Wellness Wednesday- Anxiety

Wellness Wednesday is so dear to me, Im sure you cant tell because I haven't done one in a while but its due to my life being in what feels like a constant transition. However going through old post I remember why I started it. I wanted to encourage and educate others on varying topics related to mental health.

This week the theme of my clients has been anxiety. ENTER THE DRAGON... This post could be a book long so I will focus it solely on the symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder. This does not include other disorders such as panic disorder and PTSD. Please be mindful that the symptoms may manifest in others differently.

A. Excessive anxiety and worry (apprehensive expectation), occurring more days than not for at least 6 months, about a number of events or activities (such as work or school performance). 

B. The person finds it difficult to control the worry. 

C. The anxiety and worry are associated with three (or more) of the following six symptoms (with at least some symptoms present for more days than not for the past 6 months). Note: Only one item is required in children. 

(1) restlessness or feeling keyed up or on edge
(2) being easily fatigued
(3) difficulty concentrating or mind going blank
(4) irritability
(5) muscle tension
(6) sleep disturbance (difficulty falling or staying asleep, or restless unsatisfying sleep) 

D. The focus of the anxiety and worry is not confined to features of an Axis I disorder, e.g., the anxiety or worry is not about having a Panic Attack (as in Panic Disorder), being embarrassed in public (as in Social Phobia), being contaminated (as in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder), being away from home or close relatives (as in Separation Anxiety Disorder), gaining weight (as in Anorexia Nervosa), having multiple physical complaints (as in Somatization Disorder), or having a serious illness (as in Hypochondriasis), and the anxiety and worry do not occur exclusively during Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. 

E. The anxiety, worry, or physical symptoms cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning. 

F. The disturbance is not due to the direct physiological effects of a substance (e.g., a drug of abuse, a medication) or a general medical condition (e.g., hyperthyroidism) and does not occur exclusively during a Mood Disorder, a Psychotic Disorder, or a Pervasive Developmental Disorder.

This post is not meant to replace seeking professional help.  It is simply meant to be informative. Everyone worries about something weight, bills, children, and the list goes on. Anxiety is nothing to be ashamed of and if you or someone you knows is suffering seek help. You do not have to suffer alone.

Come back next week as I discuss possible treatment options for Generalized Anxiety Disorder.