Everyone gets stressed out, anxious and scared sometimes. This, however, differs from a true anxiety disorder. Here is one of our favorite self-tests by Dr. Jonathan Davidson, author of The Anxiety Book ( Riverhead Books, 2003). Take the test to find out if you may just have the day-to-day blues, or if it is a real anxiety disorder.

• Is a fear of being the center of attention a problem in your life?

• Are you afraid to speak in front of people?

• Do you panic when your boss calls or get nervous when you have to go to a party alone?

• Do you experience sudden attacks of terror or panic?

• Do you have a difficult time getting on an airplane? Being in open spaces, with animals?

• Do you have a hard time being on a balcony more than a few feet off the ground? Are these situations that others are comfortable with but seem difficult for you to handle?

• Do you feel that doing your homework, taking care of yourself and/or your family, getting through school has become more than you can handle?

• Do you find it difficult to control your worries?

• Are you troubled by persistent senseless thoughts or impulses that you try hard to resist?

• Does the need to check on this, wash, or clean make it difficult for you to go to sleep at night, or make you late for school or other appointments?

• Do you have repeated painful memories or nightmares about a terrible event that occurred to you, such as violent assault or abuse, injury, or the death of someone close to you?

• Do you try hard to avoid any reminders o f that event?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may possibly have an unhealthy anxiety.
Browse our website to find the information and help you need; connect with others in the community. Start searching for a good therapist- a life with horrible anxiety is not worth waiting another minute on this!