Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the United States, affecting 40 million adults age 18 and older (18.1% of U.S. population). People with an anxiety disorder are three to five times more likely to go to the doctor and six times more likely to be hospitalized for psychiatric disorders than those who do not suffer from anxiety disorders. Anxiety sufferers come in a variety of forms: generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, agoraphobia, social anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder and posttraumatic distress disorder.
The most common of these is generalized anxiety disorder and is characterized by persistent, excessive, and unrealistic worry about everyday things. Individuals with the disorder experience exaggerated worry and tension, often expecting the worst, even when there is no apparent reason for concern. They anticipate disaster and are overly concerned about money, health, family, work, or other issues. At times it is very difficult to even to get through their normal day. The worry is hard to stop and can produce even more intense anxiety.
People with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) suffer from unwanted and intrusive thoughts that they cannot seem to get out of their heads (obsessions), often compelling them to repeatedly perform ritualistic behaviors and routines (compulsions) to try and ease their anxiety. Panic disorder is diagnosed in people who experience spontaneous, seemingly out-of-the-blue panic attacks and are preoccupied with the fear of a recurring attack. Panic attacks occur unexpectedly, sometimes even during sleep.
Posttraumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, is a serious potentially debilitating condition that can occur in people who have experienced or witnessed a natural disaster, serious accident, terrorist incident, sudden death of a loved one, war, violent personal assault such as rape, or other life-threatening events. Most people who experience such events recover from them, but people with PTSD continue to be severely depressed and anxious for months or even years following the event. They frequently relive the event through flashbacks and nightmares. Relaxing, concentrating, or sleeping may become difficult, and they often feel detached or estranged from others.
Call Change Is Possible Counseling Services, LLC today at 586-264-3692 and begin to receive help to make those needed changes in your life!