Are you Anxious?
We all know that a certain amount of anxiety is necessary and is a good thing. It motivates us; helps us accomplish things, stay focused and cope. Sometimes, however, it can get in the way of living the productive life you wish for yourself and that is when it warrants a second look.
Anxiety can be a crippling, disabling disorder which leaves one frozen, like a deer caught in the headlights, and unable to move. Irrational dread of the ordinary sets in. When this type of anxiety affects your personal, business, social, or family life and leaves you feeling stuck, it is time to turn to a professional for an assessment.
Symptoms and Types of Anxiety:
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, symptoms of anxiety may include the following:
Generalized Anxiety Disorder is characterized by chronic and exaggerated worry and tension, even when there is little to be concerned about. This is often accompanied by physical symptoms, including one or more of the following: fatigue, headaches, muscle tension, body aches, difficulty swallowing, difficulty breathing, trembling, irritability, difficulty concentrating.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is an anxiety disorder characterized by recurrent, unwanted thoughts and/or repetitive behaviors (compulsions). Examples include, but are not limited to: hand-washing, counting, checking, cleaning, repetitive thinking, ritualistic behavior.
Panic Disorder is characterized by unexpected and repeated episodes of intense fear accompanied by physical symptoms which may include shortness of breath. Rapid heart beat is often present and individuals can feel weak, dizzy and helpless during the time of a panic attack.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder develops after exposure to a terrifying event or ordeal in which grave threat or physical harm was threatened or occurred. Many of us associate this with war, terrorism, domestic violence, rape, but it can also occur in other areas of life as well. Effects of PTSD and the lack of safety are often dissociated or pushed out of awareness and rear themselves later in life. Emotional numbness, detachment, and easy startle response are often indicators.
Social Phobia: Some people are comfortable speaking to a room of 200 but freeze when in a smaller, more intimate group. Do you find yourself wishing you had more friends? Isolating and spending time alone frequently? Or even spending more time on the Internet than you would like and less time with friends in person? Does this impact your school, business or family life?
What should I do if I experience any of the above symptoms or want to speak about this in more detail with a professional? A consultation with a trained professional can help you determine if you would benefit from psychotherapy.
Contact PPSC's Treatment Center at 212.560.2208 to schedule your appointment.
If you are having thoughts of hurting yourself or others, please do not wait for an appointment. That would be a medical emergency. Dial 911 or go to your nearest hospital emergency room for assistance in a safe environment.