My story

It is extremely emotional for me to write my own story. Many people know I have anxiety, but few people know my full story. I write it in hopes that people can gain an understanding and compassion for people who deal with mental illness. I also write it so people may be inspired to share their own story hidden deep down inside, get help for their mental illness and most importantly to know that they're NOT alone and that there IS help.

"We don't get to choose the life we have...but we have the privilege to choose how we live it."

I looked around the room and pieces of paper torn to shreds and eraser shavings were all around me. I was laying on my parent's floor reading "Arthur" taking breaks in between writing my spelling words. Letter by letter I carefully wrote each word perfecting each and every circle and line that accompanied each letter. "That 'O' is not perfectly round!" *erase erase* "The line on the 'A' is not perfectly straight or aligned with the other side!" *erase erase* Two hours and ten spelling words later stacks of torn papers, broken pencils and five erasers used to the wood laid before me. The thoughts of perfection screaming in my head caused thirty papers to be erased to the point that only the border of the paper was left. I couldn't take these thoughts in my head. I couldn't turn them off. In between each spelling word frustration would get the best of me and I would resort to reading my book. However, I couldn't get through one word without saying the word to my mind's standards. "My pronunciation is off," "The exclamation point was not heard well enough at the end of the sentence!" "Sarah just get one word right." "Sarah you can't do anything right." "Sarah you are not smart." I would then move to the spelling words, but my mind would get the best of me again. I went back and forth between reading and writing for hours.I was six years old. 

I was too embarrassed to talk to anyone about what was going on in my mind and to be honest I didn't even know what was going on in my mind. Thoughts of perfection haunted absolutely everything I did. I screamed in silence into my pillow and in the school bathroom because I couldn't bear the thought, at six years old, to be thought of as different than anyone else. No matter what I did at school or home it wasn't good enough for myself. The better I did at one thing the worse I was doing at everything else. No progress was ever made according to my mind. If I made one mistake I might as well have not started the activity in the first place. My parents started to notice my abnormal negative attitude towards myself and took me into a psychologist. When I found out why I was there and the doctor started talking to me I completely lost it. I couldn't be different. I didn't need help. It was my fault I was acting this way and no one else's. I was fine. I was fine. I was fine. After many tearful visits the psychologist got on my level and explained to me he thought I had something called, "obsessive compulsive disorder." He explained to me that this was a disorder of the brain that causes severe anxiety resulting in actions that weren't typical of myself. He prescribed medication and left the room. My parents tried so hard every morning to force me to take that medication. Many fights broke out over this because at this point in my life I thought I didn't need it. What if someone saw me taking medicine? What if someone found out and asked me about it? What would I say? What lie would I give? I took my pill in my pocket to school every morning and threw it in the neighbor's bushes on my way out the door. It didn't take long for my parents to notice a trail of little blue pills leading into the neighbor's bushes. 

After many long hard mornings and the power of prayer I began taking my medicine. I continued to lead a normal life and felt back to myself again. At the age of 12 I was doing so well that they discontinued my medication. I didn't think twice about my past and continued learning and loving school, family and my friends. However, anxiety always has a way of creeping back up on you. It's not always in the same form, but I have found if you are not constantly getting help or treating yourself it won't go away. It's easier to constantly maintain a clear mindset than to go through 'anxiety binges' every weeks or months. Trust me.

I was seventeen and I had the world at my finger tips. Cute clothes, cute boyfriend, amazing friends, easy classes and a loving family. However, my mindset started to fail me once more. Little assignments and simple conversations would send my mind running to the point that I felt mentally crazy. My mind would stop and fixate itself on something so little and simple, but i couldn't concentrate on anything else to save my life. Trying to push it aside gave me physical body tensions such as squeezing my hands, arms, feet and legs. I would clench my jaw so tight my tooth aches turned into chronic migraines. When these obsessive thoughts would come I would jerk my body without even realizing it and stomp my feet, kick my legs and throw my arms trying to get physically get rid of the mental thoughts that were in my head. Every day these body tensions and thoughts would get worse until one day I lost it. I was laying in bed trying to sleep and one simple thought about myself would not leave my mind. I tossed and turned trying to get my body tired enough to sleep so that I wouldn't have to deal with my mind or my thoughts. My legs started to shake and my hands went completely numb. My face started to tingle and my arms started to flail in the air. Pretty soon my whole body was shaking uncontrollably and I started to scream and cry louder than I ever had before. My parents slept in the room next to me and after hearing my piercing screams came rushing in. My mother deals with depression and anxiety as well, however she had never experienced a panic attack before. No one knew what I was going through and I was completely scared out of my mind in the terror of now not only being able to not control my mind, but my body as well. It got progressively worse and I woke up in the emergency room. Being a teenage girl and already caring so much what everyone thought about me  having the doctors and nurses asking me psychological evaluation questions was more than I could handle. I left the emergency room the next morning with a note to seek a counselor and anxiety medication once more. Thoughts of my childhood anxiety came flooding into my mind for the first time and it only increased my anxiety. 

I thought I would be fine, but I wasn't. The anxiety attacks only kept coming and after I would have an episode I would lay on my floor screaming and crying because I was so mad at myself that I 'let' it happen again. Not many people know what it's like to lay on the floor screaming night after night begging for the Lord to take you into His hands because you can't mentally handle your life and your thoughts. Being dead would be much better than another week of relentless thoughts and mind games.

My parents sought out counselors and programs in the area. My panic attacks were so severe that I wasn't eating, sleeping and I was talking about thoughts of suicide. A counselor was found in the area and my parents brought me to her. To be honest, I completely hated her. She was so blunt to the point I felt she didn't care what I was going through or how I felt. When I explained my thought processes to her and my reasons I felt justified to feel the way that I did she wouldn't hear it. I got so offended that I refused to see her. My parents did not want to give up on her however so they would literally carry me into the car every week and drive me there while I was screaming and crying. This continued on for months and I hated her more and more every week. One week when I was visiting with her (by visiting I mean sitting on the floor of her office bawling my eyes out telling her how mean she was) she told my parents about a program called Dialectal Behavior Therapy. Teenagers and their parents would meet with a group of therapists every week and learn a set of skills that would help them to become their own therapists. The goal of this DBT program is to help you to help yourself. It helps you manage your thoughts and emotions before they take over your mind so that you feel in control and also to help you feel like yourself again. My parents made me a deal that if I went to DBT therapy for a month and met with this therapist every week for this month that I was going to therapy I could quit therapy for good. I gladly accepted this. I knew I needed help, but just like in first grade I hated going to therapy for the sole reason of feeling different. I didn't want anyone to find out that I had problems. I was so worried what everyone would think of me. Either they would think of my anxiety as 'just stress and no big deal' or they would see me as a mental patient who didn't belong in the real world. 

At school no one knew what was going on. No one knew I even had a problem. I was very good at faking my personality until I got home and broke down. I would still see friends and kept up in my extra curricular activities. It took so much out of me just to go to school and fake a smile, but it was worth it to me to keep my problems to myself so no one would figure out what I was going through. I would go from having suicidal thoughts and panic attacks at night to pretending to smile and laugh with my friends at school. 

I remember the first week of DBT. I looked around the room and judged all of the other teens in the room thinking they must be complete wack-o's for needing this treatment. The first day of therapy we learned a skill called, "mindfulness." THIS SKILL COMPLETELY CHANGED MY LIFE. Keep in mind that I did not want to be there more than anyone in the world. My mindset had not changed about therapy or my therapist. I completely hated life because I was there, but something about this skill changed me. (Please read the section about mindfulness posted below)

I continued the DBT and seeing my therapist every week without putting up a fight. Dare I say it...I looked forward to going to DBT because I could see progress in myself. I didn't see an overnight change, but as long as I practiced the skills I was being taught my anxiety lessened a little every week and my panic attacks grew fewer and fewer. In my therapy session every week we would go over what we learned in DBT the previous week and how it directly applied to me. I would report to her how often I had used the skills of the previous week and if I had been keeping up on all of the other previous skills. It was at this point in my life that I got diagnosed with severe depression and anxiety including OCD, PTSD and panic attacks.

Through months and months of therapy I started to see a change in myself. The change was exciting and I agreed to go onto medication to help further relief from my symptoms. After over a year of therapy and graduating from the DBT program I felt like myself again. No, none of my symptoms had gone away. I still dealt with constant thoughts spinning in my mind literally every second and the urge to have a panic attack at least every hour, but I knew how to handle myself. I had built a toolbox and filled it with skills to regulate and control my emotions and actions. 

Now, many years later, I still deal with intense anxiety and depression. None of my symptoms have fully gone away. It takes absolutely everything that I have to get myself out of bed in the mornings and convince myself to go to school. It takes every fiber of my being to continue on one more day because I know exactly how hard it's going to be. I know that the minute I wake up thoughts will flood my mind and the anxiety and depression will start to sink in. I still suffer from panic and anxiety attacks. I don't expect my anxiety and depression to ever go away and for once in my life I can say that I am okay with that. I am okay with that because I see progress each and every day and I know how to regulate myself and my emotions so that I can live a normal life- and I do that. Every single day. I am still on medications and visit with the same amazing therapist once a week and guess what- NOTHING IS WRONG WITH THAT. I have come to realize through my skills that it is not a character flaw to seek help. It is a complete blessing to have these helps available so that we can be ourselves. 

I am Sarah Ann, wife to the most amazing husband in the world, sister to 3 beautiful supportive sisters, daughter to two amazing and determined parents, and patient of a therapist who saved my life. But most importantly I am a daughter of God and I know that these trials were put in my life for a reason. I would not be anywhere close to who I am today without these trials and obstacles that I face every minute of every day. I thank my Heavenly Father that He is there to talk to and listen with understanding and compassion 24/7. I am living proof that although anxiety doesn't necessarily go away, it can be overcome. 

"We don't get to choose the life we have...but we have the privilege to choose how we live it."

***Please keep in mind this blog contains my personal thoughts and feelings and what helped me. I am not labeling this as doctrine or saying this is what everyone with anxiety goes through or that this will help everyone. Please keep your comments kind and positive***

Key to happiness=Mindfulness

Through multiple years of therapy and different medications the skill of mindfulness has to be my best tool in my tool box of 'helps'. Basically, mindfulness teaches you to feel and act like yourself again by helping you gain a clear mindset to establish your real thoughts and feelings. So often people who struggle with anxiety (myself included) don't see things or people as they really are. We tend to see the world through our biggest fears. However, this only leads to greater depression and anxiety which burrows ourselves further and further into this unrealistic world in our minds. The skill of mindfulness is so simple and quick, however I have found it to be extremely effective. 
Let me give you the basics as told by my therapist...

1. Write a problem or difficult situation in the middle of a blank piece of paper and draw a circle around it.

2. Spend 2-3 minutes and write everything that comes to mind around the center topic- no censoring and pay no attention to spelling or grammar.  

After you write your map ask yourself...

1. Where do I feel body tensions? (I normally feel them very strongly in my hands, jaw, stomach and upper back)

2. Is your mind cluttered or clear? Did your thoughts come slowly or quickly?

3. How do you act when you feel this way?

You are obviously not very productive. The reason is because you have too many requirements. In this sense a requirement is how you want to be and how you want everything in the world to be in every given moment.  What's wrong with that? Well, requirements being met are impossibilities…for example I have a requirement that I get a college degree without having to endure finals week. See- impossible.  I also have a requirement that I not feel stress during finals- also impossible. It's normal to feel stress, but not consuming stress and anxiety.

The reason requirements are impossible to meet is because of two different types of thoughts; the first is the depressor. The depressor (not depressed) is all of our negative self talk thoughts like "I'm not good enough" or "I'm too stupid do this presentation on anxiety".  Then there is the competing companion to the depressor called the fixer. The fixer is always coming up with great ideas to "fix" the problem or make us "better" "think faster" "try harder" "be smarter". The fixer is like pouring solutions to a bucket with a hole in it. You work super hard at pouring things in only to find out there is hole, but for some reason that does not keep you from pouring energy and time into it. And every time you do the depressor will always be there waiting to remind you that in fact you are stupid, dumb, not good enough, hopeless, and worthless. The problem with the fixer is it is always trying to fix YOU, but you are not damaged goods. Essentially there is nothing wrong with you. God created you in His image. To deny this by buying into the depressor and fixer is like believing the lies of the enemy. 

Now do part two of the map. 

1. Turn your paper over and write the same thing in the middle and then be still. The first thing you should is notice the pressure of your body in your chair and the pressure of your feet on the floor- really tune into what your body feels like in your seat. Only focus on your pressure in your seat. If your thoughts turn away like they probably will continue to focus on the pressure. Do this for as long as it takes. Now, at the same time open your ears and notice any background sounds like the sound of the air, the buzz of the lights the birds outside the window. And while you are listening and noticing your body on the chair, I want you to notice the pen in your hand. Does it feel hot, cold, soft, smooth?  Continue to notice sound and touch. If your thoughts drift away that's okay, just bring yourself back to sound and touch. When your body feels calm and your mind feels settled write again. You may have the same thought or they may be different. Just write whatever comes to mind. The whole time notice sounds and touch the pen in your hand see the ink come out of the pen onto the paper. 

Do you notice a difference in your two maps?

Maybe you still feel depressed and it is okay to have any feelings that you may have, but do you have any body tension?

Mind cluttered or clear?

How will you act now?

When we are fully and totally connected to our wellspring of goodness, healing, and wisdom we are fully connected to God and his wisdom. Then our anxiety decreases to a level that is manageable and normal for your particular situation. 

I know this takes practice and takes up your time, but it takes a lot less time than a panic attack does. It is worth it to master this skill.

These days everything is online or on our phones so if doing your excercises on a piece of paper is too much there is an amazing website where you can do it online. Here is the link:http://www.sleepstar.co/home 

Remember
1. It is not a character flaw to receive professional help. Sometimes professional help is the only thing that can help regulate you back to your normal self.
2. Anxiety can be overcome.
3. It is a daily battle....stay dedicated.
4. Look at the progress you have made, look back to where you started.
5. Find the little successes in your every day life.
6. Anxiety is not just stress, but it also doesn't constitute you as a mental patient! You ARE normal!
7. STAY MINDFUL!!

You are not alone...

I am constantly amazed by the strength I see in my close friends and family who are going through similar situations. If you have anxiety or exhibit these symptoms you are not alone:

• :At any one time, between 1 and 5 in 100 adults have anxiety disorder.[4][11]
• About 6 in 100 adults get anxiety disorder at some time in their life.[11]
• Many people with anxiety disorder suffer in silence. Only about a half of people with anxiety disorder ever go to a doctor for it.[1]
• Many people with anxiety disorder have another mental illness at the same time. Often, that other illness is depression, phobia, or panic disorder.[4] See Other types of anxiety disorder to learn more.
• Women are about twice as likely as men to have anxiety disorder.[4][11][1]
• Anxiety disorder is less common in older people.[11]
• In one study, just under 1 in 100 UK children aged 5 to 16 had symptoms of anxiety disorder."
  http://www.webmd.boots.com/anxiety-panic/tc/anxiety-how-common-is-it
  
  
  
  
  Below are some absolutely incredible inspiring stories from some of my close friends and family members...(it's worth your time...guaranteed)
  
  
  ..." I didn't realize that I had Generalized Anxiety Disorder also until I was in my fifties.  I merely thought I was a "worry-wart".  I couldn't sleep or eat when my boys went to scout camp.  Any time one of the children was away from me, especially late at night I would imagine terrible scenarios happening to them; a car crash, going over a cliff, being kidnapped. If my husband would climb a tree, I KNEW that he was going to fall and would be a quadriplegic or die.   I would imagine what losing these family members would be like.  I'd plan the funeral.  I'd  cry.  It sounds ridiculous now, but I couldn't seem to control it.    
  
  
   After years of uncontrollable physical pain and exhaustion I was diagnosed as having fibromyalgia.  As part of the treatment plan, the drug Paxil was recommended.  The doctor explained that this class of medication was often prescribed to help with the nerve pain.  I followed the regimen he recommended.  Several months later, it occurred to me that my anxiety had all buy disappeared.  The scenarios I had blown so out of proportion were no more.  There were still concerns and worries, but they were normal ones.  Asking the doctor about the change, he said that I probably had been suffering from undiagnosed GAD.  The Paxil had "accidentally" treated it.
  
  
  As grateful as I am for modern medicine, I also learned several behavioral techniques"
  
  
  
  
  
  
  "...I think a lot of my anxiety started when my dad had a heart attack when I was 3.  He was in a coma for a little bit and It was a long road to recovery for him.  We weren't sure for quite a while if he was going to make it or not.  For quite a few years following that I had a lot of separation anxiety where it was hard to not be with my parents out of the fear that I thought something bad was going to happen to them.  Fortunately after a while I outgrew that; though I did struggle with it some when I left on my mission.  This was probably due to the fact that although I didn't have those same fears, I never got counseling or anything so the underlying causes were still unresolved.  After meeting with a counselor and discussing some of my thoughts and fears I was able to move on more completely.  This process was also facilitated through my religious beliefs and meeting with some of my ecclesiastical leaders.
  
  
  After a severe injury where I broke my neck, coupled with a painful break-up, I had to deal with some anxiety and depression.  Part of it was due to the side-effects from a concussion, but a lot of it was internally based.  Over the following months of meeting with a counselor he helped me see the irrationality of some of the things I was letting myself believe.  One of the most important things I learned was the importance of gratitude, even in difficult times.  The process took a fair bit of time, but I don't have too many problems with it now.  For me, a combination of counseling and being able to identify and correct the anxieties/fears early have been the best remedy.  The other thing that helped me out a lot was realizing that it's perfectly normal and acceptable to have a bad day every now and then.  That's part of life.  Nobody is happy all the time, and it's part of the human experience to have ups and downs.  I just hope that nobody struggling with anxiety and depression forgoes getting help out of a fear of what others will think of them.  I can't think of a single person who wouldn't benefit from talking to a counselor every now and then about how their life is going and what they're struggling with.  It's definitely therapeutic, and nothing to be ashamed about."
  
  
  
  
  
  
  "I remember the exact moment of "realization". I was standing next to my bedroom closet, my husband was standing in the room, also.  "I can't do this anymore. This isn't something I can't just pray away. I need help." It was perhaps one of the most humbling moments of my life.  I had recently had a baby and the anxiety and depression afterwards was far more than just "post-postpartum baby blues".  It retro-spect, I think signs of anxiety and depression were there throughout my life and not recognized.  A traumatic experience with this baby's birth had brought it to life, so to speak.
  
  
  It had been months of severe worry over everything.  I couldn't deal very well with my little children. I was even afraid of going to the dentist to get my teeth clean. The thought just overwhelmed me and I just couldn't do it. I convinced myself that if I were more righteous then this would heal.  It just had to be something I was doing wrong.  My husband was very supportive in helping me realize that it was something beyond what I could fix and that it was OK for me to seek out professional help.
  
  
  The first step led to a visit to my OB/GYN.  She was so very understanding in helping me to see that my "illness" was physical.  A chemical imbalance seemed to be the cause and medication and possible therapy could help.  She went on to explain that it was similar to diagnosed with diabetes.  It simply WASN'T my fault and it wasn't a character flaw. It was an illness that needed professional help. Knowing that someone more knowledgeable than me was now in charge and I could get help lifted a substantial burden off my soul.
  
  
  As I have continued my journey to battle this illness in my life, I have learned I can overcome this through spiritual and professional help."
  
  
  
  
  
  
  "Anxiety can't necessarily be attributed to genetics, environment, behavior, or any other factor alone. Usually this problem is triggered by a conglomeration of all of these factors, some under a person's control, others not. 
  
  
  Those who struggle with anxiety usually have a lot on their plate. They struggle to prioritize their time and activities while trying to live Christian lives. They spread themselves so thin that the peanut butter and jelly sandwich doesn't even taste very good. Not only do they fill their bags of activity till' its bursting at the seams, but they try to perfect everything they do. 
  
  
  Anxiety is a miserable paradox. The more good we do, the more we think we lack. Nothing seems to satisfy our desires to make the world a better place because we are too focused on ourselves and what we are doing to really care about those around us. I have found this to be true time and again. Thinking that I don't measure up, I wear myself out and become useless in the service of my fellowman. 
  
  
  People with anxiety see the same things as everyone else but with different lenses. They measure life in minutes instead of moments. Sticking to a schedule is more important than giving real time to the people around them. Instead of sharpening the saw every so often (taking time to enjoy life), they wear out the tool (themselves) to the point that they're useless. They're so concentrated on blowing on the flames that they forget to feed the fire. 
  
  
  Another cause of anxiety for many people is that they focus their attentions on the huge circles of concern in their lives instead of the smaller circles of influence. One of my favorite quotes summarizes this idea wonderfully:
  
  
  'God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.'
  
  
  As long as everyone plays their part, the show will go on. The key is found in D&C 10:4 "Do not run faster or labor more than you have strength and means...but be diligent unto the end". I have experienced the literal meaning of this scripture running cross country this year. When first starting out I sprinted, then walked, sprinted, then walked, and so on. I came to realized that when running, we need to pace ourselves so that we can run the whole way. Hebrews 12:1-2 "Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset [us], and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of [our] faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." 
  
  
  In conclusion, anxiety is an everyday part of life, more so for some than others. The question to ask yourself is "Does this problem really exist?". If so, then "Should I do something about it?" If yes, then go for it. If no, then ignore it. Use scriptures and other quotes as tools to combat anxious thoughts. How we feel is a direct result of what we think. We think about what we do. Live like the Savior and your fears will be replaced by the pure love of Christ for others. You will no longer be self-centered. These ideas are not quick-fixes. Implementing them will revolutionize the way you think and act, but with God's help you will find answers to your problems."
  
  
  **Leave a comment to leave your touching story...let's inspire others...we are not alone!

It's okay to seek help!!

Like many people with a severe anxiety disorder, I live in constant denial. Because of my own insecurities I do not want to admit that there is something I cannot handle on my own. I pride myself on my independence and would be completely embarrassed if anyone knew I needed help. However there comes a time when you need to realize that your anxiety disorder is not who you are, but your anxiety disorder KEEPS you from who you are. There is nothing shameful about getting professional help to help you get back to yourself and your daily living routines. If your anxiety is severe enough it will take professional help to clear your symptoms and moods. Keep in mind that it will take complete dedication to yourself despite the ups and downs that will come during your improvements. It is also important to keep in mind that there is no perfect cure-all for anxiety. Most anxiety disorders tend to make their way to the surface time and time again in your life, but if your toolbox if full of skills and help there is no need to panic-trust me you already have enough anxiety!

Helps:

• Prescription Medication. (doses can be changed and managed depending on your progress)
• Group or private therapy. (there is no shame-try it! come on, just once...)
• DBT therapy. http://www.behavioraltech.com/resources/whatisdbt.cfm http://www.helppro.com/HP/therapist-finder/therapy-approach/ID/Idaho_Falls/49/Dialectical_Behavioral_Therapy_(DBT).aspx (read my experience under "My Story")
• Take care of your physical body.  The physical and mental parts of the body are so very connected.  What happens to one happens to the other.  When dealing with emotional/mental illness, it is more essential than ever to get proper sleep and nutrition.
• Keep a journal-looking back at your positive thoughts and feelings will help you on your worst days.
• Keep a gratitude journal. (you can think of ONE thing every night to be grateful for)
• Look for the the support in others.  Reaching out to those we trust helps to share the burden, holds us up when we feel we may fall, and helps us not feel alone.  I also found that my experience has helped me reach out and understand others.  I've simply been amazed how many people I've been friends with for years also deal with what I deal with.
• Don't become a recluse.  Be around other people, especially those who lift you and make you laugh. Endorphins are great!
•  Have something to look forward to every day.  Do creative things, make music, enjoy a candy bar, watch a comedy or read a good book, plan a trip, have lunch with a friend.
• Have confidants that hear you out.  Choose those who are good listeners and will keep your confidences.  Talk therapy with a professional or good friend is invaluable.

• Fake it til you make it. Don't dwell excessively on your own problems in talking with others..  Be interested in others.  Find positive aspects to situations which upset you.  
• As much as I dislike it, exercise really is essential to mental health.  So is fresh air and sunshine. 

• Seek spiritual help.  Because of a loving God, prayer, and priesthood blessings, I have been given life-saving help, comfort, companionship, and direction of where to find additional help. Through my knowledge that God loves me and knows me better than I know myself helps me turn over my burdens to a higher power.  It also allows me to communicate almost hourly sometimes with a best friend who has granted "miracles" in my life. These miracles may not seem much of anything to anyone else.  To me, however, sometimes getting through daily challenges is a miracle.
  
  
  
  
  
  

Do you suffer from anxiety?

Anxiety differs from person to person depending on the situation and what type of anxiety disorder you may have. However, there are general signs and symptoms that might indicate you have an anxiety disorder.

Do your symptoms indicate an anxiety disorder?

"If you identify with several of the following signs and symptoms, and they just won’t go away, you may be suffering from an anxiety disorder.

• Are you constantly tense, worried, or on edge?
• Does your anxiety interfere with your work, school, or family responsibilities?
• Are you plagued by fears that you know are irrational, but can’t shake?
• Do you believe that something bad will happen if certain things aren’t done a certain way?
• Do you avoid everyday situations or activities because they cause you anxiety?
• Do you experience sudden, unexpected attacks of heart-pounding panic?
• Do you feel like danger and catastrophe are around every corner?"
• http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5013801258310975622#editor/target=post;postID=2372649396585314184

Not only are there emotional symptoms, but your body can physically give you signs as well. 

Emotional symptoms of anxiety

In addition to the primary symptoms of irrational and excessive fear and worry, other common emotional symptoms of anxiety include:

Feelings of apprehension or dread Trouble concentrating Feeling tense and jumpy Anticipating the worst

Irritability Restlessness Watching for signs of danger Feeling like your mind’s gone blank

Physical symptoms of anxiety

Anxiety is more than just a feeling. As a product of the body’s fight-or-flight response, anxiety involves a wide range of physical symptoms. Because of the numerous physical symptoms, anxiety sufferers often mistake their disorder for a medical illness. They may visit many doctors and make numerous trips to the hospital before their anxiety disorder is discovered.

Common physical symptoms of anxiety include:

Pounding heart Sweating Stomach upset or dizziness Frequent urination or diarrhea Shortness of breath

Tremors and twitches Muscle tension Headaches Fatigue Insomnia http://www.helpguide.org/mental/anxiety_types_symptoms_treatment.htm

What is Anxiety?

"Imagine that your mind got stuck

                on a certain thought or image...

Then this thought or image got replayed in your mind

                  over and

                                   over again

                                                      no matter what you did…

You don’t want these thoughts — it feels like an avalanche…

Along with the thoughts come intense feelings of anxiety…

Anxiety is your brain’s warning system.  When you feel anxious, it feels like you are in danger.  Anxiety is an emotion that tells you to respond, react, protect yourself, DO SOMETHING!

On the one hand, you might recognize that the fear doesn’t make sense, doesn’t seem reasonable, yet it still feels very real, intense, and true…

Why would your brain lie?

Why would you have these feelings if they weren’t true? Feelings don’t lie…  Do they?"

http://www.ocfoundation.org/whatisocd.aspx?gclid=CJCEqePHprgCFadxQgodbhIAmA

Anxiety is the body’s natural response to danger, an automatic alarm that goes off when you feel threatened, under pressure, or are facing a stressful situation. 

In moderation, anxiety isn’t always a bad thing. In fact, anxiety can help you stay alert and focused, spur you to action, and motivate you to solve problems. But when anxiety is constant or overwhelming, when it interferes with your relationships and activities, it stops being functional—that’s when you’ve crossed the line from normal, productive anxiety into the territory of anxiety disorders.

Most people feel anxious when facing a challenging situation, such as a job interview, a tough exam, or a blind date. But if your worries and fears seem overwhelming and interfere with your daily life, you may be suffering from an anxiety disorder. There are many different types of anxiety disorders—and many effective treatments and self–help strategies. 

There are six major types of anxiety disorders, each with their own distinct symptom profile: generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder (anxiety attacks), phobia, post-traumatic stress disorder, and social anxiety disorder.

Generalized anxiety disorder

If constant worries and fears distract you from your day-to-day activities or you’re troubled by a persistent feeling that something bad is going to happen, you may be suffering from generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). People with GAD are chronic worrywarts who feel anxious nearly all of the time, though they may not even know why. Anxiety related to GAD often shows up as physical symptoms like insomnia, stomach upset, restlessness, and fatigue.

Anxiety attacks (Panic disorder)

Panic disorder is characterized by repeated, unexpected panic attacks, as well as fear of experiencing another episode. Panic disorder may also be accompanied by agoraphobia, which is a fear of being in places where escape or help would be difficult in the event of a panic attack. If you have agoraphobia, you are likely to avoid public places such as shopping malls or confined spaces such as an airplane.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is characterized by unwanted thoughts or behaviors that seem impossible to stop or control. If you have OCD, you may be troubled by obsessions, such as a recurring worry that you forgot to turn off the oven or that you might hurt someone. You may also suffer from uncontrollable compulsions, such as washing your hands over and over.

Phobia

A phobia is an unrealistic or exaggerated fear of a specific object, activity, or situation that in reality presents little to no danger. Common phobias include fear of animals such as snakes and spiders, fear of flying, and fear of heights. In the case of a severe phobia, you might go to extreme lengths to avoid the thing you fear. Unfortunately, avoidance only strengthens the phobia.

Social anxiety disorder

If you have a debilitating fear of being seen negatively by others and humiliated in public, you may have social anxiety disorder, also known as social phobia. Social anxiety disorder can be thought of as extreme shyness. In severe cases, social situations are avoided altogether. Performance anxiety (better known as stage fright) is the most common type of social phobia.

Post-traumatic stress disorder

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an extreme anxiety disorder that can occur in the aftermath of a traumatic or life-threatening event. PTSD can be thought of as a panic attack that rarely, if ever, lets up. Symptoms of PTSD include flashbacks or nightmares about what happened, hypervigilance, startling easily, withdrawing from others, and avoiding situations that remind you of the event.

Sources cited: http://www.helpguide.org/mental/anxiety_types_symptoms_treatment.htm