What is Anxiety?

You have probably heard others say this, or maybe you’ve said it yourself – “I feel anxious.”

Anxiety and anxiousness is often used in place of feelings like nervous, or worried. Everyone feels these emotions at some point in life; it’s completely normal to occasionally worry or feel keyed up or nervous.

Having anxiety, is like being worried or feeling nervous almost all the time, it’s chronic. The symptoms of a diagnoseable anxiety disorder vary from person to person. When these feelings don’t go away, or last for longer than usual, it may be time to seek a counselor to help.

There are several types of anxiety. Sessions to discuss your specific symptoms with a counselor trained in treatment for anxiety are needed before a diagnosis can be made.

Generalized Anxiety

 

Excessive worry about everyday issues. Difficult to get rid of, lasting for more than 6 months

SOCIAL ANXIETY

An extreme fear of being made fun of, viewed negatively, or judged, by others.  This fear makes it hard to have a social life, or want to be around others, this can include family members

PANIC

This type of anxiety is characterized by panic attacks that are unexpected and cause fear that another one will occur. Panic attacks often include, dizziness, sweating, feelings of losing control, pounding heartbeat and problems breathing. It is important to have your doctor make sure there are no undiagnosed heart issues or other medical concerns.

OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE

This disorder is characterized in two parts; Obsessive – thoughts or worries that keep coming back and are difficult to ignore. Usually involves fear of germs,  contamination or an intense need to organize items in a very specific way. Compulsive – strict behaviors and actions in an attempt to control the Obsessive worries. Examples include excessive hand washing, pulling out hair, eyebrows or eyelashes, checking and rechecking door locks or the stove.

POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER

After being exposed to a traumatic event (that involved you, or that you witnessed) you feel like you are keyed up, tense and on alert all the time. You may experience sleeping problems, anger outbursts and trouble concentrating.

 

 

Most anxiety disorders share similar symptoms, and they may overlap.  If you are experiencing any of the following meet with one of our counselors to talk:

  • Excessive worries
  • Difficulty calming your mind
  • Feeling on edge
  • Tiredness/Fatigue
  • Lack of confidence
  • Low self-esteem
  • Restlessness
  • Muscle tension
  • Irritability
  • Trouble sleeping

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