Anxiety Disorders- Christy Phelps

Christy is employed by Bootheel Counseling Services.

Anxiety disorders are one of the most common mental illnesses diagnosed in America, the National Institute of Mental Health reports that as much as 21% of Americans struggle with an anxiety disorder.

It is normal to feel nervous before a test or giving public speech, many people will say they feel anxious before these type of events.  However, to have an anxiety disorder is to feel day in and day out, chronic exaggerated worry about common routine life events.

One type of anxiety disorder is generalized anxiety disorder which can cause, fear, panic and significant uneasiness for no apparent reason.  Left untreated, an anxiety disorder can significantly decrease a persons quality of life.  

Anxiety disorders can also produce physical symptoms such as racing heart, excessive sweating, difficulty swallowing and the feeling of not being able to breathe.  It is not uncommon for someone to end up in an emergency room due to the extreme discomfort that anxiety can cause.

If you struggle with anxiety, or have a friend or family member who does, please know there are treatment options available.  Bootheel Counseling Services has a team of mental health professionals who can work together to tailor your treatment to your needs.  

We know it takes courage to walk through the doors of a mental health agency so if you're not ready just yet, call and speak with a therapist or call our crisis line at 1-800-356-5395.