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I will be leading a workshop for women considering divorce entitled "Should I Stay or Should I Leave." Details
There are openings for 2 adults in an on-going therapy group for people dealing with compulsive overeating or binge eating problems. The group meets at 5:45 on Thursday in my office.
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UNDERSTANDING ANXIETY IN WOMEN: MANIFESTATIONS, CAUSES, AND MANAGEMENT
Anxiety is a physiological condition characterized by somatic, cognitive, behavioral and emotional components. The symptoms may include: rapid or erratic heartbeat, shortness of breath, fatigue, insomnia, gastrointestinal distress, body aches, trembling, and headaches. Behavioral symptoms may consist of eating disturbances, drug or alcohol abuse, frigidity, difficulty thinking or finding words, irritability and an inability to perform tasks, or visit places because of fears. Additionally, intrusive and repetitive thoughts, excitement, energy, stimulation, and excessive worry may be present.
While these symptoms maybe discomforting, anxiety can be adaptive. It serves a function in relation to survival. Stress or danger in the form of conflict triggers the production of the hormones, adrenaline and norepinephrine. These hormones stimulate organs to supply more blood flow and energy to muscles which are left in a state of increased excitability. This can help us be productive, challenged, stimulated and protective.
Everyone experiences anxiety. It is a common, normal emotion along with happiness, sadness and anger. However, when anxiety impacts women to the extent that it interferes with their lives, they may have a diagnosable psychiatric disturbance according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual written by the American Psychiatric Association.
What causes anxiety in one woman, may not cause anxiety in another. In addition, each woman is born with a particular brain chemistry that may lead her to be more anxious. The alteration in brain chemistry caused by the use of psychotropic medications has lent credence to the belief that genetics play a role in one’s level of anxiety.
While having inherited a certain propensity for anxiety, a woman’s anxiety level is affected by her family of origin as well as her current environment. A girl who experienced verbal and/or physical abuse, frequent criticism, and high expectations will be a more anxious woman. She has absorbed the way her family dealt with anxiety and change.
A woman’s current health, financial security, family, home, work and relationships affect her anxiety levels. War, famine, environmental issues, 24/7 news coverage, constant connectivity and availability impact her.
Changes, whether positive or negative, are always in our lives and always stressful. The many roles women fill requires energy which is stressful. Being a mother, daughter, friend, sister, employee, boss, wife, lover, volunteer, may cause conflict. In addition, women carry generational messages from their grandparents, and parents about behavior and feelings that may not be applicable to her current life.. Women carry certain expectations and “shoulds” that may be in the way of enjoying and appreciating themselves.
The challenges are energizing and exciting. However, if the challenges become overwhelming, anxiety develops. It is important to acknowledge personal strengths as well as limitations. If unable to reduce challenges, other treatment strategies exist. Psychotherapy, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy and psychodynamic psychotherapy is very helpful. Medication is beneficial for many as is having or developing a belief system. Biofeedback is worth a try. It is extremely important to practice daily relaxation techniques. It is just as necessary to include physical exercise during the day.
A woman needs to have one person she can go to for comfort, one place she can go to for safety and peace, and one purposeful activity that engages and occupies her.
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Eating Disorder Hope™ promotes ending eating disordered behavior, embracing life and pursuing recovery. Our mission is to foster appreciation of one's uniqueness and value in the world, unrelated to appearance, achievement or applause. EatingDisorderHope.com