Highs and Lows Anxiety and Depression
ANXIETY Anxiety is a normal reaction to stress and can actually be beneficial in some situations. For some people, however, anxiety can become excessive. However a person suffering may realize their anxiety is too much.
Facts about Anxiety Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the U.S., affecting 40 million adults in the United States age 18 and older (18% of U.S. population). Anxiety disorders are highly treatable, yet only about one-third of those suffering receive treatment.
Facts People with an anxiety disorder are three to five times more likely to go to the doctor and six times more likely to be hospitalized for psychiatric disorders than those who do not suffer from anxiety disorders.
TYPES OF ANXIETY Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), Panic disorder, Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Social phobia (or social anxiety disorder).
WHERE DOES ANXIETY COME FROM? Anxiety Disorders may develop from a complex set of factors Genetics Inherit traits Brain Chemistry Lack of or too much chemicals in the brain Personal/Life Events Trauma and experiences
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) Described as chronic, exaggerated worry about routine life events and activities. Worry last at least 6 months A person anticipates the worst Affects over six million adults
Symptoms Fatigue Trembling Muscle Tension Headache Nausea
OCD (Obsessive Compulsion Disorder) Repeated intrusive and unwanted thoughts that seem impossible to control linked to ritualized behavior Recurrent obsessions or compulsion that are time consuming Cause distress Affects 3% of the population
Panic Disorder Sudden feeling of terror that strikes repeatedly and without warning Common fear that they will have a panic attack that causes them to avoid situations. This can lead to panic disorder with agoraphobia (Fear of going into places that might cause panic attacks) This causes some people to avoid going out.
Symptoms Chest pain Heart palpitations Shortness of breath Dizziness Abdominal discomfort Feelings of unreality Fear of dying
PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) Caused by experiencing an extreme traumatic incident such as Mugging Serious accident War Sexual/physical abuse Natural disaster Sudden death of someone close to you
Symptoms Anxiety Rage Excessive aggression Depression Emotional numbing Risky behavior Self-mutilation Feeling out of body Risky behavior Sleep disturbances Flashbacks
Social Phobia Intense, chronic fears of being watched and judged by others and of being humiliated by their own actions
Specific Phobia Fear related to a specific event, situation or thing.
Symptoms Worry for days or weeks in advance of a dreaded situation Blushing Profuse sweating Trembling Nausea Difficulty talking 15 million American adults have some form of social disorder
With proper treatment, many people with anxiety disorders can lead normal, fulfilling lives. Treatment Medication does not cure or keep anxiety under control. The principal medications used are antidepressants, anti-anxiety drugs, and beta-blockers to control some of the physical symptoms.
Holistic Approach The Holistic Approach works even better Prayer Identifying the fears, identifying areas of concern Bible Study Insight into the spirit God has given us, identifying the areas God has made a way, and identifying how fear may lead us to do the wrong thing in order to protect ourselves
Holistic Approach Community Connection Support System to assist in realizing you are not alone Talk Therapy being able to identify what may be the source of the fear Medication When necessary to assist with reducing discomfort