Anxiety

What is anxiety?

• Generalized anxiety disorder is characterized by persistent, excessive, and unrealistic worry about everyday things.

• Victims experience: exaggerated worry & tension.

• Sometimes just the thought of getting through the day produces anxiety.

What causes anxiety?

• Triggered by stress in our lives• Some more vulnerable than others• “Negative self-talk”• Particular worry for over six

months

How do I know if I have anxiety?!

• Constant worry or stress• Tense muscles• Trembling• Numbness in limbs• Heart palpitations• Frequent headaches• Nausea

• Anxiety Disorders affect 6.8 million adults, or 3.1% of the U.S. population, in any given year.

• Women are twice as likely to be affected.• Highest risk between childhood and

middle age.

Facts

College Students• College can be stressful. • Anxiety disorders - most common mental

health problems on college campuses. • Most college & university campuses have

mental health resources available.

Managing Anxiety

• Good nutrition• Adequate sleep• Exercise• Support groups• Treatment options

Treatment

• Success of treatment varies• May work instantly or take weeks/months• Medications are prescribed by physicians• Medications- calm nerves, improves mood,

promote relaxation, reduce muscular tension.• Can be used as short or long term treatment.

Treatment

• Therapy is an alternative to medication.• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) - focuses

on identifying, understanding, & changing thinking and behavior patterns.

• Exposure Therapy - gradual exposure to a feared situation or object, learning to become less sensitive over time. (True Life)

Other Options …

• Sometimes medication & therapy are not successful

• Need to maintain self-control• Practice breathing & relaxation methods on

their own• Create methods that work for them

Personal Story

• Michael Timmermann • Grew up with divorced parents, father left when he was six.• The abandonment triggered anxiety attacks.• Was put on several medications throughout his childhood – none helped.• Breakthrough- “Freddie Prinze, Jr. wrote a magazine article detailing the

pain of losing his father at a young age. He, too, felt unhappy and alone as a child. I felt as though I were reading my own life story. The only difference? He was now a success.”

• Plan to change: learning positive self-talk, stopping “what-if” thinking, eliminating caffeine, improving diet, regular exercise, deep breathing exercise.

• Success!!

More information

• Anxiety Disorders Association of America – “Anxiety disorders are real, serious, and treatable.”

• Visit their website to learn more about anxiety disorders.

• http://www.adaa.org/