Everybody knows what it's like to feel anxious – the
butterflies in your stomach before a first date, the tension you feel
when your boss is angry, the way your heart pounds if you're in danger.
Anxiety rouses you to action. It gears you up to face a threatening
situation. It 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.
Anxiety disorders aren't just a case of "nerves." They are illnesses,
often related to the biological makeup and life experiences of the
individual, and they frequently run in families. There are several types
of anxiety disorders, each with its own distinct features. 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 are the most common of all the mental disorders. Many
people misunderstand these disorders and think individuals should be
able to overcome the symptoms by sheer willpower. Wishing the symptoms
away does not work – but there are treatments that can help.
There are several types of anxiety. The following are symptoms of
Generalized Anxiety Disorder.
Exaggerated worry and tension, even though there is little or
nothing to provoke it.
Always anticipating disaster.
Often worrying excessively about health, money, family, or work.
The thought of getting through the day sometimes provokes anxiety.
Physical symptoms, especially fatigue, headaches, muscle tension,
muscle aches, difficulty swallowing, trembling, twitching,
irritability, sweating, and hot flashes.
May feel lightheaded or out of breath.
May feel nauseated or have to go to the bathroom frequently.
