Anxiety

Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety can be debilitating for many people. It also shows itself in many different ways. Depending on your situation and mental health it will affect everyone differently. In me, it shows up as panic and picking at myself. If I have a scab or a cut I pick it over and over until it is infected. I just can’t seem to help myself. I panic over things that are not even happening. I panic because I fear what “may” happen. Below are the different types and more information on them

Panic Disorder

If you have this type you may suddenly have a feeling of sheer terror. You have a fear of disaster or losing control, even when there is no real danger at all. You may think you are having a heart attack. This can happen suddenly and over and over with no warning. Most people will feel discouraged and ashamed because it is hard to live a normal life.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

People with OCD have constant thoughts or fears that cause them to perform certain rituals or routines. The thoughts are called obsessions, and the rituals are called compulsions. An example is a person with an unreasonable fear of germs who constantly washes his or her hands. You may turn a light switch off and on many times or make sure the doors are locked over and over. Some people have a tendency towards excessive orderliness, perfectionism, and great attention to detail.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

PTSD can happen after a traumatic or terrifying event. It can be from a sexual or physical assault, a death in your family, terrifying events like going to war. There are a lot of soldiers coming home with PTSD. It can also happen by witnessing a terrible event. Even a natural disaster like an earthquake or tornado can trigger PTSD.

Social Anxiety Disorder

This disorder leaves a person with a fear of social settings. Excessive worrying and self-consciousness about any social situation affect someone that has this. Most likely you will isolate and stay inside. The fear is that you will be judged by others or you may do something embarrassing.

Specific Phobias

This type of anxiety is when you are afraid of spiders, heights, flying in an airplane. It can be anything that you fear that paralyzes you. The anxiety level is so high that you just cannot be around nor do the thing that you fear. Your fear is usually inappropriate to the situation and can cause you to avoid common daily situations.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

With this disorder, you will have excessive and unrealistic worry and tension. There is nothing that provokes your anxiety. The anxiety is just there.

Dependent Personality Disorder

This is when someone is dependent on another person for their happiness. You will spend much of your time trying to please others around you. This can make your anxiety worse because you do nothing for yourself. You are afraid to be alone and are extremely oversensitive.

Anxiety disorders affect over 19 million adults in the United States. Symptoms of anxiety disorders are varied. You can have uncontrollable thoughts, nightmares, problems sleeping, cold and sweaty hands. Some people constantly worry and think the worst is always going to happen. There is help out there though if you choose it. I take medications that help me tremendously. There is also psychotherapy and cognitive behavioral therapy. For some people dietary and lifestyle changes help. There is also relaxation therapy. You can be helped and you can feel better. I urge anyone who is struggling to never give up. It may take some time and you may stumble. There is always hope.