Anxiety is an important emotion that allows us get out of harm’s way and also provides us with fuel for important events. Anxiety warns us when we need to take action. If anxiety becomes unmanageable, impairing or distressing; it no longer is useful and may cross the fine line of becoming a disorder.
Anxiety disorders are the most common psychiatric illnesses affecting children and adults. Approximately, 40 million American adults suffer from anxiety disorders. Sadly, about one-third of those individuals suffering from an anxiety disorder receive treatment. Increase in public awareness is essential in informing the public that anxiety disorders are highly treatable.
If you experience anxiety that is persistent, seemingly uncontrollable, and overwhelming it may be indicative of an anxiety disorder. If it is an excessive, illogical fear of everyday situations, it can be disabling. When anxiety interferes with your daily activities, you may have an anxiety disorder and it can prevent you from living your life to it’s fullest. Being worried about what may happen can be consuming, preoccupying and distressing. It can create self-doubt, reduce self-trust and make decision making paralyzing. This cycle is very draining and robs individuals from accessing their joy.
The term “anxiety disorder” refers to a group of anxiety disorders that includes: generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), social anxiety disorder (also called social phobia), and specific phobias.
However, if worries, fears, or anxiety attacks seem overwhelming and are stopping you from living your life in a meaningful way, you may be suffering from an anxiety disorder. Gratefully, many treatments and psychological tools for anxiety disorders can help you significantly decrease your anxiety symptoms, manage anxiety attacks, and reclaim your life. Evidence-based therapy for anxiety can help you improve your belief in yourself, remove limitations that prevent you from living the full and meaningful life you want and desire to live both personally and professionally.
