Anxiety Disorders are a class of mental health concerns that impact an individual’s ability to function optimally. Anxiety is a fear-based emotion, that is a normal reaction to stress.
Anxiety can be helpful in several instances, such as helping us to be alert to danger. An Anxiety Disorder, however, involves excessive levels of fear and anxiety.
Research as shown that nearly 30% of adults will experience an anxiety disorder at some point in their lives, making this class of mental health concern, one of the most prevalent.
Anxiety Disorders often prompt avoidance behaviours – people tend to avoid situations and things that trigger their anxiety. This can have a detrimental effect on the individual’s job performance, social relationships and school work.
In order to be diagnosed with an Anxiety Disorder, the fear and or anxiety the individual experiences must be out of proportion in relation to the situation. Secondly, the anxiety must be impacting their ability to function optimally.
Common Anxiety Disorders include Generalised Anxiety Disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Separation Anxiety Disorder and Panic Disorder. To check if you have some of the common symptoms of anxiety click here to take our quiz.
If you are experiencing a Phobia, please click here for more information.