 Carlisle
Suite 350
Dallas, TX 75204
214-871-2420
Anxiety Disorders Association of America
6000 Executive Blvd.
Suite 513
Rockville, MD. 20852
301-231-9350
National Alliance for the Mentally Ill
200 N. Glebe Rd.
Suite 1015
Arlington, VA. 22203
800-950-NAMI (6264)
National Mental Health Association
1021 Prince St.
Alexandria, VA. 22314
800-969-NMHA (6642)
Quick Checklist for Anxiety Symptoms:
PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS:
* Shortness of breath
* Muscle Aches, Headaches
* Dizziness, unsteady feelings
* Accelerated heart rate, sweating
* Irritability
* Disturbed sleep and eating
* Fatigue or difficulty relaxing
* Choking sensations
* Chest pain or discomfort
FRIGHTENING THOUGHTS:
* Feelings of panic or terror
* Fear of passing out
* Fear of vomiting
* Fear of losing control
* Feelings of “going crazy”
* Fear of dying
If you recognize these symptoms in yourself or someone you love, know that there is assistance and help available. Try not to hesitate to get an assessment by a therapist or psychiatrist. Trying to ignore the symptoms may only worsen the symptoms and subsequent treatment.
If you would like an inservice for your employees on anxiety or other disorders that may affect workplace well-being, call PROVISIONS CONSULTING, INC. and we will help you arrange a seminar by one of our licensed mental health practitioners or offer you resources to other local agencies.
