Anxiety - Symptoms & Help

Copyright (c) 2008 Hope Pope

What is Anxiety? Ever met someone who worries from the time they get up in the morning until the time they go to bed? Ever live with someone who wakes up with a red mark on her toe and is certain she has a disease? Then she gets an advertisement in the mail that day that focuses on how important it is to get regular checkups and she breaks out in hives because she is now certain she is going to die. Then she sees a report on the news that night about a local funeral home and she is now literally shaking because she feels it was meant to be that she saw that and she starts thinking about how her children will live without her. Then the next morning she wakes up ... the red mark is gone but now she has a bruise on her left knee... and she starts thinking she has a blood disease?

Ok, we all know someone like that. Maybe it is you. It can be quite funny ... especially when it isn't you... but anxiety is actually is a very serious matter.

It can consume us... it stops us from living in the present... it cheats our spouses and children from getting the emotional support they need and deserve from us. It is what keeps Psychologists and pharmaceutical companies in business.

It is estimated that 13% of people suffer from anxiety. So if you are sitting in a room of 100 people and you are suffering from anxiety, there are about 12 others who are sitting in the room that are feeling just like you.

It is estimated that over 19 million people in the United States have some type of anxiety disorder.

Here are some of the symptoms that can be associated with anxiety: racing heart, sweating, shaking, shortness of breath, chest pain, stomachache, feeling dizzy, feeling of faint, numbness and chills.

If you or a loved one is suffering from anxiety, get help. Don't wait because you are too scared. It is a serious matter. You are not only hurting yourself but you are hurting loved ones, too. So what are your options? If you have good health insurance, you can go to a local Psychologist. Some are helpful and some aren't.

There are also many anxiety medications available. Unfortunately, with each medication, there are also a bunch of side effects that go along with it. Some of the side effects include: becoming addicted to the medication; risk of suicide; weight gain; blurred vision; headaches; heart palpitations; nightmares and agitation.

Also keep in mind that a lot of times, the medications aren't even effective.

Another option is to try some type of anxiety program. Check your local newspaper. Often, there are support groups for those suffering from anxiety. There are also some anxiety programs online. Some are good and some aren't. Make sure you try a program that has worked successfully for others. Talk to those who have been through the program to make sure it is a good one and that it will really help you.