{"id":7236,"date":"2019-09-12T08:00:40","date_gmt":"2019-09-12T13:00:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.osfhealthcare.org\/blog\/?p=7236"},"modified":"2022-08-02T15:02:26","modified_gmt":"2022-08-02T20:02:26","slug":"dont-let-anxiety-paralyze-your-life","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/osf-blog.live.imagescape.com\/blog\/dont-let-anxiety-paralyze-your-life\/","title":{"rendered":"Don\u2019t let anxiety paralyze your life"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Ready to tackle your anxiety? Get started with SilverCloud<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

If you\u2019re walking in the woods and you spot a bear, you\u2019ll probably feel at least a wee bit anxious. Most likely, your heart rate will spike and a wave of fear will wash over you as your brain processes a jumble of options: Run, scream, freeze. \u2026<\/p>\n

\u201cAnxiety is a normal human experience that we all can experience,\u201d said Dominique Dietz, LCSW, director for Behavioral Health at OSF HealthCare<\/a>. \u201cAnxiety our brain and body reacting to what we believe is a threat.\u201d<\/p>\n

But what happens when the immediate threat vanishes and the anxiety lingers? What about when the perceived threat is more hypothetical but it affects your ability to function? Maybe you struggle to sleep, or eat or work; unable to make decisions.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s where normal anxiety crosses the line and becomes an anxiety disorder<\/a>.<\/p>\n

No. 1 mental health problem in U.S.<\/h2>\n

If you are diagnosed with anxiety disorder, the first bit of good news is that you are not alone.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnxiety is the No. 1 mental health concern in the United States; more than any other diagnosis, such as depression<\/a>, bipolar disorder<\/a> and schizophrenia<\/a>,\u201d Dominique said. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 19 percent of adults in the U.S. have anxiety disorders.<\/p>\n

One of the biggest challenges to mental health care providers is pinning down the diagnosis. Blood tests, X-rays, MRI scans and such can specify what ails you physically. Mental health diagnosis is dependent on patient history, professional observation of behavior, interviews with the patient and input from close contacts, such as family, friends and co-workers.<\/p>\n

Is it time for you to see a specialist?<\/h2>\n

\"young<\/p>\n

Here are some basic questions to ask yourself:<\/strong><\/p>\n