Issue Help

ANXIETY:

Anxiety, in and of itself, is a normal response to stressful situations or periods when we’re under pressure. When we feel threatened in some way, our body’s natural response is to produce adrenaline as a way of preparing us emotionally and physically to address the threat. Sometimes our body’s natural response to stress crosses the line from normal anxiety and instead becomes constant, overwhelming and begins to interfere with our activities and relationships. The way we express our anxiety can show up in a variety of ways that get in our way of living fulfilling lives. When our anxiety has reached an uncontrollable state, we can begin to feel lonely, isolated and helpless. Take a moment and read further about the types of anxiety that can interfere with normal living. You may not have all but some of the signs and symptoms listed below as these refer to a number of different anxiety types. Whatever form your anxiety takes, Anthropos is here to support you or someone you care about who may be struggling with intrusive anxiety.

Common Signs and Symptoms:

• Excessive fear and worry
• Feeling tense, jumpy, irritable
• Restlessness
• Anticipating the worst
• Fear of embarrassment or humiliation
• Pounding heart which could accompany overwhelming panic
• Stomach upset, nausea or stomach cramps
• Shortness of breath, trouble breathing or a choking sensation
• Sweating, hot flashes or chills
• Insomnia

Types Of Anxiety:

• Generalized Anxiety – constant, persistent worry or fear
• Obsessive-Compulsive – uncontrollable and unwanted thought/behaviors
• Panic Attacks – intense panic or fear that occurs without warning
• Phobias – excessive fear of a specific object, activity or situation
• Post-Traumatic Stress – comes in the aftermath of a traumatic event
• Social Anxiety – fear of others viewing you negatively or public humiliation

Suggesteed Reading:

Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy, David D. Burns
The Feeling Good Handbook, David D. Burns
When Anxiety Attacks, David D. Burns
The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook, Edmund J. Bourne
The OCD Workbook, M. Hyman and Cherry Pedrick (obsessive/compulsive beh.)
Stop Obsessing, Edna B. Foa and Reid Wilson
The Panic Attacks Workbook, David Carbonell
Waking the Tiger, Peter Levine (the effects of trauma on the mind/body)
I Can’t Get Over It, Aphrodite Matsakis
The Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Sourcebook, Glenn R. Schiraldi
Growing Beyond Survival, Elizabeth G. Vermilyea

Resource Links:

Answers to Your Questions about Panic Disorder
National Center for PTSD
Obsessive Compulsive Information Center
Types of Anxiety – National Institute of Mental Health
Understanding Anxiety Disorders

Specific Tests for Different Types of Anxiety:

• Panic Attack Test
• GAD Test (Generalized Anxiety Disorder)
• PTSD Test
• Social Anxiety, Social Phobia Test
• OCD (Obsessive/Compulsive) Test