Anxiety is a normal reaction to stressful situations. It’s a normal part of life to experience occasional anxiety. Anxiety becomes an issue when it is excessive, intense, immobilizes and affects your daily functioning. Anxiety can be a response to everyday engagements or to specific triggers. You may experience anxiety that is persistent, seemingly uncontrollable, and overwhelming. If it’s an excessive, irrational dread of everyday situations, it can be disabling. When anxiety interferes with daily activities, you may have an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders are real, serious medical conditions – just as real and serious as physical disorders such as heart disease or diabetes. Everyone has a certain level of anxiety as the body is designed to make you aware of stressful situations, any threat of danger and threat to your wellbeing. This awareness gives you the advantage of acting to defend or avoid danger. This baseline anxiety can become excessive and rather than being a positive tool in your life it now becomes a destructive means. You are not alone in your struggle with anxiety. You do not have to accept your condition as a lifetime sentence. Anxiety disorders are treatable, and the vast majority of people with an anxiety disorder can get help through professional care. Many have found relief and have learned to manage their anxiety through psychotherapy and medication. Read more