According to the Anxiety Disorders Association of America, anxiety disorders are the common mental illnesses in the country (1). It currently affects about 40 million people in the United States alone. Because of fear of social stigmas, it was determined that only about a third of people suffering from this problem seek treatment.
Different Kinds Of Anxiety
Generalized Anxiety Disorder: Characterized by unnecessary worry and catastrophizing. As a general rule of thumb, people with this disorder automatically think of the worst possible outcome in every situation.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: Having the inability to control unwanted thoughts or behaviours. People suffering from OCD preform daily rituals to help ease their anxiety. They may believe that failure to preform these tasks (like checking the stove or hand washing) will lead to disastrous consequences (like burning the house down or getting sick).
Panic Disorder: Characterized by episodes of intense fear that surface without warning, called panic attacks. Certain things may trigger these episodes, like talking in front of a crowd or getting on a plane. Panic disorder can lead to digestive problems and heart palpitations if not monitored and treated properly.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Manifested as fear that persists long after the experience of a traumatic event. PTSD often occurs in veterans, child abuse survivors and crash victims. These fears are often triggered by sound or images but may also surface randomly.