If you suffer from unrelenting worries, obsessive thoughts, phobias, or panic attacks, you may have an anxiety disorder. Constant fear, worry and anxiety affect just about every relationship you have, including the one you have with yourself. Feeling out of control translates into diminished self-confidence. Imagine knowing that every time you start to spiral into thoughts of impending doom and self-doubt, that you have tools and skills to escape. You feel empowered and self-confident. You have learned and acquired the knowledge to self-help and feel resilient. All aspects of your life are enriched!
Several common conditions that fall under the umbrella of anxiety are:
General Anxiety
This is when an individual worries most of the time about almost everything. There is usually loss of sleep due to constant and nagging worries about what has already happened or what may happen. It is accompanied by self-doubt, constant stress and exhaustion. General Anxiety may exist on its own but more times than not it is precipitated by a major Life Event or a Life Transition and Chronic Stress.
Depression
Depression also accompanies Anxiety Disorders. Being depressed often feels like you are carrying a heavy burden and those suffering with anxiety often feel overwhelmed and burdened. It’s exhausting, and feeling down and out is a common side effect of anxiety.
Social Anxiety
Social Anxiety usually presents as an unreasonable and excessive fear of social-interactions. This anxiety and self-consciousness is generated by an irrational fear about the negative opinions of others, which in turn affects many aspects of your life including school, work, relationships, and more.
Phobias
Phobias are defined as an irrational or extreme fear response or an aversion to something specific. One may go to extreme lengths to avoid an activity, an object or a specific situation because of fear of danger or harm.
PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)
PTSD is a condition triggered by experiencing a terrifying event or by witnessing it. Many sufferers endure nightmares, flashbacks, and debilitating anxiety.
OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder)
OCD is an anxiety disorder that affects individuals of all ages who get caught in a cycle of uncontrollable thoughts, obsessions, and compulsions. These unwanted thoughts and fears lead one to engage in repetitive behaviors to help manage the anxiety.
Panic Attacks
Panic Attacks are sudden episodes of extreme fear and anxiety that trigger the fight, flight, freeze response when there is no real apparent danger or cause. The physical discomfort reaches a peak within minutes, causing additional fear of losing control, having a heart attack or even dying.
ADHD (Attention Deficit Disorder)
ADHD causes difficulty with attention control and leads to impulsive behavior. The links between ADHD and Anxiety involve the excess energy and hyperactivity that develops into anxiety when it goes unused. Treatment for the anxiety helps with focus and control.