Anxiety

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Anxiety is a normal part of life.

However, some may experience anxiety that is persistent,  seemingly uncontrollable and overwhelming  If it is excessive, irrational dread of everyday situations, it can become disabling.  When anxiety interferes with daily activities, you may have an anxiety disorder.

Anxiety disorders are a real, serious medical condition and are the most common and pervasive mental disorder in the United States.   The term “anxiety disorder” refers to specific psychiatric disorders that involve extreme fear or worry.  Anxiety is recognized in many forms:

  • Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
  • Panic Disorder and Panic Attacks
  • Agoraphobia
  • Social Anxiety Disorder
  • Separation Anxiety

 

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) are closely related to anxiety disorders, which some may experience the same time as depression.

Nearly 40 million people in the United States experience an anxiety disorder in any given year.  Only one-third of those suffering from an anxiety disorder receive treatment even thought though the disorders are highly treatable.

Joshua D. Smith and Associates works with clients who are experiencing symptoms of Anxiety or it’s related disorders.

SOURCE: Anxiety and Depression Association of America

Depression

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Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest.  Also called major depressive disorder or clinical depression, it affects how you feel, thing and behave and can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems.  You may have trouble doing normal day to day activities, and sometimes you may feel as if life is not worth living.

More than just a bout of the blues, depression isn’t a weakness and you can’t simply “snap out” of it.  Depression may require long term treatment.  But don’t get discouraged.  Most people with depression feel better with medication, psychotherapy or both.

Although depression may occur only once during your life, people typically have multiple episodes. During these episodes, symptoms occur most of the day, nearly every day and may include:

  • Feelings of sadness, tearfulness, emptiness or hopelessness
  • Angry outbursts, irritability or frustration, even over small matters
  • Loss of interest or pleasure in most or all normal activities, such as sex, hobbies or sports
  • Sleep disturbances, including insomnia or sleeping too much
  • Tiredness and lack of energy, so even small tasks take extra effort
  • Reduced appetite and weight loss or increased cravings for food and weight gain
  • Anxiety, agitation or restlessness
  • Slowed thinking, speaking or body movements
  • Feelings of worthlessness or guilt, fixating on past failures or self-blame
  • Trouble thinking, concentrating, making decisions and remembering things
  • Frequent or recurrent thoughts of death, suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts or suicide
  • Unexplained physical problems, such as back pain or headaches

 

For many people with depression, symptoms are severe enough to cause noticeable problems in day to day activities.  Some people may feel generally miserable or unhappy without knowing why.

If you think you may hurt yourself or attempt suicide as a result of depression please call one of our Crisis Lines and speak to a team member.   Idaho Falls Office can be reached at 208-681-7120.  Pocatello Office can be reached at 208-681-7121.

If you are suffering with symptoms of depression and you would like to speak with a counselor please call either of our offices.  We will work with you and your insurance or any other means you may need to get you the help you are looking for.

SOURCE: Depression (Mayo Clinic)

Post Traumatic Stress (PTSD)

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Post Traumatic Stress is a normal set of reactions to a trauma such as war, which could be experienced by almost anyone.  Sometimes, it becomes a Disorder (PTSD) with the passage of time when feeling or issues related to the trauma are not dealt with, but are suppressed by the individual.  This can result in problems readjusting to community life following the trauma.  A delayed stress reaction may surface after many years and include some or all of the following problems.

  • anger, irritability, and rage
  • feeling nervous
  • depression
  • difficulty trusting others
  • feeling guilt over acts committed or witnessed, the failure to prevent certain events, or merely having survived while others did not
  • hyper alertness and startle reactions
  • feeling grief or sadness
  • having thoughts and memories that will not go away
  • isolation and alienation from others
  • loss of interest in pleasurable activities
  • low tolerance to stress
  • problems with authority
  • problems feeling good about one self
  • nightmaress
  • substance abuse
  • trouble sleeping
  • anxiety
  • paranoia

Joshua D. Smith is committed to serving those suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and helping them successfully readjust to the community in which they live.

SOURCE: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (Veteran Administration)