Anxiety disorders are different from depression, but they can occur together. Some of the symptoms are similar, and the treatment offered is similar too.
Someone is diagnosed as having an anxiety disorder when the symptoms they experience start to affect their day to day life. They may experience a range of alarming physical symptoms, to the extent that they are certain there is something medically wrong, and, though it may not appear obvious, they may be anxious and worried much of the time. A person with a high level of anxiety, or an anxiety disorder worries about what might or might not happen, and how they could be affected in a negative way.
Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD). Agoraphobia, Phobias, Social Anxiety Disorder, Panic Attacks, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) are all categories of anxiety disorder, the most common being Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD). This whole area is complex, especially as often more than one type of anxiety disorder exists together. And of course a person can be depressed at the same time as well.
Without a doubt, the experience of an anxiety disorder can be utterly terrifying. And being around someone who has an anxiety disorder is really tough too.
If you know someone who has an anxiety disorder, help them by learning about it and supporting them through it. You may find their behaviour bewildering and exasperating. But they cannot just snap out of it, and they would usually give anything to feel better.
If you are close to the person, you may find that no matter how much you help and support them, their behaviour and their worry wears you down. Many people find themselves in this position, so make sure you get some support for yourself if you can.
If you would like to know more about different anxiety disorders, and about how hypnotherapy may be able to help, click here
If you’d like to share your experiences of living with someone who has an anxiety disorder, please Click here