Think You May Have an Anxiety Disorder?If you are concerned you may have an anxiety disorder, see a licensed health care provider such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, medical doctor or nurse practitioner.
This page is for definitions and information only. For ideas on how to apply healthy law of attraction thinking strategies such as guided imagery, to anxiety issues, discuss with your primary health care provider. One common example is discussed here, with a non-exhaustive list at the bottom of the page. General Anxiety Disorder: excessive worry and anxiety, often uncontrollable. May include difficulty concentrating, restlessness, fatigue, irritability, insomnia, muscle tension. How common is it? Often know as GAD, it is seen in about 5% of the general population. (Anxiety Canada.ca) What are the main issues for women with this disorder? It is common to experience problems functioning in intimate and social relationships. It is also common to have difficulty finding and keeping employment. What are the common issues women with GAD worry about? - relationships with family and friends - performance at work or school - their own health and the health of their loved ones - financial security Many women with General Anxiety Disorder say they can't stop worrying. They worry when things are going badly, and they worry when things go well, fearing that may change. Caution: If you feel you may have GAD, do not wait to seek help. Some women wait more than 10 years to seek professional help, believing, "I am a born worrier. Nothing can change me." If you are a woman suffering from a high level of worry, and you feel it is often uncontrollable, discuss this with your nurse practitioner or physician as soon as possible. If your primary care provider suggests you may have an anxiety issue or actual disorder, ask about healthy thinking strategies you can begin learning immediately, and ask where you may get help or therapy in your area. This may involve a referral to a psychiatrist or psychologist, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, or/and medication. Other disorders in this group include: Obsessive Compulsive, Panic - Agarophobia may be present also, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD, Social Anxiety and other similar conditions. Note: studies show GAD affects more women than men. Researchers Brown/O'Leary & Barlow report that twice as many women suffer GAD than men. The DSM-IV shows slightly different figures: ie. between 55 and 60% of GAD sufferers are women. Source: American Psychiatric Association (APA) (2000). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
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If you are experiencing symptoms of mental illness, such as loss of your ability to function normally, or disturbing thoughts of harming yourself or others, seek immediate help at your local hospital emergency department or call 911.
