Sacred Heart - Inspiring Health

4 I N S P I R I N G H E A LT H NO NEED TO Panic ANXIETY IS A NATURAL PART OF LIFE. AT SOME POINT, ALMOST EVERYONE FEELS EXCESSIVE FEAR ABOUT THE FUTURE. THAT UNEASINESS IS USUALLY TEMPORARY AND REASONABLE. WHEN WORRY BECOMES A WAY OF LIFE OR PROMPTS SUDDEN, OVERWHELMING FEELINGS, HELP IS AVAILABLE. ANXIETY DISORDERS AFFECT specific phobias, panic attacks, obsessive about 40 million adults each year, as well as at least 8 percent of teenagers in the United States. These disorders are the most common form of mental illness in the U.S., and women are 60 percent more likely to have them than men. Unfortunately, only about onethird of people who suffer with anxiety disorders seek help. MANY FEARS UNDER ONE UMBRELLA Anxiety disorders are generally separated into two categories based on whether the symptoms are continuous or appear in waves. These symptoms may include chronic, unfocused fears, behaviors, and flashbacks involving a traumatic event. Without treatment, anxiety can become protracted. "Anxiety is an emotion that everyone experiences and is a normal response to stress, but it can be problematic when it interferes with a person's daily functioning and activities," says Courtney Spindler, MS, LPC, Psychotherapist at Sacred Heart Behavioral Health and L.E. PhillipsLibertas Treatment Center. "When anxiety rises to this level, it is important to seek treatment." DECODING DISORDERS Anxiety disorders come in various forms. These are the most common: • generalized anxiety disorder— unprovoked, unreasonable worry and tension, often includes hyperventilation • obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)—persistent, irrational thoughts that compel a person to engage in certain routines and rituals, such as continual hand washing, organizing everyday items symmetrically, or hoarding • panic disorder—sudden bouts of terror that include heavy breathing, increased heart rate, sweating, and chest pain • phobia—specific, intense fears, such as a fear of heights or fear of spiders • post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)—intense, recurring memories, fear, stress, and emotional numbness on the heels of a life-changing event, such as the unexpected death of a loved one or a combat experience Generalized anxiety is the most prevalent type of anxiety disorder, but all types can lead to other problems, particularly substance abuse. "People may turn to alcohol or drugs in an attempt to eliminate or numb their feelings of anxiety," says Corina Bohl, MSW, LCSW, Therapist at Sacred Heart and St. Joseph's hospitals. "Substance abuse is a means of relief and escape from anxiety, but it is not a solution and it is not productive." Other effects of an anxiety disorder include emotional withdrawal, lack of self-esteem, social awkwardness, preoccupation with unrealistic beliefs, aching and fatigue, and being selfcritical or feeling inadequate when not perfect or perceived as perfect. TREATMENTS FOR ANXIETY "Coping skills include exercise, healthful eating, and focusing on breathing," Bohl says. "Talking with someone when you feel anxious is also helpful."

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