Anxiety disorders are the most common of mental health problems faced by both men and women. According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, anxiety disorders affect up to 1 out of every 10 people. Although many of us have at some point in our life felt anxious with regards to a particular situation, a distinction must be made between passing anxiety which everyone experiences at some point, and an anxiety disorder, which can range from a mild problem that if treated properly, will not excessively impede on a person’s life, to much more severe forms of anxiety disorders which can often require medical attention.

The most important part of dealing with anxiety, is making a proper diagnosis of the illness. People afflicted with some form or other of anxiety are subject to prolonged feelings of fright, distress, unease or nervousness for no obvious reason. The two most common anxiety disorders are social anxiety and panic disorders. Both illnesses have different symptoms but are just as debilitating for those afflicted with them.

- Panic disorder: This form of anxiety, results in the individual experiencing panic attacks, or anxiety attacks as they are also known, that occur without any warning. Such attacks are generally accompanied by feelings of terror. Physical symptoms include chest pain, dizziness, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, fear of dying. Panic attacks are often triggered by frightening experiences or stress.

- Social anxiety: Those who are afflicted with social anxiety, which can be described as a form of social phobia, have a paralyzing, irrational self-consciousness about social situations. They have an intense fear of being observed or of doing something horribly wrong in front of other people. The feelings are so extreme that people with social phobia tend to avoid objects or situations that might stimulate that fear, which dramatically reduces their ability to lead a normal life.

Fortunately, there are steps one can take to treat anxiety. Naturally, the first step to take for someone who believes they may be suffering from an anxiety disorder, is to consult a family physician. Your physician will be able to determine the exact cause of your symptoms and choose a treatment method that is right for you.

Many areas are also home to specialized anxiety treatment clinics that have the most recent information concerning anxiety and the treatments available for those who suffer from it.

There are two main methods to treating anxiety: Drug therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). A combination of both methods is often used.

Most anxiety disorders have at the very least, some form of biological component, and for this reason, anxiolytics and antidepressants are generally prescribed to the patient. One must always carefully consult with a physician before beginning or ending the use of such medication.

Specific CBT techniques have also been developed to help assist with particular anxiety disorders. People with panic disorder, for instance, can benefit from breathing retraining, which shows them how to slow their breathing and use meditation when they are feeling anxious.

Of course, support groups and educational resources can also be included in treatment. Anxiety disorders place a great burden on those affected, their families and friends. The more information one gathers on a particular anxiety disorder, the more tools he or she will be able to develop to cope with such an illness, and to help someone else afflicted with an anxiety disorder live a more productive life.