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Anxiety comes in many forms and for many different reasons depending on the person.
What causes anxiety for one person may seem trivial to another. The common factor is
that both are having real and lasting symptoms. Anxiety can be caused by rational or
not so rational thought. Everyone has had some experience with anxiety. Linked to fear
it is a natural and healthy emotion. Overcoming anxiety might be as simple as addressing

the current problem in ones life. Other times, education/counseling is neccessary. Learning
more about a particular issue can ease ones mind.
Today we have an influx of serious anxiety. Many people are suffering from actual
anxiety dis-orders. Meaning they have come to a point where the anxiety is unmanagable with
simple therapy or education. Anxiety is the re-occuring and seemingly out-of-control fear that
seriously effects the persons life. It can interfere with all aspects of life making even
the smallest task seem like torture to someone who suffers this dis-order.
Anxiety can be mis-understood by those who have not experienced it. It is more than
simply being 'scared' or 'over protective'.
Chemicals control some of the electrical 'firing' in our brain and visa versa. Sending the appropriate messages at the right times in order to survive. Anxiety is thought to be the
mis-firing and/or over firing of certain neurons in the brain. The causes for this can be
countless. Severe trauma is one and usually thought of to be the cause for all anxiety, but
it doesn't have to be. Big 'life changes' or situations can trigger
anxiety that may last for some time. A death in the family, divorce or even a positive
change can begin to alter chemicals or a persons thought process enough that the simple natural
fear becomes a daily problem.
Overcoming anxiety starts within the person. Acknowledging the problem is key and
seeking help from professionals can help. While there are medications that treat anxiety, it
is helpful to figure out why it occured in the first place. Like a headache signals the
person to a potential problem in ones environment or body, anxiety can be a useful tool.
It may be a sign that there are problems in ones life or environment. In many cases it is
a call for change.
Facing issues honestly,
talking with friends and family,
seeking professional help,
taking medication,
all of these are helpful but not always in that order and not the same
for everyone.
Each individual and how they suffer or perceive the situation can call for a different set of
tools than another. Anxiety is real, it can take a toll on the family and community if untreated. Knowing that it CAN be overcome is the most important tool of all.
How one goes about it is an seriously personal choice. Learning from others can be helpful,
knowing that there are others who have oevercome or at least 'manage' their anxiety can make
a world of differnce. Education is the key, while compassion from the community as a whole is paramount. We cannot overcome any illness as long as there is a stigma attached to it.

Learn more about this author, Patty Musgrove.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

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