Apr 29, 2003 4 min read

BROWNSVILLE – People suffering from chronic anxiety are consumed by constant worry that disrupts sleep, productive work, relationships and even physical health. “Chronic anxiety is a painful disorder that can rob a person of all enjoyment in life,” said Dr. Ravindra Mehta, a physician at Brownsville General Hospital’s behavioral health services. “However, there are many effective treatments so no one should suffer with an anxiety disorder.”

Mehta explained that anxiety disorders are actually rooted in the fight or flight response that everyone’s endocrine system engages when danger is present.

“In plain terms, your body gets a rush of adrenaline when your brain perceives danger,” he said. “Adrenaline makes you more alert, more energetic and more capable of fleeing or fighting – all very good survival skills.”

In modern life, Mehta said situations that trigger the adrenaline response are not always life threatening or even dangerous. They include:

– Stress caused from a hectic schedule, marital or money problems.

– Panic attacks.

– Post Traumatic Stress Disorders that may occur after witnessing or experiencing the unexpected death of a loved one; violence such as a mugging or car accident; sexual attack like rape or child abuse; and military service in combat.

– Depression triggered by a traumatic life event or biological imbalances (that require medication) often go hand-in-hand with anxiety, and require medical treatment.

– Events beyond the person’s control, such as the recent terrorist attacks.

– Inability to stop obsessive and repetitive thinking that triggers feelings of fear.

Mehta said the most pervasive feature of anxiety is fear. Once a person learns to control and manage fear and control the level of adrenaline in their body, he explained that the debilitating aspects of anxiety will decrease.

The symptoms of anxiety disorders include:

– Chronic sleeplessness that lasts more than a few days.

– Chest pain that can be mistaken for a heart attack.

– Headaches, backaches, neck pain and digestive disturbances that may increase in severity if anxiety is left untreated.

– Trembling or feelings of shakiness, muscle tension, restlessness and tiring easily.

– Shortness or breath; heart palpitations; sweating or cold, clammy hands; dry mouth; dizziness; nausea or other abdominal discomfort; hot flashes or chills; urination; and feeling a lump in the throat.

Many people can take steps immediately to decrease the anxiety in their lives and regain control. Mehta offered the following suggestions:

– Turn off the television. Watching continuous broadcasts of war news and terrorist acts can actually sweep an individual into a “loop” where relaxation becomes impossible because emotion and fears are constantly being whipped up.

– Make “down” time part of your regular schedule. Using weekends and time off work for relaxation and enjoyment is an important way to prevent anxiety.

– Take a vacation.

– Choose your daily activities wisely. If you don’t enjoy cooking for a crowd, don’t invite 20 people for Thanksgiving dinner.

“The key to controlling anxiety is to learn how to turn down the volume and change the subject,” Mehta said. “If you can’t control anxiety on your own, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. There are many successful treatment models for the control and even the cure of anxiety disorders.

“Some treatments work better than others, and every person is different,” he added. “For that reason, it is important to work with a qualified physician or therapist to achieve the best results for your situation.”

Treatments may include one or a combination of the following list:

– Medication.

– Individual therapy.

– Group behavorial therapy.

– Cognitive behavorial therapy.

– Residential treatment.

“There is no reason to endure the emotional anguish and the unrelenting physical discomfort of anxiety, particularly when treatment is so effective,” Mehta said.

For more information on anxiety disorders or a free anxiety screening, call Kathleen Seabright or Terry Marks at Brownsville General Hospital Behavioral Health Services at 1-800-300-0860.