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Taken together, the anxiety disorders are the most common type of mental disorders. Treatments tend to be very helpful, yet only a third of people suffering them actually seek help.
Here are the anxiety disorders that I can help you deal with. Read about them just to get a sense if they might describe you. And, of course, whether you actually have these disorders can be confirmed with a careful clinical assessment.
Do you have Panic Disorder?
If you have panic disorder then you experience severe and intense rushes of anxiety which frequently feel like you are having a heart attack or a stroke. Symptoms include heart racing, chest pain, sweating, trembling, tingling sensations, feeling of choking, fear of dying, and fear of losing control. You might also have agoraphobia, which is a fancy word for the fear of having a panic attack in a place from which escape would be difficult so you would tend to avoid these places. These places might be the supermarket, crowds, restaurants, or airplances. If this sounds like you, then it is possible you may panic disorder. Further assessment would help determine if you actually have this problem.
Do you have a Phobia?
Perhaps these symptoms describe you: a fear of specific animals (e.g., dogs, spiders) or situations (e.g., airplanes, closed in spaces). If you have this problem, your level of fear is usually inappropriate and you may know it is irrational. Frequently you might avoid the feared object or situation. A phobia I often help people with is the fear of flying.
Do you have Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia)?
Perhaps you have an extreme anxiety about being judged by others or behaving in a way that might cause embarrassment or ridicule. This intense anxiety may lead you to avoid social situations like meeting new people, asking for directions, or going to a job interview. You may prefer to stay home alone then go out to spend time with other people for fear they may negatively evaluate you. You might have physical symptoms when in these social situations include heart racing, faintness, blushing and profuse sweating. If this sounds like you, would it be a good time to consider doing something about this behavior?
Do you have Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?
You may have recurrent unwanted thoughts (obsessions) that lead you experience intense fear. Some common obsessions include worry about being contaminated or fears of behaving improperly or acting violently. To reduce the anxiety caused by these obsessions, you may perform a ritual or routine (compulsions)-such as washing hands, repeating phrases or hoarding.
Do you have Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?
Are you a worrier? Is your worry uncontrollable? If you have Generalized Anxiety Disorder, then you experience unrealistic worry that lasts six months or more. This anxiety may focus on issues such as your health, money, or career. Symptoms also include trembling, muscular aches, insomnia, abdominal upsets, dizziness, and irritability.
Do you have Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?
Perhaps you experienced a traumatic event such as a sexual or physical assault, witnessing a death, the unexpected death of a loved one, or natural disaster. At least four months after experiencing this traumatic event you may have and continue to experience three main types of symptoms: (1) "reliving" of the traumatic event (such as flashbacks and nightmares); (2) avoidance behaviors (such as avoiding places related to the trauma) and emotional numbing (detachment from others); (3) and physiological arousal such difficulty sleeping, irritability or poor concentration. If you are suffering from these problems, you may want to get an assessment to learn more about these problems.
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