Moderate "preparation anxiety", like the feeling students have before a big exam or a hostess has before a big party, is normal and helps us get energized to deliver our best effort. The emotional tension we refer to as anxiety becomes a problem when the anxious feeling is magnified beyond a level that allows us to live a normal life. Anxiety then becomes an anxiety disorder.

Signs and Symptoms
Emotional signs include fear and nervousness that prevent people from participating in normal life. They may begin to avoid certain situations, such as flying on an airplane or going into dark places. Physical signs range from difficulty breathing and a racing heartbeat to excessive sweating and lightheadedness. Some people experience muscular tension and even physical shaking as a result of anxiety.

Recommended Course of Treatment
Try some simple tips to lower your anxiety level. Breathe deeply and slowly to stop the physical symptoms of anxiety. Change your catastrophic predictions about whats going to happen when youre anxious. Change your thinking during an anxiety attack from "Oh my gosh! What am I going to do?" to "I can get through this." In addition, instead of thinking about the worst that could happen, focus on a time when you felt self-confident and happy. If you try the above tips and still feel an overwhelming level of anxiety, contact a counselor trained to deal with anxiety disorders. He or she may have more detailed suggestions on dealing with your anxious feelings, or they may recommended a more intense course of action that includes education, therapy, and possibly medication under a doctors supervision.

To find more information on Behavior Management Systems services dealing with anxiety, click on the following link:

Outpatient Counseling
Anxiety Self Screening