Author: National Mental Health Association
Topic: Anxiety
Anxiety disorders and depression are the two most common mental illnesses experienced by Americans. Approximately half of all people who suffer from anxiety disorders also suffer from depression.
The Basics
The Major Anxiety Disorders
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is usually the diagnosis if you experience six months or more of continual, extreme worry and tension that is not based on real concerns. Subjects include health, loved ones, finances, and jobs. Sometimes, the "worry" is nameless, taking the form of a constant feeling of dread.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is marked by obsessions - repeated, upsetting thoughts and images - that you cannot control by yourself. To combat these images and thoughts and ease anxiety, a person with OCD spends time in repetitive rituals (compulsions), such as hand washing, checking and re-checking, and following rigid procedures.
Panic Disorder is most often characterized by the presence of panic attacks, which are feelings and symptoms such as a pounding heart, chest pain, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, numbness and fear of dying. Panic attacks happen fast, appear out of the blue and take place over and over again. There is usually no physical cause for these attacks.
Phobias are deep-seated fears that are extreme, irrational and upsetting to a person’s life. A person may experience a phobia to a specific object or situation that isn’t usually harmful - such as claustrophobia (fear of confined spaces), and acrophobia (fear of heights). Social phobia is fear of being watched, embarrassed or humiliated while doing something in public, such as public speaking, eating, or writing. Agoraphobia is the fear of places or situations from which escape might be hard, like being in a crowd.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is the long-term, severe and continuing reaction a person may experience following a disaster (such as a fire or earthquake) or a very traumatic experience (war, rape, or sexual abuse). PTSD often occurs in people after they have experienced or witnessed one or more acts of violence. Symptoms include nightmares, loss of sleep, and flashbacks. PTSD interferes with concentration and the ability to enjoy life.
Getting Help
Begin your search for help with your student health center or counseling service on campus. There are also other resources that can provide information and support.