Everyone has days that they are nervous, anxious, and maybe even occasionally fearful. The daily stress and fast pace of modern day life affects us all. There may even be an event that we are anxious about, or an isolated period of stress that occurs. Those are all normal experiences, which eventually pass and people then return to their regular states.

Ask yourself: Do you feel anxious long after a stressful event has passed?  Do your anxious feelings occur frequently throughout the day? Do they affect your emotions, job functioning, ability to concentrate, or relationships?  Do you think your anxiety affects your health? If so, you may have an anxiety disorder.  

Anxiety symptoms may include:

  • Constant worrying, and/or a sense of doom
  • Feeling out of control, emotionally and physically
  • Being on edge, easily startled
  • Fear of going to routine or new places
  • Muscle tension, stomach aches, nausea, head or back aches
  • Decreased concentration, memory and focus
  • Cold or numb hands and feet
  • Sweating/flushing, rapid heart beat, difficulty breathing
  • Feeling faint, dizzy
  • Feeling detached
Anxiety disorders affect approximately 19 million Americans.  It can often run in families. Although research continues, it is known that anxiety is a medical condition.  Anxiety can be caused by chemical imbalances in the body, exposure to prolonged stress, or a distressing event in your life.  For some, anxiety just seems to appear for no apparent reason. 

There are several types of anxiety disorders. These include: Generalized anxiety; panic disorders; social anxiety; Obsessive Compulsive Disorders and phobias such as fear of flying, fear of leaving your home or fear of heights.

Diagnosing Anxiety Disorders

  1. See your Physician for an evaluation to determine if there is a physical cause for the anxiety.  Anxiety may be caused by a physical condition such as a thyroid imbalance or a vitamin deficiency.
  2. Seek help from a mental health professional who is trained to work with anxiety disorders.
  3. Consider possible treatments such a medication, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), relaxation therapy, and dietary and lifestyle changes.
Conquering Anxiety:  counseling and therapy to help you regain peace in your life.  Licensed therapists Bernadine Merker and Allison Rimland offer 8-week Anxiety workshops in the Denver Tech Center. Don't let anxiety run your life!
 

 


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