Category: Anxiety Disorder

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Stress is a normal reaction to situations and frustrations that we occasionally experience during the course of our lives. Career concerns, deadlines, financial troubles and kid-related issues can all cause us moments of worry and degrees of anxiety. Normal stress can also be beneficial to us in some ways. For instance, it heightens our awareness in dangerous situations and boosts our ability to perform in an athletic endeavor.

But when feelings of apprehension and distress become perpetual, and there aren’t many moments in a day when we’re not feeling stressed or anxious, it can eventually wear us down and have a negative impact on our health. Stress can affect us both physically and mentally. Some of the physical manifestations of stress are tension, an elevated heartbeat, sweatiness and an upset stomach. Continuous stress can also lead to high blood pressure and heart problems.

The Effects of Chronic Stress on Mental Health

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a well-known condition in which a traumatic event or the circumstances surrounding that event can cause recurring bouts of extreme stress. But constant, long-term stress can also have devastating consequences if not properly addressed.

Many people with chronic stress are unaware that the almost ceaseless worry and anxiety in their everyday lives may be turning into a deeper issue. They may feel that stress is just a part of their daily existence, and that the irritability, forgetfulness, trouble sleeping and fatigue, among other symptoms that can accompany chronic stress, simply come along with it.

However, “nervous breakdowns” or the development of anxiety disorders, eating disorders, sleep disorders, panic attacks and clinical depression that can result from persistent, long-term stress are serious conditions which require proper mental health treatment. This may consist of learning techniques to better manage and alleviate stress, or, depending on the severity of the situation, may involve psychotherapy and medication.

If there are indications that an individual may be experiencing chronic stress and they are beginning to show signs that there may be worse problems on the horizon, it’s time for them to get help. They shouldn’t hesitate to consult with a professional at one of their local mental health centers and begin to learn how to achieve some peace in their lives and get themselves back on track.

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On the 10th anniversary of 9/11, Americans took the time to reflect upon the events of that horrific day. Observances and ceremonies were conducted throughout the country to pay respect to the victims and to memorialize the heroes that emerged from that devastating day. Nearly 3,000 people lost their lives in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania, but many more continue to acutely feel its after-effects.

Ten years later, many 9/11 first responders and those that followed them to “ground zero” to address the aftermath are not only experiencing severe physical ailments, but are suffering with serious mental health issues as well. The lives of these individuals have been forever changed as they continue to deal with the repercussions of that fateful day.

A Traumatic Impact

As millions around the world watched the terrifying and almost surreal scene unfold in the middle of New York City on Sept. 11, 2001, the impact was intensely magnified for those in close proximity to ground zero. After having been directly involved with such a traumatic event, thousands of responding firefighters, police personnel, doctors, nurses and even construction and utility workers developed Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety problems and depression in its wake.

Attempting to Heal

In January 2011, the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act was federally approved. This bill offers assistance to ground zero workers suffering from a physical or mental illness as a result of 9/11. It also establishes medical and mental health centers dedicated in part to the treatment of those affected by the travesty.

The Zadroga Act has greatly benefited workers and their families experiencing mental health issues. Those who might lack the financial means to receive treatment for depression , PTSD  and treatment for other mental health issues associated with the traumatic events of 9/11 are now able to get the help they need.

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Everyone experiences some level of worry or anxiety from time to time. But when that worry or anxiousness becomes overwhelming or subsists for long periods of time, there may be a deeper issue at hand.

In a given year, anxiety disorders affect roughly 18 percent of Americans over the age of 18, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Following are descriptions of some of the more prominent anxiety disorders:

Panic Disorder: A panic attack is a brief period of intense uneasiness, fear or distress. The duration of these attacks can range anywhere from minutes to a few hours. While the cause is not completely clear, it is thought that the tendency toward panic attacks could be genetic or linked to a traumatic occurrence in an individual’s life. Those suffering from panic disorders display an inability to properly process stressful situations and therefore react to them with a heightened sense of fear and apprehensiveness.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Those suffering with OCD are bombarded with persistent thoughts and fears usually focusing on one area. They develop repetitive behaviors in an attempt to “control” the things causing their fears, and end up becoming obsessed with their rituals.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): PTSD is the result of a terrifying or traumatic event in one’s life where they will re-experience the event and react with intense fear, anger, anxiety or even numbness. These episodes are usually brought about by exposure to a situation, thought or image reminding them of the original experience.

A combination of psychotherapy, behavior modification and medications are used for OCD treatment, PTSD treatment and the treatment of most other anxiety disorders. Mental health professionals continue to gain a better understanding of anxiety-related disorders, which has resulted in more effective methods of therapy.