Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety disorders include Chronic or Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Panic Attack Disorder in which feeling anxiety is the main component of the disorder. They also include Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and Phobic Disorders (fear of an object or situation) in which anxiety is experienced as a result of trying to master the symptoms, as in resisting the compulsion or confronting the phobia.

Anxiety is a nervous condition experienced as uneasiness, apprehension or nervous tension caused by a perceived danger or threat or by an overload of stress. Feelings of anxiety can range in intensity from mild uneasiness causing sweaty palms, for example, to bouts of intense fear or panic attacks.

In physical terms, the sympathetic nervous system (a division of the involuntary peripheral nervous system) is stimulated when a person is confronted with a "fight or flight" situation and needs extra energy to perform vigorous mental or physical activity. Emotional states such as fear, anger and anxiety are accompanied by a widespread activation of the sympathetic nervous system. The parasympathetic nervous system, conversely comes into play when the body is relaxed. It is the mode of digestion, healing and repair.

One can imagine, then, the imbalance that would occur when the sympathetic nervous system has been overactivated for a long period of time. An overload of stressors whether physical, emotional or mental can put the nervous system out of balance, making natural healing processes difficult. Emotional and mental stressors are symptomatic of the times for many people and can build up, leading to an anxiety disorder if early signs are not detected and dealt with. Any major change, loss or illness can facilitate anxiety. An overload of toxins or toxic metals in the body can attack the nervous system causing anxiety. All stimulants such as caffeine, nicotine, sugar and sugars from overprocessed foods, not to mention the buildup of chemicals in our food and the environment, can build up in the body leading to nervous system stress.

"Anxiety and panic attacks had dominated my life, but with lots of patience and thorough understanding of what triggers them, I have been able to overcome them to a great degree. If I can do it, everyone else can. It just takes some work"

- Kenneth, Coral Gables (FL)

Paths to Wellness

For People Affected by Mental Illness and Addiction

Anxiety Disorders