The Anxiety Disorders Association of America reports that anxiety disorders affect at least 40 million adults in the United States or about 18% of the total U.S. population.
Half of the $42 billion annual cost associated with anxiety type disorders are costs from use of health care services by people who seek relief from anxiety disorder symptoms which mimic other physical illnesses, such as cardiac arrest. An anxiety disorder should not be taken for granted.
It is actually one of the most serious medical conditions that beset modern day man, and a good dose of reality (and education) about its nature, prevention and cure is necessary to lessen the number of people affected by it annually.
Anxiety can seriously alter the quality of life for any individual, and it should never be taken lightly under any circumstances!
Anxiety Affects Just About Everyone in Some Way
Anxiety issues affect almost all families in the world. When one member of the family is afflicted with an anxiety disorder, it affects all the other members.
It is not easy to live with a family member who is constantly anxious about almost anything. Anxiety can be debilitating sometimes, and the risk of not getting help for yourself or for someone you know who suffers from an anxiety disorder can create more problems in the future. It can lead to depression, to paranoia and even to suicide.
Excessive worrying, to the point that it hinders you from fulfilling your daily tasks is not something that should be taken for granted. If it has come to the point where your anxiety has become chronic and has practically ruled your life, then it is time to get help.
Sometimes the stigma attached to consulting a therapist for an anxiety disorder can prevent people from seeking help.
In these days where financial problems are usually the source of anxiety, some people may hesitate to even talk about going to a therapist, for fear that their bosses may think of them as emotionally unstable and may ask them to take a leave of absence or worse, quit the job.
Anxiety Disorders Require Treatment
Anxiety disorders are real and professional help is readily available. Most therapies include either medication or behavior therapy or both. It is best not to do self-medication, as the dose and kind of medications prescribed depend on the kind of specific disorder, its frequency, and intensity.
Some medications for anxiety are prescribed for a short term period only. Others have to be maintained for an extended period of time. Most of these medications are anti-depressant and aim to minimize the frequency of body sensations associated with anxiety, such as rapid heart beats, hyperventilation, dizziness and abdominal distress.
There are other alternative therapies and ways to manage anxiety available such as yoga, meditation, massage or even hypnosis, but all of these should be taken to complement a professionally endorsed therapy.
It is still always best to consult a medical doctor before embarking on a therapy, in order to rule out other medical conditions such as hypertension, hypoglycemia and thyroid problems that may also cause anxieties.
If anxiety disorders are related to a medical condition, your doctor would have to address the physical disorder first before prescribing medications for anxiety.
Anxiety & Anxiety Disorder: It’s Simply a By-product of Daily Life!
Anxiety is the price we often pay for a high intensive, fast paced lifestyle. But hope is not totally lost for someone who is diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.
People with most generalized anxiety disorders should not be looked down with disdain nor contempt, but should be understood and assisted. Their condition is not a sign of weakness or insanity, nor is it totally incurable.
A degree of compassion and understanding will go a long way for helping someone who is undergoing an anxiety disorder.
What are your thoughts…?
Do you think anxiety is often misunderstood or given a back seat? Drop a comment below!
