Introduction I. Think about a time when your breathing quickened, your muscles tensed, and your heart pounded with a sudden sense of dread. II. Was it when your car almost went off the road from the rain? Or maybe when your teacher announced you had a test? III. Anytime you face wheat seems to be a serious threat to your well-being, you may react with the state of immediate alarm known as fear. IV. You may not always be able to pinpoint a specific cause for your alarm, but still you feel tense and edgy. V.
I’m going to inform you all on what it’s like to live a day in a person’s life who has anxiety disorder. VI. Thesis: There are a few things you should know to truly be able to understand someone who has anxiety disorder: A. What anxiety is. B. Symptoms of anxiety C. The causes of anxiety D. The effects of anxiety E. Treatments for anxiety Body I. Anxiety is usually defined as a vague sense of being in danger. A. It has the same features as fear; including increase in breathing, muscular tension, perspiration, and so forth. B.
Sometimes anxiety keeps people on their toes meaning; we may drive more cauciously in a storm, pay attention to due date more, and leaving your house in enough time to be where you need to be a little early. C. However, some people experience such disabling fear and anxiety that they cannot lead a normal life. 1. Their discomfort is severe which sometimes last too long or is triggered easily. 2. These are people who are said to have anxiety disorder. D. Anxiety disorders are the most common mental disorders in the United States. transition; People with generalized anxiety disorder experience constant worry. ) II. Because each person has a unique chemical make up; the type number, intensity, and frequency of anxiety symptoms will vary from person to person. A. Symptoms of anxiety; feel restless, keyed up, or on edge; tire easily; have difficulty concentrating; suffer from muscle tension; and have sleep problems. 1. The symptoms last at least six months. 2. Usually it appears in adolescence or childhood. 3. Women diagnosed with the disorder out-number men 2 to 1. . Studies have found that people in highly threatening environments are indeed more likely to develop this disorder. a. For example months and even years following Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the rate of generalized anxiety disorder and other anxiety disorders were twice as high of residents who lived through the disaster than people who lived elsewhere. B. Other anxiety symptoms are described as being like a hypochondriac in other words have constant worry over: 1. Having a heart attack. 2. Having a serious undetected illness. 3.
Losing control of thoughts or actions. 4. And being alone. C. It’s not uncommon with anxiety disorder to also suffer from depression or vice versa. Nearly one half of those diagnosed with anxiety are also diagnosed with depression. (transition; With anxiety disorder some people can hold a job and function socially, where others can’t even leave their homes. ) I. The exact cause of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is unknown however, evidence that biological factors, family background, and life experiences, particularly stressful ones, play a role.
A. Anxiety could be genetically inherited or also something that we create. B. Parents can also mentally cause or pass their own anxiety on by the ways they have raised you and the way they have taught you to interact with the world. (transition; Only about 1/3 of those suffering seek treatment. ) I. While medications and other therapies reduce symptoms and help diminish anxiety, we shouldn’t consider it a cure. A. Learning what anxiety is, what it does to the mind and body, and more importantly, what you can do to eliminate it IS the cure. B.
Anxiety is a condition that has the potential to return again and again unless you receive the proper information, help, and support from your loved ones. 1. Knowledge is the power to recovery. C. Relaxation techniques, meditation, yoga, exercise, and other alternative treatments may also become part of the treatment plan. 1. If you have co-occurring conditions such as anxiety and depression it should also be treated appropriately. (transition; 40 million adults ages 18 and older suffer from this disorder making it the most common mental illness in the United States.
Conclusion I. I am one who experiences this disorder. A. Because I do experience this disorder, I understand it intimately. B. If you have any questions about your anxiety it can be helpful to not only talk with a therapist but also to someone who has actually experienced the disorder because we aren’t going to be stumped, or puzzled by your symptoms and you don’t have to feel embarrassed. II. I hope after learning more about Generalized Anxiety Disorder you can use the information I provided to help and support someone you know that is experiencing this terrible disorder.