Anxiety Testing

What is anxiety disorder - who can suffer?

Anxiety disorders are real, serious, and treatable conditions that…

• more than 40 million men and women in the United States are diagnosed with every year.
• almost seven percent of college students report having symptoms.
• can occur at any age but often will surface during a person’s teens or twenties.
• are twice as likely to occur in women as men.

Take the time to figure out whether the anxiety you are experiencing is the same anxiety we all have occasionally or whether it is so persistent and severe that it may be an anxiety disorder.

Anxiety: 10 tips that work to reduce anxiety

Body honoring activities to get rid of anxiety:

• Forgive yourself
• Get to bed by 10:30
• Exercise or do movement regularly
• Practice relaxation techniques
• Breathe deeply at least twice a day
• Laugh at least twice per day
• Practice gratitude
• Drink half your body weight in ounces of water a day
• Liquefy your food when eating (i.e., chew it)
• Eat three balanced meals a day (e.g., balance means you eat a protein, fat, and complex carbohydrate at each meal)
• Practice ‘thought awareness’ (e.g. you recognize the thoughts that could lead to a downward spiral of negative emotion resulting in mental and physical stressors, which in effect are viruses in your mind)

Treatments to get rid of anxiety

Anxiety disorders treatment may involve therapy or medication or a combination of both. The good news is treatment works! With time and patience, up to 90 percent of people who obtain proper care from a health professional will recover and go on to live full and productive lives.

It is important to get help NOW. An untreated anxiety disorder may lead to academic problems, secondary conditions such as substance abuse or depression, and—in extreme cases—suicide. Early treatment can help prevent these problems. Visit your doctor or health center to find out about their services. Bring a friend if you’re nervous about going alone. Many centers offer free individual and group counseling sessions.

Or you may choose to see your doctor or family physician, who may be able to treat you or recommend a psychiatrist, psychologist, clinical social worker, counselor, or psychiatric. Regardless of where you seek treatment, it’s crucial that you are comfortable with who is treating you and how you are being treated.

How to help a friend to get rid of anxiety?

If someone close to you has an anxiety disorder, here’s how you can help:

Learn about the disorder. Understanding what your friend is going through will help you give support, and keep your own worry under control. The Anxiety Disorders Association of America provides information and can help you find a therapist.

Realize and accept stressful periods. Modify your expectations of how your friend should act and be sure to be extra supportive during difficult times.

Everyone experiences anxiety differently. Be tolerant, supportive, and nonjudgmental.

Be encouraging and don’t get discouraged. Give praise for even the smallest accomplishment. Stay positive.

Talk to someone. Being supportive all the time is difficult, so make sure you have someone—a friend, family member, or counselor—to support you.