Issue link: http://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/882044
Anxiety and Your Body Anxiety disorders affect not only your mental well-being, but also your physical health. Learn more about anxiety's effect on mind and body and why you shouldn't be embarrassed to ask for help. When you encounter a stressful situation, your body prepares you to respond to threats by activating the aptly named "fight-or-flight" response. Stress hormones flood your body and cause a variety of physiological reactions. For example, your muscles tense, your respiration and heart rates quicken, and your blood pressure rises, according to Harvard Medical School. This response is normal—even beneficial—in certain situations. When stress and anxiety become chronic, however, levels of stress hormones remain elevated. This can take a toll on your: Digestive tract—Anxiety can contribute to upset stomachs, as well as the stomach pain and cramping associated with irritable bowel syndrome. Research into the link between anxiety and gut health is ongoing. One potential explanation for the relationship: The part of the nervous system responsible for responding to stress also controls the colon, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. Head and neck—The American Psychological Association reports that the muscle tension associated with chronic stress and anxiety disorders can cause tension and migraine headaches. Heart—Twenty-five percent of people with heart disease have an anxiety disorder, and studies show that heart patients with generalized anxiety disorder have a higher risk of heart attacks and other complications, according to Harvard Medical School. Sleep habits—People with anxiety disorders may tire easily, sleep more than usual, or have difficulty going to sleep. Asking for help isn't always easy, but it's important to talk with your doctor if you experience uncontrollable anxiety. Depending on the type of anxiety disorder present, you may benefit from support groups, cognitive behavioral therapy, medication, or a combination of treatments. CHI St. Francis Health complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. For more information, see link on our home page at www.sfcare.org. ATENCIÓN: si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-218-643-0405. LUS CEEV: Yog tias koj hais lus Hmoob, cov kev pab txog lus, muaj kev pab dawb rau koj. Hu rau 1-218-643-0405. The Hope Unit care team is here to help. Ann Trebesch, VP of Operations/Mission Hope Starts Here The CHI St. Francis Health Hope Unit cares for children and adults with a range of conditions, including anxiety, depression, chemical dependency, and attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder. Our behavioral health team is the only one in Breckenridge, Wahpeton, and the surrounding communities that features a full-time psychiatrist as well as psychologists. These providers, along with our two licensed drug and alcohol counselors and dedicated nursing staff, offer a variety of services that help people live happier, more productive lives. "Mental health issues are no different from any other health issue," says Ann Trebesch, Vice President of Operations/Mission at CHI St. Francis Health. "We believe there is an opportunity for people to find hope and healing, and we are here to help and to be part of that healing process." For more information about the services available through the Hope Unit, visit www.sfcare.org/PsychiatricServices. Available soon—group therapy sessions for anxiety and depression! To learn more, call 218-643-0499. 2 Highway 75 North and 210 West