-  About Anxiety

Everyone knows what it's like to feel anxious -- it gears you up to face a threatening situation, makes you study harder for that exam, and keeps you on your toes when you're making a speech. In general, it helps you cope. But if you have an anxiety disorder, this normally helpful emotion can do just the opposite -- it can keep you from coping and can disrupt your daily life.

An anxiety disorder may make you feel anxious most of the time, without any apparent reason. Or the anxious feelings may be so uncomfortable that to avoid them you may stop some everyday activities. Or you may have occasional bouts of anxiety so intense they terrify and immobilize you.

Anxiety disorders and panic attacks are not signs of a character flaw. They are serious mood disorders which affect a person's ability to function in every day activities.

There are as many causes of anxiety disorders as there are people who suffer it. Family history and genetics play a part in the greater likelihood of someone getting an anxiety disorder.  Increased stress and inadequate coping mechanisms to deal with that stress may also contribute to anxiety.

There are different biological and psychological components to every anxiety disorder, and the best form of treatment is a combination of medication and psychotherapy.

A therapist can be helpful in treating anxiety and panic disorders. If you or someone you know experiences anxiety or panic attacks, please call Samaritan Interfaith at (630) 357-2456 to schedule an appointment.

This information provided by the National Institute of Mental Health, NIH Publication No. 95-3879 (1994)

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