Anxiety
Anxiety is a normal response to stressors in a person’s life. People often experience anxiety when on a first date, public speaking, starting a new job, making an important decision and in a host of other circumstances. Experiencing mild anxiety before new experiences can actually be beneficial. However, there are times when anxiety starts to interfere with life, making it difficult to function on a day-to-day basis. About 18 percent of the U.S. population, in any given year, will experience an excessive amount of anxiety.
When Anxiety Becomes a Problem
Sometimes people experience debilitating anxiety after going through traumatic experiences, social interactions, specific fears or general worry about numerous events or activities. When worry becomes excessive, some people experience panic attacks.
Panic attacks occur when someone has intense, sudden fear.
Some symptoms of panic attacks include muscle tension, shortness of breath, chest pain, sweating, pounding heart, feeling of choking, nausea, chills, hot flushes, fear of dying or fear of losing control.
Anxiety in children sometimes looks different than anxiety in adults. Children with anxiety may appear to have behavioral problems similar to ADHD. Children may have difficulty concentrating and appear easily distracted in the classroom or at home.
Children with anxiety often fidget and have difficulty sitting still. Some children may complain of stomach aches or headaches. When anxiety starts to interfere with your life, it may be time for help.
What can you do?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and sometimes Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, can work for many people experiencing anxiety disorders. New Day Recovery therapists are trained to help you deal with and conquer anxiety problems.
Some helpful questions to ask yourself may be, “Am I having…”
- depressed mood or sadness in most days?
- decreased interest or pleasure in things I used to like?
- unintentional weight loss or weight gain?
- sleep problems (too much or not enough)?
- low energy?
- feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt?
- difficulty concentrating at work, school, or home?
- thoughts of death or suicide?
Answering “yes” to several of the above questions may indicate that depression is interfering with your life. New Day Recovery can help, call us today for an appointment at +1 (405)-525-0452.