Rita Anya Nara suffered from panic disorder, seasonal affective disorder (SAD), and social anxiety disorder when she started traveling and wrote her book, The Anxious Traveler, from her own experiences. Some anxiety is considered normal and even beneficial. It is understandable to feel anxious in a job interview, on a first date or at your first day of school. Everyone can relate to these symptoms and experiences.
On the other hand, an anxiety disorder is determined by the intensity of your experience and whether or not your anxiety interferes with everyday life and becomes a debilitating problem.
Having panic disorder is different than simply feeling anxious or nervous. Panic disorder is a type of anxiety disorder where you have repeated attacks of intense fear or nervousness that something bad will happen.
This disorder can occur unexpectedly, causing extreme emotional reactions, as well as some physical symptoms. Typically, the term "anxiety attack" is used to discuss weaker versions of panic attacks.
Author and writer, Rita Anya Nara, shares her experience with this common mental health issue. Having suffered from panic disorder herself, Nara knows first-hand how debilitating the disorder can be. She offers effective coping mechanisms to help you finally gain control of your life once again.
Health Topics A-Z
Panic Disorder: Get Your Life Back
Guest
: Rita Anya Nara
From the Show: Staying Well
Summary: If you're dealing with panic disorder, it may seem like you will never live a normal life. But you CAN learn how to take control when panic sets in.
Air Date: 9/16/13
Duration: 10
Host: Melanie Cole, MS
