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.
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 manner that suits you, you may be suffering from an anxiety disorder. Gratefully, many treatments and self-help strategies for anxiety disorders can help you significantly decrease your anxiety symptoms, manage anxiety attacks, and reclaim your life.
