Everyone feels anxious in certain situations. Sometimes we become nervous or jittery when we’re talking to strangers, tackling a hard exam or project, or when things are uncertain in our relationships or at work. Anxiety that pops up now and then is a natural part of life, and can be a completely normal response to stress.
Anxiety becomes a disorder when it’s out of proportion to what’s going on or is impossible to control. Anxiety can feel so overwhelming that it hurts our ability to work, study, interact with people, or follow a daily routine. It can be a real medical condition, developing from a complex set of biological and environmental factors, including genetics, biochemistry, and traumatic life events. Anxiety at this level isn’t about not being strong enough to handle situations or deal with stress, it’s a mental health condition. Fortunately, it’s a treatable condition and those feelings of anxiety can be controlled.
Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illnesses in the US. There are many types of anxiety disorders. Click on a link below to learn more each anxiety disorder and its symptoms.
Generalized anxiety disorder is excessive and uncontrollable worries about everyday things.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder involves intrusive, repetitive thoughts and obsessions.
Panic disorder is characterized by recurring panic attacks that can last several minutes.
Post-traumatic stress disorder develops after experiencing a traumatic event like a natural disaster, serious accident, violent act or the death of a loved one.
Phobias are excessive and unreasonable fears of something that actually presents very little danger.
Social anxiety disorder causes distress in social situations.