Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health issue, affecting over 25 million Americans. Everyone gets nervous or anxious from time to time, but anxiety disorders are different. These disorders are accompanied by chronic anxiety brought on by certain situations that cannot be controlled. It can result in panic attacks which are characterized by shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, sweating, trembling, nausea, and even the feeling of dying. Many people who experience panic attacks believe that they are having a heart attack because of the intense and sudden symptoms.
Anxiety disorders can be caused by many things including traumatic experiences, neglect or abuse during childhood, or other events that have had a lasting effect on your psyche and mental state. Anxiety disorders can interfere with peoples’ everyday lives including work, school, and social relationships. Someone suffering from anxiety disorder will avoid situations and places that trigger their anxiety which can have a huge impact on their livelihood.
Anxiety disorder does not have to be permanent. Therapy can help to lessen or even eliminate anxiety from your life. The root cause of the anxiety, no matter how troublesome it is, needs to be dealt with. Discussing the problem or event and gaining a better understanding of it can help to limit the anxiety associated with it. Many times these issues need to be faced head on, and it can be difficult, but it is necessary to help conquer the anxiety. If anxiety is affecting your everyday life, call us to find out how we can assist you.