Understanding Anxiety

You are not alone. Over 24 million adults in America suffer from anxiety conditions. Anxiety can show up while driving, shopping, traveling, going to movies, flying on airplanes, public gatherings or even simply being alone.

You may fear losing control, going insane, having a stroke or heart attack, fainting or being embarrassed. You may avoid your fears by severely limiting your activities or even becoming house-bound.  Or you may be living what appears to be a normal life in fearful anticipation.  However you deal with your anxiety, the truth is, your fears have imprisoned you.

CHAANGE is a program designed to set you free.

WHAT EXACTLY IS SEVERE ANXIETY?

Severe anxiety describes the uncomfortable bodily sensations and frightening, negative thoughts you experience when imagining some future danger or misfortune.  Categories of severe anxiety include generalized anxiety, social phobia, agoraphobia (with or without panic attacks) and post-trauma conditions.

Agoraphobia, taken from the Greek word that translates as "fear of open spaces," is used today by psychologists to mean the fear of having fearful feelings which sometimes leads to avoidance of certain situations or activities.

WHAT CAUSES SEVERE ANXIETY?

Most people who suffer from severe anxiety conditions have three forces working within them: (1) a biological sensitivity to anxiety; (2) learned behaviors or beliefs; and (3) stress. They also tend to be highly intelligent, sensitive people who often were raised to be perfectionists.

Once a reaction of severe anxiety is triggered, it typically develops into a cycle of fear.  And from that point on, you'll do almost anything to avoid situations that cause that fear.

WHAT CAN YOU DO ABOUT IT?

Here's where we come in.

The CHAANGE program is based on the assumption that, with help, you can change the habits of thoughts, beliefs, attitudes and behaviors which have imprisoned you.  This, in turn, will enable you to deal constructively with your anxious feelings and get control of your life again.  And remember we are available to help you.

SOME COMMON SYMPTOMS OF SEVERE ANXIETY