| Anxiety Disorder is a real illness, and is the most | | | | - Repetitive actions, such as washing hands or |
| common mental health problem in the United States. | | | | checking ifwindows are locked |
| According to the American Psychiatric Association, | | | | - Repeating phrases, numbers etc… |
| more than 25 million Americans suffer from these | | | | Phobias |
| disorders. Children as well as adults are afflicted. There | | | | - Fear that triggers intense anxiety |
| are several types of anxiety disorders such as | | | | Many physical symptoms add to the difficulty of |
| Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Generalized | | | | anxiety disorders. The following anxiety disorder |
| Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, Obsessive | | | | symptoms spread across much of the disorders. |
| Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and Phobias. | | | | Many people feel nauseous, or their heart races so |
| Anxiety creates stress for all of us, at some time, to | | | | fast that they feel like they cannot breathe. They often |
| varying degrees, but it becomes a disorder when it | | | | have headaches, feel dizzy, sweat or have chills. |
| can no longer be seen as rational, or it is adversely | | | | Shaking or trembling as well as heavy tension and |
| affecting someone's life. Individuals suffer extreme | | | | achy muscles are part of the regular regimen. As well, |
| worry, anxiety, panic, or an overwhelming fear of losing | | | | for someone with an anxiety disorder, chronic sleep |
| control as well as physical symptoms. Anxiety | | | | problems plague him or her. It becomes a vicious cycle. |
| disorders hinder people from living their daily life, let | | | | Sleep is an essential requirement for good health, both |
| alone enjoying it to the fullest. | | | | mental and physical. Not getting enough sleep can |
| If you, or anyone you know, suffer from the following | | | | result in poor work or school performance, impaired |
| symptoms of anxiety disorder , it is advisable to | | | | judgment and decreased attentiveness, which could |
| encourage and/or seek out medical attention. Here is a | | | | result in injury. In addition, some medications given to |
| list of the more common symptoms of the above | | | | treat anxiety can cause insomnia, thus the cycle |
| anxiety disorders: | | | | continues. |
| PTSD | | | | Often treatment is avoided due to the stigma attached |
| - Overwhelming feeling of panic or fear | | | | to mental illness. People try to deal with matters |
| - Flashback/reliving of traumatic event | | | | themselves. They hear, "Where's your willpower?" or |
| - Nightmares | | | | "All you need is a kick in the butt." |
| - Insomnia | | | | There are many effective anxiety disorder treatments |
| Generalized Anxiety Disorder | | | | available. The National Institute of Mental Health states |
| - Uncontrollable worrisome thoughts about everyday | | | | some of the antidepressant medications that have |
| things, without just cause, often exaggerated, lasting | | | | been effective in treatment. Psychotherapy is also |
| for six months. | | | | recommended in the form of Behavioral Therapy and |
| Although, treatment may be warranted earlier | | | | Cognitive-behavioral Therapy. It is a good idea to |
| - Irritability | | | | discuss treatment options with your doctor. |
| - Trouble falling or staying asleep | | | | On a last note, we, as fellow human beings, need to |
| Panic Disorder | | | | support all people. Lift the stigma of mental illness and |
| - Overwhelming feeling of panic | | | | help others and ourselves. We need to take the time |
| - Avoidance of people or places | | | | to put ourselves in someone else's shoes before we |
| - Fear of losing control | | | | judge. We also need to understand that mental illness |
| OCD | | | | can happen to anyone, at anytime. |
| - Obsessive thoughts, such as germ contamination | | | | |