A calm, serene mind is at peace. An anxious mind is at constant war with itself – doubting, fretting, racing as it contemplates all the possibilities of actions that may never occur.
Although some level of anxiety helps to motivate us, alerts us to potential dangers and ensures our safety and self-preservation, people who develop anxiety disorders find great difficulty separating useful anxiousness with anxiety that cripples their ability to function.
Anxiety disorders include:
Generalized anxiety disorder
Is characterized by a persistent and excessive amount of worrying about events. People with this disorder may overly worry about situations where there is no apparent need for concern. This unhelpful anxiety may seriously impact a person’s ability to think, feel and act on a daily basis.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Occurs when a small habit that eases anxiety grows into a behaviour that becomes intense, disruptive, and fueled by uncontrollable thoughts.
Phobias and Panic Disorders
Phobias are specific irrational fears that severely impact our ability to engage in certain activities or be present I certain situations. Panic disorders are characterized by a physical reaction to a sudden, intense fear that causes a person to feel as though they are losing control.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Following a specific traumatic event or a prolonged or re-occurring stressful situation, a person can develop certain symptoms. These may include: re-experiencing the trauma, emotional numbness, avoiding situations which serve as reminders of the trauma, or irritability, agitation or difficulty concentrating. PTSD is diagnosed if these symptoms last longer than one month.
Living with an anxiety disorder
Living with an anxiety disorder can be an emotionally exhausting and physically draining experience. However, many people find success in managing their symptoms through medication, psychotherapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, and holistic meditative strategies.
If you have developed an anxiety disorder, you may need to take time away from work to manage your condition on a short-term or long-term basis. You may also require specialized medical treatment to aid in your recovery. If you experience anxiety and have been denied disability benefits by your insurer, we can help.
With an experienced and compassionate disability lawyer from Howie, Sacks and Henry as your advocate, you can trust us to assist you every step of the way through the legal process so that you devote more time to your recovery.
