Anxiety is a normal part of life. It is normal to have some anxiety in certain situation. It creates motivation and can improve focus. This type of anxiety is NOT the same as an anxiety disorder. When "normal anxiety" becomes an everyday occurrence, limiting normal functioning, this is when the label changes. Mental disorders are, and need to be treated like any other type of illness. Even though it cannot be seen by the naked eye does not mean that it isn't just as real. "Scientists currently think that, like heart disease and type 1 diabetes, mental illnesses are complex and probably result from a combination of genetic, environmental, psychological, and developmental factors" (NIH). This includes generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and social phobia (or social anxiety disorder). The medication taken for all of these disorders do not cure, but they all alter brain chemistry while being taken. There is a chemical imbalance that needs to be fixed for the individuals that suffer. Medication and psychotherapy go hand-in-hand in the treatment process. Psychotherapy helps the sufferer change their thinking patters and reactions to anxiety provoking stimuli.
Anxiety disorders are completely separate from the nervous feeling before a test. It is a serious condition that requires medical treatment (just like any physical condition). As a society, we need to be educated on the fact that this condition a person can "snap out of".
Haley, I am glad you defined the differences between normal anxiety and anxiety disorder symptoms. It is important for young people to be able to identify the differences. It is crucial for this mental illness to be respected as a medical disorder since it is so serious!
ReplyDeleteHaley, I agree that with what you said about anxiety through out your post. You explained it will and said it best that it is different than just being nervous.
ReplyDeleteHaley,
ReplyDeleteI agree with your post and how you said there is a difference between normal anxiety and anxiety disorders. That was great to point out on this post because it seems like it is becoming the norm for people to be diagnosed or self diagnose themselves with a disorder when they actually are just stressed about day to day activities like everyone else. Also I liked how you pointed out that this disorder is a real condition and a person with this can not simply just snap out of it. Thanks for sharing!
Haley