Grocery Stories: The Hidden Price of Anxiety

Donna, a clerk at the local grocery store, is lost in thought again. She's thinking about her wedding. She's anxious for the big day and wishing she could lose another 10 pounds. She believes if she was just a little thinner she would look and feel so much better about everything… Abruptly she snaps out of her reverie to realize a line has formed at the counter. As Donna returns to work, she realizes she may not be the only one with thoughts or worries on her mind.

Donna was correct; she isn't the only one with too much anxiety or worry on their mind. First in her line is 12 year-old Tommy. It's obvious he's been crying again. Tommy's parents are getting a divorce and the child believes it's his fault. Everything is his fault. It doesn't help that he failed another math test; he's worried that this will only make his mom and dad angrier.

Next is Loraine, wearing the mask that she is rarely seen without. Loraine used to be an active member of the community. After retiring Loraine became afraid to leave her house. She fears germs and is sure that she will be contaminated with one of those illnesses the news can't stop talking about. Now, every little errand into the outside world has become a traumatic experience. She rarely sees her children or grandchildren anymore; she wouldn't want to make them sick.

Last in line is Mark. A successful businessman by all outside appearances, inside Mark is not doing so well. Stress and anxiety have taken their toll. He is buying his weekly supply of antacids and painkillers; he developed an ulcer years ago from the tension caused by deadlines and the pressure of becoming "all he can be." He no longer enjoys his success, rather he approaches each morning with a sense of impending doom and a sour stomach.

These four people, while each unique and individual, from differing backgrounds and futures, share a common experience of suffering from intense anxiety. They are not alone. Anxiety disorders, as a group, are the most common mental illness in America. Research offered by the National Institute of Mental Health (2003) states that more than 19 million American adults are affected by these debilitating illnesses each year. Children and adolescents can also be affected (NIMH, 2003). Anxiety disorders can cause intense emotional and at times even physical suffering. Experts believe that anxiety disorders are caused by a combination of biological and environmental factors, much like other disorders, such as heart disease and diabetes (ADAA, 2003). These disorders though are treatable. There is hope and there are answers. The vast majority of people with an anxiety disorder can be helped with professional care.

It is natural, even normal, for all people to experience a sense of worry or anxiety at times. Often anxiety can be the catalyst that pushes us to achieve our goals or the emotion that heightens a sense of excitement or anticipation. And while anxiety can serve some constructive purposes, it too can quickly cycle out of control and become destructive. When a person begins to lose control of their worries, when he or she stops enjoying the things or people they used to, similar to Loraine not seeing her grandchildren, it has ceased to be "normal" and thus becomes an issue that warrants medical and professional attention.

The National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI) offers, "Effective treatments are available for anxiety disorders-those experiencing symptoms should consult their physician and not feel condemned to their illness (2003)." NAMI (2003) further reports that while the symptoms of the various anxiety disorders do differ, both medication and talk therapy have proven helpful in alleviating many of the problems of those faced with each of these illnesses. Therapy and treatment should be tailored to meet each individual's unique circumstances and symptoms. There are many different anxiety disorders, such as Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) as Loraine displayed with her obsessions and compulsions regarding germs and contamination, or the Generalized Anxiety Disorder suffered by Tommy, which brings constant, exaggerated worrisome thoughts and tension about everyday routine life events and activities. There are also many approaches to managing their manifestations in a person's life. It is also common for an anxiety disorder to accompany depression, eating disorders, substance abuse or even another anxiety disorder (NIMH, 2003). Therefore it is important for all issues to be addressed and treated properly in order to ensure the most appropriate and effective care.

It is imperative that individuals not allow themselves to stand on line waiting for their turn to find solace from the pain that an anxiety disorder can bring. It is also important for someone suffering from an anxiety disorder to understand that it is not their fault that they have these feelings- they need not feel guilt or shame for seeking help. With effective treatments and therapies readily available, sufferers can seek education and information, which will allow them to free themselves from the confines of the mental prison that an anxiety disorder can become. If you recognize in yourself an increasing or persistent level of anxiety, seek out your Primary Care Physician or another trusted professional, they have the knowledge and resources available to get you started on a path to healthier living, healing, and peace of mind.

For more information and resources on anxiety issues please contact:

Anxiety Disorders Association of America
www.ADAA.org
Phone: (240) 485-1001

National Alliance for Mental Illness
www.nami.org
Phone: (800) 950-NAMI (6264)

National Institute of Mental Health
www.nimh.nih.gov
Phone: (866) 615-6464

Please note that CIGNA Behavioral Health is in no way associated with these resources, and does not endorse or guarantee references or sites listed. Also, no unfavorable inference should be drawn if a resource is not listed.

References:

Anxiety Disorders Association of America. (2003). Anxiety disorders.
Retrieved July 20, 2003 from the World Wide Web:
www.ADAA.org

National Alliance for Mental Illness. (2003). Anxiety disorders: NAMI fact sheet.
Retrieved July 20, 2003 from the World Wide Web:
www.nami.org

National Institute of Mental Health. (2003). Facts about anxiety disorders.
Retrieved July 20, 2003 from the World Wide Web:
www.nimh.nih.gov

Information in this document is taken from the resources cited and developed for use by the general public. It is not intended as medical/clinical advice or treatment. Only a healthcare provider can make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment plan. For more information about your behavioral health benefits, you can call the member services or behavioral health telephone number listed on your healthcare identification card.