| 
Featuring OVER 250
Conversation Starters!
Only $9.95 (plus s&h)
CLICK TO ORDER TODAY
FROM SUSANFEE.COM
CLICK
HERE TO READ AN EXCLUSIVE EXCERPT FROM THE BOOK
CLICK
FOR COMPLETE TABLE OF CONTENTS LISTING
More
questions about anxiety? Here's where to find the answers
in
My
Roommate Is Driving Me Crazy!
Q:
I have moments when I think my chest is going to explode
and I have trouble breathing. Could I be having panic attacks?
A:
See page 154
Q:
My roommate is really high strung. Does that mean he has an
anxiety disorder?
A:
See page 153
Q:
I think my roommate needs professional help. What I can say
to convince her to see a counselor?
A:
See page 162
|
 |
 |
|
GAD:
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
|
|
|
|
|
It's common to
get a few butterflies in your stomach right before
a big test, going on a first date, or interviewing
for an important job. A certain level of anxiety
is healthy. It's what gives people motivation to
do well, and it can help provide protection from
danger.
But an anxiety disorder causes
the opposite effects. The feelings of worry and
nervousness are so overwhelming that they can keep
a person from coping and disrupt daily life. If
you have experienced at least six months
of persistent and excessive anxiety about
a number of events and activities, it could be generalized
anxiety disorder or GAD. Here are more warning signs:
- Restlessness,
feeling keyed up, or on edge
- Easily fatigued
- Difficulty concentrating
or mind going blank
- Irritability
- Muscle tension
- Sleep disturbances-either
sleeping too much, or not enough
Don't jump to conclusions if
you occasionally experience these symptoms. College
is a stressful time. Everyone has a bout of irritability,
sadness, or sleeplessness from time to time. But
experiencing several of these symptoms on a regular
basis indicates a need for help.
Generalized anxiety disorder is treatable
with the help of counseling and, in some cases,
medication. Exercise is also very helpful.
Moving the body aerobically is a great way
to manage stress, and studies have shown that exercise
boosts chemicals in the brain that promote feelings
of calmness and well-being.
Stay away from using drugs or alcohol to self-medicate,
they are not long-term solutions and end up adding
to your feelings of anxiety. Alcohol is a depressant
and can cause a drop in blood sugar. The body then
responds by producing more adrenaline, which fuels
anxiety.
If you think you might be suffering
from GAD or any other anxiety disorder, make an
appointment with a campus counselor. You
can learn more from the Anxiety Disorders Association
of America at www.adaa.org
.
To learn more about campus mental
health visit www.campusblues.com.
|
|
|
| |
|
