May is Anxiety Awareness Month
By Kayden Devore, Clerical Specialist
May is Anxiety Awareness Month. Anxiety Awareness Month is used to help people understand what Anxiety is, the symptoms of Anxiety and to help them look closer to see if they or a loved one might have this disorder.
The signs of an anxiety disorder vary depending on the person. Some of the typical anxiety disorder symptoms usually present as: persistent worrying, spiraling thoughts, feeling irrationally unsafe, feelings of dread, increased heart rate, nausea or stomachache, changes in sleep and avoidance of emotional triggers.
Anxiety is typically formed from a combination of environmental and genetic factors, meaning that the disorder can be passed down between generations. Having untreated and undiagnosed anxiety disorders also can lead to other health problems. It is ok to ask a doctor for help. Anxiety disorders are common among the American population.
I personally struggle everyday with Anxiety. I have ever since I was a little girl. My mother had anxiety. I always thought it was something I should be ashamed of. I finally talked to my doctor, and she comforted me, telling me that it is not something that I must be ashamed about, that it was something I could have gotten genetically. She helped me find the right treatment and I feel better. I used to have panic attacks every day. It got so bad I would have to leave work to go home and calm down. These attacks would be so bad I thought I was having a heart attack. I rarely have those anymore.
Anxiety disorders are real and to those who have them the symptoms can be terrifying. If you think you or somebody you know may have these symptoms, talk to your doctor and see about getting help. Don’t be ashamed or afraid.
Source: All facts in article were provided by Ridgeview hospital: anxiety awareness Article Citation: Ridgeview behavioral hospital. (n.d.). Anxiety Awareness: Whats your risk?
