Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Do you wish you understood anxiety?

By Paul Forcey

When you start understanding anxiety you will be able to assist your family members or anyone else you know who suffers with it. Everyone suffers from some level of anxiety and panic at one point or another in their lives and that is perfectly normal. The level of reaction to that initial feeling of panic is where we all differ.

Generally when we become stressed, a person knows quickly and effectively what they need to counter act whatever is causing the stress. However for those who suffer from anxiety they will find that they suffer from excessive amounts of feelings relating to fear, uncertainty or apprehension. In some cases, they may suffer an anxiety attack and yet they may not actually be under attack from anything or anyone. In many cases their anxiety will continue even once the threat has passed or been removed.

Understanding anxiety can be hard as there are many different types of anxiety that a person can suffer from and some are actually more severe than others. The more severe the anxiety then the longer the symptoms associated with the condition last and the way in which the person behaves can become more and more erratic.

Anxiety is a state of mind but it can have huge affects on peoples physical health as well as their mental health. People with the most common form of anxiety , Generalized Anxiety Disorder, make up as much as 5% of the population in the USA. These figures show that anxiety is a much bigger problem than most of us realize.

Going to a medical professional is vital, but it can also be difficult for anxiety to be recognized as it may well be just one of many medical conditions that a person is suffering from. Getting treated for any physical medical conditions first is a good idea , as you may find that your anxiety improves as your physical health does. It certainly can't become any worse.

Some of the symptoms that a anxiety sufferer will display can greatly affect not just them but everyone in their social circle as well as family members. Restless, edgy and irritable - These symptoms can lead to confrontations with family members. Sleeplessness - Days or weeks with little sleep will compound the physical problems that anxiety sufferers often experience.

As with any form of anxiety disorder, a person is going to find it very difficult to cope with day-to-day life. In some cases, they may actually find that they cannot function as they would normally if they did not suffer from anxiety.

Although it may seem impossible there is help available for all of the anxiety disorders. The difficult step for most people is getting the friend or family member to admit they need help and go to see their Dr. When they do admit they have a problem and go to see their Dr he will most likely start them on a course of medication. Medication is not a instant fix for anxiety, understanding and support for the anxiety sufferer will be as valuable as any medication that can be prescribed.

When you go to see your Dr you must be open minded as to what treatment he offers you, medication is not the only way that he may be able to help you. Having a open mind to listen and discuss the various treatment options will help you in the healing process. - 16004

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