an alarming percentage of Pennsylvania\u2019s youth suffer from mental health symptoms such as depression and anxiety.<\/a><\/p>\nIn a 2019 report where 239,340 students from 419 Pennsylvania school districts participated, 38% of all students indicated that they felt depressed or sad most days.<\/p>\n
What is Anxiety?<\/h2>\n
Anxiety disorders involve more than temporary worry or fear. It usually involves a persistent feeling of apprehension or dread that doesn\u2019t go away<\/strong> and that interferes with how you live your life. Oftentimes, it is consistent, even if there is no immediate threat.<\/p>\nBasic Information About Anxiety Disorders<\/h2>\n
Anxiety disorders arise when worry gets out of control. It is feeling extremely worried or nervous about other things even when there is little or no reason to worry about them. People who have generalized anxiety disorder find it difficult to control their anxiety and stay focused on daily tasks.<\/p>\n
Types of Anxiety Disorder<\/h2>\n1. Generalized Anxiety Disorder<\/h3>\n
It is an anxiety disorder characterized by chronic anxiety, exaggerated worry, and tension, even when there is little or nothing to provoke it.<\/p>\n
2. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)<\/h3>\n
It is an anxiety disorder characterized by recurrent, unwanted thoughts or obsessions and\/or repetitive behaviors or compulsions performed with the hope of preventing obsessive thoughts or making them go away.<\/p>\n
3. Panic Disorder<\/h3>\n
It is an anxiety disorder characterized by unexpected and repeated episodes of intense fear accompanied by physical symptoms that may include:<\/p>\n
\n- Chest pain<\/li>\n
- Heart palpitations<\/li>\n
- Shortness of breath<\/li>\n
- Dizziness<\/li>\n
- Abdominal distress<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
4. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)<\/h3>\n
It is an anxiety disorder that can develop after exposure to a terrifying event or ordeal where grave physical harm occurred or was threatened.<\/p>\n
5. Social Phobia or Social Anxiety Disorder<\/h3>\n
It is an anxiety disorder characterized by overwhelming anxiety and excessive self-consciousness in everyday social situations.<\/p>\n
It can be limited to one type of situation or it can be so broad that a person experiences symptoms almost anytime they are around other people.<\/p>\n
Causes of Anxiety Disorder<\/h2>\n\n- Family history<\/strong> – OCD can be passed down in a family<\/li>\n
- Stressful events<\/strong> – life events like childhood abuse and neglect, the death of a loved one, stress at the workplace, troubled relationships, being attacked, or witnessing violence<\/li>\n
- Health issues <\/strong>– ailment, especially chronic diseases like some heart, lung, and thyroid conditions<\/li>\n
- Substance abuse<\/strong> – heavy use of drugs, alcohol, and other substances when the effects of the substance begin to wear off<\/li>\n
- Personality factors<\/strong> – perfectionists or people who like to be in control<\/li>\n
- Brain chemistry<\/strong> – faulty circuits in the brain that control fear and emotions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Impact on Lifestyle of Anxiety<\/h2>\n
People suffering with anxiety disorders sometimes find it hard to get through the day. They can struggle with physical symptoms like stomach aches and headaches.<\/p>\n
Many with anxiety disorders avoid situations or they may not take advantage of opportunities like social situations, travel, and promotions, because their excessive worry hinders them. Some with severe anxiety have difficulty carrying out even the simplest daily activities.<\/strong><\/p>\nHowever, when the anxiety level is mild to moderate, they can function socially, and continue to have full, meaningful lives while being gainfully employed.<\/p>\n
Overview of Anxiety Disorder Symptoms<\/h2>\n
When a person has a generalized anxiety disorder, he or she worries too much for most days for at least 6 months about everyday routine life circumstances, school, work, and social interactions.<\/p>\n
The symptoms of anxiety disorders from the National Institute of Mental Health include:<\/strong><\/p>\n