We are all familiar with anxiety.  However, what is an anxiety disorder? The definition I found on a medical site is as follows: 

"A chronic condition characterized by an excessive and persistent sense of apprehension with physical symptoms such as sweating, palpitations, and feelings of stress.  Anxiety disorders have biological and environmental causes."

Frankly, I find this definition a mild charactarization.  For example, the palpitations can be overpowering.  Feelings of stress?  We all have feelings of stress.  Yet, someone with an anxiety disorder may not be able to contain the stress they feel.  Their "feelings of stress" comprise of a fear that is beyond their control, together with acute muscle tension throughout the body.  These feelings can become so severe that they can result in debilitating weakness, making it extremely difficult for the person to function.

These "feelings of stress" can accumulate to a point where they shortcircuit the body causing what is called a panic attack.  A panic attack is nothing other than a simulated heart attack or stroke and it is very real.  

A person with an anxiety disorder experiences life's circumstances in a magnified sense.  Now, add a crisis situation. The effects are "beyond overwhelming."

In most instances, an anxiety disorder is both emotional and physical.  It is imperative that both these factors be dealt with.  Dealing with the physical aspect in the form of supplements, proper nutrition, and relaxation is very effective.  However, the emotional aspect, the initial fear, must also be addressd.  As with any other condition, if the source is not addressed, the condition will not be healed.  Even when the condition is treated and, in essence, done away with, if a life circumstance triggering the deep rooted fear should arise, the anxiety disorder will resurface.  In times such as these, it is imperative that the body be fortified with the proper diet and supplements.

Too often, the seed for an anxiety disorder is planted in childhood.  Other times, an anxiety disorder is born from a life altering traumatic experience.  Sometimes though, an anxiety disorder is the result of purely physical causes.

So, what happens when a crisis hits a person with an anxiety disorder?  Or, what happens when a person with an anxiety disorder must cope with the crisis of a loved one?  Not handled correctly, this could be the recipe for a breakdown, emotionally and physically. This is the person that must be supported unconditionally, as they are extremely "fragile." If help and support is not available, this is the person that must not waste time seeking it out.  However, I will point out that medications are never the answer.  Although providing temporary relief, me emphasize that the relief if only "temporary."   Medications do not solve the problem and do not get to the source of the underlying condition.  They, in fact, make the condition worse, as these medications result in dependency and come with their own side effects and health hazards.  Taking medications in order to solve any issue is akin to an ostrich putting its head in the sand.

Someone with an anxiety disorder must deal, not only with the imminent crises, but with the resulting anxiety and panic.  Their strife is two-fold.

Where can they seek help?  This can be difficult.  The first thing most therapists will do these days is recommend antidepressants and benzodiazepines, the most common of which is Xanax.  The best help to seek out is from a source that will deal with the emotional and physical aspects of this condition "naturally."  Someone who can deal with the emotional aspect of the crisis, while fortifying the body with the proper diet and supplements, examples of which are doctors of naturopathy, holistic practitioners, acupuncture,hypnotherapy, massage therapy, and the like.  One very effective tool in dealing with emotional stress is called the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT).  http://www.emofree.com/.  EFT Practitioners can also be sought out.

Although a crisis situation may be more difficult for a person with an anxiety disorder, again, the key is addressing the crisis in a constructive manner.  A person with an anxiety disorder will tend to automatically"panic."  This is the person that must be helped to "stay in focus."  A crisis, which is none other than one of life's lessons, can, in the end, result in strengthening the character of even a person with an anxiety disorder. The secret is..... Don't go through it alone.  

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