Anxiety Awareness
I have received many calls recently asking for more information about anxiety: what is it? Is it treatable? How can I help someone who was diagnosed with it? How come my anxiety is different from other people’s anxiety?
Everyone experiences some level of anxiety in their lifetime. Fear and anxiety can be beneficial as a warning sign to danger or threats. Anxiety disorders, however, go beyond the anxiety experienced in response to danger. Anxiety disorders occur when substantial distress impairs the ability to function in important aspects of life, such as work, school, relationships or in completing fundamental daily tasks. Anxiety disorders do not go away on their own and can get worse over time.
Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the U.S.
40% of American adults have experienced an Anxiety Disorder at some point in their life
Only 1/3 of adults and 1/5 of teens suffering from anxiety disorders receive treatment
Anxiety disorders show up in different ways. Generalized Anxiety Disorder is a chronic state of severe worry and tension, often without provocation. Panic Disorder refers to sudden & repeated panic attacks—episodes of intense fear and discomfort that peak within a few minutes. Obsessive-compulsive Disorder (OCD) is evident by intrusive thoughts or compulsions. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) may develop after experiencing a traumatic event. Phobias are defined by a persistent and excessive fear of an object or situation. Social Anxiety is an intense, persistent fear of being watched and judged by others and where daily social interactions lead to irrational anxiety, fear, self-consciousness, and embarrassment. Anxiety is often accompanied by depression, as the two share an underlying genetic design.
Factors that are considered when diagnosing anxiety are: genetics, brain chemistry & functioning, as well as life events such as trauma, extreme stressors or parental overprotection.
Treating or managing anxiety takes a comprehensive approach. There is no one formula that works for everyone. Common approaches are: Talk Therapy; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) -designed to identify irrational beliefs and negative thinking patterns; Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) – used to help regulate emotions; Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR) - used largely with clients who experience PTSD, and Medication.
Some Complementary Therapies that are often used in conjunction with conventional therapies are: Stress management, meditation, yoga, nutritional counseling, acupuncture, and exercise.
HOW TO HELP OTHERS WHO EXPERIENCE ANXIETY
Avoid shaming or judging them. Comments like "you’ll get over it" or "chill out" can be hurtful.
Ask how you can help. While you can’t “fix” their anxiety, listen to what they need.
Be patient. If they are experiencing an anxiety attack, it may not be helpful to intervene in that moment. Sit with them until it passes, then offer support in whatever way they need it.
Encourage treatment. Mental health treatment is as important as physical health treatment.
If you want to understand better, ask questions, do research, talk to a professional to learn more.