When Stress Becomes An Anxiety Disorder - Signs You Need Help

Stress and anxiety is a common occurrence for everyone. Public speaking, taking a tough exam, planning your wedding and consideration for promotion are some of the common situations that cause stress. The signs of stress can vary, but they usually consist of a pounding heart, perspiration, upset stomach, headache, shortness of breath, fatigue and insomnia. Once the stress goes away, the symptoms usually follow.

A chemical imbalance in the brain or excessive environmental stress are what psychiatrists believe causes anxiety disorders. This can be characterized by continual apprehension and fretting that interferes with your life and relationships. When this occurs, it may be out of control and time to seek professional help.

If you cannot help yourself from experiencing excessive, constant worry about everyday issues like work, health, school and relationships, you may have generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Another common characteristic is frequent dread over unlikely "what if" scenarios. Seeking treatment for this condition is important, especially if it has been ongoing for several months.

Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is the term used for social phobias. If you often experience strong feelings of apprehension or even panic in social situations, or the idea of meeting even one new person typically sends you into paroxysms of dread, it's wise to discuss these symptoms with a physician.

Some people have frequent "panic attacks," where the above symptoms come on suddenly and forcefully. Panic attacks are a characteristic of most of these illnesses, but if you have them one or more times a day, you may be affected by panic disorder (PD).

Uncontrollable and irrational angst about a specific topic or topics are called "obsessions." Those who have obsessive thoughts may engage in repetitive activities, "compulsions," to reduce their worry. These two symptoms comprise obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). For instance, a person feels dirty, bathes constantly, but never feels clean. If you find yourself suffering from obsessive thoughts or repetitive behaviors that disrupt your normal life, a physician can offer hope.

Most people are aware of post traumatic stress (PTSD) as it relates to war veterans, but this condition can affect anyone who has experienced a highly traumatic event. If you are unable to keep yourself from replaying a troubling event from your past again and again in your mind, or experience frequent nightmares or even flashbacks, you do not have to continue to live with this pain alone. There are many support groups and treatment options available to help.

These disorders are complex, so it is important to note that a person may exhibit these conditions differently than described here. A person may show symptoms for more than one of these ailments. Clinical depression symptoms can be present along with other symptoms, as these types of conditions overlap. Only qualified professionals should diagnose and treat these serious illnesses.

After diagnosis, your counselor or psychiatrist can use a number of techniques to help you learn to cope with your condition. Positive self talk or breathing exercises are used by many mental health professionals. Psychiatric medication may be prescribed for treatment of the chemical imbalance in the brain. There are many different medications available, so you may have to try several before your physician can identify the one that works best.

Mental health conditions can overtake and be devastating for both the patient and their family. However, with the right treatment, many of those who suffer from these conditions are able to lead happy, productive lives.