Anxiety Disorders PDF - High School Emotional & Mental Health

Master 15D You’re the Expert Anxiety Disorders Feeling worried once in a while is normal. Anxiety, or fear about what might happen, helped early humans survive. It helped them be alert and make quick decisions in times of danger. Sometimes feeling worried can motivate you or help you perfo...

Master 15D You’re the Expert Anxiety Disorders Feeling worried once in a while is normal. Anxiety, or fear about what might happen, helped early humans survive. It helped them be alert and make quick decisions in times of danger. Sometimes feeling worried can motivate you or help you perform better. But if it gets in the way of living your daily life or relating to others, anxiety can be a problem. What are anxiety disorders? Anxiety disorders involve unreasonable fear or anxiety that interferes with a person’s life and relationships. They are one of the most common disorders among children and teens. There are several types: Phobias. A phobia is an unrealistic, overwhelming fear of a particular thing. This might be a type of animal, such as spiders or snakes. It might be a situation, such as flying or being in a public place. It might be an event, such as speaking in front of a group or taking a test. The phobia creates feelings of panic that can cause physical symptoms. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This is when a person keeps feeling strong anxiety long after a trauma or disturbing event. The person might have flashbacks, see disturbing images, feel afraid or guilty or have other symptoms. Generalized anxiety. This occurs when a person feels very tense, worried and stressed all day, every day. The person may worry about upcoming events, such as a sports meet, schoolwork, being on time or the possibility of a natural disaster or other event. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Obsessions are distressing thoughts that won’t go away. The person’s brain gets “stuck” and repeats the thought over and over. Often, in response, the person feels an urge to behave in a certain way to lessen the anxiety. They may repeat an action such as checking the door or washing hands many times. These behaviors are called compulsions. The person performs the compulsion in an attempt to relieve the feeling of fear caused by the obsession. OCD thoughts and behaviors may get worse in times of stress. Panic attacks. A panic attack is a sudden, overwhelming sense of being in danger for no apparent reason. They last a few minutes to an hour. The person may shake, sweat, feel dizzy or have other physical symptoms. Often they feel as if they are going crazy or are about to die. Panic attacks may be caused by stress, but sometimes they seem to come out of nowhere. All of these types of anxiety can become disorders if they get bad enough to interfere with a person’s daily life and relationships. What causes it? Anyone can have an anxiety disorder. But some people may be more likely to have problems than others. Research suggests that people with a family history of anxiety disorders may be more likely to develop one. Life events may also play a role. Some disorders such as phobias and post traumatic stress disorder result from specific traumas that happen to a person. (continued)  High School Emotional & Mental Health Lesson 15 © ETR Master 15D You’re the Expert Anxiety Disorders (continued) What are the symptoms? Symptoms of anxiety disorders include: Feelings of panic or fear Thinking the same thing over and over Painful memories Recurring bad dreams Repeating a certain behavior again and again Physical symptoms such as faster heart rate and breathing, sweating, shaking or feeling dizzy Feeling tense or worried almost all of the time What are the consequences? Anxiety disorders can interfere with a person’s quality of life. Symptoms can place stress on the body, particularly the heart and nervous system. The person may not be able to keep doing normal activities or daily tasks due to the anxiety. For example, someone who commutes to work might become unable to drive. Someone else might refuse to be with other people or to leave the house. Obsessive-compulsive behaviors might take up many hours of a person’s day. The good news is that anxiety disorders can be treated. People can get well and feel better. How is it treated? Getting a checkup from a doctor can help make sure the feelings of anxiety aren’t being caused by a medical condition. If the anxiety isn’t too bad and doesn’t happen often, people can take steps on their own to reduce stress. This might include making time each day to relax or do something fun. Having people to talk to, getting enough sleep, eating healthy foods and getting regular physical activity can all help relieve symptoms of anxiety. There are many good self-help books with useful ideas. Professional help may be needed if the anxiety happens often or is bad enough to disrupt daily routines. Therapy with a psychologist or counselor with experience in treating anxiety disorders can help. The person learns to identify and change patterns of thinking that add to the anxiety. Sometimes facing the source of a phobia in a safe controlled environment can lessen its effects. Therapy for anxiety disorders often focuses on changing thoughts and behaviors rather than a person’s past or emotional issues. The person can learn relaxation exercises and other ways to get through times of stress or high anxiety more easily. Sometimes a doctor or psychiatrist will prescribe medicines to help a person overcome anxiety. Medicines work best when they’re combined with therapy and self-help strategies. High School Emotional & Mental Health Lesson 15 © ETR  You're the Expert ▸ Anorexia Master 15B Eating disorders are serious illnesses. People of any age can have an eating disorder, but they usually start when a person is a teen. They're more common in girls, but boys can also develop them. Eating disorders almost always require help from medical and mental health professionals. Anorexia nervosa, or anorexia, is one of the main types of eating disorders that teens should know about. What is anorexia? Anorexia is an extreme fear of body fat and gaining weight that leads to a person starving themselves. It goes way beyond normal concerns about eating or being thin. The fear of fat is irrational-it's not based on facts or reason. People with anorexia are so afraid of being "fat" that they starve themselves and lose a large amount of weight. They're so underweight that they're hurting their bodies, but they continue to want to lose weight. What causes it? Anorexia, like other eating disorders, is a mental health disorder. It isn't really about food. It's not caused by dieting or simply wanting to lose weight. It's a complex disease, and many factors can play a role. People with anorexia may limit how much food they eat as a way to have control in their lives, cope with stress or avoid difficult emotions. They may have low self-esteem and a strong drive to be "perfect." They may attach this drive to the desire to be thin. Cultural and social pressures, including peer pressure and media messages that equate being thin with success or worth, may also play a role. Teens who engage in activities such as ballet, modeling or gymnastics, in which being slender is required or thought of as an asset, may be more at risk. What are the symptoms? People with anorexia might: Have an extreme fear of gaining weight or being fat. Avoid food and meals. Eat just a few foods in very small amounts. Weigh their food and/or count the calories in everything they eat or drink. Have a very distorted body image. They see themselves as fat, even when they're very thin. May exercise too much as a way to lose even more weight. Are usually very thin and underweight-as much as 15% below normal for height and age. (continued) HEALTHSmart High School Emotional & Mental Health Lesson 15 © ETR Master 15B You're the Expert ▸ Anorexia (continued) What are the consequences? Anorexia causes many changes in the body. It can result in serious health problems: People who menstruate may stop having periods. Heart rate slows down and blood pressure becomes very low. This increases the chances of heart failure. Hair and nails become brittle. Skin dries out and turns yellow. Eating so little means the body doesn't get the nutrients it needs. Bones become brittle due to loss of calcium. Anemia, or lack of iron in the blood, makes it hard for the blood to carry enough oxygen to the body. Joints may swell, and the body loses muscle. The body forgets how to digest food. This can lead to constipation and pain in the abdomen. A covering of soft hair, called lanugo, grows on the body to help keep it warm. The person can die when body systems shut down due to starvation. The good news is that anorexia can be treated. How is it treated? Treatment for anorexia is designed to help the person start to eat more food and get back to a healthy weight. Just as important is helping the person change how they think about themselves and food. A medical doctor, psychologist, counselor, nurse and dietitian may all be part of the person's treatment team. If there are serious health issues, such as malnutrition or starving to death, the person may need to be in the hospital until they reach a safer weight. Then a nutritionist or dietitian can help the person learn about healthy eating and make an eating plan for proper nutrition. It's very important for the person to get enough calories to reach and stay at a normal, healthy weight. Counseling can help the person identify the negative thoughts and feelings that led to the eating disorder. The person must learn new coping skills and correct distorted beliefs about body image. Counseling also helps the person learn how to deal with difficult emotions, build healthier relationships and deal with stress or perfectionism in healthier ways. HEALTHSmart High School Emotional & Mental Health Lesson 15 © ETR  Master 15C You’re the Expert Bulimia Eating disorders are serious illnesses. People of any age can have an eating disorder. But they usually start when a person is a teen. They’re more common in girls, but boys can also develop them. Eating disorders almost always require help from medical and mental health professionals. Bulimia nervosa, or bulimia, is one of the main types of eating disorders that teens should know about. What is bulimia? In bulimia, a person’s concerns about gaining weight lead to bingeing and purging. Bingeing is eating a very large amount of food at one time. Purging is trying to get rid of that food by throwing up, or by using laxatives (drugs or other substances that cause bowel movements) or diuretics (drugs that get rid of excess water in the body). Almost everyone eats too much once in a while, but people with bulimia do this often. People with bulimia tend to feel out of control where food is concerned. They feel a compulsion or strong drive to eat too much. This is followed by guilt and fear of gaining weight that causes them to take extreme measures to make up for the binge. They may throw up, take laxatives, go on a crash diet or exercise to excess. Another eating disorder called binge eating disorder is similar to bulimia. But the person doesn’t purge or overexercise to make up for the food eaten during a binge. What causes it? Bulimia, like other eating disorders, is a mental health disorder. It isn’t really about food. It’s not caused by being overweight or wanting to lose weight. It’s a complex disease, and many factors can play a role. People with bulimia may use food as a way to deal with difficult emotions. They may eat when they feel worried, stressed, sad or angry. They tend to have low self-esteem and a poor body image. They feel unhappy with their appearance, even though many of them are at a normal weight. Bulimia may be triggered by stressful changes or life events. Teens who engage in activities such as modeling, gymnastics, wrestling or running, in which weight is an issue, may be more at risk. What are the symptoms? People with bulimia might: Eat a large amount of food at one time (bingeing). Throw up or use laxatives to get rid of food eaten during a binge (purging). Feel out of control during a binge. Feel guilty after a binge. Spend a lot of time planning and preparing for a binge. Spend a lot of time alone so that they can binge and purge in secret. (continued)  High School Emotional & Mental Health Lesson 15 © ETR Master 15C You’re the Expert Bulimia (continued) Exercise to excess to get rid of calories eaten during a binge. Often are normal weight or only slightly overweight. People with binge eating disorder might: Binge by eating quickly until they are uncomfortably full. Eat large amounts of food when not hungry. Feel embarrassed, guilty or depressed after overeating. What are the consequences? Bulimia can cause serious health problems: Acid from vomit wears down tooth enamel. The stomach and esophagus (the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach) become damaged by the frequent vomiting. Glands in the cheek get bigger. This makes the cheeks look swollen. Loss of water due to purging can cause dehydration and damage the kidneys. Loss of minerals such as potassium can lead to heart failure. Binge eating disorder leads to weight gain and can result in the person becoming obese. Obesity is linked to many health problems, including high blood pressure, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and digestive problems. The good news is that bulimia and binge eating disorder can be treated. How is it treated? People with bulimia can get professional help to stop the cycle of bingeing and purging. Talk therapy with a psychologist or counselor is used to help the person understand the negative thoughts and beliefs that lie behind the behavior of bingeing and purging. The person learns to watch their eating habits and eat in ways to lower food cravings. They also learn ways to avoid the situations or cope with the feelings that tend to trigger a binge. Counseling can help the person learn how to change their body image and deal with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem or other issues that lie behind the eating disorder. High School Emotional & Mental Health Lesson 15 © ETR  Master 15E You’re the Expert Depression Everyone feels down at times. It’s normal to have a time of sadness after a loss or disappointment, or to feel the “blues” once in a while. But if feelings last and begin to affect all aspects of a person’s life, there may be a problem. What is depression? Depression is a feeling of sadness, hopelessness or loss of interest in life that doesn’t go away. People with depression can’t just “snap out of it” or change how they feel. Depression affects the whole body, including the brain. It changes how a person feels emotionally and physically. It can range from mild to severe. What causes it? Depression may be triggered by a change in a person’s life, such as the death of a loved one, a major illness or injury, trouble at work, losing a job, moving to a new place or the loss of a friendship or relationship. People who have lots of negative thoughts are more likely to be depressed. Environment and stress may also play a role. Depression has been linked to low levels of a neurotransmitter, or brain chemical, called serotonin. This brain chemical sends signals from one part of the brain to another and helps regulate certain body functions. Changes in brain chemistry can mean a person isn’t able to manage moods or thoughts. This can lead to depression. What are the symptoms? Symptoms vary from person to person, and there’s more than one type of depression. People with minor depression might: Feel sad or down most of the time. Not eat enough, or eat too much. Have trouble sleeping, or want to sleep a lot. Lack energy. Forget things. Have trouble thinking or making simple decisions. Have low self-esteem and feel they aren’t good enough or don’t measure up. (continued)  High School Emotional & Mental Health Lesson 15 © ETR Master 15E You’re the Expert Depression (continued) People with major depression may have all of the symptoms of minor depression, plus they might: Lose interest or take no pleasure in things they used to enjoy. Lose or gain a large amount of weight. Feel worthless or guilty. Feel hopeless or think things will never get better. Feel overwhelmed by sadness or a feeling of “going crazy.” Have aches and pains that don’t seem to have a cause. Think about dying or suicide. What are the consequences? If depression isn’t treated, it can get worse. The person may stop doing normal daily activities, have problems with friends or family, or be unable to study or work. People with depression may feel embarrassed to ask for help or believe they don’t deserve to feel good again. Physical health suffers if the person stops eating healthy food, being physically active or sleeping. The person may begin to have thoughts of harming or even killing themselves. Depression is a common factor in suicide. The good news is that depression can be treated. People can get well and feel better. How is it treated? A person with mild depression can take steps to take care of their feelings and health. Talking to a trusted friend or family member can help express feelings. Doing something the person is good at can provide a sense of success. Keeping the body healthy by doing some kind of physical activity every day, getting plenty of rest and eating healthy food can give people more energy. It’s also important to avoid alcohol, which is a depressant drug. If a person has had symptoms of minor depression for several weeks or months, or symptoms of major depression for more than 2 weeks, it’s time to get professional help. Most health care providers are trained to recognize depression and recommend treatment. Depression is helped through doing some type of talk therapy with a psychologist, psychiatrist or counselor. Medicines are often used as a part of a person’s treatment. They can help people feel more like themselves again as they go through counseling and learn skills for coping and enjoying life once more. High School Emotional & Mental Health Lesson 15 © ETR