Your heart starts pounding in your chest, your muscles become tense, there is a queasiness in your stomach, your head hurts and you feel as though everything is out of control. These are some of the hallmarks of anxiety. While this is a relatively normal reaction to some of life’s great stresses, it can be a huge problem for those who cannot control the physiological and psychological effects it has on their body and mind.

It is true that a certain amount of anxiety is normal. We all have to deal with unpleasant situations that are out of our control, which is one of the triggers of anxiety. For some though, their anxiety can cross over into panic, and this where there is cause for concern.

There are 5 major kinds of anxiety: generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, social phobias, post traumatic stress disorder and panic disorder. Each one is different in it’s own right, but they all can have a devastating effect on a person as well as their loved ones. Here are some of the details of each disorder:

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): This disorder is diagnosed when a person becomes consumed with excessive anxiety with little or no cause.
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Persons diagnosed with OCD suffer from exaggerated bad thoughts as well as a need to complete repetitive rituals. The inability to oust the unwanted thoughts or complete the repetitive tasks can cause panic.
• Social Phobias: Irrational fears of what other people think or feel about you is a characterization of this disorder. Though some sufferers may be able to face their fear for a small amount of time, they still suffer anxiety during and after contact This disorder can have unexpected attacks of fear that may show itself with a severe physical reaction.
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): People who have been exposed to a particularly stressful event for an extended amount of time often may suffer from excessive fear of that event recurring
• Panic Disorder: This disorder is characterized by sudden attacks of fear and panic with no know cause.

There is help for those who suffer from anxiety. it is important for them to know that they are not alone! The treatment for anxiety disorders varies, though may involve health counseling.

There are medications that can help ease some of the mental and physical symptoms, too. This is why it is important for those who suffer from sever anxiety to seek medical attention as soon as possible.