ANXIETY DISORDER
What is Anxiety Disorder?
Anxiety disorder differs from regular anxiety by an enhanced form of nervousness and involves an excessive amount of fear and anxiousness. Usually, the fear or anxiety is out of proportion to the situation and hinders the ability to function properly. Anxiety disorder is not just one illness, but is divided into different types such as
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Panic Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD).
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Factor Examples
These are few examples of factors that could potentially lead to anxiety disorders.
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Genetics: Anxiety disorders can run in families
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Environmental: Childhood trauma and abuse, drugs and alcohol
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Psychological: Other mental illnesses can cause large amounts of stress
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Symptoms
Since there are so many anxiety disorders, symptoms are different among disorders and among people. Here are a few common symptoms:
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Irritability
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Difficulty concentrating
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Fearfulness
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Muscle pain
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Trouble breathing
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Constant headaches
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Sweating and dizziness
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Thoughts of suicide
Ongoing appearances of these symptoms should raise a red flag and help should be sought out. Again, just because you have some of these symptoms doesn't mean you have the disorder. The symptoms must be ongoing for multiple weeks.
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How to Help a Friend
Starting to see symptoms of an anxiety disorder in a friend or loved one can be difficult and alarming, but the number one thing you can do to help them is to be there for them. When they are feeling anxious or stressed, be an active listener and help them research what their next step should be. Avoid saying the symptoms are not as severe as your friend thinks they are. You need to be their support system. Remember that you are not a health care professional and cannot provide the treatment for your friends or loved ones. You can help, but do not get to the point where you are inhibiting your own mental health. Suggest coping mechanisms or resources below they can try out.
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Getting Help
The ARC is a non-profit organization that created a place where individuals with anxiety can come together to find support, hope, and inspiration. They want to help you challenge your anxiety and help you recognize that you are not alone. For more information, you can click the link in the title or contact them at 616-356-1614.
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Social Anxiety Association
The SAA is a non-profit organization dedicated to adapting to everyday needs of individuals with social anxiety. Their major goals are to educate the public, hold therapy sessions, and serve as a resource to social anxiety. You can click the link in the title for more information.
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For more resources on general mental health, click here.
