Health Articles > Depression > Anxiety Disorders - The Ups and Downs

Anxiety disorders can totally change and upset the life of the sufferer as well as that of his/her loved ones. These disorders are based on anxiety, fears, and or phobias. A simple definition states that anxiety is worry that is illogical or irrational, it is not based on facts. Obviously a person suffering with an anxiety disorder may not cope well with daily annoyances and frustrations. Anxiety disorders are the most common of all mental health disorders. It is estimated that approximately 30 percent of the American population may be affected by anxiety disorders. Anxiety disorders can be chronic and debilitating. The disorder can start at an early age or it can be triggered at any point in life. The sufferer may feel anxious most of the time. This usually results in feelings of exhaustion and fatigue. This disorder seems to worsen during periods of high stress. Anxiety attack symptoms are usually accompanied by strange or depressing thoughts and feelings of despair. Anxiety attacks occur without warning and the sufferer may experience any or several symptoms, such as hypertension, palpitations, sweating, headaches, plus many others. During an anxiety attack the sufferer feels overwhelming fear. But the fear is not reality based. However, the body will respond as if the fear is real. There is an adrenaline release and if there is a real threat the body will use the adrenaline to effectively Fight or Flight. Since this is not a real threat the body will experience and maintain a higher level of symptoms that then escalates into an anxiety attack. Credibility is given to the symptoms of the anxiety attack which perpetuates more fear and increased symptoms. The anxiety cycle is created. The cycle is often repeated throughout the life of the sufferer. Many sufferers limit their activities and social outings according to the anxiety attacks. If a sufferer finds a particular situation that seems to provoke the attacks it is likely that he/she will avoid those places if at all possible. Depending on the severity of the disorder many sufferers slowly and eventually limit activities outside of the home to the absolute minimum. Because most sufferers perceive the home as a safe zone it is the place of choice. Overtime, with less and less social activity and companionship of others the sufferer is likely to develop depression. Unfortunately many people with anxiety disorders, even if combined with depression, will not seek treatment. If you or a loved one are suffering with the symptoms of an anxiety disorder you should know that there is help available. Take control of your life and end the anxiety.