Ever have the feeling of “butterflies” in your stomach before a first date? Feel tense during an argument with a loved one? What about sweaty palms and nervousness when talking with your manager? All of these are signs of anxiety- a normal emotion that calls us to action. Anxiety disorders differ from normal feelings because the symptoms occur for no obvious reason and they don’t go away.1 If not recognized and treated, an anxiety disorder can cause people to avoid anything that might trigger their anxiety or lead to them abusing substances as a way to manage feelings of fear and panic. Relationships and job performance often suffer as a result.

There are several types of anxiety disorders with different symptoms and treatments:

Panic disorder is usually experienced as an overwhelming fear of being in danger and is called a panic attack. The symptoms may include shortness of breath, sweating, trembling or shaking, chest pain or a pounding heart, nausea, dizziness, fear of “going crazy” or dying. For more detailed information read, When It's More Than Just A Case of the Nerves

Phobias are uncontrollable and persistent fears of a specific object, situation or activity. People with phobias can go to extreme lengths to avoid the source of their dread --such as refusing to fly or ride in elevators if they are afraid of heights, or not attending important family or work events due to social phobia. Others never leave their home in order to avoid panic attacks in situations where they may be embarrassed or unable to get away if they have agoraphobia.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms include irrational thoughts that occur frequently and cannot be controlled by reasoning. In order to get rid of these thoughts, most people develop repetitive rituals. For example, someone who fears contamination will continuously wash their hands. Someone else might check and recheck several times to be sure they didn't leave home without turning off the stove, for fear of burning the house down.

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) occurs when a person experiences a severe or terrifying emotional or physical event -- such as an abusive childhood, war and terrorism, or a natural disaster or accident. People who have PTSD keep re-living the event through nightmares and flashbacks, causing severe emotional, mental and physical distress. Other symptoms include feeling numb, jittery or constantly on guard.

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) causes people to worry constantly when there is no reason for doing so. They worry to the point that it interferes with daily functioning and may focus on money, family, work or health issues. The ongoing and extreme tension leads to irritability, inability to concentrate, headaches, fatigue, trembling and trouble sleeping.2

The good news for the 17-20 million Americans who suffer annually from anxiety disorders is that they can be treated with psychotherapy and medications. It is important to see a mental health professional in order to determine which type of treatment is most appropriate for the specific anxiety disorder each person may have.

Please contact EAP for a referral to a mental health provider in your area.
Call 1-800-688-6330 or email us.

Written by Elaine Webb, LCSW, MPH, CEAP, Cracker Barrel EAP Counselor
May, 2005

1 www.psych.org/public_info/anxiety.cfm
2www.freedomfromfear.org

 

Click below for more information on:

Tips About How to Help Loved Ones with Anxiety Disorders

10 Facts About Panic

 

Brochures available from our office on this topic:

Anxiety
What is PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)
Relaxation Techniques

To order, call 1-800-688-6330 or email us.

 

 

HOME