Anxiety
What is Anxiety?
Everyone experiences anxiety at some point in his or her life. People become anxious when they have to face a highly stressful situation like taking a test, going for a job interview or getting married. When one is anxious and under stress, the body reacts; hands become clammy, the heart beats a little faster; one can even feel lightheaded or dizzy.
Some people become preoccupied with fear and worry, and the intense feelings of anxiety continue. If this happens, an individual may have an anxiety disorder.
One in six Canadians is affected by an anxiety disorder. Anxiety can take the form of panic disorder, phobia or obsessive-compulsive disorder. Without treatment an individual's physical, mental and emotional health may be in jeopardy. Anxiety disorders can also lead to alcohol and/or drug abuse, family problems, depression, and in some cases, suicide.
What is Obsessive Complusive Disorder?
People with obsessive compulsive disorder experience unwanted thoughts that make no sense but nevertheless cause the individual to feel anxious. Irrational thoughts may concern contaminating themselves or others with dirt or germs, or they may be obsessed about their own safety or the safety of a loved one. In response to their obsessive thoughts, individuals may need to think neutralizing thoughts or to perform certain compulsive rituals, including repetitive hand washing or counting. As with phobias, a traumatic event can trigger obsessive thoughts or behaviour. People who are described as perfectionists however seem more prone than others to develop obsessions. If untreated, this condition can result in severe impairment in many psychological areas as well as affect relationships and life at school or work.
What is panic Disorder
On average, 1 out of 3 young adults reports having had a panic attack in the last year. During a panic attack, sensations such as sweating, nausea, trembling and numbness in the legs or hands, dizziness, hot or cold flashes, a feeling of tightness or pressure in the chest, hyperventilation, "jelly" legs or blurred vision can develop. Individuals may even feel like they are going to die of a heart attack or lose control of their body functions. These intense feelings of panic usually do not last for very long and most people brush off the episode as a momentary "freak out." Some people become very agitated however, and develop a fear of it happening again. If an individual has more than four panic attacks within a month or a panic attack occurs when the individual is not in an anxious or stressful situation, it is probable that the individual has a panic disorder. Individuals who are susceptible to panic attacks are more likely to be concerned with illness, death or losing control. Panic disorders usually begin before the individual is 20-30 years old.
Where can I get help or more information?
If you or a loved one appears to be suffering from an anxiety disorder, you should contact your family physician, the Ontario Psychiatric Association or the Freedom From Fear Foundation in Toronto which is an organization established to help people with anxiety disorders. They have a network of support groups set up throughout Ontario – (416) 761-6006.
Anxiety Disorders Association of America Anxiety Disorders Association of Ontario
All information here has been provided by Mindyourmind.ca TF Support Networking does not own the information used here and is just providing factual statements using what is provided. These are just facts if you or a loved one believe to be suffering from an anxiety disorder see a medical professional.
http://mindyourmind.ca/illnesses/anxiety#sthash.pyKcwLWh.dpuf
nfo on this page has been provided by the Canadian Mental Health Association, Ontario
Copyright (c) 2004 by the Canadian Mental Health Association, Ontario. This Fact Sheet may not be reproduced without written authorization from CMHA Ontario.
Travis Franklin
TF Support Networking President
