Normal Stress Versus Anxiety Disorders - When Should You Call for Help?

By Stephen Daniels

Everyone has experienced symptoms of stress at one time or another. Speaking in public, taking a final exam, planning a wedding, and many other situations can bring on stress for just about everyone. The symptoms of stress can vary, but commonly include a pounding heart, perspiration, upset stomach, headache, shortness of breath, fatigue and insomnia. Under normal health conditions these symptoms subside once the situation ends.

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 debilitating in social situations. If you often feel strong feelings of apprehension or panic in social situations, or 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 often 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 may have constant thoughts that they are contaminated, and thus may bathe repeatedly but never feel clean. If you find yourself suffering from obsessive thoughts or repetitive behaviors that interfere with your ability to lead a normal life, a physician can offer help and hope.

People associate post traumatic stress (PTSD) with war veterans, but this malady can affect anyone who has been through a very traumatic event. If you are unable to keep yourself from replaying a troubling event from your past, 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.

Notably, these conditions may manifest themselves differently than how they are described here. A person may exhibit symptoms for more than one of these ailments. Clinical depression symptoms can be present along with other symptoms, as these types of conditions are related. Only qualified professionals should diagnose and treat these serious mental health issues.

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. - 30309

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