Anxiety can range from simple feelings like restlessness or difficulty sleeping. It can also escalate to something as debilitating as a full-blown panic attack when attempting to leave the house. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 31.1% of adults in the United States will deal with an anxiety disorder at some point in their lives. The difference between typical anxiety and that type of disorder is the inability to rid oneself of the anxiety. Furthermore, anxiety with a disorder worsens over time. If anxiety is pervasive enough to affect your ability to do your job, get along with people, or perform daily activities, it may be time to talk to a professional.
Disorders
Anxiety Disorders can present in many ways. They can often be easily distinguished by a mental health professional. Generalized Anxiety Disorder, or GAD, is a constant state of worry. It has no obvious identifiable cause. Panic Disorder, better known as panic attacks, are periods of intense fear that come on suddenly. They are often accompanied by intense physiological symptoms. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is defined by obsessions, intrusive, and often irrational thoughts. It includes compulsions, reoccurring and intrusive behaviors. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can occur after someone experiences or witnesses an event. This event is considered traumatic by the individual.
Treatment
Psychotherapy is the most common treatment method for all types of anxiety disorders. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), or Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), challenge and confront the anxious thoughts. They help in regulating thoughts and emotions. Exposure Therapy can also be used to help face fears or phobias. It helps quell the anxiety or panic surrounding them. In conjunction with therapy, Anti-Anxiety medications such as benzodiazepines, or Anti-Depressant medications such as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) may be prescribed to assist with pervasive or overwhelming anxiety.
If you can’t figure it out on your own, there are professionals (like us) to help guide you. You are still strong and valuable if you ask for help.
