Anxiety is the most commonly experienced mental illness in our country, and women are twice as likely to suffer from generalized anxiety disorder as men (Facts and Statistics. Retrieved February 16, 2012, from http://www.adaa.org/about-adaapressroom/facts-statistics). Most women experience some kind of anxiety at some time in their lives. Even though it is the most common mental illness to experience, most people do not talk about it. Because of this, women often feel alone in their struggle with anxiety. Like depression, anxiety can take many forms and women may experience symptoms that range from mild to severe. Women may experience one or many of the following symptoms (Anxiety Disorders. Retrieved February 16, 2012, from http://www.webmd.com/anxiety-panic/guide/mental-health-anxiety-disorders):
– Feelings of panic, fear, and uneasiness
– Uncontrollable, obsessive thoughts
– Repeated thoughts or flashbacks of traumatic experiences
– Nightmares
– Ritualistic behaviors, such as repeated hand washing
– Problems sleeping
– Cold or sweaty hands and/or feet
– Shortness of breath
– Palpitations
– An inability to be still and calm
– Dry mouth
– Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
– Nausea
– Muscle tension
– Dizziness
