These are some ways to help identify if you may be suffering from anxiety &/or depression. All the lists come from the Midwest Center program for Attacking Anxiety and Depression (which is a great program if you are serious about getting help to overcome anxiety or depression),
http://www.stresscenter.com/, unless indicated otherwise.
PEOPLE SUFFERING FROM CHRONIC ANXIETY OFTEN COMPLAIN OF:*Strong anxiety episodes *Trembling *Nausea *Hot/cold flashes*Dizziness *Fatigue *Depressed feelings *feelings of helplessness*Panic Episodes *Muscle tension *Migraine headaches*strange aches and pains *Numbness in various parts of the body*lack of concentration *Scary, uncontrollable thoughts *Feelings of unreality/disorientation*Racing heart/chest discomfort including palpitations or ‘flutters’
http://www.stresscenter.com/, unless indicated otherwise.
PEOPLE SUFFERING FROM CHRONIC ANXIETY OFTEN COMPLAIN OF:*Strong anxiety episodes *Trembling *Nausea *Hot/cold flashes*Dizziness *Fatigue *Depressed feelings *feelings of helplessness*Panic Episodes *Muscle tension *Migraine headaches*strange aches and pains *Numbness in various parts of the body*lack of concentration *Scary, uncontrollable thoughts *Feelings of unreality/disorientation*Racing heart/chest discomfort including palpitations or ‘flutters’
MOST COMMON PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION ARE AVOIDANCE BEHAVIORS. (WHEN SUFFERING FROM ANXIETY YOU ARE ONLY COMFORTABLE AROUND YOUR“SAFE PEOPLE AND/OR AT YOUR SAFE PLACES.)
PEOPLE SUFFERING FROM ANXIETY DISORDER OFTEN HAVE EXTREME APPREHENSIONS ABOUT THE FOLLOWING:* Dying * Having a heart attack* Fainting * Losing their breath* Going “insane” * Losing control* Choking * Embarrassing themselves in front of others* Hurting themselves or someone else
THE FOUR MOST COMMON CONCERNS OF THE ANXIOUS SUFFERER ARE:*Dying *Embarrassing themselves in front of others*Going insane *Losing control
SIMILAR BACKGROUNDS OF CHRONIC ANXIETY SUFFERS: (WE CAN NOT CHANGE OUR PAST) - - - - - - - - - - - DO ANY OF THESE APPLY TO YOU?* Alcoholism in the family* Strict religious upbringing/family philosophy (Control through guilt and worry)* Parents with high expectations* Siblings parenting other siblings or parents* Feelings not easily expressed/ displayed* Negative emotional environment* Lack of praise and approval * Nervousness in family* Over-reacting family members* Feeling that you must always prove yourself as a child* Separation or loss of some family member(s)* General unstable upbringing with various conflicts.
MOST COMMON TRAITS FOUND IN THOSE WHO SUFFER FROM CHRONIC ANXIETY: (THESE ARE THINGS WE CAN LEARN TO MODIFY/CHANGE)* Perfectionist * Inner nervousness* Low self-esteem * Tendency to over-react much of the time* Guilt ridden * Extremely sensitive to criticisms* Emotionally sensitive * Extremely high expectations* Obsessive thinker * Inability to make decisions* Extremely Analytical * Suggestible to others problems* Need to appear in control * Tendency to worry about health problems* Overly concerned with others opinions of you (This correlates with traits Taylor Hartman identifies with certain personalities in his “Color Code” and “Color Your Future” books)
IN DR. JOHN LEWIS LUND’S BOOK “HOW TO HUG A PORCUPINE”, HE HAS A LIST OF STATEMENTS THAT WE CAN USE TO HELP IDENTIFY IF WE ARE DOING THINGS THAT HELP INDUCE ANXIETY IN OURSELVES OR OTHERS. KEEP IN MIND THESE ARE THINGS WE CAN CHANGE ABOUT OURSELVES. ALL WE MUST DO IS RECOGNIZE WE DO THEM, AND THEN CHOOSE TO CHANGE AND REPLACE THEM WITH A BETTER, MORE POSITIVE WAY / BEHAVIOR..
HE ASKS: HAVE OTHERS SAID OF YOU? OR YOU:*You are a perfectionist *Are always putting yourself down*No one is ever good enough for you *Have a difficult time accepting compliments*You are stingy with compliments *Are a Perfectionist*You are impossible to please *Blame yourself for failings of your loved ones*You are judgmental *Have said others would be better off without me*You hold a grudge a long time *Want to hurt yourself or cease toexist*You are often blaming others *Feel manipulated by guilt, ridicule,or rejection*You are a highly critical person *Seldom feel that you are goodenough*You are a controlling person *The good times are few and farbetween *You often contradict others. *Have a negative, pessimisticattitude toward life*You are easily offended (you think you are just being realistic)*You withhold love as a punishment *Seem to be consistentlydisappointed in yourself*You are mad, upset, or angry much of the time *Are depressed or discouraged much of the time*You frequently interrupt and correct others *Frequently (wkly) lose your temper (yell, swear,etc)*You make threats of divorce orabandonment *Diminish your accomplishments*You frequently complain about what isn’t being done *Have threatened suicide*You can never give a compliment with out a “But . . .” following*You parent your equals by telling them what they “should, need, and ought” to do.*You are rude, insensitive, curt, abrupt, and do not respect the opinions of others.*You see yourself as more hard working, or more responsible, or more capable, or more intelligent than others. *You react to others not doing what you want them to do, by yelling, screaming, swearing, or name calling.
COMMON (BODY) SYMPTOMS PEOPLE EXPERIENCE DURING AN ANXIOUS PERIOD* Racing heart/chest discomfort * Nausea* Trembling/nervousness * Hot or cold flashes* Dizziness * Muscle tension* Feeling confused and bewildered * Headaches* Diarrhea * Insomnia/sleeping too much* Shortness of breath * Restless feelings* Numbness in various parts of body * Strange thoughts* Feelings of fatigue and depression * Feelings of helplessness* Unexplained panicky feelings * Uncontrollable bouts of anger
THINGS TO WATCH FOR WHEN CHECKING FOR DEPRESSION (SYMPTOMS OF):* Change in appetite * Change in sleep patterns* Change in energy * Change in sexual desire* Change in self-perception * Change in ability to concentrate* Thoughts of death or suicide * Change in quality of health
COMMON STATEMENTS GIVEN OR THOUGHT BY DEPRESSED PEOPLE:* It’s hopeless/I’m hopeless * I am obsessed with guilt* Watch out I have a short fuse * I drag myself through the day* I wish I could die * I’ll never smile again* Just let me sleep * Everything is dark; I lost my colors* I drink alcohol to dull the pain * I can’t . . . is my litany.* I am lonely, even in a crowd * I feel like a huge weight is on me.* I am empty * I can’t sleep; I wake up after 3 to 4 hours* I can’t cry- I used to * I don’t want to see anyone* Nothing gives me pleasure * I barely function* I wouldn’t wish this feeling on my worst enemy.
Anxiety: "A painful uneasiness of mind, usually over an anticipated ill. An abnormal apprehension and fear often accompanied by physiological signs such as sweating and increased pulse, by doubt about the nature and reality of the threat itself and by self-doubt."
It's common for people to experience feelings of anxiety some time in their lives. Everyone faces change or experience occasions when their stress level will become overwhelming. Anxiety(a close relative of excitement) can be best described in terms of worry, a general troubled or uneasy feeling of apprehension. The worry is persistent and habitual, often initiated by unrealistic situations or thoughts. The worry is seemingly uncontrollable and often interferes with the ability of the individual to concentrate or otherwise function normally. Anxiety disorders can coexist with other ailments including panic disorder, depression, and alcoholism. It affects one out of every five people.
Some people suffering from anxiety experience physical pain. Some do not. Many of their problems are emotional and analytical. they are learned habits that can be unlearned :) (Info. from Midwest Center.)
What are your limitations because of anxiety or depression? You don't have to post them but just think about them and maybe write them down for yourself. Also think about and write down what things you avoid doing because of anxiety or depression and how high is your anxiety about them?
COMMON FEARS:flyingsocializingdriving or riding with othersspeaking in front of peoplestanding in linesbeing assertivetaking medicationstravelingworkingbeing in any situation where you are not in controleatingfear or doctors/hospitalsfear of illnessshopping being alonedyingthunderstorms failurecrowded placesnot being able to get out or leave when desired
(info from midwest center)
Feelings aren't facts! Because of anxiety and depression we begin to feel like a victim without any choice. Everyone experiences anxiety, we are only unique in our degree of coping skills. Separating ourselves from the anxiety can be made by the decision to move away from being a person who is a victim towards becoming a person with the skills to conquer fear through knowledge. Allow the stumbling blocks to become stepping stones and know they are crucial to the journey. Begin observing! -Rena Cerquetti
Remember you can change. Don't be a victim to your past. Your history doesn't have to be your future. You can't control the wind but you can control your sails. You can learn to steer your life differently. (from Midwest Center)
Helpful links:
http://www.sharecare.com/que.../why-do-people-get-depression
http://www.sharecare.com/.../how-can-depression-affect...
PEOPLE SUFFERING FROM ANXIETY DISORDER OFTEN HAVE EXTREME APPREHENSIONS ABOUT THE FOLLOWING:* Dying * Having a heart attack* Fainting * Losing their breath* Going “insane” * Losing control* Choking * Embarrassing themselves in front of others* Hurting themselves or someone else
THE FOUR MOST COMMON CONCERNS OF THE ANXIOUS SUFFERER ARE:*Dying *Embarrassing themselves in front of others*Going insane *Losing control
SIMILAR BACKGROUNDS OF CHRONIC ANXIETY SUFFERS: (WE CAN NOT CHANGE OUR PAST) - - - - - - - - - - - DO ANY OF THESE APPLY TO YOU?* Alcoholism in the family* Strict religious upbringing/family philosophy (Control through guilt and worry)* Parents with high expectations* Siblings parenting other siblings or parents* Feelings not easily expressed/ displayed* Negative emotional environment* Lack of praise and approval * Nervousness in family* Over-reacting family members* Feeling that you must always prove yourself as a child* Separation or loss of some family member(s)* General unstable upbringing with various conflicts.
MOST COMMON TRAITS FOUND IN THOSE WHO SUFFER FROM CHRONIC ANXIETY: (THESE ARE THINGS WE CAN LEARN TO MODIFY/CHANGE)* Perfectionist * Inner nervousness* Low self-esteem * Tendency to over-react much of the time* Guilt ridden * Extremely sensitive to criticisms* Emotionally sensitive * Extremely high expectations* Obsessive thinker * Inability to make decisions* Extremely Analytical * Suggestible to others problems* Need to appear in control * Tendency to worry about health problems* Overly concerned with others opinions of you (This correlates with traits Taylor Hartman identifies with certain personalities in his “Color Code” and “Color Your Future” books)
IN DR. JOHN LEWIS LUND’S BOOK “HOW TO HUG A PORCUPINE”, HE HAS A LIST OF STATEMENTS THAT WE CAN USE TO HELP IDENTIFY IF WE ARE DOING THINGS THAT HELP INDUCE ANXIETY IN OURSELVES OR OTHERS. KEEP IN MIND THESE ARE THINGS WE CAN CHANGE ABOUT OURSELVES. ALL WE MUST DO IS RECOGNIZE WE DO THEM, AND THEN CHOOSE TO CHANGE AND REPLACE THEM WITH A BETTER, MORE POSITIVE WAY / BEHAVIOR..
HE ASKS: HAVE OTHERS SAID OF YOU? OR YOU:*You are a perfectionist *Are always putting yourself down*No one is ever good enough for you *Have a difficult time accepting compliments*You are stingy with compliments *Are a Perfectionist*You are impossible to please *Blame yourself for failings of your loved ones*You are judgmental *Have said others would be better off without me*You hold a grudge a long time *Want to hurt yourself or cease toexist*You are often blaming others *Feel manipulated by guilt, ridicule,or rejection*You are a highly critical person *Seldom feel that you are goodenough*You are a controlling person *The good times are few and farbetween *You often contradict others. *Have a negative, pessimisticattitude toward life*You are easily offended (you think you are just being realistic)*You withhold love as a punishment *Seem to be consistentlydisappointed in yourself*You are mad, upset, or angry much of the time *Are depressed or discouraged much of the time*You frequently interrupt and correct others *Frequently (wkly) lose your temper (yell, swear,etc)*You make threats of divorce orabandonment *Diminish your accomplishments*You frequently complain about what isn’t being done *Have threatened suicide*You can never give a compliment with out a “But . . .” following*You parent your equals by telling them what they “should, need, and ought” to do.*You are rude, insensitive, curt, abrupt, and do not respect the opinions of others.*You see yourself as more hard working, or more responsible, or more capable, or more intelligent than others. *You react to others not doing what you want them to do, by yelling, screaming, swearing, or name calling.
COMMON (BODY) SYMPTOMS PEOPLE EXPERIENCE DURING AN ANXIOUS PERIOD* Racing heart/chest discomfort * Nausea* Trembling/nervousness * Hot or cold flashes* Dizziness * Muscle tension* Feeling confused and bewildered * Headaches* Diarrhea * Insomnia/sleeping too much* Shortness of breath * Restless feelings* Numbness in various parts of body * Strange thoughts* Feelings of fatigue and depression * Feelings of helplessness* Unexplained panicky feelings * Uncontrollable bouts of anger
THINGS TO WATCH FOR WHEN CHECKING FOR DEPRESSION (SYMPTOMS OF):* Change in appetite * Change in sleep patterns* Change in energy * Change in sexual desire* Change in self-perception * Change in ability to concentrate* Thoughts of death or suicide * Change in quality of health
COMMON STATEMENTS GIVEN OR THOUGHT BY DEPRESSED PEOPLE:* It’s hopeless/I’m hopeless * I am obsessed with guilt* Watch out I have a short fuse * I drag myself through the day* I wish I could die * I’ll never smile again* Just let me sleep * Everything is dark; I lost my colors* I drink alcohol to dull the pain * I can’t . . . is my litany.* I am lonely, even in a crowd * I feel like a huge weight is on me.* I am empty * I can’t sleep; I wake up after 3 to 4 hours* I can’t cry- I used to * I don’t want to see anyone* Nothing gives me pleasure * I barely function* I wouldn’t wish this feeling on my worst enemy.
Anxiety: "A painful uneasiness of mind, usually over an anticipated ill. An abnormal apprehension and fear often accompanied by physiological signs such as sweating and increased pulse, by doubt about the nature and reality of the threat itself and by self-doubt."
It's common for people to experience feelings of anxiety some time in their lives. Everyone faces change or experience occasions when their stress level will become overwhelming. Anxiety(a close relative of excitement) can be best described in terms of worry, a general troubled or uneasy feeling of apprehension. The worry is persistent and habitual, often initiated by unrealistic situations or thoughts. The worry is seemingly uncontrollable and often interferes with the ability of the individual to concentrate or otherwise function normally. Anxiety disorders can coexist with other ailments including panic disorder, depression, and alcoholism. It affects one out of every five people.
Some people suffering from anxiety experience physical pain. Some do not. Many of their problems are emotional and analytical. they are learned habits that can be unlearned :) (Info. from Midwest Center.)
What are your limitations because of anxiety or depression? You don't have to post them but just think about them and maybe write them down for yourself. Also think about and write down what things you avoid doing because of anxiety or depression and how high is your anxiety about them?
COMMON FEARS:flyingsocializingdriving or riding with othersspeaking in front of peoplestanding in linesbeing assertivetaking medicationstravelingworkingbeing in any situation where you are not in controleatingfear or doctors/hospitalsfear of illnessshopping being alonedyingthunderstorms failurecrowded placesnot being able to get out or leave when desired
(info from midwest center)
Feelings aren't facts! Because of anxiety and depression we begin to feel like a victim without any choice. Everyone experiences anxiety, we are only unique in our degree of coping skills. Separating ourselves from the anxiety can be made by the decision to move away from being a person who is a victim towards becoming a person with the skills to conquer fear through knowledge. Allow the stumbling blocks to become stepping stones and know they are crucial to the journey. Begin observing! -Rena Cerquetti
Remember you can change. Don't be a victim to your past. Your history doesn't have to be your future. You can't control the wind but you can control your sails. You can learn to steer your life differently. (from Midwest Center)
Helpful links:
http://www.sharecare.com/que.../why-do-people-get-depression
http://www.sharecare.com/.../how-can-depression-affect...
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