Today is National Anxiety Disorders Screening Day. In areas of the US and Canada there were free anxiety screeenings. I know I'm a bit late in the day for you to take advantage of this but you can still call 1-888-442-2022 to find out where you can make an appointment for a screening... and it may still be free. Don't overlook the treatment center referral tool on Freedom from Fear, it's a valuable resource.

What exactly is an Anxiety Disorder?

• Panic Disorder
• Agoraphobia
• Specific Phobia
• Social Phobia
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Acute Stress Disorder
• Generalized Anxiety Disorder
• Generalized Anxiety Disorder due to medical condition
• Substance-Induced Anxiety Disorder
• Anxiety Disorder Not Otherwise Specified

That's a lot of anxiety and it covers an awful lot of ground. That whole "Not Otherwise Specified" category is huge. ADNOS may be a term you've seen and that's what it means - Anxiety Disorder Not Otherwise Specified. (Just an FYI - EDNOS is Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified is more commonly seen on message boards and blogs than Anorexia and Bulimia.) It seems there are more and more emotional problems occurring that don't fall into the defined categories.

What is involved in a screening for an Anxiety Disorder? Your first stop might be a Self-Screening tool. These questions are similar to the types of questions you'll be asked at a treatment facility or by a doctor.

While you're wandering around Freedom From Fear, check out their blogs (they are calling them blogs but they look more like message boards to me - what do you think?)

I have always been one that loved a crowd of people.. the more the merrier ....until about my late 20's then I began my change into depression. Then the low self esteem issue really became an issue, before I never thought of myself too much as fat or ugly or not popular just me.I was me I liked to have fun go and enjoy myself and where ever I went I had fun even if it wasn't I tried to make it fun. I miss that. I don't how to get that back. now when I go to places I shy away from people that is if I go alot of times I will make up excuses not to go then I get more depressed just sitting in the house but if I go out and I see someone skinny or pretty then I get angry at myself and I have a panic attack I can feel my pulse race my heart beat faster, and my palms sweat and I want to immediately go home and go back to my safe house. I am not disfigured or mis-shappen or even ugly I guess I just don't like the way I look and it makes me feel really bad. I need some tips on how to get over these feelings.

Self-esteem leading to panic attacks. What happens to cause this? I hope she finds a way out of the panic.

Share your experience with anxiety disorders and panic attacks, please. And if you are struggling on your own, please seek help. There is help. Really. I'm proof!

~~Denise
Fast Times @ Homeschool High and Flamingo House Happenings