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July 31, 2014 

It's normal to feel anxious when facing a challenging situation- making a presentation, taking a tough exam, or going on a blind date.  Anxiety can help you stay alert and focused, spur you to action, and motivate you to solve problems.

 

When anxiety is constant or overwhelming- interfering with your relationships and activities- normal, productive anxiety can develop into an anxiety disorder. Whether manifested as social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress or generalized anxiety disorder, the emotional and physical symptoms can be crippling.

 

An estimated 40 million American adults suffer from anxiety disorders, making it the most common psychiatric illness.  8% of all children, starting at around age 6, suffer from anxiety. Research shows that untreated children with anxiety disorders are at higher risk to perform poorly in school, miss out on important social experiences, and engage in substance abuse.

It's All in Your Head!
The Mind-Body Connection

Anxiety can be traced to over-reactivity in the amygdala, a small site in the brain that, among its many other functions, responds to novelty and threat. The amygdala orchestrates a physiological response to changes in the environment. An automatic alarm goes off when the body feels threatened, pressured, or is faced with a stressful situation. The heightened awareness was adaptive- promoting either fight or flight. For some people today, the amygdala is hyper-reactive, causing them to respond to normal stimuli as if there were a real threat.  

Tips to Manage Anxiety:
  • Take a time-out. Practice yoga, listen to music, meditate, or other relaxation techniques.
  • Limit alcohol and caffeine, which can aggravate anxiety and trigger panic attacks.
  • Get enough sleep. Your body needs additional sleep and rest when stressed.
  • Exercise daily to help you feel good and maintain your health.
  • Take deep breaths. Inhale and exhale slowly.
  • Welcome humor. A good laugh goes a long way.
  • Get involved. Research shows that helping others helps you.
  • Learn your anxiety triggers. Write in a journal when you're feeling stressed or anxious, and look for a pattern.
  • Talk to someone. Tell friends and family you're feeling overwhelmed, and let them know how they can help you.                            Go to adaa.org for more information 
    • Take Action and Get Positive Results
    Integrating mental and physical health is essential to achieving wellness. If you find you or your loved one struggles despite implementing these tips, seek professional help.  Anxiety does not have to consume your life. 

    At Core Counseling, you can pursue Mind-Body Wellness through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness and other therapeutic techniques. 
    To find out more or to schedule an appointment, call me at Core Counseling, LLC: 201.875.5699. Experience a comfortable, private and confidential environment with an atmosphere of encouragement, optimism and compassion. Together we can find solutions to your core issues. 

    In Health,

    Lisa Fedder, MSW, LCSW, LCADC
    www.corecounselingsolutions.com
    560 Sylvan Avenue                     108 Baker Street
    Englewood Cliffs, NJ  07632       Maplewood, NJ  07040
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