Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety is a normal reaction to an important event such as a school presentation, business meeting and moving to a new city.  However, excessive, continuous anxiety that interferes with your daily life may be a sign of generalized anxiety disorder.  Anxiety disorders cause people to feel afraid, panicky and startled for no likely reason.  If untreated, anxiety disorder can greatly diminish productivity and decrease an individual’s quality of life.

Everyday Anxiety

  • Worry about paying bills, landing a job, a romantic breakup, or other important life events
  • Embarrassment or self-consciousness in an uncomfortable or awkward social situation
  • A case of nerves or sweating before a big test, business presentation, stage performance, or other significant event
  • Realistic fear of a dangerous object, place, or situation
  • Anxiety, sadness, or difficulty sleeping immediately after a traumatic event

Anxiety Disorder

  • Constant and unsubstantiated worry that causes significant distress and interferes with daily life
  • Avoiding social situations for fear of being judged, embarrassed, or humiliated
  • Seemingly out-of-the-blue panic attacks and the preoccupation with the fear of having another one
  • Irrational fear or avoidance of an object, place, or situation that poses little or no threat of danger
  • Recurring nightmares, flashbacks, or emotional numbing related to a traumatic event that occurred several months or years before
"Challenges are what make life interesting and
overcoming them is what makes life meaningful."

-Joshua J. Marine

Helpful Resources For Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety and Depression Association of America. A national nonprofit organization that works to raise awareness and improve the lives of people living with anxiety and depression, Anxiety and Depression Association of America is a comprehensive resource for facts and information about a variety of anxiety-related issues as well as treatment options.
Anxiety.org. Developed by doctors at the UCLA Anxiety Disorders Research Center, Anxiety.org bridges the gap between professionals and consumers by offering a wealth of research-based news and information in a consumer-friendly format.
The Anxiety Network. The Anxiety Network provides information about panic disorders, generalized anxiety, and social anxiety. News, blog posts by anxiety experts, and information about related issues and how to cope with anxiety are also offered.