Everybody feels anxious at times.

Anxiety is a normal part of life and a helpful part.

It alerts us, helps us organize ourselves, mobilize our resources and take action. For example - a person interviewing for a job who feels no anxiety may not prepare adequately or the student without any anxiety may not study enough.

Anxiety only becomes a problem when it overwhelms us - and has the opposite effect - it puts us in a chronic state of arousal or hyperarousal which causes us to be disorganized, immobilized and unable to take action.

Signs that anxiety has become overwhelming: you feel anxious or tense much of the time, or when no danger is present. The anxiety interferes with daily life. You take extreme steps to avoid situations because of the anxiety.

Anxiety disorders affect 38 million Americans:
10% every yr have panic attack out of blue.

What to do:

Learn as much as you can - educate yourself

Seek the support of a trusted family member, or friend

Keep a positive attitude, knowing anxiety is very treatable and many persons have learned to manage similar anxieties

Contact a mental health professional for treatment and diagnosis.

Don't feel embarrassed about asking for help. If you have developed other problems secondary to the anxiety, discuss these concerns too - for example, if you have become depressed, had suicidal thoughts, started to drink or use drugs.

Join a support group.

Admitting you have a problem with anxiety is a sign of strength, not weakness, much like seeking medical help for other illnesses is a sign of good judgment and much like following a healthy lifestyle and diet is a sign of self-esteem and self-respect.

What's not helpful for friends or doctors to do or say:

Its just nerves.

Relax.

Have a drink and mellow out.

Doctors need to give patient information and referral and let them know effective treatment is available.

Family and friends need to be supportive, not tease, but not overlook or ignore or encourage person to avoid situations because of fear.