3.
Panic Disorders: Severe attacks of terror,
ANXIETY which may feel like you are having a heart
attack or experiencing extreme physical
About Anxiety Disorders
anxiety for 1-10 minutes.
Anxiety is a feeling of worry that can be a
4. Phobias: Excessive or unreasonable fear
completely normal response to stress.
of something, and the desire to avoid the
However, it can also be out of proportion to
feared object.
what’s going on or be impossible to control.
5. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD):
Anxiety can feel so overwhelming that a
Experiencing intrusive and repetitive
person’s ability to work, study, interact with
thoughts and obsessions, which result in
people, or follow a daily routine is affected.
compulsive behaviors and rules aimed at
Anxiety disorders are the most common preventing an imaginary dreaded event.
mental illnesses in the US.
6. Posttraumatic-Stress Disorder (PTSD):
Anxiety can be a real medical condition, Experiencing avoidance, detachment,
developing from a complex set of biological difficulty sleeping and concentrating, and
and environmental factors, including reliving a traumatic event or flashbacks.
genetics, biochemistry and traumatic life
events. Generalized anxiety disorder, FACTS ABOUT ANXIETY
obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic DISORDERS
disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder and
phobias are all types of anxiety disorders. Anxiety Disorders are real, serious, and
treatable conditions that:
More than 40 million men and woman
TYPES OF ANXIETY DISORDERS in the United States are diagnosed
with every year
“Anxiety Disorder” is a broad term that Almost 7% of college students report
encompasses six types of disorders. Although having symptoms
the symptoms of each anxiety disorder vary Can occur at any age, but often surface
in people, they can provoke extreme fear or during a person’s teens or twenties
worry that interferes with a normal lifestyle. Are twice as likely to occur in women
Remember, these are real, medical than men
disorders.
1. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD):
Excessive uncontrollable worry about SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
everyday issues, including school, work,
One or more of the following:
money, friends and health. The worry is so
great that it interferes with your daily life. Intense episodes of panic or fear
2. Social Anxiety Disorders: Avoidance of Recurring nightmares
everyday social situations due to extreme Avoidance of social situations
anxiety about being judged by others or
behaving in a way that might cause Difficulty concentrating
embarrassment or ridicule.
Repeated, unwanted thoughts
(obsessions)
GETTING HELP
Sleep disturbances
Seek help NOW! Anxiety is treatable and with
Upsetting, intrusive memories of a treatment, many people are able to lead
traumatic event normal lives without the interference that
anxiety creates.
Physical symptoms such as nausea,
stomach pain, rapid heart rate, muscle Treatment often involves therapy, medication
tension, sweating, shaking, dizziness, or a combination of both. Early treatment can
numbness, or difficulty breathing prevent further issues, such as substance
abuse, academic problems, and depression.
REDUCING NORMAL LEVELS OF
ANXIETY
If you are experiencing anxiety, stress
reducing activities can help reduce it.
Exercise: Physical activity helps ease COUNSELING AT UMHS
your body and mind.
Eat a Balanced Diet: Don’t skip meals.
Amanda Massicott, MA
Try to eat from all food groups and
reduce intake of caffeine and sugar.
Student Counselor
Main Administration Building – Room
Limit Alcohol and stay away from 223
Illegal Drugs: Alcohol, drugs and Email: amaassicott@umhs-sk.net
energy drinks (such as Red Bull) can Phone: (869) 466-2043 x120
aggravate anxiety and cause people to
be at higher risk of panic attacks.
For urgent after-hours mental health
Get Involved: Be a part of your crisis please contact: (869) 662-4686
community and create a support
network to give yourself a break from In the case of a life threatening
everyday stress. emergency, please call:
Do your BEST, don’t aim for
The hospital at (869) 465-2551
PERFECTION: Perfection is not Or dial 911
possible, so try to be proud of what
you are able to accomplish.
Take a Time-Out: Take a deep breath
and count to 10. Stepping back allows
you to clear your head
