WELLNESS TOOLBOX

18 Out of 100 People

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, anxiety disorders such as PTSD, panic attacks, phobias, and general anxiety disorder affect 18% of people in the U.S. each year, making them the most common mental health problems.

Anxiety becomes an anxiety disorder when overwhelming fear and worry prevent you from being able to live a normal life. Anxiety disorders can affect anyone and may begin at any age.

People with anxiety disorders are unable to control their own disturbing thoughts. They may start to avoid everyday situations that they fear will trigger more stress.

Anyone in Ventura County who has a question about mental health should seek help immediately, the same way you would ask for help when we have any other health question. If ignored and untreated, extreme anxiety can prevent you from being able to participate in daily life.

Worrying, Anxiety and When It’s Too Much

Everyone experiences worry in some way during daily life. You may feel understandably anxious as a reaction to ordinary urgent situations, for example, if you are running late for work. However, you may also feel anxious when you are worrying about something that may or may not happen, a threat that only exists in your imagination.

Research has shown that when we experience negative emotions such as anxiety or depression it can impact our immune system and increase the possibility of falling ill. When we are emotionally strong we can become more resilient and prepared to respond in a positive way to life’s inevitable changes, losses and disappointments.

Our emotional health is important and has an impact on our physical health as well. We all experience happiness, sadness, hope, and anger almost daily. How we handle these ups and downs impacts our quality of life. When we are emotionally healthy we are able to successfully integrate these emotions in our relationships with ourselves and others. Positive self-esteem, self-awareness and confidence as well as the ability to share our feelings with others are key. By becoming emotionally aware we can better take care of ourselves, better deal with life’s stresses and have positive relationships.

HEALTHY HABITS HELP

Take simple, small steps everyday to develop healthy habits and make healthy choices:

  • Be heart healthy — keep an eye on your cholesterol levels and blood pressure
  • Exercise to maintain flexibility, endurance and bone health
  • Be aware of your food choices — what you eat does affect how you feel
  • Get enough sleep

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Learn strategies for reducing stress >