Merriam-Webster.com defines “angst” as a feeling of anxiety, apprehension, or insecurity. It is worth noting that underneath this on-line definition of angst is the use of this noun in the phrase—teenage angst. And you begin to get the full picture of what can be a debilitating struggle when you look at the medical definition of anxiety from the same source: an abnormal and overwhelming sense of apprehension and fear, often marked by physical signs (such as tension, sweating, and increased pulse rate), [and caused] by doubt concerning the reality and nature of the threat, and by self-doubt about one’s capacity to cope with it.
Having some anxiety is a normal human condition. In fact, nearly everyone can recall the feelings and sensations that happen in your mind and body right before an important test, job interview, performance, or presentation. Low levels of anxiety often help you to focus and perform at a higher level.
It is when anxiety becomes overwhelming that the medical diagnosis of “Anxiety Disorder” may become a reality. “People with anxiety disorders worry excessively. The feelings go well beyond the typical kind of worry that is appropriate to situations and can help people to focus and be alert. The apprehensive feelings that are typical of an anxiety disorder are felt almost every day and may be overwhelming and difficult to manage. With an anxiety disorder, you may feel restless, your heart pounding, experience muscle tension, fatigue, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and/or sleep disturbances. These symptoms can be severe enough to interfere with day-to-day activities in school, at work, or in social situations.” (SAMSHA.org)
According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (adaa.org) anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the U.S., affecting 40 million adults in the United States age 18 and older, or 18.1% of the population every year. Even more alarming is the fact that these disorders affect 25.1% of children between 13 and 18 years old. Research shows that untreated children with anxiety disorders are at a higher risk of performing poorly in school, missing out on important social experiences, and engaging in substance abuse.
The good news is that anxiety disorders are highly manageable, with a host of treatment approaches available, including talk therapy, medications, and family, school, and community support.
CareNet Counseling and the Interfaith Alliance of Clemmons-Lewisville want to bring the community together to start a conversation about anxiety, how it affects our children and teens (and those around them), and share helpful tips and resources to give hope to all. We will be screening the Indie Flix documentary Angst(www.angstmovie.com) in Clemmons in two separate events.
The first event is in the evening on Sunday, September 8th, at River Oaks Community Church, located at 1855 Lewisville Clemmons Road. The event will be held from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and is free to the community (ages 10+). We will screen the 55-minute movie and host a panel discussion with questions and further information after the movie. The panel will include experts on the topic from pediatrics, pediatric psychiatry, and therapists who work with children, adolescents, and adults.
More information and suggested registration can be found at http://bit.ly/AngstMovieSept8
The second event is a “lunch and learn” from 11:00 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. on September 9th at the Jerry Long YMCA, located at 1150 S. Peacehaven Road in Clemmons. We will also screen the 55-minute movie and follow up with a panel discussion.
There is a small fee of $15, which includes lunch and registration for the lunch, and information can be found at http://bit.ly/AngstSept9Lunch. Continuing education credits are available for professionals at an additional fee. Registration is required.
For information about either of these events, please contact Barbara Saulpaugh, Regional Director for CareNet Counseling, at [email protected] or at 336-716-0854.
If you or someone you know is feeling anxiety, it’s important to tell a family member, friend, teacher, or counselor. Reach out to someone who can help. In an emergency, call 911, or text the Crisis text line 741741.
About CareNet Counseling:
CareNet Counseling is a community mental health counseling center affiliated with Wake Forest Baptist Health.
To make a first-time appointment for counseling, please call 336-716-0855 or visit us at carenetnc.org.
