Eating is a normal, everyday occurrence; however, eating non-stop is neither healthy nor normal. Drinking alcohol is normal. Drinking too much leads to drinking problems. Likewise, worrying and anxiety to a degree are normal, but too much can lead to a host of problems. According to YourMedicalSource.com, 19 million people excessively worry and suffer from anxiety disorders. Women are 50% more likely to develop anxiety disorders than men. Both men and women in their twenty are more likely than other age groups to be affected.

So, how can you identify if you’re experiencing over-anxiety and how can you take steps to help yourself? First, let start off with a description of the most common anxiety ailments.
* Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Worry or anxiety that takes control of your decisions, behavior and alters your life. You worry everyday that you’ll lose your job, or that harm may come to you, or that you’re lacking in some area.
* Post Traumatic Stress Disorder: Traumatic and stressful events can create changes in a person without them realizing it. Signs of PTS are usually reoccurring extreme nightmares called night terrors, and extreme mood changes.
* Social Phobia: Feeling that you’re in a “fish bowl” and being scrutinized and judged by others when among groups. You always worry that you’re not saying the right thing, or that you should’ve have said or done something else.
* Panic Disorder: An example of this would be people who are afraid of flying or public speaking. These phobias can scare someone so badly that they must flee the situation and may experience heart palpitations and shortness of breathe.
* Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Dwelling on thoughts to a point where they take over your life and cause anxiety. People who suffer from OCD usually perform behavior to get rid of the stress, such as touching their face, checking locks, etc.

What is Anxiety?
Anxiety is a fear or apprehension about everyday activities. Anxiety can come from “out of the blue” and become a weight you simply can’t shake. In extreme cases, this worry may cause you to check and recheck something, such as locks on doors. Tension, stress, and constant worry are all forms of anxiety. Naturally, certain events bring on more worry that usual, such as before or after a major purchase, losing your job, exam time, illness in the family, etc. Everyone deals with stress in their day-to-day lives, and certain amounts are actually good for you and keep you motivated; however, common stress becomes anxiety when the feeling is reoccurring and hinders normal activity.

What is Worry?
Worry is that apprehensive feeling that occurs just prior to or just after certain events. You can’t enjoy parties, ceremonies, or family gatherings because you’re playing the “what if” game. What if you did this differently or better? What if he or she thought this or that in regards to something you did or said?

What are they physical signs of anxiety?

* Internal shaking
* Sweating and/or breathlessness
* Headaches or dizziness
* Trouble swallowing
* Racing heart beat
* Muscle tension

Solutions for reducing stress and anxiety include first identify what creates the anxiety and then trying to reduce the problem. Breathing exercises, yoga and working out can also reduce tension. Don’t forget you can always talk to friends, family, your doctor or a social worker.