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Anxiety (Nervousness)

I. Overview

 General Description

Anxiety or nervousness is an unpleasant sense of discomfort or apprehension that is a normal reaction to stressful life events such as training, short suspense tasking, and meeting important social or financial obligations.  Normal anxiety usually decreases once the challenges causing it are met.  Excessive anxiety and worry can linger over several months and interfere with work or personal life.  Significant anxiety can lead to alcohol abuse, relationship problems, and depression.

When anxiety is persistent and interferes with an individual’s functioning, an anxiety disorder may be present.  Many anxiety disorders respond well to treatment.  However, some disorders such as panic disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder are chronic and can be less responsive to treatment. 

 Symptoms Associated with Anxiety

Symptoms associated with anxiety include poor concentration, restlessness, irritability, muscle tension, and problems with sleep.  Often, significant physical symptoms can occur with anxiety.  These may include shortness of breath, rapid heart beat, chest pain, and numbness in the hands and feet.  These symptoms should always be medically evaluated to consider the presence of heart problems or other medical conditions.

 Impact of Anxiety on Work

There are many potential impacts of anxiety on work.  The two most common are:

  1. The preoccupation with personal problems that may make it difficult for the individual to keep on task.

  2. Poor concentration that may predispose them to accidents and mishaps.

 Understanding Barriers to Seeking Help

Two main barriers prevent individuals from seeking care:

  1. Lack of understanding that effective treatment for anxiety is available.
  2. Fear about the potential consequences of seeking care from “mental health.”

 What Leaders Can Do to Help

  • Know the signs of anxiety.
  • Ask the person directly about anxiety and worry over personal problems or stressors.
  • Ask directly how you can be supportive.
  • Ensure the person is safe at the work place if he/she works in a potentially dangerous environment and focus/concentration is a concern.
  • Assure the person that effective treatments for anxiety are available.
  • Explain that treatment for anxiety does not usually interfere with one’s career, but could save it.
  • Be vigilant for unhealthy coping responses such as alcohol or drug abuse.
  • Encourage the person to seek appropriate care

II. Relevant Policy

Refer to relevant local policy relating to mental health .

III. Suggested Resources

National Institute of Mental Health website:  http://www.nimh.nih.go

IV. References

  1. Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders; DSM-IV-TR. (2000).  Washington DC: American Psychiatric Association.

     
  2. Gregg, R. L., Banderet L. E., Reynolds K. L., Creedon, J. F., & Rice, V. J. (2002).  Psychological factors that influence traumatic injury occurrence and physical performance.  Work, 18, 133-139.

     
  3. Harold, K., & Benjamin, S., Comprehensive Textbook of Psychiatry VI eds. (1995).  Baltimore:  Williams and Wilkins.