Anxiety
& Panic Attacks - Related
Disorders
Low self esteem, anxiety and anxiety disorders have the
potential to severely impact quality of life, personal
relationships, employment and social enjoyment. Left untreated
they can lead to secondary conditions. These secondary
conditions add to the complexity of the recovery process and can
mask the underlying cause. It is not uncommon for
treatment to be sought for a secondary condition e.g. gambling
addiction, without the underlying
anxiety being addressed appropriately.
Depression
Depression is common among people with
an anxiety disorder who have not received affective treatment.
Symptoms of depression include loss of confidence, feelings of helplessness
and hopelessness, loss of appetite, interest and motivation.
Sleeping more, letting usual household tasks slide and/or
withdrawing from family and social activities are early signs.
Depression itself can be a barrier to working successfully
with low
self esteem, or an
anxiety disorder as it reduces motivation
and energy levels. Antidepressants can enable a person to think
less negatively, regain their motivation and elevate mood.
Even though it may be medically recommended, some people view
having to take medication as a form of weakness. This is not so.
In combination with practical strategies, medication is best viewed as another
tool to help you get back on track.
Agoraphobia
Agoraphobia comes from Greek and originally meant 'fear of the market place'
or open spaces. A more accurate description would be the
avoidance of any situation or place where escape might be
difficult or help unavailable in the event of a
panic attack. It
should be noted however, that not all people diagnosed as having
Agoraphobia experience panic attacks. Agoraphobia affects
approximately 1.1% of Australians (ABS).
Commonly feared places are cinemas, shopping centres, public
transport and freeways. In extreme cases of avoidance a person
can become housebound and unable to access the treatment they
need. People who are Agoraphobic commonly experience some degree
of depression.
Alcohol/Drug Abuse
People with low self esteem or anxiety often use alcohol as a
form of self-medication. Its low cost, availability and social
acceptability make it preferable for some to taking prescription
medications.
However, it is for all these reasons that people can quickly
develop a dependency, especially in the absence of any other
form of treatment.
It’s estimated between 30-60% of alcoholics have an underlying
anxiety disorder or depression compared to 10% of the general
population. People abusing alcohol often fail to disclose or
deliberately understate the extent of their alcohol consumption
to their physician. Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to
difficulties in the family dynamic with others suffering from
its impact. Alcohol also increases the likelihood of depression
and can be dangerous when mixed with antidepressants.
Cannabis is the second most common form of self-medication.
While many people initially use it for social reasons or for
relaxation, they may not be aware it can trigger paranoia, panic
or intensify existing anxiety.
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Gambling
Along with alcohol and drug use, gambling can be another means
of avoiding anxiety. The excitement,
often described as a 'high' by those addicted,
only
brings
temporary relief from anxiety. Compounding initial levels
of anxiety is the stress and worry over loosing large amounts of
money and the subsequent financial hardship. This often results
in feelings of shame and guilt as the consequences of gambling
begins to impact work and family life. Speak to your GP,
local hospital or health clinic about referral for help with a
gambling addiction or visit our links page.
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