“There is nothing to fear but fear itself.”
Franklin D. Roosevelt said this in his first inaugural address in 1933, speaking of The Depression and the country’s prospect of turning the U.S. economy around.  It still seems fitting during current times, where fears of layoffs, bankruptcy, H1N1 flu, and terrorist attacks still abound.  Everyone experiences worry related to the stressors of living everyday life in this complex world.  But for some people, the worry becomes so severe and chronic that it progresses to an Anxiety Disorder requiring treatment. 

Some thoughts about Fear and Anxiety?
Fear is a reaction to a real, objective threat involving risk of life or physical harm.  It is meant to protect us when there is real danger.  Anxiety occurs when a danger “might be.”  It is a state of feeling worried, uneasy, apprehensive or filled with dread about something that might happen.  It is a false alarm of danger.  And it feels very uncomfortable. 

Though they may feel uncomfortable, anxiety and fear are very helpful responses.  The human race might not even exist if it were not for these hard-wired responses to danger and threats.  Anxiety and fear prepare us to act.  Both produce a “fight or flight” response within our bodies. This reaction may include muscle tension, increased heart rate, and shortness of breath.  This is how the body prepares to either fight off the danger or flee.  However in today’s world we usually can’t run away or physically fight the perceived threats we experience. 

Some people are at a higher risk to developing an anxiety disorder than others.  Research has shown that heredity, brain chemistry, life experiences and personality can play a role in the development of an anxiety disorder.  Anxiety disorders cause such distress that they disrupts a person’s functioning.