Who among us has not at one time or another had something to be anxious about. Whether it was studying for an up-coming exam, a first date, focusing on a work project, preparing for an important speech, or dealing with the pressures of everyday situations, no one is exempt. In fact, the number of Americans feeling anxious or tired has risen recently. It is estimated that about 40 million Americans age 18 and older suffer from one or more anxiety disorders in a given year – which gives way to fear and uncertainty.
However, not all anxiety is harmful – as a matter of fact it is a normal reaction to stress which helps us work through some tense situations. It can be a great coping mechanism. It is only when anxiety persists and becomes out of control, it then no longer is harmless and becomes a disabling disorder and if untreated may become more debilitating.
It is not uncommon for these disorders to be in combination with other physical or mental conditions, including substance or alcohol abuse, which may exasperate the symptoms or in some cases mask the symptoms. Therefore, it may be necessary to treat these illnesses before combating anxiety disorder.
The five major types of anxiety disorders are:
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) – This is the most common anxiety disorders and in any given year effects over 6.8 million adults in the US – women being twice as likely to be afflicted. Although it is a disorder that comes on gradually it seems to be at its highest peak during childhood and middle age. It is believed that biological factors such as: background, family, and the events of one’s life experiences, contribute to this disorder.
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) – It’s a compulsion when individuals use rituals to control persistent and upsetting thoughts.
- Panic Disorder – Is when you experience sudden attacks of terror accompanied by sweatiness, weakness, pounding heart, faintness, dizziness or all of the above, instigated by a fear of impending doom or loss of control.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) – It is in avoidance of the experience one may have developed as a result of a terrifying event, which may have involved physical harm, whether to oneself or a loved one
- Social Phobia (or Social Anxiety Disorder) – Is when individuals become overly excited or anxious and are extremely self-conscious in everyday social situations, accompanied by embarrassment and fear of being judged by others.
Fortunately there are many tools available in the treatment of anxiety disorders. Some of which include Anti-Anxiety medication, psychotherapy or both. However, anti-anxiety medication alone will not cure anxieties, but can help controlling them while pending psychotherapy. Many individuals practice relaxation techniques as well as herbal medicine in combination with these treatments and some opt for the later independently.
Regardless of what treatment option you seek out, there is no need for individuals to suffer with anxiety related disturbances. Although these disorders may start out innocent enough, they can lead to severe health issues physical and/or psychological. So, please contact your physician and get on the road to recovery and enjoy the world that is awaiting you!!
