Anxiety is a normal reaction to an important event such as a school presentation, business meeting and moving to a new city. However, excessive, continuous anxiety that interferes with your daily life may be a sign of generalized anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders cause people to feel afraid, panicky and startled for no likely reason. If untreated, anxiety disorder can greatly diminish productivity and decrease an individual’s quality of life.
EVERYDAY ANXIETY
- Worry about paying bills, landing a job, a romantic breakup, or other important life events
- Embarrassment or self-consciousness in an uncomfortable or awkward social situation
- A case of nerves or sweating before a big test, business presentation, stage performance, or other significant event
- Realistic fear of a dangerous object, place, or situation
- Anxiety, sadness, or difficulty sleeping immediately after a traumatic event
ANXIETY DISORDER
- Constant and unsubstantiated worry that causes significant distress and interferes with daily life
- Avoiding social situations for fear of being judged, embarrassed, or humiliated
- Seemingly out-of-the-blue panic attacks and the preoccupation with the fear of having another one
- Irrational fear or avoidance of an object, place, or situation that poses little or no threat of danger
- Recurring nightmares, flashbacks, or emotional numbing related to a traumatic event that occurred several months or years before